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Natalie's POV

"Natalie. At least eat your breakfast properly" Mom scolded as I stuffed a slice of bread with blueberry jam before running out of the front door.

I woke up late and since I have to take a 20 minutes drive to my workplace, I couldn't waste time.

I quickly call up one of my friend's cafe which is located on my way to the University that I work in to order my berry smoothie and a soft glazed donut.

Yep, you heard me right. I work in a University as an Economics Professor. 

I was supposed to inherit Dad's company but then, I suddenly lost interest and earned my degree in Economics and went on to teach.

Now, my younger twin brothers, Jared and Aaron are studying business to earn ownership. 

To start off with, I'm a happy go lucky girl. I'm the second eldest daughter of the whole Salvatore family. By second eldest, I mean my cousin is the eldest daughter.

But I do take up more responsibilities than she does. She's a workaholic and she hardly spends time with us.

I'm 24 and very much single. The reason is amazing. My elder cousin brothers are always opposed to every single guy that I like. I mean, they're protecting me but it's suffocating anyhow. 

They've been acting that way since I was in high school. So I stopped having crushes and admires.

What's the use of liking them if I can't have them?

Besides my cousins, I have younger twin brothers, Jared and Aaron and a younger sister, Mary.

I make a stop at the cafe where the manager brings out my order and I pay her right from my car.

After getting my donut and smoothie, I continue to drive to the University while I hungrily devour it. 

Upon reaching the University, I get a phone call from Mom.

"Mom, I'm getting to class, why're you calling me?" I sulked on the phone because Mom has a habit of calling me every now and then to check if I'm okay.

"Stop acting like a baby. I called you to inform you about tonight's dinner" Mom said.

"What about it?" I asked.

"We're having dinner at your grandparents' place tonight" She informed. 

"Okay, I'll be there after class" I answered before running off to my assigned class.

-After class-

I drive my way to my grandparents' place. 

My great grandparents set up the Salvatore Enterprises and passed it down. 

So basically, both my grandparents are skilled businessmen. 

I park my car in the garage, only to find everybody else's vehicle neatly parked.

I notice that all my cousins and my aunts and uncles are here as well.

I grab my bag and head to the front doorway. Once I ring the doorbell, the head house maid opens the door and welcomes me.

"Miss Natalie. Come in. They were all just waiting for you" Mrs. Ari said.

Mrs. Ari leads me to the dining room where everybody is seated. I sit between my elder cousin brothers, Chris and Tony. Chris is a married man with a beautiful wife and two amazing kids. Both he and his wife are top lawyers and they're always too busy. Then Tony, well, he's a programmer and a graphic designer. Let me tell you, this guy has been in a relationship ever since his college days and they're still going strong. 

"What's this important event that I'm missing out? We eat family dinners only on Sundays, why the sudden dinner on a weekday?" I asked them both.

"I don't know. I was busy designing a new game in my studio when Mom called me up to be here tonight. I had to cancel my dinner with Tesha" Tony pouted.

I looked at Chris, expecting an answer.

"Don't look at me. How will I know? I've been working all day to be worrying about a dinner with the whole family" He answered.

After all the food is laid out, we say our prayers together and dig in.

I notice all of my cousins and siblings tense up.

Whenever a family dinner pops out of nowhere, it's either good news or bad.

The last time we had an unplanned family dinner, Uncle Sam had gotten a huge promotion within our own company.

I hope it's good news this time.

After dinner, while we're all having dessert, Grandpa clears his throat and within 2.5 seconds, all attention is diverted towards him. 

"I've got news to tell all of you. My children already know about it but my dearest grandchildren have absolutely no idea so I shall enlighten them" He smiled, a hint of darkness in his voice.

We all looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"When I first stepped into the company as the CEO, I had a good friend. He owned the Maxfield Industries. Years later, that is when my children were all grown up and were having young kids, I met my friend for lunch and he made a good proposal. He wanted one of my grandchild married to his, in order to mark our friendship. So, I promised him a grandchild" Grandpa took a brief pause.

I swear, all the unmarried cousins and siblings were looking at each other, gulping while some did not even look up because of nervousness. 

All our parents seemed somehow, calm and satisfied with everything Grandpa was saying because they already knew what would happen next.

"So, I've chosen Karina to be married off to the first grandson of the Maxfield Industries" Grandpa spoke.

"Ugh, not my middle name, please" I scoffed, then my eyes turned big.

"Oh my... that's my name. Wait, what?" I questioned while all my cousins and siblings looked at me.

"Nat. Are you okay?" Tony lightly shook me because I was staring at my dessert with disbelief. 

"Grandpa..." I started off.

"It's not an option. We've already taken the decision and that's final" He spoke.

"But..." I stammered. 

"No buts, Karina. Don't disappoint me" He said while picking up his glass of wine.

"I'm only 24... how am I..." I mutter as I look down in defeat.

I knew that they all expected a lot from me which means that I cannot disappoint them.

My family has always treated me as an adult. Though I was spoilt with everything I wanted, I was never pampered in a bad way. I learnt how to cook, clean, do laundry. I even learnt baking at our bakery. I always take up responsibilities as the eldest in the family.

But this is too much.

Literally too much. 

After the elders were done, they left for the living room to discuss business.

As soon as they left, Chris turned to me.

"Nat, are you right in the head? How'd you just accept everything they tell you?" 

Chris seemed furious.

I won't lie, my tears threatened to spill.

"I promised to walk you down the aisle, but not like this" he added.

"Don't worry, Chris. This is all for the best I guess" I smiled sadly.

"Aunt Nat. Do I get to be the flower girl?" Chris' 3 year old daughter, Nancy asked.

"Yes. You get to be the flower girl" I laughed.

"Natalie, at least reason out sometimes. No wonder all our parents take up every major decision for you without your consent" my cousin sister, Vinnie scolded me.

"Enough with all these, won't you guys help me to prepare for my wedding? A Salvatore can't have a plain wedding, right?" I said to lighten up the mood.

"Don't even get us started. We do want to see you get married, but not like this" my cousin Natasha said.

"I'll leave for tonight. I still have tons of assignments to grade. Have fun guys and tell the elders that I have work to attend to. Alright?" I said before leaving.

I quickly drive home and get straight into bed.

My tears fall uncontrollably. 

I couldn't help it.

I am getting married. I have to accept reality.

I can't run away from this. I can't. 

I have to prove that I can get through all these.

But am I really ready?