Chapter Four: Biting The Bullet

         I was jolted awake by loud voices. My parents were arguing downstairs. I carefully opened my door and peered through the gap.

They were standing near the staircase. Dad was already dressed in his office suit, clearly ready to leave for work. I glanced at the clock and frowned… Damn, it was still so early!

"Then, what should we do?" I heard mom asked.

"I don't need to repeat that over and over again, Elizabeth," my father responded irritably.

"But Frederick, It's not Freya's responsibility," mom's voice began to crack.

"I have no choice! You know that!"

I just covered my mouth and tried not to cry. I know they are arguing about the company again.

"I don't want to go to jail, Elizabeth! My employees are furious and protesting because we haven't paid them properly for almost two months!" Dad shouted.

That was it. I couldn't listen anymore. Tears started streaming down my face.

I quietly closed my door and slid down onto my bed, feeling completely defeated. I grabbed my phone and dialed Dylan's number without hesitation.

"Yes, brat?" he said on the other line.

"Can we meet later?"

"Why?" he asked.

"I-I have something to tell you."

"Then, tell it now," he said sarcastically.

"Uhm, what if..."

"What?" he asked, full of irritation in his voice.

I want to get mad at his annoying behavior. But I forced myself to calm down even more because I really needed his help.

"I really can't tell you on the phone. I'd rather-"

"Freya, I have a lot of things to do, and I don't have time for whatever your game is. If you don't have anything important to say, I'll end this call."

"Fine! I-I'll say it, Dylan!"

"Then, what is it, huh?"

"I-I agree to marry you," I whispered, burying my face in my hands. I felt so humiliated. Even though he wasn't here, I could already imagine him smirking or laughing at my desperation.

I was just about to end the call when I heard him chuckle.

"Oh? Is that so? What made you change your mind so suddenly?" he asked playfully, clearly enjoying this moment.

"Tsk! I'm dead serious, Mr. Anderson!" I yelled.

"Okay. Let's meet tonight so we can talk properly about that."

"Thanks. By the way-"

He ended the call before I could even finish talking! I glared furiously at his name on the screen.

"Ugh! This guy really gets on my nerves! I didn't even get a chance to tell him where to meet me!" I grumbled to myself.

All my sleepiness was gone now. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up and took a shower.

Later, when I went downstairs, I saw Mom sitting on the couch. I walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, Mom!"

"Oh, you're up so early today, baby! Are you heading to the office already?" she forced a cheerful smile, though I could see the worry behind it.

"Yes, Mom."

"Your dad left early too. He said he has so many things to sort out at work," she explained softly.

"Really? Uhm... Mom, I heard you and Dad arguing earlier," I admitted.

"Huh? W-we were just—"

"Mom, I already agreed to marry Dylan," I said, my voice trembling with sadness.

Mom let out a deep sigh and gently held my hands.

"Are you absolutely sure about this, sweetie?"

"Yes, Mom. It’s the only way. But please don't be sad... this isn't forever. Once the company is stable again, Dylan and I will just get a divorce."

She gazed at me for a long time. I could see how heavy her heart was. She tried her best to smile, but it was obvious she was hurting inside, and she just nodded slowly.

     DYLAN and I were supposed to meet at seven, so I planned to just wait for him at the office.

I was still thinking about how he acted on the phone earlier, so arrogant and bossy!

I was shocked when he showed up at 6:30. I quickly grabbed my mirror to fix my makeup, but I nearly dropped my brush when he suddenly reached out and grabbed my hand

"Hey brat!" he said, causing me to wince.

"What the hell, Dylan? Can't you—"

"Why don't you stand there so we can start to talk instead of wasting your time putting on make-up?"

"Tsk! We agreed to meet at seven o'clock, right? Don't you know how to look at the clock?" I asked him sarcastically.

"Brat, I'm always busy! Every second is important to me."

I just ignored his words and made him wait. I continued what I was doing. But he couldn't stand it anymore. He pulled my arm, which annoyed me the most.

"I said stand up! That's enough!"

"What? You're hurting me!" I complained after withdrawing my arm. "I know how to stand, okay! You don't have to drag me!" I shouted.

Disgusted by his arrogance, I grabbed my bag and turned to leave. But I froze. I realized he still hadn't told me where we were going.

I turned around slowly, only to find him standing right behind me. I lost my balance and stumbled straight into his hard, firm chest.

My eyes instinctively closed as I breathed in his intoxicating scent. Ugh, why does he have to smell so good? I admitted to myself that I actually liked the moment... but I quickly shook it off and put on my angry face again.

"Are you teasing me? Why do you stop all of a sudden, huh?"

He shook his head. He put his hands in his pants pocket.

"Tss! Asshole!"

I glared at his back as he turned around and started walking. We headed straight for the restaurant just across the street from the office.

I frowned, looking at the place. I was expecting somewhere fancier, but I just rubbed my temples and followed him inside.

I looked around, confused, because I couldn't see where he went. Luckily, the waiter approached me politely.

"Good evening, ma'am. Do you have a reservation?"

I paused for a second, then remembered his surname. "Yes, under the name Anderson," I told her confidently.

"Oh yes! Mr. Anderson! He has arrived already. He's seated on the right side, at the very end," she said with a warm smile.

I smiled politely and walked towards where she pointed.

I raised an eyebrow when I saw him. He was leaning back comfortably in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, looking so full of himself.

"Hey! Why are we even here? This place is obviously for lovebirds and romantic dates!" I asked, totally confused.

"Oh? So now you're being choosy? Deep down, you like this place," he teased.

"Hmph! You are not just a thief, you are also delusional! You think you know everything!" I whispered angrily.

"Sit. We have a lot to talk about," he ordered calmly, flashing me a fake smile that made me want to roll my eyes.

I sat down reluctantly, my heart heavy with irritation. I was literally biting the bullet just to fix everything dad was going through.