2

I wake up with something I really hate.

Swollen eyes.

After taking a warm bath, I change into my outfit for the day.

After a silent breakfast, I leave for the University.

I'm sure Mom and Dad wanted to comfort me but they did not say a single thing neither did I.

"Good Morning, Miss" my students wished me in the hallway but I didn't wish back, instead I just nodded with a smile while putting my head down though I wore sunglasses.

I did not want to look pathetic, at least not like this and not for a stupid reason.

I make my way to my office room and sit down since I still have an hour before attending my first class.

The Managing Director, Dr. Collins rushes into my room.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Sir?" I asked because he looked like he had seen a ghost.

"Yes, you need to help me with the refreshments for today's board meeting" he said in a haste.

"What refreshments? And what board meeting?" I asked, puzzled.

"The University's major shareholders are coming for a board meeting and I have nothing prepared. You have to help me get them good coffee and refreshments" He somewhat pleaded.

"Don't worry, Sir. I'll help you out. I'll be back in an hour" I said, getting my bag in a hurry.

"Don't forget, you have to order around 50 coffees because not only the shareholders but the people who come with them will also have it" He shouted while I walked out.

I drive to my friend's cafe and order 60 coffees along with 60 cupcakes, 60 donuts and 60 pretzels, just in case.

"Miss, please wait for a while. We are preparing your order" the manager informed me.

I take a seat while waiting for my order when my friend, the owner comes.

"Natalie Karina Salvatore, what brings you at this hour?" She asked.

"Ugh, not my full name please. Alyssa, take a seat" I offer her.

"Really, what are you doing here?" She asked again.

"I had to get coffees and refreshments for a board meeting" I sighed since I was so tired and stressed from the trauma I received from my family last night.

"Oh, Natalie, we were classmates for more than 4 years. I do know when something's on your mind" She said, reading my face.

I knew that there was no point lying to her.

"I'm getting married" I sighed.

"What?" She looked shocked because she knew that I had no boyfriend.

"Yeah, it's arranged" I sighed again, even before she could question me.

"What? How?" She asked in utter shock.

I carefully explained it to her and she was furious that I had to be coaxed in an arranged marriage with someone who's name, I don't even know.

When my order gets ready, I pay for them and leave.

I get back to the University and pour the coffees into ceramic cups and put the refreshments in saucers for the shareholders of the company.

Then, some other lecturers serve them to the shareholders who are having the meeting in the conference room.

Dr. Collins' secretary stood behind him and I joined her, if in case anybody needs anything.

The meeting went on for an hour or so. By this time, my shoes were killing the crap out of me.

Suddenly, the man sitting at the head of the table spat the coffee out as soon as he took a sip.

We all looked at him in shock.

"Who brought this coffee?" He asked, in a low tone.

Dr. Collins gave me a look. The 'answer-him-he's-an-important-person' look.

"I did, Sir" I replied.

"How can you serve such cheap coffee?" He asked.

As soon as he said that, I won't lie, it pissed me off.

"I'm sorry if the coffee doesn't suit your taste. I'll get you another cup of coffee" I replied with all the remaining patience that was inside me.

"Then why did you serve me cheap coffee if you could get a better one?"  He hissed.

"I'm sorry, Mr....?" I said.

"Maxfield" He replied.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Maxfield. But your taste is quite different and high class. I got the costliest coffee on the menu hoping that it would be of your standard but I'm afraid, you still find it cheap" I tell him before leaving.

Dr. Collins looked dumbfounded but I still left.

I stood outside the conference room waiting for the meeting to end.

After almost one hour, the other officials walk out. Then, Mr. Maxfield walks out while Dr. Collins came after him followed by their secretaries.

He stood right in front of me.

"You have quite a sharp tongue" He sneered.

"I guess but it is only that way to some people" I smirked.

He gave me a last look before leaving.

After Dr. Collins followed him out, he came back and asked me, "Why did you do that?"

"I'm sorry, Sir but I couldn't help it. If I did serve him cheap coffee, I would've admitted my mistake but the way he tried to put us down, I did not like it at all" I state before leaving.

After attending all the necessary classes, I head back home.

"I'm home" I mutter as I walk into the living room.

"Hey, Natalie. I have something to discuss with you" Mom said, looking at me, her glasses perched at the tip of her nose.

"What is it, Mom?" I asked taking a seat on the sofa.

"Well, the whole family is going to be settling down at our place until your wedding takes place" Mom informed me.

"What? Mom, it's not a big deal. It's just a wedding. Why does everybody have to be here?" I literally shouted.

"Natalie, I know that it's a big blow for you but trust me, the man you're getting married it is a good person" Mom tried to calm me down.

"Mom, I have listened and accepted every decision that you and Dad took for me. I always try my best not to defy you. But this is it. I cannot do this anymore. How could you decide my marriage to someone I've never met? Who knows I might be marrying a 40 year old man?" I hissed.

"Don't exaggerate. He's just 2 years older" Dad said as he walked in.

"Sweetheart, I know that it's hard for you but your Grandpa already made the decision. You cannot go against him. I'm sorry but you have to go with the flow" Dad said, feeling sorry.

"Dad. I'm tired of acting like an adult every single time. I'm tired of acting tough though I'm not. Can I not live a little like a carefree daughter?" I cried.

Dad came and hugged me.

After some time, I grab my bag and lock myself in my room.

As I change and freshen up, I get a message from Mom.

His name is Lorenzo James Maxfield. He's 26 and he's looking after his family's company

Seriously? Did she have to send me his information? Like I'm interested.

I fall asleep while reading a novel.

After a few minutes, I hear a knock on my door.

I crouch out of my warm bed and open the door to find my sister-in-law, Juli, my cousins Vinnie and Natasha and my younger sister, Mary all standing, waiting to pull me into a warm embrace.

I feel my tears fall. I can't help it.

"Enough of all these drama. We're all staying over and we're having dinner with the Maxfields tomorrow so we better find you a good dress" Vinnie said as she clapped her hands in excitement.

I watched them as they rummaged through my walk-in closet. They looked so happy and excited.

I have to enjoy and embrace every single moment with them because I'll be leaving and these will all become precious memories.

"Nat, what're you doing at the door? Come in and see what you want to wear!" Juli pulled me in.

I smile seeing them happy.

Who knows if I'll ever be able to spend time with them like this.