Chapter 3: To Marry in a Week

Dad welcomed me with a slap when I went home.

“Lawrence!” Tessa, my father’s new wife, held his arm.

“This unfilial child! Did you really think I won’t discover that you ditched Peyton on your blind date? The man is one of the few out there that can give you a decent life! He’s an achiever back in college, had finished his MBA, and is the director of their company! He’s got everything you need! You are to graduate soon and you have to secure a credible husband!"

Dad massaged the bridge of his nose. His yells echoed in the whole house loudly. It wasn’t new though. This scene tends to happen often.

I just don’t understand why he keeps on controlling my life like what he did to my mom. I guess it was the reason why Mom never got the happiness she deserved when they were together. Dad is a big control freak.

“If you don’t want me to keep on ditching those blind dates, then maybe you should stop pairing me with guys I’m not interested in,” I said before walking to the stairs.

He continued to yell but I acted like I didn’t hear anything and went straight to my room.

The moment I shut the door behind me, tears stung my eyes.

I threw my bag on the sofa and ran my fingers through my hair frustratedly. I wanted to shout, break things, to vent out my frustration, but all I could do was sit in the corner of my room and hug my knees.

Once Dad discovers that I’m pregnant, I’m sure I’ll receive worse.

Should I just run away?

Mom left me some money so I can make use of it to start a new life. Not as Lawrence Clarks’ daughter, but as me.

Determined on running away from home, I packed my things that night so I can leave the next day once Dad had gone to work.

I know my plan is insane but I don’t want to spend the rest of my life under the control of my dad. I will do what Mom failed to do back then. I will free myself and do what I want.

However, while riding a taxi in an attempt to run away from home the next morning, the driver suddenly hit the brake which almost threw me in front. I was about to ask what happened when I saw a black van blocking the way.

I froze when several men went out of the van and walked to the taxi. The familiar faces and their uniform… these people are Dad’s men!

I went out but my attempt to escape was futile. The tall and bulky men surrounded me like I’m sort of some criminal the government wants to catch.

“Miss Lily, please come with us. Don’t make it hard for us. Sir Lawrence is waiting in the mansion,” one of them said.

“No! There’s no way I’m coming with you!” I yelled. I don’t care if I’m drawing attention here. How did even my dad know I was trying to run away? No maid saw me leaving the mansion, I’m sure of that.

Ah, CCTVs… he must have got me monitored.

“Please, Miss Lily. We don’t want to be impolite. Sir Lawrence’s order is to bring you back even if we have to tie you up.”

I gritted my teeth. It’s obvious they won’t take no for an answer.

Not wanting anyone of them to lay a hand on me, I just went inside the van. I guess I’ll just have to try another way of escaping next time.

Dad and Tessa were waiting in the living room when I arrived in the mansion. The moment I went in, Dad rose from his seat furiously.

Then just like I expected, I received another slap.

My head remained tilted after his strong slap that made my cheek go numb. I’d already forgotten how many times he had hit me. I stopped counting a long time ago. If something happens often, you’d get used to it.

“Tell me! Who is the father?!”

I shivered in horror. I thought the slap was for running away but when I heard Dad’s question, I looked at him wide-eyed.

“You foolish child! How can you get pregnant when you can’t even fend for yourself!”

Wait. How did he know?

As if the question was written all over my face, Dad said, “I have you followed for a week now because I’m afraid you might do something reckless again with those good-for-nothing kids you are hanging out with. That’s why I know you were sent to the hospital yesterday. I called the hospital to ask what it was all about thinking that you were sick, but guess what? I was surprised with the news that I’m going to be fucking grandfather!”

I flinched at his thunderous voice.

“Who among your friends got you pregnant? Tell me! Is it Dylan, Ryle or-“

“Don’t drag them to this mess, Dad! I had a one-night stand with a stranger three weeks ago! I don’t know him! I didn’t even get his name! Now that you have the answer that you want, can you just leave me alone? I don’t care if you disown me… just let me go.” My voice trembled at the last words.

“Lily, you know we can’t just do that. Your dad cares for you that’s why he is doing this-“

“Stop acting like you care about me,” I cut off Tessa.

Dad was about to slap me again for disrespecting his wife but Tessa held his arm before his hand could land on my face.

“She’s pregnant, Lawrence. Stop hitting her,” Tessa’s soft voice sounded like a snake hissing in my ears.

She was my father’s mistress back when Mom was still alive, and yet she was acting like a good mother to me now. How shameless.

Dad heaved as he tried to calm himself.

“I talked to Peyton and his father. For the sake of business, they are willing to accept you despite your situation. Your wedding with Peyton shall happen in a week and you can do nothing about it!”