Chapter 1

Chapter one

6:am, Greenville

Collins Pov

"What! No! No way"!

"This is a joke, right...? You... don't mean this." I screamed unbelievably into the phone receiver. The voice at the other end of the receiver came through.

"Yes Collins. I'm sorry it has to end this way" and then the call ended. 

The shock was too much for me to bear. I burst into hysterical laughter, feeling a deep stab in my heart. 

"Oh no!, I started .

"Haha... that was a...that was the greatest joke I've heard in my life....", I broke off and suddenly felt an itch to scream. 

Hitting the mirror in which I stood in front, I rubbed my hair in my hands and impulsively threw a fist at the pitiful image in front of me. The mirror came shattering all over in front of me and I watched blood triple down my battered hands. 

I heard a hurried advancement and knew instantly that it was my mum rushing up. She let out a gasp the moment she stepped in and echoed "What have you done, Collins?" She gazed at me, her expression clearly worried. 

I tried to respond but couldn't find the proper words, it was as if someone had just tied my tongue and I searched around for something to say. My legs wobbled as I leaned over her shoulders for support, crying out my eyes. 

"Anne is joking, right, mum?" I blurted.

 Dumbfounded, she disentangled the hug and stared with a demanding face. "What do you mean?"

 I felt weak in my knees and suddenly felt helpless. "She has no damn right to do that mum". I banged my swollen hands on the bedside table, making the items on it clatter.

"Get it together boy!" I heard a thunderous voice and my face stood blank. I directed my gaze towards the figure by the door and felt a new surge of anger. How long has this wicked man been standing at the door, observing me with his scrutinizing eyes. I hate to admit that I look so much like him that I often see a younger version of himself in me and my older version in him. 

Tightening my fist, my face turned hard. 

If only this man wasn't my father, I would throw a fist at his handsome face, I swore.

I completely ignored him and focused on my mum who was cleaning my wound with a tissue. 

Then I heard him say "What has come over you? You have to get ready to go pick up your wedding suit with Fred, but he said you'd take a rest, only for you to tear the whole house down. What's the madness about?" 

From the corner of my eyes, I saw him tighten his grip on the door handle and I immediately felt disgusted by his presence.

"I won't be needing it" I replied, standing up from my already scattered bed. 

What I had just said created an effect, as I saw him squeeze his face in confusion. 

"What did you just say?" he demanded, looking doubtfully at me. 

I chuckled, enjoying the look on his face. Didn't I look puzzled as well when he suddenly called me years ago and arranged a fiancée for me? I guess it was his turn to dance in shock of what was coming.

I marched towards him and stood directly in front of him with him just a few inches from my face. "Anne just called, and guess what?"

I paused and saw him arch his brows further. "She called off the wedding."

It was like a dropped bombshell, neither of my parents expected it.

"What!" They both screamed, and their eyes popped out as though they'd carefully rehearsed. I was enjoying this as I saw my mum grabbed the bedside for support. I couldn't seem to read my father's face, but I imagined the thoughts running through his dirty mind.

"Unbelievable, right?" I asked, smirking at him. 

 "Exactly...", I countered, barely above a whisper.

"Exactly how I screamed out of my bed moments ago" I continued, raising my voice. "I was about to lose my mind dad, when I received that goddamn call, canceling our wedding. I never wanted this dad. All I wanted was a chance to choose who I love, but I was never given one".

By now, I was already drenched in my own tears. The tears sprang out without restraint. 

"Collins!" Mum called gently, and I thought I heard her sniffle. I glanced at her and averted my gaze quickly to prevent her knowing eyes. She was trying to stop me from this outburst, but hell no, I'm not done yet!

"For your own selfish interest, you forced me into getting closer to Anne, you ensured that I skipped work just so I could be with her. You made me profess love to her even when I didn't mean it, dad, so that you can gain more fame and opportunities through her father's influence. We're one of the top billionaire families with a great reputation, but you never contend with it..."

"Enough Collins, I won't have you speak to me that way" he thundered. His face had grown red and hot as he flinched away the book he was holding. 

"But it's the truth dad" I shot back.

I ran my hands through my hair, as all the events came flashing before me. I dashed back and forth in rage, not minding the shattered glasses.

"Anyway, thanks to you Dad," I continued.  

"Whether for your own selfish interest or not, you've made me grow fond of Anne, and I've come to love her genuinely, so Dad, you have to fix this else your reputation is down the drain", I swore, stamping my right foot in emphasis.

"I can't withstand this" I blurted and stormed out.

"Young sir, where are you heading?" Fred, my personal assistant, inquired as soon as I descended into the compound. I ignored him completely and marched towards the car. Fred tried to stop me, but I pushed him away roughly and was sorry immediately. I didn't mean to push him though. I was going to see Anne, and would have to deal with anyone who stops me.

The gate opened, and I drove out at full speed, noticing Fred, who drove closely behind me. My dad must have sent him to discover where I was heading. I inhaled hard and said nothing.

I was going crazy, I knew, but I wanted to find Anne and ask for her reasons. 

Am I not handsome enough? I pondered and immediately dismissed it. That was a ridiculous thought. I've always been everywhere with my good looks and often hear girls whisper to one another about how hot I look. 

Have I done anything wrong to her? Did I say anything wrong the last time we met?  

Why would... 

I trailed off and closed my eyes for a moment. I opened them and immediately muttered "Holy shit" and swerved away from the road as swiftly as possible. The car screeched as I managed to put it in control. 

What the heck was that? I frowned and saw a lady struggling to pick up her scattered belongings. 

"God! I almost hit her" I muttered, hurriedly stepping out of the car. 

"Hey young lady, sorry for my misdoing. Are you alright...?"