Turn around!

“Mr. Roy, please, I need you to calm down,” Mr. Thorian tried to soothe him, but Roy wasn’t taking it lightly. If there was anything I knew about Roy, it was that he hated commitment.

“How can you tell me to calm down? Huh?! Now tell me, if I don’t get married in three months, what will happen to the will? It’s still ours, right?” Roy questioned, his voice rising.

Mr. Thorian took off his glasses, inhaling deeply before letting out a loud sigh.

“Mr. Roy, I’m afraid the will would be handed over to your father’s brother’s children, who are already married.”

“Bullshit! This is bullshit!” Roy yelled, getting up from the couch and storming out of the living room.

“M—Mr. Roy… you haven’t given your response yet! I will be back in two weeks in case you’ve made up your mind!” Mr. Thorian called after him, his voice loud enough for Roy to hear.

He turned to me, letting out another deep sigh. “Miss Nayla, please understand that your father doesn’t want his hard-earned assets going down the drain. He’s doing this to ensure both of you are secured. Three months is enough time to get to know someone. You should try to convince him too,” Mr. Thorian said. I nodded, though none of his words had fully registered. I forced a smile.

“I understand, Mr. Thorian. Just give us some time to think about it,” I said, attempting to sound more composed than I felt. My hands were shaking so bad that I hid it from him.

“Alright. I’ll be back in two weeks. Remember, it’s your father’s wish, not mine,” he replied, standing up and collecting his files into the suitcase.

“Please, both of you shouldn’t lose this opportunity. Your father really wants you both to have this,” he added, and I nodded again. With that, he left.

I looked around the empty living room, releasing a deep breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“How? How can I get married in the next three months? There’s no one. I don’t have anyone…”

———

“Stop!” Ruby screamed through the phone.

“Wait! Nayla, tell me this is not true. You’re pulling your usual prank on me, right?” she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

“Do I sound like I’m joking? These were my father’s words,” I said, my voice shaky.

“Three months! That’s cruel. No offense, but babe, you’ve never even hugged a boy in your life. How would you get married in the next three months? And Roy!” (She burst out laughing) “Roy would never accept this news.”

I shrugged. “But he has to. It’s not like he has any other choice. He’s the first and only biological child of Mr. William. He has to get married, or he’ll lose the assets.”

“That’s true, Nayla. But how about you? We have to start now.”

“Start what?” I frowned.

“Searching for a man of course! Oh… wait!” she yelled, and I leaned in, curious to hear what she had to say.

“Why don’t you both get married instead? You and Roy. You’ve had a deep crush on him since the moment you set eyes on him. Maybe this is a divine union from the universe.”

“Shut up, Ruby! You should learn to be serious. This is a serious situation we’re talking about here!”

“I know! I was only joking with you,” she said, chuckling softly.

“Fuck! I just want to focus on the final exam next week….And also our shoot. Maybe we can talk about this afterward,” I said.

“Yeah, you’re right. Don’t worry, you’ll get through this. You can come over if you like. I’d love to entertain you. Or maybe we could go out on an ice cream date,” Ruby suggested, but I didn’t feel like leaving my room.

“Maybe tomorrow. I just want to stay back and watch some movies or take a nap,” I said.

“Alright, bestie. That’s fine. I’ll text you later in the day, i love you,” Ruby said, and I smiled.

“I love you too,” I said before hanging up.

What would I do without Ruby?…

——

I laid facedown on the bed, my mind racing with a million thoughts when Roy crossed my mind.

It had been about two hours since Mr. Thorian left. I needed to check on Roy. Was he even home?

I got up and headed to his room, just a few doors away from mine.

Leaning against the door, I pressed my ear to it, straining to hear any sounds inside. But unbeknownst to me, the door wasn’t fully closed, and as I leaned in, it swung wide open.

Suddenly, I was confronted with my Big brother’s naked body as he was about to wrap a towel around his waist.

“Shit! I’m so sorry! So, so sorry! Oh God!” I blurted, immediately turning to leave. But he called out loudly, stopping me in my tracks.

“Nayla! Don’t move! Turn around,” He commanded, his tone intense.