Chapter 4: Future Husband

Alyssa's POV 

"What?!" I screamed as the spoon fell on the saucer, further creating some noise in the dining room.

"But, Dad, you can't be serious, right?" I asked as I glanced at my Mum for some help.

She looked hesitant, "Uhm.. honey, don't you think it's a bit too early?" She asked my Dad, who casually took a bite from his meal.

"The offer was tempting, so I couldn't refuse it. Plus, an arranged marriage isn't as bad as I had said it. I got into an arranged marriage with your mother, and we are good. So, go dress up and meet with him. I specifically asked for this date, so that you guys won't be strangers to each other at the wedding," he explained in a relaxed tone.

"Wedding, Dad? You didn't even ask for my permission before you accepted that offer. Is it your company you cared about or your only daughter?! I demanded as I banged the table.

His face changed to fury but I cared less, "This is my future that you are toying with!" I yelled as I could feel my tears.

When he talks in a calming tone like this, it only means my opinion won't change what he had said. I wanted to study business management in school but he forced me to become a model.

"Have you lost it?! Do you realize that you are in my presence for you to yell in that manner?!" He roared at me.

I stood up and yelled loudly, "You are just being selfish, Dad. In order to skyrocket your company goods, you want to take away my happiness as bait, huh?!”

"Enough! Alyssa," he interjected with a dangerous glare on his face.

But I didn't stop, "Isn't it enough on how you had raised me the way you wanted it? At 21, you want to push me into a godforsaken marriage that.." my voice got stuck in my throat when I saw a flying glass cup in my direction.

Pa!

"ENOUGH BRAT!" He roared, the glass cup fell a few inches beside my feet and I froze in my spot.

"Ungrateful child! I worked my *ss up to pay for your school fees and now that it is time to repay me, you are busy spouting out rubbish!" He roared and banged the table, making me flinch as my hot tears continued to flow freely.

"I am giving you 30 minutes, to which you have wasted 5 out of it. Go and dress up to meet with your future husband at the scheduled place," he ordered but I kept standing.

"Are you trying to defy me?!" He asked angrily.

I wiped my tears, stepping backward from the broken glasses. 

I crossed my arms and said, "I refuse," immediately the words left my mouth, he shot up from his seat and charged towards me.

My Mum stood up as well, and I hid behind her, "Honey, please, calm down," she said as she pushed him slightly on his chest away from me. 

"Have you gone nuts?!" He ranted angrily and then gave a wicked chuckle

"I see that you have grown wings, but it's not too late to break them off," he declared icily.

He pointed his index finger at my Mum, "Warn her, Grace! Warn your daughter," he threatened before he strode out of the room, while I collapsed on the floor, crying my eyes out.

"Honey, it's okay, it's okay," my Mum said, hugging me as she rubbed my back.

"I hate him, Mum, he is so mean, I hate him," I kept repeating I hate him until my cries turned into sobs. 

My Mum pulled me up to sit on the chair and wiped my tears, "I hate him, Mum," I repetited again.

"Darling, don't hurt yourself," she tried to console me.

"Mum, it seems you are not getting it," she gave me a sorry look as I added.

"It's a marriage, Mum. For life," I explained, the more I ponder about it, the more my tears refuses to stop.

"Sweetie, would you listen to me?" She asked and I shook my head instantly.

"Not until you assure me this is all a nightmare," I said stupidly.

She chuckled and grasped my hands together, "I was engaged to your father when I was 18," my eyes widened at the revelation.

She continued, "The mistake I did was not preparing your mind that one day, you will have an arranged groom," 

"Honey, I know it wouldn't be easy for you to digest. But it will be in your hands to decide how the future will hold for the both of you, you are single, right?" She asked, trying to confirm.

I wanted to say no, perhaps she could help me with it, but I decided against it. I weakly nodded my head.

"The start of the relationship cannot be smooth, but that doesn't mean it has to be miserable," she explained and I found myself nodding after her.

"If there is anything you need to inform me about your marriage, don't hesitate and I promise to help," she assured but my eyes glittered with tears.

"This marriage isn't happening, right?" I felt stupid for asking this but I wanted to know.

She weakly nodded at me and I bursted into tears, "It's okay, baby," she consoled me, hugging me closer to her chest.

"It's gonna be alright, my darling," she assured as she kept rubbing my back, and I continued crying.

A Few Hours Later.

The moment I stepped down from the car, I noticed this place was a secluded area. The dress I wore was as if I was heading to the cemetery. 

It was a black off-shoulder, V knee-length gown, paired with pink sandals and a pink bag. My hair was in a messy bun, one thing was ringing in my mind.

'He must reject me,’ I prayed silently.

I continued to chant some prayers as I moved into the restaurant. As I stepped inside, I found everywhere to be deserted, apart from a table, where the man seated was busy flirting with the waitress.

I walked closer to the table, perhaps he noticed some movements so he dismissed the blushing waitress.

'Lord, please, let him reject me,'

I dropped my bag on the table, and he cast me aside glance which left my mouth agape.

'The restroom guy!'

"You!" I pointed my index finger at him.