5- Vaughn

Vaughn

“This cannot happen!!” Wren states, angrily pacing around the room. She's been fuming since Dad passed the news. And me? I don't even know what to say. Keiran gives me chills and I'm going to be married to him in hours. Why do I feel like he's up to something?

We met in the bar, I made a fool out of myself and blurted out that I was gay. The next thing is seeing Keiran in my house offering money and proposing marriage. This is so absurd.

“Y…yo…you just agreed.” She hisses in displeasure and she keeps on walking around. She has been doing that since Keiran left after promising to send the marriage papers.

And me? I just stood, leaning on the wall as I thought about my life and his last words kept ringing in my head. ‘Welcome to hell.’

“Dad, do something. You can't make Vaughn marry Keiran. What about me? They are men. My brother is straight and I'm just the perfect person for this. But you….” Wren's voice trails off and she catches her lips in between her teeth, biting it down in frustration.

“It's done, Wren. Vaughn will marry Keiran. It doesn't matter if Vaughn is straight. It's just for 3 months and don't act like something will happen between them. We need the money.” I blink at my father's words. I'm not straight. I'm fucking gay!! And I keep everything bottled up within me because of them.

“But father–” Wren begins but my father cuts her shirt.

“No buts Wren. Help your brother with packing. He's leaving tomorrow.” He states, rising to his feet. Dad nods at me once before walking away. The moment he leaves the room, Wren runs to meet me and she grabs my collars.

“Please, say no. I'll go in your place.” I don't understand this new obsession that Wren has for Keiran. She seems to like him so much. I understand her, I swear. But..,.

“Wren,” I call softly. Wren is my elder sister. I'm twenty-six and she's twenty-eight. “I'm sorry.” I mouth at her. I'm truly sorry. Even if I have a chance to revoke this marriage, I will not. I cannot allow Wren to go to that man. He's….Dangerous. I'm sure her obsession with him will fade soon.

“N…No, don't be sorry. Just help me.”

“We cannot go against Dad. He already said—”

“I know he already said that you will marry Keiran. Okay, I accept. You will marry him but it's just for three months right?” I nod at her question and I can literally hear the desperation in her voice.

“This is what will happen. You will stay with him for three months and during these three months, you will try to link us together. So that once your marriage ends, Keiran and I can get together. I want him, Vaughn.” I blink at her words. Isn't this the most absurd thing I've heard today?

She's telling me to play matchmaker. Between my supposed mysterious husband that my father didn't even think twice before handing me over to him and her? Well that's a big no. I'm not doing this. Hell no!

“Wren this is…preposterous. You can't be the one saying this. How can I— How can I bring you two together? I'm not doing this, Wren.” I state. I'm not fucking doing it.

“You have to fucking do it. I'm your elder sister and you will do this for me.” That's it. I'm the only one who does things for people, but no one ever does anything for me. I always get to be the sacrificial lamb.

“Your job here is simple, Vaughn. I'm very positive that Keiran is straight.”

“And you don't find it weird that he wants to marry me?” Shouldn't that give them enough proof to know that Keiran is not to be trusted? Can't they see that there is foul play here?

If he's straight and really needs a partner, my sister is here. She wants him and she is pretty. But no, he chose me. This should be enough proof that Keiran is not to be trusted. But Dad is blinded by his money and Wren, his looks.

“There are many reasons why he wants you as his partner even when you are both straight. You are a lawyer, he runs a mafia group. He may need your help in terms of consultation and..”

“And he couldn't just employ me as his lawyer? Why jump to marriage?”

“Maybe it's because it's more convenient for Keiran.” I slowly shake my head as it dawns on me that I will not be able to convince Wren otherwise. She's just coming up with ridiculous reasons for this silly excuse of a marriage.

“Help me, Vaughn. Help me get close to Keiran.” She pleads and she holds her hands in mine.

“You just met him.” I point out and she shrugs.

“Doesn't matter. I want Keiran. He has the irresistible charm that draws me to him. I like him.” I agree that he has that charm that intrigues people. I was intrigued by him, I was drawn by him, but I did not get this obsessed over him.

“You are not doing a lot here. Just bring Keiran and I together. I'll work on seducing him. Please?” My mouth opens and parts and I feel short of words.

I can't do it. I want to say no, but I lift my gaze to look at Wren, Her blue eyes mirroring mine are filled with so much need and desperation. I can't say no to my sister and I want to refuse her.

“Please, Vaughn. Won't you do this one thing for me?” She blinks at me and I bite my lower lips hard. “Do this for your elder sister. Help her get the man that she wants. You will do this right?” She questions and I pause, holding my gaze with her.

We stare at each other for a long time, before I finally let out a heavy breath of resignation. “Sure. I'll help you, Wren.”