CHAPTER 13

“Yes, I did asked her to go with me but…” I sighed at him. Looks like he’s struggling to explain to me. I was leaning myself to his car while he’s in front of me.

I sighed again and chose to get inside his car.

“Let’s go,” I said when he suddenly grabbed my arm. “Fely—“

“It’s okay. Stop explaining.” He sighed and opened the door for me to get in.

We were about to eat dinner in a restaurant but since I’m not in the mood, I decided to go home earlier than we expected.

“You’re still mad?” he sighed when I didn’t answer him.

He's seriously asking me that?

Wait… why am I mad anyway? It’s not like he has an obligation, right?

‘But the fact that he just invite me to be with him because Stephanie rejected him is just downright insulting!’

When we arrived at our house, I immediately said my goodbye and went out.

“Oh! You’re early.” I heard Dad’s voice from the living room. I looked at him and nodded my head.

“Something came up?”

“Nothing, I’m just tired. Can I go upstairs now?”

I was about to reach the stairs when Dad called me.

“Can we talk for a minute?”

I nodded at him and followed him towards the patio.

“What is it, Dad?” I asked him. He was holding a wine glass in his hand while looking at the stars above.

“You know, I have always wanted our business to succeed. I would do anything just for you to have a bright future. Both of my daughter deserves it.” He looked at me and smiled sadly.

“Dad, you’re doing great.” I told him. He shook his head and looked down.

“Fely... our business is failing. We are so close to bankruptcy.” He explained. My eyes widened at what he just told me.

Bankrupt?

“Wh-what?”

“The Beatrix found out about our situation and we had a deal with them. They used our situation to benefit them. If we agreed, they will help us.”

“You’re talking about the arrangement, right?” I said softly. “Is it the only way?”

“There is, if I could find investors other than them. But I can’t, Fely. I did try, but I didn’t find someone who is willing to risk their money in our company.”

“D-dad,” silence enveloped us.

“How are you with that Montessario?” he suddenly asked me.

I looked at him confusingly.

“Uh, we’re fine?” I replied. Not sure about my answer.

He smiled and looked at me again.

“There is actually another way out.” He smirked.

“What is it?” I said curiously.

“Be with that Montessario. If you could, make him fall in love with you. Until he’s ready to help you.” He explained. I looked at him, shocked.

“Can’t you just make a deal with their company?” I asked, trying to stop him from what he’s thinking.

“Dear, their company is one of the biggest company in the world. I can’t even have an appointment with them. The only way is through their son. And that is Drake.”

I sighed and shook my head.

“Dad, no. I won’t use him. Nor try to do it. I’m sure there is another way we can get through this.” I tried explaining but it looks like he’s disappointed.

“This is the only way! Think about it. Wisely.” Then he walked back to the mansion.

I sighed, realizing that there is another problem coming.

As I was walking towards my room, I was thinking about it.

I even slept too late, thinking about my next step. Thinking what I should do.

I would have agreed, if they can answer my question honestly.

After some contemplation, I came up with a decision.

I sighed heavily and put myself to bed.

I dozed off while still thinking about it.

***

It was 6:30 in the morning when I finished preparing for school. As I went downstairs, I heard Mom and Dad’s voice arguing.

“I already told her!” I heard Dad shouting. I stopped walking and hid myself behind the wall.

“It’s not enough! You need to convince her about our plan!”

What plan are they talking about? Is this what Dad told me last night?

“I did! I gave her a choice!”

“Why would you gave her a choice? She needs to do it! There's no other choice! Unless she wants to do the first one!”

“What are you arguing at?” Ghale’s voice suddenly stopped our parents from shouting at each other.

Dad breathe heavily and sighed. “Nothing, let’s eat.”

“Where is your sister?” Mom asked Ghale. I went inside the kitchen and joined them.

These days, I noticed that they were always in the house now.

So, the ‘bankruptcy’ thing that Dad was talking about was true?

“Good morning.” I greeted them. They looked at me and nodded.

“Take a seat.” Mom said and ordered the maids to get a plate for me. I thanked them and started eating.

“Have you made up your mind?” Mom suddenly asked me.

“About what?” I said innocently.

She sighed and looked at me. “About what your Dad told you.”

It dawned on me what she was talking about.

“Yes,” Mom smiled widely and gave all her attention to me.

“I will agree if you could answer my question.” I continued. Her smile vanished but she managed to bring it back.

“What is it?” she asked me.

I looked at Ghale before facing Mom again.

“Why me? Ghale is older than me. I suppose, she should be the one handling this situation. And I’m just 19.” I said and she sighed.

“We chose you because Brx has been liking you for years now. Also, since we resort to another solution, you’re more close to Drake, so it’s easy for you to do that. And lastly, yes, you’re 19. That means we need to secure your future.” She explained. I was shocked about the information she was saying.

I can’t help but to look at Ghale.

How lucky she is, huh.

I nodded my head to Mom and she let out a small laugh. Dad let out a relief while Ghale was looking at me with a shock expression.

“But in one condition, I won’t force him to fall in love with me. I will try talking to him about our situation until he’ll help us.” I explained my plan and they forced a nod.

I was a bit happy knowing that they are not forcing me about their original plan.

I continued eating while Mom and Dad were talking.

They were talking about the future happenings to their business.

I’m also quite afraid about my plan. Drake may not help me and that would lead to me, marrying that guy, Brx.

I sighed and stood up after eating followed by Ghale.

“We have to go now,” Ghale announced and kissed our parents’ cheeks. I followed what she did and went out.

“Are you sure about your decision?” Ghale suddenly asked me while driving.

I smiled sadly at her, “I have no choice.”

“I’m sorry. If only I am brave enough—“

“Stop explaining. I can handle this.” I let out a sigh and faced the road.