Chapter # 8

I slammed the door behind me and finally the last inch of my tranquil shattered as I broke into loud sobs.

I leaned on the door and fell on my knees, letting out the deafening sound of misery.

‘How powerless I felt when he threatened me’

I was so broken, so crushed. “How could he do this to me?”

I could feel this tingling sensation of pain surging through me and breaking me apart. I could feel my heartache, this was a loop of agony in my mind.

“Why me?” I cannot do anything about it but to let this painful sensation embed inside me and break me apart.

I pulled my hair and continued to cry. “Why..?”

‘I promised Mother to stay or else I would have run away too.’

I cannot take it anymore.

“He cannot manipulate me every time by talking about Nicolas, just because I love him… I have to bear this.” I hissed.

I closed my eyes when the roaring sound of my cries died down. I lowered my head and hid it in my knees, letting out silent tears.

Before I knew it , a darkness fell over my eyes as I found myself falling deep into those pits of abyss.

My eyes slowly opened, adjusting to themselves according to the sunlight in the room.

When my vision clarified, I looked around, trying to comprehend and the sudden reminiscence of last night hit me like an arrow, my heart torn into pieces. “Asshole. You are not my Father.”

With a heavy heart, I got up and ruffled my hairs, making them messy.

I looked at my puffy eyes in the mirror devoid of any emotions. I sighed and took a shower. I wore my clothes, it was Sunday and my day off.

There was nothing to do. I looked at my phone it was a message from Tyler,

Wake up, Sleeping Beauty!

I chuckled when I read his message.

I am awake.

I then walked out and went down to have breakfast. I got out of my room and saw Rufus sleeping outside my room. I bent and ruffled his hair.

‘Rufus… Wake up.” I called him softly. His eyes slowly opened, he looked at me and hugged me.

“I am sorry, Candice, you were crying.” He said, holding me close. I put my hand over his back and whispered.

“It’s okay, Rufus. Don't be sad. I am fine.” I tried to assure him and pulled away slowly.

“Hurry up, go to your room, don’t sleep here.” I said, patting his head. He smiled and nodded and left for his room.

I then went down and glared at Father. I got some milk and cereal and began to eat them. I didn’t greet him and continued to use my phone.

You free? Another text from Tyler.

In the past few months, he hung out with me a lot, sometimes it made me wonder if he even had work or not.

But, I liked being with him. He may seem like a dominant and angry person but he is sweet and a party boy, ready to hit the bar or clubs.

No.. I have to meet someone. I replied.

I see. Would you be free at six tonight?

I don’t know.

If you’d be free then I will pick you up… from your home.

A smile came to my lips when I heard it. He always teases me about coming to my house and creating a misunderstanding.

Okay. I will be waiting.

Really?

Of course. I said and put my phone down, smiling widely.

“Why are you smiling?” Father asked, looking suspiciously at me.

My smile faded and I looked at him with a bored expression, “It doesn’t concern you.” I said angrily and stood up.

“I have texted you the place and his picture, be there at 1pm.” He said. I didn’t reply and went to my room.

I then passed my time and the time to meet that guy Leon came. I wore an off shoulder white above knee length dress and went to meet my future husband.

I entered the restaurant and saw him. Just like in the picture, those long blond hairs and green eyes.

I walked closer and forced a smile, “Hello, Mr Vincent?” I asked. He flashed me a smile and stood up.

We shook hands and sat down. “Candice Whale, right?” He said. I smiled and nodded.

There was silence, we ordered our food and didn’t exchange any words.

My lips curved downwards as I asked, “Why do you want to marry me?” He looked at me for a few moments and said, “Look, I will be completely honest with you.” He said. I nodded slowly and he began to say.

“The marriage is in a few months, there’s no turning back. I will give you all your rights and you will fulfill all of your obligations on a few conditions which your father agreed to.”

“What conditions?” I asked vaguely.

“Seems like your father didn’t tell you anything. Basically our marriage is based upon money and after marriage you will cut off all your contacts with your family.” I paused.

“And stay in the home and I will not tolerate you having any male friends after marriage.. You will not question me and be obedient.”

Upon hearing his words, I want to hit him hard in the face. I curled my hands in a fist, cursing Father and was so disgusted at him for doing this to me. I inhaled deeply and he continued.

“I am a straightforward guy and that’s what happens when you get married using money.” I kept letting out deep breaths, barely controlling my anger.

“So you better do as I say. Well, you don’t have any options anyways.” He shrugged, leaning back.

“What about love? How can you live with someone you don’t know properly? Don’t you want to marry a girl of your choice.” I began to ask.

“How could you agree to this? What’s the point of it? If you give money to a hooker, she will stay with you too then why this? Why me?” I asked, spouting whatever came to my mind only to end this ordeal.

I tried to reason and maybe a failed attempt to make him understand that this is all bullshit.

“You are my choice, Candice.”