Chapter 2: The Beginning of the End

LOPEZ FINANCING Corporation is one of the biggest and trusted companies in Spain.This is the legacy that I will inherit in the future, or so I thought.

After graduating from Harvard majoring in a double degree in Finance and Economics at 19 years old, yes, I was young when I studied and was accelerated in school, I joined our company. It was not an option. Being an only child, the “heiress”, I had to think of the future of our family's company and those under our employment.

Being Maria Cassandra Villanueva Lopez is not an easy job.

I had to study until my eyes bleed. I had to learn and excel in everything.

I have dreams but I chose to live their dreams for me.

The pressure I felt growing up is nothing like the pressure I am feeling right now.

We are now facing bankruptcy! How and why? I am still doing my research. But it is inevitable.

We are going to lose everything and I must deal with this before it gets worse.

“Cassandra!” from the intercom, I heard my father, the CEO called me into his office.

“I’m coming, papa.” I responded in the intercom link.

“Meet us for Dinner tonight, we have something important to announce.”

“Papa, I still have a lot of paper works to finish before the meeting with the Board of Directors next week. Can't it wait until Sunday?”

“No! You have been slaving yourself for weeks now. We still have not found the culprit who did this to us. Embezzling money is a crime! We have to make them pay but it cannot help us bring our company to its former glory.”

“Relax Papa. No need to be overworked. I am doing this for us remember?”

“I know, prove it tonight by meeting us for dinner. I will send you the location and time.

“Can't we just have dinner here at the office?”

“No. Va a seguir mis instrucciones y no hay más discusión. Tu puedes ir. You may go.”

I left the room feeling heavy. I felt useless.

I worked with this company for almost two years and I have not once doubted anyone. But it's different now.

***

I do not usually dress up for dinner since I do not have time for any fancy setups. But a strict instruction from my father to dress like it’s a ball made me wince in pain.

I hate dressing up. I am a jeans and shirt kind of girl. I may be of a rich stature but I never dressed fancy like those socialites I know.

My assistant Keri ordered the silver gown with flower embroidery and deep V-neck. It fitted me nicely and showed my curves. It was very classy and elegant and suited my black waves and honey brown eyes. My petite figure is nothing compared to runway models or celebrities, but I felt pretty when I saw myself in the mirror. Thanks to the stylist that Keri forced me to go to. I looked like the star I have been dreaming to be.

Well, that was just my long buried ultimate desire, to be an actress and singer.

“You are sunlight, and high moon, joined by the God's of fortune... “As much as I would love to finish Lea Salonga's Ms. Saigon song, I picked up my cellphone as my mother's picture was flashing on the screen.

“Mama.”

“Hija, the driver is waiting outside your building. Please do not keep us waiting.”

“I am coming Mama. My condo is just 5 minutes away from there, I could have walked.”

“Nonsense! I hope you are wearing something appropriate.”

“See you soon Mother.” I ended the call feeling frustrated. They really do not trust my judgment.

The drive to the Italian restaurant was quick.

As I entered the hall, I felt all eyes was on me. There was a large screen playing some of my pictures and another's. But the caption was what made me freeze on the spot.

It was like I was brought into a nightmare that I cannot get out of.

“Miguel & Cassandra's Engagement Party”

I could almost taste the tears that was about to fall. I saw my parents approach me with a warning glare. They saw my expression and they know I was not liking their surprise, or should I say ambush?

“Mama! Papa! What is the meaning of this?! This is absurd! How can you do this to me?!”

My mother approached me cautiously.

“Cassie honey, I’m sorry if we may have surprised you.”

“Surprised is an understatement! You're trying to kill me here.”

“Cassandra, just sit down and let us discuss this like adults.”

I cannot contain the hurt and betrayal I was feeling. I decided to run to the washroom and cried my heart out. Thankfully, nobody followed me. Or so I thought.

As I made my way out of the washroom, I saw my father waiting for me.

With my bloodshot eyes, and ruined make up, he hugged me.

“Honey, we are sorry but Miguel's family can help us with our business. With this family merger, they promised to fund our company's debts and will bring back our family's wealth. We did not consult you as we thought you would do this for us, for our company and for our people. We knew we could always count on you.”

“I get it Papa. But as much as I would like to help our company, I also must live for my happiness. For years, I have been slaving to be a perfect daughter to work in your perfect company. But not to this. I will not sign up for a loveless marriage and especially not to that arrogant Miguel!”

“Cassandra, we need to do this. Otherwise, we will lose everything that we have worked hard for. I cannot go back to being poor. Specially, now that we are old. I want to retain the luxurious life we are now used to.”

“I’m sorry, Papa, if you think I am being selfish. I just want to be happy. I have been giving everything I have to this company, to you and mother. But I’m sorry, I cannot do this.”

“You have no say on this! Either you do this or I will disown you as my daughter!”

Those last words, simple words made my heart break. I felt like my world is breaking up into pieces. Pieces that I know I cannot mend.

The feelings of abandonment resurfaced. All my insecurities while growing up came to me like an avalanche.

I can now confirm that I will never be enough for them. I am only born for one purpose.

To serve them and their beloved company.