4. The price to pay

*Venus' POV

~Ellipse of a few hours...

Well, casually I still missed this city. At the time, I thought I had friends here, but alas. Besides, if I had to leave here, it was because of these fake asses and the fact that my family and more specifically my father had chosen not to believe in me. In short, I was wrongly punished, let's say. And there, it's me he wants to use for his business. It makes you wonder what could possibly be going through his head.

??? : Sister? This way!

I turn my head when I hear my brother Don's voice. He told me earlier that he would come pick me up from the airport. Although I was reluctant at first, I eventually gave in. He's the one I get along with more or less well.

I just walk towards him pulling one of my suitcases as he comes to meet me too. When I reach him, he gives me an emotional hug.

Don: Are you okay sis? It's been a long time.

Me: (sarcasm) Wow... It's not that expensive to get a plane ticket if you missed me that much.

Don: (gasps) That's right... Sorry.

Well after that, he still came to visit me a few times in France so that’s okay.

Me: Yeah...

Don: Shall we go?

Me: At home?

Don: Yeah. Where did you want to go?

Me: Well no. I'm not going there.

Don: (lost) Co... What do you mean you're not doing there?

Me: I'm going to leave my things at the hotel. I had already reserved a room to which I had the rest of my suitcases sent.

Don: (confused) Okay but... why not at home? It would have been easier to live there, right?

Me: I don't want to have your father on my back all day long, I like my freedom... And what's more, I'm not sure I agree with what he plans for me at unless he accepts my conditions. What I think is improbable knowing him. That said, for the moment, I don't want him to know where I'm staying so please... Neither mom and the others because it would amount to the same thing.

Don: Ah, I see.

Me: Okay, shall we go?

~Ellipsis of the passage to the hotel...

~Maison Denoire...

We just arrived home with Don. He told my parents we were coming. The famous dinner with his partner's family is apparently tomorrow. If I came today it is already to hear what my father has to say and to negotiate. If he accepts my conditions so much the better, otherwise there will be no marriage. Arriving in the living room, I can already hear the voices of my sisters and my mother chatting happily. They are already married, but with men of their choice. Surprisingly, the supposed sons-in-law were able to find favor in the eyes of His Imperial Majesty David Denoire, my father. I was unable to attend either ceremony because they took place here. Only Don and I aren't yet. Now he wants to sell me. Oh...

As I enter, I show a small smile.

Me: Wow...! Well... What an honor, you do me to be here today to welcome me. I almost have a tear in my eye.

I said, at the same time making a bow to accompany my words. The latter fell silent instantly.

As I walked in, I saw that Dad was in the room too, but I acted like it.

Mom: Hey... My darling, did you have a good trip? I missed you.

She says, getting up from her seat to come and kiss me when I reach them. I let her do it, but as she pulls back, I blurt out:

Me: France is not on the other side of the galaxy as far as I know. You could have come to see me whenever you wanted. There is no shortage of money.

Roselyne: Venus!

Me: “Aroha” dearest. I definitely prefer this first name to the other... Well, that doesn't matter.

I say, dropping into the chair in front of my father who is staring at me.

Me: Good evening His Imperial Majesty D. Denoire... If I came, it was to hear what you had to say to me. As you probably know, I'm a pretty busy person. And time is money... So?

He frowns then sighs.

Dad: Can you leave us alone for a moment?

Oh... A one-on-one chat.

My mother and my sisters look at him then get up, getting ready to leave.

Don: Dad...

Dad: You go too. I need to talk to your sister alone.

Don: But...

He looks at me hesitantly.

Me: Go ahead Don. We're just going to talk... On the other hand, ask someone to bring me an iced tea. My throat is a little dry.

He nods and then ends up leaving too. One of the servants of the house brings me tea and then leaves.

So I turn my attention back to Dad and sit down properly.

Me: I'm listening to you sir.

Dad: Dad.

Me: Right now, I don't see you like that, sorry. You're trying to sell me without my consent so...

Dad: Who's talking about selling you exactly? It has nothing to do with it!

Me: Oh...

I lean slightly, resting my chin on my intertwined hands, my gaze fixed on him.

Me: So why do you want to marry a stranger? What's more, he's the son of one of your associates...

He just stares at me.

Me: I have my job.

Dad: It's not work, Venus.

Me: Aroha.

Dad: (sighs) Venus, that’s also your first name as far as I know.

Me: Yes but no. I'd rather not hear it here in your house. You never believed in Venus so she no longer exists for you.

Dad: Why are you talking about old stories now? It was settled, it seems to me.

Old stories? Ha!...

Because no one ever believed in my innocence, I had to live away from here for a long time as an exile and he's talking about "old stories"? He doesn't even know how to apologize for wrongly doubting his daughter. One even wonders if he finally understood that I never did anything of what I was accused of.

Dad: Venus...

Me: Aroha.

Dad: (sighs) Aroha, you already know why you're here right?

Me: I won't get married...

He sighs for the umpteenth time.

Dad: It's not a lifelong union. It's just for five years.

Me: Even so, I don’t want to! After five years linked to a man I know nothing about, who knows if I could get my life back

normally after.

Dad: But Liam Miller is a reliable boy Aroha... Do you think I'm capable of confiding in a man who would hurt you?

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest.

Me: It still remains unknown. You never lived with him as far as I know.

He doesn't dare answer me anything.

Me: Dad, I would like to continue living my life normally. Continue my work... Do you think this man will grant it to me?

Dad: (sighs) Aroha this is not a suitable job and you know it.

Of course... He always says that.

Me: If I really have to marry this person and divorce after five years, what do I gain?

Dad: Aroha...

Me: I want to be paid annually!

He looks at me, shocked.

Me: If I have to give up my life, my freedom for a stranger then, I want at least compensation for that! At least like this after these five years, I could rebuild my life the way I want.

Even if it means selling myself, as much as I gain too, right?

Dad: But... (sighs) Ahh... How much?

He's really willing to do anything to sell me. Honestly...I couldn't be more disappointed than that. Okay... In that case, I wouldn't feel remorseful about him either if he's my father.

To be continued...

???????????????

Kisses ?