Chapter 6 Family Comes First

Blakely’s POV

I stared at him in shock. “What?”

I couldn’t believe what I heard from him. An open relationship? Really? He wants us to give each other permission to hook up with other people when we’re already married. Does that even make sense? He’s literally telling me to fck another man and it’s alright because he does the same.

He shifted on his seat, completely facing me. “Think about the benefits, Blakely. We’re just marrying each other for our family. We both want to please our parents. If you agree to an open relationship, we can both enjoy our lives. You’re young. You hadn’t enjoy your life and I know that’s all because of your parents’s strict rules—”

“Stan…” I cut him off. “Why…are you doing this?”

He sighed. “I will free you, Blakely. You will have your freedom. We’ll marry each other, but I won’t interfere with your personal life. You are free to hangout with your friends anytime and anywhere. You are free to work. You are free to do anything you want. Isn’t that more convenient for you than staying unmarried but caged in your parents’ strict system?”

I stared at him as temptation slowly sunk into me. An open relationship… My freedom. That’s what I want the most. I want my freedom. Mama wants me to quit my job and I don’t want to. Stan is offering me a tempting offer. He will give me my freedom. That's what I want, and not the idea of having someone else while married to him.

“I won't force you to decide right away, Blakely,” Stan said calmly as if we're talking about normal stuff. “I’ll be going on a business trip and that will last for half a month. You will have enough time to think about it and if you decide to agree on having an open relationship, you can go around sleeping with other men. I won't mind. Just inform me about the identity of that man.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Stan, why would you think I’d want to sleep around with someone else while I’m engaged or married to you?”

“Because it's only fair, Blakely. We don't have feelings for each other. And I won't deprive you of the life you deserve just because we're arranged to marry.”

“And the solution is an open relationship?”

He crossed his arms and slowly nodded. “You get my point, right?”

I bit my bottom lip as I stared into his eyes. Yes! I get his point.

I don't know what to think or do. Stan seemed really determined to have an open relationship with me. It's tempting because it promises a freedom I've always been longing for. Being free from my foster parent's strict rules. Being able to do whatever I want—wear the clothes I want, enjoy my job, live a free and simple life without the pressure of disappointing the people around me.

Stan is willing to give me the life I want and the temptation to take his offer was so strong. However, the disadvantage of that kind of relationship was also bothering me.

I needed someone to talk to, so I called my friends and we agreed to meet in Alicia's apartment. I bought some snacks from the nearest convenience store before I went to Alicia's apartment. It was Hershey, eating an ice cream, who opened the door for me. She sprayed alcohol on her hands and sat on the couch.

“Blakely!” Grace greeted me with a bubbly face and voice as she helped me carry the snacks I bought.

“A pizza!” Rachel said happily as she pulled herself from lying on the couch. “We were just about to order some. Thanks, Blakely!”

Alicia came with five cans of sodas as I sat beside Grace who's changing the channel of the television.

“So, what is this meeting all about?” Alicia asked.

I looked at them. “You girls aren't busy?”

Hershey lifted her arm and then sprayed alcohol again. “I took a day off today.”

“I told my manager I don't feel well,” Rachel said and giggled, making me laugh.

“I’m fine not going to the company,” Grace said as she handed me a can of soda which I immediately accepted.

“And I cancelled my meeting with a client today. So, what's bothering our Disney princess?” Alicia looked at me curiously. “And don't even deny it because I sensed worry in your voice earlier. Spill!”

I sighed and sipped on my soda. “Well…you all know the concept of an open relationship, right?”

Alicia's brow shot up. “And?”

I looked down. “Stan proposed it to me.”

“He what?!” Hershey exclaimed.

“Wait…wait…” Rachel lifted her arm as her eyes narrowed. “What happened before he proposed that kind of setup?”

I’m seeking their advice, so I should tell them the truth, right? Besides, they're not the only ones who are willing to listen to my sentiments.

I pursed my lips. “I saw a photo of him…kissing another woman.”

“What a total asshole!” Alicia cursed angrily.

“He said if I agree, we’ll both have the benefits. We will be married but we'll have separate lives. We won't intervene with each other's personal life.”

Grace cleared her throat. “Isn't he basically trying to lure you to cover his cheating?”

“That's the point of that open relationship. It's to give him the freedom to cheat.” Alicia agreed with Grace and I could see rage burning in her eyes.

“And you called us to ask for our opinions?” Hershey asked suspiciously.

I nodded. “Yes…”

A deafening silence filled us. I looked at each one of them and I can see that they have different opinions.

“Well…” It was Rachel who was first to recover. “You're here, so that means you're also considering the setup. For me it's fine.”

“That's not fine, Rachel!” Alicia growled angrily. “How can you tell Blakely that it's fine to hook up even after they get married? That's not fine and will never be fine.”

Hershey pouted. “Stan already cheated, Ali. Wouldn't it be unfair for Blakely to not agree and enjoy her own life? Besides, Stan initiated it.”

“Blakely is not like that,” Grace argued. “We all know her. She won't do something like that once she gets married. She only wants the freedom the setup promised.”

“But she's considering the offer. Am I right, Blakely?” Rachel turned to me and all I could do was sigh and caressed my forehead.

I honestly don't know what to do. Rachel and Hershey had a point, but Grace and Alicia's argument was also reasonable.

“Some fixed marriages end in divorce. Wouldn't it be best for Blakely to take control of her own life rather than live like an obedient wife, a decoration to make her husband's image and reputation fragrant? I’m so sick of society treating us women as decorations. Men should learn that women are also leaders, not just some pathetic followers.”

I stared at Hershey. Her argument got into my head and her point was stuck in my mind.

“I agree with Hershey. Blakely should take the initiative to control this marriage. It's time for her to stand on her ground like a proud queen,” Rachel said.

I saw Alicia caressing her forehead while shaking her head. Grace went beside me and held my hand. “Why don't you just talk to your parents, Blakely? Tell them about Stan's cheating.”

Alicia snapped her fingers. “That's the best option!”

Rachel, beside me, sighed and rested her head on my shoulder. “Whatever your decision is, we’ll support you.”

“Don't think of anyone else. Think only of yourself and what your heart really desires. It's time for you to let your voice be heard. You should be happy, Blakely. No matter what the situation is,” Grace held my hand tight, showing her support.

I’m so glad I have them in my life. They are my support system. Without them, I’d be very weak and helpless.

Grace was right. I’ve been voiceless all these years and it wouldn't be bad if I talk to my foster parent's about this, right? I don't know if they'll side with me or will just choose to turn blind-eye since we need Stan's family for Papa's plan of running for Congress. His desire to get into politics is very intense but I’m trying my luck to convince them.

“What about this?” Mama asked with a steen voice as after she looked at the photos of Stan kissing the woman who almost ruined the engagement party.

My lips parted in shock. For a while, I saw hope because she seemed shocked after seeing the photos, but now, she looked indifferent.

I took my friend's advice to talk to my foster parents but only mama was here in the mansion, so I talked to her instead. I was waiting for her to give a violent reaction because of the cheating Stan was doing behind my back, but she doesn't seem to care at all.

“Mama…”

Her eyes stared at me like a predator. “You know that this is a political marriage, Blakely. You are marrying Stan to secure your father's triumph, and not to secure a flawless relationship with him.”

“But mama…”

“Enough with your sensitive dramas!” She spat and I couldn't help but feel so hurt.

Yes, I already expected her to turn blind-eye, but I was also expecting her to get angry with me because I was betrayed even before the wedding. But…what I got was a nag.

Do I really matter to you? Does my happiness count? Why do you act so indifferent?

I wanted to ask those words and just when I got the courage to ask, mama spoke again. “This is not the time for ridiculous dramas, Blakely. We need the Scotts for your father's campaign. Your role is to secure a sure win for him. If he won, it would be your father's greatest success and we will be more powerful than the Scotts…”

I swallowed hard, unable to say anything again because everything is getting clearer now. They sold me out to the Scott family for Papa's triumph. I am their best card. I am the most valuable sacrifice.

“... besides, I don't think Stan would treat you badly,” mama added and stared at me strictly. “Just make sure that you'll obey him and all will go well.”

My lips were already sealed as Mama continued speaking. I no longer understand what she's saying. All I could think about was how she wants me to become a slave to them.

“I hope you won't let us down.” Mama held my hand, bringing me back to reality. “We are not doing this for us. We are doing this for our family, and you have to always remember that family comes first.”

Family comes first, but I feel like I don't belong here…