Chapter Four: Charade of Unbelievable Madness

Lily's POV:

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My father, the man I had always looked up to, had just agreed to marry me off to a complete stranger. Sure, he was handsome, but I had only met him that morning when I accidentally collided with his car. How could my father expect me to marry someone I barely knew?

I couldn't hold back my emotions any longer. "Dad, how can you agree to this? I don't even know him!" I protested, my voice trembling with anger and confusion.

My father sighed, his face showing a mix of frustration and determination. "Lily, I understand your concerns, but this marriage will be beneficial for both our families. It will strengthen our business ties and secure a prosperous future for you."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. "But what about my happiness, Dad? Shouldn't that matter too?"

Before my father could respond, my mother entered the room, sensing the tension. She rushed to my side, wrapping her arms around me in a comforting embrace. "Lily, sweetheart, your father is only thinking about what he believes is best for us. We have to trust him."

I looked at my mother, her eyes filled with empathy. "But Mom, I don't want to marry a stranger. I want to marry someone I love, someone I choose."

My mother's grip tightened, and she whispered softly, "I understand, Lily. But sometimes, life doesn't go as planned. We have to make the best of the situations we find ourselves in."

Feeling defeated, I walked back to my room, my heart heavy with sadness. My mother followed me, closing the door behind her. She sat down on my bed, her eyes filled with concern.

"Lily, I know this is hard for you. But your father believes this marriage will bring us stability and prosperity. We have to trust his judgment."

I wiped away my tears, trying to compose myself. "But Mom, I can't just accept this. I need to find a way out, a way to change my fate."

My mother's expression softened, and she placed a hand on mine. "Lily, I understand your desire to fight for your own happiness. But be careful. Sometimes, the path we choose can lead us into unexpected and dangerous places."

Her words lingered in my mind as I lay in bed that night. I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to my father's agreement, something he wasn't telling us. I was determined to find out the truth, I decided to investigate.

The next day, while my father was away on business, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in my gut. His sudden decision to uproot our lives and move down the drain with no explanations had left me with more questions than answers. I needed to find some clarity, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Sneaking into his study, I closed the door behind me, walking in stealth mode. The room was dimly lit, with the only source of light coming from a small desk lamp which I turned on. The air was heavy with the scent of old books and leather. I had to act fast before mom came in or I would have a lot of explaining to do.

I cautiously approached my father's desk, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew I had to be careful, as any wrong move could expose my snooping. I began rummaging through his files, searching for any clue that could shed light on his sudden decision.

As I sifted through the papers, my eyes caught a glimmer of something hidden beneath the surface of the desk. My curiosity heightened, I pressed a hidden button, causing a compartment to slide open. Inside, I found a collection of documents that sent a chill down my spine.

The papers detailed illegal activities, ranging from money laundering to arms trafficking. My father's involvement in the underground world was far more extensive than I could have ever imagined. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt a wave of fear and uncertainty wash over me.

I knew I had stumbled upon something dangerous, something that could put my life at risk. But I couldn't turn back now. I had to uncover the truth, not only for my own sake but for the safety of those around me.

With trembling hands, I carefully gathered the documents, making sure not to leave any trace of my presence. As I closed the hidden compartment, I made a silent promise to myself that I would bring my father's dark secrets to light.

I spent countless hours researching, connecting the dots, and gathering evidence. The more I discovered, the more I realized just how entangled my father was in this web of deceit and corruption. Now I see why he wanted the marriage to hold. It was to protect me and solidify his part, to think I always thought his money was clean. "So much for everything," I thought.

Hours turned into two days, and I grew more impatient to find out more. it was more than I bargained for. I discovered Dad's involvement in the criminal underworld went beyond what I had initially uncovered. He was not only a key player in money laundering and arms trafficking but also had ties to powerful crime syndicates.

The more evidence I gathered, the more dangerous the situation became. We knew that if my father found out about my investigation, he would stop at nothing to protect his secrets. But I couldn't let fear hold me back.

One fateful night, as I was closing in on the final pieces of evidence, dad discovered our plan. He confronted me, his face twisted with anger and betrayal. He knew his daughter all too well to know she wouldn't give up that easily.

"You foolish girl," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. "Did you really think you could outsmart me? I've spent years building this empire, and I won't let you destroy it."

I stood my ground, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through my veins. "You're the one who destroyed it, Dad. Your greed and corruption have brought us to this point. I won't let you ruin my life."

"For Pete sake. Your life is not ruined. Stop being selfish!" Dad answered taking me aback for a moment.

"I'm selfish?! What do you say about yourself for making all these mess. God this is too much to take in". I replied, feeling tired about everything.

"I wish I could keep this away from you forever but the Monroe empire wouldn't be here if not for all those sacrifices". Dad answered, his blue eyes sad as he looked at me.

"You let me find it on purpose didn't you?" I asked, finalizing realizing it was too easy.

"Yes, you needed to know" He said, walking up to me to give me a pat on my back. it was relieving but I couldn't just shake the fact he agreed to the marriage with me and some guy I barely knew his name.

"So, can I at least know his name?" I asked, my voice choking in my throat.

"Damon.. He's Damon Russell. Trust me darling he's not all that bad. Yes, he's a big prick I'm the ass but you know I wouldn't let you be with someone I wasn't sure of, I would absolutely kill anyone who would hurt you". Dad answered, the sadness evident in his voice.

"I know Dad, but now I am hurt on the inside. I'm sorry, I just ..." I made to say but dad already knew and stopped me.

"I know Sweetie. I am sorry I had to put you through this. It was my foolishness that caused all this and know this, I would always have your back. there's always a divorce if he runs mad" Dad answered, for some reason. the last word had a knack on the both of us as we stared into each others eyes slowing letting the laughter fly out as we pleased.

"You're right. He's an egocentric jerk. When do I have a meeting with him?" I asked, hoping it would be so long or far from my life.

"Come on. Don't look that way. Tomorrow, trust me you'll live sweetheart". Dad replied, the words threatening to burst open another rounds of laughter as I tried to not laugh but failed.

"Oh goody..." I said, imagining what I had to wear. I dreaded dates especially with this so called Damon.