Chapter 2: Darin Santi Morellis

Darin's POV

As I reach infront of the massive mansion where my parents live, I can't help but think what is the matter. Even if my dad told me not to worry, I can't really help it. He sounded somewhat stressed. And I don't know if it is something about his business. But if it would be about his business, he would have never involved me in it. I have had this talk with my parents before and they agreed that I won't be taking over our family business because it does not suit my interest. I have always wanted to become a scientist, a zoologist to be specific. And that is why I am graduating in Zoology.

I get out of my car and go inside the mansion. There is my mom sitting on the plush sofa beside my dad who is frowning at my mom.

"Hey! mom, dad." I say and go near them. My mom gets up and hugs me tightly.

"Oh, my baby!" She exclaims not letting me go. My dad then comes to my rescue. "Alright, Lizzy. Now it is my turn to hug him." Says dad teasingly but mom just gives him a deadly glare and releases me nonetheless. My eyebrows get knitted together. What is the matter? I have never seen them act like they have fought, not at least infront of me. They are always this lovey duvey, cheesy couple. My dad hugs me shortly.

"Mom, dad! Is everything alright? Were you two fighting?" I ask finally. My mom looks worried.

"No, son. How can I fight with your mom? You know how fierce she can be, right?" My dad says as he wraps arm around her. I look at my mom to see her smile, a rather forced smile.

"It's nothing, my baby. Come, I have prepared your favorite lasagna and cottage cheese spring rolls. I can tell that you are not eating well." She rants.

"Yeah, mom. There is hardly any time to get proper lunch now that we are nearing our graduation. I always have a brunch before going to attend classes." She gasps on hearing me.

"What? You are not eating anything during the whole day?" I shake my head. "Mom, I did not say that. I said that I always have brunch..."

"Nonsense, that's the same thing. I know that you must be having a lot of pressure as your exams are nearing but you need to eat properly." I smile at her. "I will eat well, mom." She smiles back and pats my head lovingly.

"That is enough! I am getting jealous here." My dad exclaims making us laugh. After having that delicious dinner, we are now sitting in the living room.

"Dad, what did you want to talk about?" I ask. It is already nine and I have to go back to my penthouse as I have classes tomorrow.

He sits up straight and clears his throat. "Son, we wanted to tell you that..." He looks at my mom but she just glares at him and averts her eyes from him. Now, it is getting serious. "I wanted to tell you that I have your engagement fixed with this girl..."

"WHAT?" I yell standing up from the couch. What the hell is he talking? "Dad, is this some joke? If it is, then it sucks. Just stop already."

"No, this is not a joke..."

"Mom, I am leaving. I have classes to attend tomorrow." As I say, I start walking towards the exit.

"Let Me Complete, Darin." Comes my father's authoritative voice making me stop dead in my tracks.

"How dare you walk out on me? I am not done speaking yet." My mom gasps.

"Ben!" My father calms down.

"Son, please listen to me first." I merely nod and go back to sit on the couch on the far end. I won't lie, I'm afraid. My dad seems to be angry for some reason. He never talks to me like that! What is this matter anyway?

"Son, as I have told you earlier that you don't have to worry about anything. You just have to come with me to the girl's house and meet her. You don't have to marry her or even be friends with her. Just show that you are her fiance infront of the media. Okay? I will handle the rest. Trust me on this."

"But why do I have pretend if I don't have to marry her? And what about her?" I can't help but ask. What about that that girl? Is she agreeing on doing all this?

"You don't have to know the reason, just do what you are told to and then you are free to go wherever you want around the world like you always wanted to. And about her, she does not have a say in it." He says in a dark tone. I shiver. She does not have a say in it? What does that mean?

"Dad, I don't know. I...I don't want to do this." I stutter.

"You have to. I am not asking you, I am telling you, son. If you want to pursue your dreams, you will agree with me." He says and gets up before going upstairs to his room. I look at my mom. She comes to me and engulfs me in a tight, soothing hug.

"Don't worry, son. Do as your father says. And don't think about it much, okay? Focus on your goal. That is the most important thing for you." I nod and bid her goodbye and get out of the mansion. And as I am about to get into my car, I feel someone's gaze on me. But when I turn around, I see nothing but darkness. There is no one here except me. Am I becoming paranoid because of what happened earlier this evening? No, I am no coward. I shake my head to get rid of this strange feeling and get into my car. No one is here. Absolutely, no one.