Chapter 3: Marriage proposal

~Find a place where every single thing you see tells you to stay~

At that moment, Mr. Black cleared his throat. He just gave him a mere glance and continued activity again. "Zion, I want you to finish your schooling and go to Korea for a short while". Aiden Black knew only straightforward things would work on him. For the first time he looked at his father with deep interest. "And will you bother to tell me why?" he was asking with sarcasm.

"We want you to get married and I am planning to start my business there. IT companies and technology of Korea are top notch and with our name it is just a matter of time to flourish there. "It is better to finish your schooling here and learn things in Korea for a month or two during your vacations. After that, you can come back to Manchester to continue your studies".  

Zion did not hear him after the word marriage. Does his father even know what is he saying? Marriage??? He is only 19 now. "Where did this idea of marriage landed from? And you know I am not the type to get married nor I like any commitments. So, this topic is closed here about the rest regarding the business... I can only do the part of living there or helping you for a short period of time."

Zion announced his decision. He was getting mad at his parents. How can they talk about marriage?

"Wow.." he clapped and in the next second out of bewilderment. More he thought about it, the more ridiculous the situation appeared to him.

"Zion we are serious here". Angela appeared to be damn tense.

He really did not take them seriously. The smirk he had on the face vanished. "WHAT THE FU*K, MOM. He shouted. "THIS IS FU*KING MY LIFE, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO DO THIS". This news was beyond his imagination. His parents expected such a reaction from him. That's why they were calm. They wanted him to vent out all the rage and anger. Because, a person loses his ability to think or make a decision in anger.

"I AM TELLING YOU... NEVER SAY THIS TO ME AGAIN". His eyes and face turned red. He thinks of marriage as a taboo.

Out of anger, he threw the mobile phone on the wall. It broke into pieces. "Will you relax and listen to us?" Angela was mad after hearing his rough language and watching his rude behaviour. "That's enough".

"WHAT ENOUGH MOM? I SHOULD BE SAYING THIS". He pulled his hair in frustration, "UGHH..." He shouted.

"It is just a paper marriage. You are only giving a girl your identity for a short while. After her situation will be resolved, you can get divorced. We will not register your marriage too. Just sign the papers and that's it". Aiden Black explained in a hurry. Because they don't know when he will lose his wits.

Zion raised an eyebrow. Okay, this isn't what he expected it to be. "Still no".

"Please, Zion. It will not affect you in any way. You are just helping...." he cut his mother in the middle. "You know I don't help others".

Mr. Black let out a long sigh. "Just for sometime". It was his last futile effort.

"Who is she? Why are so guys so hell bent on this matter? As far as I remember you never forced me". He was curious about the situation.

"You know my friend in Korea, Anna, right? She is her daughter. She is in a tough situation." Angela said. She really wants to help her. Even though she knows what a womanizer and jerk Zion is. But they don't have to know each other. It is simply a paper marriage and it can be nullified after they will turn adult.

They want him to go to Korea using company as an excuse, so he could get to know Hannah. In that time, they will get her Green card and help her in getting admission in Manchester.

Hannah will be safe that way even in her home. Since, her stepfather will be aware of her marriage and also they have 100% faith on their son that he will protect her.

The knot of marriage has an irresistible charm. It will change him. Considering his sense of possessiveness there is no doubt left.

"I am so young, Mom". He gave an excuse.

"While drinking you forget about the age, right?" Angela jabbed him. They are forcing him for the marriage which has no legal liability.

"I don't know anymore". He scoffed.

"Okay, see her picture first". The mother knows her child the best. She knew there are 90% chances that he would not reject her. She put her mobile phone in front of him.

With the rage filled eyes, he glanced at his parents and then at the picture. A young and beautiful girl came into the sight. Her dark hair opened, hanging like snakes till her waist. Her skin was so fair that even through the picture he can see her veins. She was smiling but something was off about her eyes. They were dark with nothing special, but it looked like they were screaming.

They are holding emotions, which he exactly doesn't know what they are.

His curiosity suddenly perked up.

"So, will you?" Mr. Black asked while looking at his expressions.

During that moment, he really wanted to say yes. But that was not easy.

"Isn't there any other option?" He asked.

"No. If there was, we shouldn't be forcing you." Angela said indifferently.

Zion thought for a while. "Okay. I repeat it will be just a paper marriage". He empathized each and every word.

"Sure". Angela gave him the best smile while he went to the bedroom with a thumping heart.

"YOU ARE INSANE, ZION". He regretted it immediately. But there's no way back. The water has already surpassed his head.

(Early in the morning, scene before talking with Zion about marriage.)

Angela waited for Zion to wake up, she made a call to her only friend to kill the boredom. Anna used to live in Manchester too. But that was only for the short period of time. Just during the early days of wedding. She got her studies and everything done in Korea. Hannah is a hybrid. British and korean. However, Angela is also Korean. Her family lives in Korea. She immigrated here after her marriage. Angela and Anna are best friends. Everyone knows about it. Zion and Hannah too. But this friendship was only restricted to the older generation. The youngsters never met nor did they know about each other.

Anna was depressed when she got the call from Angela. Angela immediately sensed that something is off. Anna had no intentions to tell her about what happened. It was an embarrassing situation and it will only ruin her image. But the curiosity and worry was killing her so she forced her a little, "Anna if you will not tell me what had happened I swear that I will never call you nor attend it anymore. Hurry up and spill. Is Hannah okay?" She asked randomly.

Actually, Angela has always liked Hannah. She talks to her occasionally too and due to her innocence and calm personality she likes her more and always wished for Zion and Hannah to end up together. She believes that Hannah will be able to change him.

"What happened is....." and Anna gave her a brief explanation.

"WHAT!!!!" Angela shouted in disbelief.

"Calm down and please tell me what should I do? I am hell worried about her. If I will send her away, I don't know what type of people will encounter her. She is not safe at home and obviously not out too". Anna was sharing the deep secret. A secret which she has no strength to tell others.

At the moment, Iva came to ask about Zion, "Madam, shall I wake up the young master?"

Angela's mind clicked suddenly. "No, wait." She stopped him.

"Anna I will call you again. I think I have found a solution for your problem. Wait for my call". Angela said and ended the call.

She dialed the number of her husband. "Darling..." she said in a sweet voice.

Aiden Black knew she was up to something. The only thing that housewives do is planning. "What do you want? I think my credit cards are with you". He teased her. Because she loves spending money.

"Don't start again." She hesitated a little, "I want to marry Zion."

Mr. Black was surprised by her sudden request and explained the whole plan with him. "Will he agree?" That was the hardest part of this whole plan. What will happen if the male lead will not agree?

"We have to make sure that he will". She grinned.

Aiden Black came home earlier but Zion went out. They did not call him to disturb or spoil his mood and with their perfect planning the plan was executed excellently.

Zion could not sleep the whole night. He could not brush off her eyes from the mind. Having a perfect IQ is not a bliss. It is a curse too. There are most of the things in our lives and memories which we wish to forget or delete from our lives but he is not able to do that. He remembers them in all the situations and they are gonna chase him until his death.

Most of all, he does not get drunk. No matter how strong a drink is, or how much he drinks he never loses his senses when all of his friends pass out even with a half of quality as him.

With frustration, he got up, changed the clothes and drove to the school. He does not have a license but due to the name of his parents no one can stop him. He got out of the black Bentley and his gang came to meet him.

Zion has two friends. Nef and Ron. They are his childhood friends and perfect lunatics for him. "Hey man!!" Ron gave him a high five. But his facial expressions were totally off. He was walking slowly and only realized when Nef punched his back.

"Speed up or Mr. Gorge will eat us alive".

He went to the class with a heavy heart.