CHAPTER – 5

Olivia pov

"Yeah, it's true. I fixed your marriage," my dad said, causing my entire body to freeze in an instant. We're all at home, we leave the party early, because I don't want to create a scene in front of everyone.

"You can't control my life," I retorted, making him look at me while my mom approached.

"Sweetie, he's doing this for your own good. You're already 26 years old," my mom said, touching my hand, but I jerked it away.

That's what she always does, always supporting dad no matter what. But not this time. I won't let this slide.

"Dad, this is not a joke. He's my friend," James said angrily, making me scoff.

"So what? He's rich, and that's enough for me to arrange her marriage," my dad said, causing my throat to go dry and my eyes to turn red. The thought of my dad going to such lengths really hurts.

Watching him grow older, I knew this day would come, but I can't believe it's happening so soon. And with whom that cold ass David. That rude brat who only knows how to hurt others.

Anger rushed down in me.

"I'm not going through with this marriage!" I shouted in anger, causing my dad's jaw to tighten as he raised his hand to strike me. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the pain, but when I didn't feel anything, I quickly opened them.

Only to see James standing in front of me while grabbing dad's arm. My eyes widened “ Don't you dare dad” he said as he left his hand. Seeing this dad look at mom, anger rushed down his whole body.

“ You can't just do this “ James shouted but in no time dad slapped him. Making me put my hand on my mouth in shock.

Seeing this mom's eyes filled with tears. "Please, don't do this. You know your father only wants what's best for you," she pleaded.

I shook my head, feeling a surge of defiance rising within me. "I won't marry someone I don't love, just for money or status." I said firmly, my voice trembling with emotion.

“ You have to or just leave this house, forget you have a mom,dad or a brother” he shouted, making me flinch as years keep coming from my eyes.

"I want to be part of the wealthiest family, and I'll do whatever it takes to achieve that status," he said, frustration evident as he angrily removed his tie.

“ And what's the matter, he is rich, you are behaving like I'm making you marry to some poor guy” he said, making me look down. I can't argue with him because he is getting worse now.

James clenched his fists upon hearing him. "I'm going to take care of that jerk," he muttered before leaving the house,Dad signal Mom to go to their room. Soon enough, they all left.

I stood there, alone in the house, feeling the weight of his words crushing my spirit. The tears that welled up in my eyes began to spill over, tracing down my cheeks. It was as if his harsh words had pierced through my heart, leaving me feeling vulnerable and abandoned.

I wiped away the tears, I couldn't help but reflect on the shattered image of the family I once knew. Growing up, I had always believed that love and support were the foundations of a family. But now, it seemed that material wealth had taken over everything else.

The echoes of his angry voice keep coming in my mind, reminding me of the painful words he said. I don't have any choice, I have to marry him.

I realise my shaky breath suddenly, my phone buzzes. I look at my phone only to see Sofia calling me. I close my eyes as I answer the call. “Hello” I said

"Olivia, did you talk to your father? Where are you? Let's talk," she says all at once.

“ Let's meet in the cafe” I said before cutting the call. I sigh before leaving the house.

I've been sitting in this cafe for 15 minutes now, and Sofia is still nowhere to be found. Just as I drop my hand on the table, I hear the sound of the cafe door opening. I look up and there she is, Sofia, with a smile on her face as she takes a seat in front of me.

"Sorry I'm late," she says, and I nod in agreement.

"No worries," I reply, forcing a sad smile.

"So spill the tea, girl. What happened?" she asks, her tone filled with concern, causing me to grab my hair in frustration.

"My dad arranged my marriage with David. I told him I won't marry him, but he's not listening," I said, leaving her shocked.

“ Girl you have to talk to David” she said, making me nodded.

“ Of Course I tell him to drop this marriage because dad is not listing me” I said. Making her sigh

“ Do you think he listens to you?” Sofia said, making me confused. Like isn't it obvious he is marrying me for business. It's not like he fell in love with me.

“ I do anything to break this marriage, '' I said in frustration as I bang the table hard in anger.