Chapter 2

Iris's POV

It's a few minutes of overthinking. I decided it was time to face the music. I went inside my father's room and I pretended I didn't just eavesdrop on his conversation with Mr Harrison. Very smooth.

" Dad! You are awake!" I exclaimed and went over to hug him. He groaned but still let me hug him. Above all else, I was happy that he at least woke up. It's a big relief and a weight off my shoulders.

" My dear daughter. How have you been?" he asks as soon as I pull away from him. I put on a smile.

I take a look at him in the hospital gown, he looks less than his usual self. His face was pale, with dark circles around the eyes and shallow cheekbones, and his lips chapped from lack of moisture. It looks like he's been through hell and back. It wasn't a usual sight of him, but it seems it was a sight we'll just have to get used to.

" I'm fine Dad. I was so worried about you."

I turned to look at my mother who was seated on the couch looking bored.

" Mom! Why didn't you call me? You should have called me as soon as Dad woke up. I would have come running."

She arched her brows at me as in "Seriously."

" Do you ever check your phone? I called you so many times, but not once did you ever pick up? So what are you picking at me for?" she said in annoyance.

I took out my phone from my pocket to check. 30 missed calls. She was right. She did blow up my phone. I turned my phone to silent, so that's why I missed her calls. Alright, it was my fault I guess.

" Sorry." I apologized guiltily.

I turned back to my father, who had a distant smile on his face.

" Dad. How are you? Are you feeling alright? Has the doctor come to see you yet?" I fired the concerned questions at him.

" Yes. He checked me out and said I was stable for the time being," he replied.

" So are there any changes? Do you still need surgery?" I ask again.

He sighs and looks down.

" Yes. I need surgery. But don't worry. It's all going to be alright. You don't need to do anything to get money for my surgery. It's all sorted out," he says reassuringly.

I went to the other side of the bed and sat on the chair.

" Why shouldn't I worry father? We are in debt and there is no one willing to lend us money," I ask feigning ignorance. I wanted him to tell me already about what I already heard.

There was silence in the room for a moment. Dad looked nervous and Mom didn't bother with it at all. There was a pindrop silence for a whole minute inside the room.

" Uh... Iris dear," my father reaches for my hand. I stare at him, confused, waiting for him to talk.

" Yes, Dad."

" A friend of mine came to see me today," he began.

" He made an offer to buy Starlight Industries."

I gasped and pretended to be shocked.

" What? Really Dad. But the company is worth nothing now. What would he gain?"

" Mr Harrison is more than capable of bringing Starlight industries back to the top. It will be up and running in no time. I am just sad that I couldn't keep it. I have failed my father and my forefathers."

I could see how sad he was. Business and Starlight industries were his life. All he knew how to do. He does not have any other skill or talent except for being a businessman. He must be taking this hard.

He was never a great father or husband. I spent my whole life seeing my Dad sometimes because he would be out on business trips or holed up in his home office because of work. He never attended any of my school functions or took me to school because he was always busy. My mother was the arm candy to flaunt at business galas and parties. At home, she was totally ignored. Mother resents father but she keeps her feelings at bay.

Maybe... maybe it's not a bad thing after all that the business is lost. Things will definitely change for all of us. Now my dad might finally get the chance to be the man he could never be, and he will get to do the things he could never do before. He will get to spend some time with my mother and will get to be a good husband and a good father.

My mother gave up her entire life and dreams, whatever they may be, to be a glorified housewife who doesn't know anything beyond the life of her husband. Seeing their relationship growing up, made me desire the opposite. I never wanted to get married to a businessman. I just wanted a regular working guy who would be able to balance work and relationships. But now, all that will remain is just wishful thinking. The life I didn't want is about to be my reality.

I placed my hand on his shoulder to try and comfort him.

" It will be alright Dad. I'm sure it's all for the best."

He suddenly grabbed my hand in both his hands.

" Yes. It will be alright, Iris. Only if you do as I tell you everything will surely be alright. Tell me dear. Will you do as I tell you?"

Oh boy.

I already knew what was coming but the way he said it, was unsettling and he startled me. Still pretending not to know, I hesitantly asked.

" W-What do you need me to do Dad?"

" It's nothing difficult, Iris. Just get married to Julian Harrison."

I gasped in shock and pulled my hand away from him.

" Dad, how can you say that? How can I just get married to a stranger?"

" He is not a stranger. He is James Harrison's son and the heir to his fortune. If you get married to him, you can get our company back from them. And if not, it's not a problem. You will be married to Julian and have children who will inherit the Company later on."

He sounded deranged and desperate as he spoke. I have never seen him like this. It must not have been easy for him to sign away his company, so he came up with such a scheme to get the company back. So that is why he was so desperate to get me married to Mr Harrison's son.

" Please, Iris. Please get married to him. This is the only way we can save our family legacy. We can't lose it all just like that. I beg of you." He pleaded with me.

I looked at mom, who just shrugged and averted her gaze. I let out a soft sigh. So Dad didn't have good intentions while arranging my marriage to Julian Harrison. He wanted to get the company back through me without even caring how miserable I would become in a loveless marriage. I have never been of value to him as a daughter. I sighed in disappointment.

Deep down, I knew he wanted a son, but after having me, Dad was told his sperm count was very low and it would be very difficult for him to have another child. After countless tries, he gave up and settled for me. Now the time has come for him to put me to use and benefit from having me. And here I thought that he cared for me and wanted to look out for me. Little did I know that I was mistaken and that I was just a pawn in his scheme and not a beloved daughter. I had my hopes up for nothing.