Chapter 3: Daddy's Girl

Mike

My phone hasn't stopped ringing. I knew it was my father he'd insisted we come here, and here's the result. I didn't want to come. I'd rather stay in a nice bar, drink in good company, not find myself trapped in this farce. I have a bad feeling. I pick up.

— What have you done now?

— Why is it always me who has to mess up? It's not my fault this time.

— It's always the same old story! You're going to fix your mess.

— But I didn't do anything!

— Never mind. Find a ring and go propose to her.

— No.

— You don't have a choice. I don't want a confrontation with him. For once, do as I say. You understand me?

I stay silent.

— Mike Donovan. (He always calls me that when he's furious.)

— Yes, sir, I understand. As always, I'll do what you expect.

He hangs up. Rage rises in me. She'll pay. I'll make her regret trapping me. I scour the hotel looking for a jewelry store and find one on the tenth floor. I make my choice, measure the size with my little finger: it should fit. I can't believe it. Fuck, she got me. But I'll make her life hell. After a month, she'll ask for a divorce. She's just a spoiled little girl; she'll quickly learn who she's dealing with.

I join the room where everyone has gathered and go straight to her and her father. He straightens up immediately upon my arrival.

— I've come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage.

He sizes me up, from head to toe.

— Did you forget how to propose?

— No, sir.

I kneel and declare:

— Bee… will you marry me?

— What? Ask daddy!

She knows exactly why I call her that. She intervenes without hesitation:

— Leave it, Daddy, that's what he calls me.

— You already have pet names for each other? her mother says, touched. How cute. I hope you'll take care of my daughter; she's fragile.

Fragile? My eye. Opportunistic, yes. SCORPION would be more accurate. She holds out her hand; I slip the ring onto it.

— Oh, it's beautiful! Thank you, my baby!

Seeing her call me that drives me crazy. She kisses me, and I'm forced to accept it. She clings to me, kisses me passionately; after a few seconds, I gently push her away.

— Come on, let's go sit near Mom and Aunt Apryl. They'll organize the wedding. We'll do it the same day as my brother, isn't that cute? she says, smiling.

My God, I feel like committing murder.

— You can manage perfectly well on your own. You don't need me for that.

I turn on my heel.

She grabs my hand.

— Baby…

— I swear if you keep calling me that…

I smile at the people watching us and continue:

— I might just wring your neck.

— Oh… and you think that scares me? she taunts. Haven't you realized yet that I love teasing you? I love seeing you fume. At least I provoke something in you, even if it's anger.

— Little scorpion, I swear I'll crush you. I'll make mincemeat of your carcass.

— And you, brainless man, you're going to learn to speak differently. I'm your fiancée now, and I demand respect.

— You can demand whatever you want, but you'll get nothing. I swear that after a month of marriage, you'll beg your dear daddy to divorce you. You don't know how to do anything except go crying to him! Some woman of the world… You're nothing but a daddy's girl.

— You think you'll hurt me by saying that? You don't affect me at all. Yes, I'm my father's daughter, and I'm proud of it. My father would do anything for me, even kill a son-in-law who mistreated his daughter. You'd better be courteous to me. I deserve it.

I look at her, weary. This union will be… interesting.