Chapter # 6

I slammed the door behind me in endless wrath burning inside me and finally the last inch of my tranquil shattered, the thin line of devastation between my sanity broke and I couldn't take more of this ruthlessness anymore as I broke into loud sobs. I tried to hold my emotions but couldn't be able to, I want to yell. I want to run away but his disgusting threat crushed me miserably. I don't know what to do anymore. I was crying because of my powerlessness, because of my vulnerable state of not being able to anyone about it especially Nicolas.

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 and I cannot do anything about it but to let this painful sensation embed inside me and break me apart. Only if wasn't for him...

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 but what he is doing right now is immorally wrong.

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. 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. He never fails to put a smile to my face. He is the best person I could ask for as a friend. Someone like him with a firm presence is so goofy was unexpected.

I am awake. I replied.

I then walked out and was about to go down to have breakfast. I got out of my room and saw Rufus sleeping outside my room. A sad smile came to my lips when I saw him. He knew he couldn't do much for me other than giving me consolation but his presence is enough for me to be strong. I bend and ruffled his hairs, "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 to his room.

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

Are 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. I absolutely loved his personality, he changed completely as if he was dying for this to happen. I chuckled at my thought, why would he want to be someone like me?

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

I see. Would you be free tonight six?

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 the text you the place and his picture, be there at 1 pm." 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 asked. 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 about 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."

"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 and stay in the home and I will not tolerate you having any male friend 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.

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

"You are my choice." When he said that a shiver went down my spine and in certainly not a good way and gave me a bad omen.

"And about loyalty... If I have a beautiful wife at home, I am not interested in outside girls."

"And what if you get tired of me one day?"

"But I won't cheat, rest assured." Finally passing me a smile from his unreadable face. I smiled faintly, not liking him at all.

"You said that I cannot have male friends after marriage. You will not stop me from meeting them before marriage." I said.

"As long as I am your top priority." He said nonchalantly. I hate how demanding this guy is. And Father, I will ask him at home, how dare he. How could a father bound his daughter to a guy like this and without her consent?

"Here you go, wear this and tell everyone that you are getting married." He said, giving me a ring box.

"What if I refuse the marriage?" I asked, knowing it's not a good question to ask. A smirk came to his lips and he looked at me with a dark gaze. I swallowed hard, feeling discomforted by his gaze, "You can't."

"Why..?" My voice came out like a whisper because of his icy green eyes. "Because your Father has already taken the money." Fuck you, Elmer.

"I see." I trailed off. We then had lunch and after lunch, he offered to drop me off but I refused and decided to go somewhere and fresh my mind. I walked around the park but felt so alone, I didn't know what to do, I wanted to go to Sophie and tell her about my condition but she is on her honeymoon and I don't know what I should do so I went to Tyler's home. He was shocked to see me and I was shocked to see his home. Well, he is called the King of Shipments for nothing, judging by his home, I felt so insecure. I will never enter this place.

"Candice." He called me. Surprise and happy to see me. "Hey, Tyler... Are you free?" I said nervously. "Yeah... Are you okay or you are dying to meet me that you couldn't wait for the evening?" He teased. I smiled and shake my head, "No... just want to go and get an ice-cream with you."

"Come in, I have ice cream at home. We can talk inside." He offered. "No, I am fine. I actually want to tell you something." I said tentatively, not knowing what I should say.

"Yeah... tell me?" He said. I opened my mouth to say something, to tell him what just happened and ask for his advice but I got a call from Father. "Wait, it's from my Father."

"Shall I say that you are enjoying your date?" He teased again. I laughed a little and shook my head and picked the call. "Hello, Father?"

"Don't you dare to tell anyone about the reason for your marriage. If you show that you are unhappy with it then you know what I can do." He warned me. I kept my face sceptical, not saying anything while cursing him in my heart. It was hard to keep up a strong front while I was bursting from fury and fear inside.

"Okay, We will talk about it at home. I also need to talk to you." I said casually and cut the call.

"Seems like the ice-cream has to wait, I have to go." I said and was about to leave but he stopped me, "You are about to tell me something." He said. I made an 'o' face and nodded. I smiled and took a deep breath; it's time to act.

"I am getting married!" I said excitedly, engulfing him in a hug. "I am so happy!" I beamed- even it was all unwanted. He was left flabbergast, just like I was when I heard about it for the first time. His reaction was the same as mine, which was funny. It took him a few moments to understand and when he did he burst, "What? When? Why?" I pulled away and looked at him in confusion.

"Yeah, I am getting married and what do you mean why? Because I love him. And It's still a few months away." I said showing him my ring. He looked at the ring with a sorrowful look, he was breathless. I don't understand his demeanour, what happened to him?

"You said you don't have a boyfriend." He tried to reason. "But I didn't say that I don't have a fiance."

"You have not worn it before." He kept trying to deny it.

"Before he told me not to and now he wants it to be official and you are the first person I am telling!" I said in such enthusiasm. I hate myself for acting. He looked away with a depressing look on his face. I was about to ask him but we heard a voice from behind,

"When did you guys start dating?" I gasped when I heard it. I turned and saw Sophie. "We are not Sophie. Great timing! I was looking for you. I wanted to tell you that I am getting married!" I exclaimed as she asked in utter shock, "With whom!?"

"Leon Vincent!" She squeaked, I hugged her tightly. I felt so fake for doing this but I have to.

"I was thinking of coming to you. But how nice you came here. Anyways, I gotta go. Bye!" I left waving at her in excitement. I was about to leave but stopped and shouted to Tyler,

"Pick me at six! I'll be ready!"

"There's no need now!" He shouted back hiding the pain in his voice. I don't know what happened to him. What's with his sudden change? Did my news of engagement shock him too much?

"Why!?" I asked.

"I got some work!" He said.

"Okay! We'll talk later!" I smiled and left. I then turned my back on them and left. A few tears rolled my cheeks but I tried my best to remain the same but it was so hard. I couldn't tell them, I couldn't show them. All I could feel was the tingling sensation of heartbreak building inside me...