Chapter 3 Home

Back home , things were different

The gloomy aura was noticeable from afar off

Even the birds seem to notice my dilemma as the usual noisy atmosphere due to the birds' chirping was

Unusually eerily quiet. As if to taunt me.

I haven't seen my father for a while as he was always locked up in his study, immersed in his paperwork. I felt pity for him but I could do nothing to help..... no, I could help but I was stuck in a dilemma. I was torn between accepting the marriage be miserable for the rest of my life and choosing my happiness over everything but I have a responsibility as my father's daughter. God, making decisions is so hard , maybe because my life has always been planned out for me ever since I was born.

But I know that this was really stressing my dad out , he is always locked up in his study and whenever he comes out,which was rare, I could see the dark circles under his eyes, he hasn't really been sleeping well, this was draining him.

If I ever lay my hands on that wrinkled old man, I will...... .do nothing , my subconscious taunted me.

Even I am against my life , story of my life.

I knocked on his door with a cup of coffee placed in a tray.

"Dad, can I come in"

"uh, yes you can"

With that I entered, thank goodness, the door was unlocked because I am certainly not sure he needed a distraction right now.

"Oh. My. God" It looked like a volcano erupted in here, papers were flying all around in different angles, files were stacked on top of each other disorderly, dirty empty cups of coffee,infact, everything was in disarray.

"I know right, I have been busy lately and I haven't had the time to clean"

" it's okay, I'll clean the room for you" I placed the tray on his work table and set to work. Making little conversations here and there made the atmosphere livelier, with both of us still avoiding the marriage talk.

Until the phone rang.

"Yes, Nicholas speaking" . Business mode activated.

"what do you mean?? I thought it was supposed to take place at the end of the year 's general meeting,

The board members changed the date??, Oh God". I stood there clueless but I could clearly see he was troubled, what the hell was that phone call all about ??

Thankfully, the phone call ended but that didn't ease the sombre look on his face.

"urm, dad what's wrong?? I asked worriedly. He loosened his tie and I walked over the windows to open them for more air.

"we have a problem " he let out finally.

"what is it?! I enquired.

"The shareholders meeting is nearer than expected, it was supposed to be towards the end of the year, now , it is two months away "

"How?? Why??" I asked with confusion clearly written on my face.

"I think that son of a bitch has something to do with it" he answered clenching his fist.

"we are not sure yet, dad, we don't need to accuse ........ " I stopped realizing how stupid I sounded. I mean, who instigated the board members?? Him . Who also has the power to change the date? Also him. Definitely everything is pointing towards him.

"you don't know him like I do , Ross Avera is a devil" No argument about that.

"he definitely did this so there will little time for me to come up with any ideas, that old man, I should have kicked him out when I had the chance " my dad continued , banging his fist on his work table .

"What should I do ? What should I... ...

"What about the knights ?? I suggested .

"And what about them?? He asked confused. I was taken back for a sec because I least expected him to forget about the marriage talk so easily. This is what happens when you lock yourself in a room away from socialization.

"About that marriage thingy , you know" I deadpanned .

"No, I can't do that to you , this is my fight and I won't let you.....

" This is also my fight too " I cut him off . "I am tired of seeing you like this , I want to help and I can help, just give me the chance " I continued further.

He finally let down his guard and sagged his shoulders. He has given up.

"Fine , but if there's any alternatives, the marriage won't push through, agreed??

"Agreed" we both know there wasn't any other alternatives.

"And what are you two talking about " yep, that's my mom. " are you planning on killing me and disposing my body where no one would find me?? She gasped dramatically.

My father chuckled, " oh I have a better idea, we can just cut you into pieces and keep each piece in different places"

"or we can torture her to disclose her secret funds before slashing her into pieces, how does that sound? I chipped in , clearly joining in the fun.

" you guys are evil and here I am thinking I have the best family, I should really rethink that" she said shaking her head frantically.

" oh , you do have the best family , a daughter that loves you despite your nagging " she rolled her eyes at that

"And a husband that loves you unconditionally " my father said.

"oh, my love " my mom cooed rushing into his arms.

They had a love marriage and it has continued like that , nothing has changed.

I wanted a love marriage too but if wishes were horses, beggars would ride right?

If I was lucky, he would treat me like a human being and if I was unlucky, he will...

Nope, I don't want to think about that now, I'd rather just enjoy the view in front of me .

My father whispering sweet things to mom that I don't want to find out and my mom nodding her head.

Smiling with longing in my heart for I know I won't be privileged to have this.