March 11, 2017
{NICHOLAS}
My parents had always told me they had a plan for me.
A plan?
You would think that all your parents would want is for you to be happy and successful in doing something you liked and were making money.
No, my parents wanted control. They wanted to control my entire life. They didn't understand the fact that they've already lived and have to let me live too.
I already knew this would happen, and it really means nothing to me. The fact that they've even talked to me about getting married to someone has brushed off my shoulders.
Who needs to be married? It's a statement in a piece of paper that repress a fake emotion.
Love?
Yeah, okay. Love exits alright. It's a sickness, made up as an excuse for people to do stupid things and blame it on a single word.
So, today here I am. The house of the "pretty girl" I'm supposedly marrying soon. I really hoped she would come in terms of what it means to be married to me. I didn't want to struggle with this but I figured it wouldn't be hard to adjust.
When I showed up to the house my first thought was: easy. She had a house bigger than my own actually, but there had been rumors about her family losing all their money. It scared me that that was the only reason that she wants to marry me. Interested bitch.
Still, I didn't care. The only reason I was actually even doing this was that my dad threatened me into it a few days ago. I hated having to prove myself. I didn't care who, I just hated it. Especially when I had to prove myself to my own dad.
March 7, 2017
"I'm tired of this Nicholas, you've deceived me in every way and challenged everything I've ever tried to teach you!" My father told me, sitting up on his chair. I sat in front of his desk, slumped and I sighed.
I always had to hear this. It wasn't fair. What was wrong with me being myself? Was I supposed to be some quiet, formal asshole all the time that only cares about business? No!
Life is way too short to sit in an office all day and discipline your ADULT son.
"Dad, stop. It wasn't a big deal and who cares anyway? I'm just trying to live my life!" Not my fault you don't have one.
See, this all started because I was on the news today. Someone had followed me and posted a video of me making out with a girl on social media. Let's just say she wasn't exactly ... decent? Respectable? I don't know. But so many men do it? Why am I being put on a microscope for it? That's just people on TV trying to make money off someone.
"I cannot have the successor of a company I've worked so hard to establish in the news for hooking up with strangers in bars! Nicholas, you are not a teenager anymore. That time is over and it's time to move on with your life." He said, standing up, causing me to stand too. He looked serious, his eyebrows were furrowed almost together and his face was so pale. I wondered why he always had such a problem with me.
"Exactly! I'm an adult, stop treating me like a child!" I said loudly and scoffed, taking a step back towards the door.
"The day you stop acting like a child will be the day I stop treating you like one, son." He said in a low voice, walking over to me.
"What, dad? What could I possibly do?"
March 11, 2017
That brings us back to today, going through with this stupid marriage will make my father finally convinced I'm capable of being a mature adult and able to run our company.
The moment the door opened and I saw the Lombardi's, I paused. I knew them, they were regulars at The Club like I was. In fact, I know James - we used to play together before he had left for university. I gave my best smile as I walked in the door but my smile faded slightly when I saw her.
Her.
The woman I was supposed to marry to please my father and get him off my back about my irresponsibility.
"Emmeline," I said without thinking about it, tilting my head to the side a bit.
"D-do I know you?" She asked me, extending her hand out and I shook it.
"Oh, yes," I said with a smirk. "You were just finished playing tennis and we bumped into each other the other day," I said, not including the part that she looked so damn hot in that tiny skirt and sweat everywhere. I think that's too much for a first date, right?
"Oh, yeah! Um... Nick." She said and I nodded, looking down at something shiny on her neck. I didn't see it very well but it looked like a name. She must've noticed I saw it because she moved so her clothes covered it. Oh, I love a girl who wants to hide secrets. Because I'm the best at finding them out.
"That's me," I said. I wanted to say more to her but I was rudely interrupted by our parents telling us to sit and eat.
Dinner was pretty good, Emmeline has good staff. I was surprised my parents didn't get straight to the point. We talked about work and I actually got to know a little more about my.. future wife. It was so weird that we all knew it but no one acted or talked about it. After dinner, Emmeline excused herself and I watched as she left.
She was gorgeous, everywhere. It was just really sad that all she wanted was money. I could tell Emmeline's mom was the exact same way. Just by her way.
Her dad seemed distant, he was most definitely evaluating me a lot closer than Mrs. Lombardi. I could tell she wouldn't care if it was me or a man her husband's age. She would just be happy that her daughter was giving her money.
It's sad, that her family was willing to practically sell their daughter to the best bidder.
"So, Nicholas.." I heard Mr. Lombardi's voice stern and I felt his intense gaze on me as the staff has begun to take all the dishes and cups away and begun to bring the dessert up. "I know that you're naturally aware that I love my daughter more than life itself." He started, oh no. He talks just like my dad this is one of those stupid nice threats.
"We both do." Her mom interjected. I tried to hold back a laugh but I couldn't help to show a mocking smile.
"She's always lived with us and I know that this will be a huge change for the both of you. In fact, we've decided its better hold the wedding to a few months.." Shit, when were they planning to do this, this weekend? "We want you and Emmeline to actually get to know each other. You guys seem to have good relations already." He said and I smiled to myself.
Oh, I'll show her some good relations. Let me stop. I have to take this seriously.
I continued to listen, trying to not say anything back. It was easy because I tried to listen to the good parts like when they said we'll be happy and live together and unicorns and rainbows all around.
"My daughter is a kind and loving person, and she believes in marriage being about love." He explained. Oh, I didn't expect that one. Maybe she wasn't that interested in my money, it was that she's trying to be Ms. Martyr and sacrifice herself for her family's well-being. Dully noted. "I want you guys to get to know each other and see where it goes, but nothing is official yet."
{EMMELINE}
The level of discomfort and awkwardness I felt in this moment were inexplicable. I had a horrible feeling in my stomach that made me want to throw up.
I couldn't believe this. On top of the fact that it was Nicholas Aleshire I had to marry, I was wearing Stefan's necklace still and I was dead if someone saw it on me. Thankfully I remembered last minute. I took off the necklace and put it in one of my drawers, sighing and rolling my eyes. I hate it when James comes into my room and doesn't turn off the TV. I stopped when I saw no other than the man I'm being introduced to downstairs on the TV. I widened my eyes and I felt a heavy feeling in my chest. I had heard of him before but I had never seen his face. This proved my point even more. This wasn't the kind of man I wanted to marry. I want to marry Stefan and be with him.
A man that is caught on camera doing this, doesn't matter who the woman is, isn't a man. He supposed to be a good ethical example to society. I can assure anyone that if he wasn't working for his own family he would surely be fired.
I walked back downstairs and pulled down my skirt, putting my hair behind my neck. I felt hot like I was standing in front of the literal sun. This whole situation just made me sick beyond belief. I didn't know how I could possibly get out of this. Was there a way out?
I walked slowly as I made my way to the kitchen, I didn't know what they were all talking about but I heard my name. Why would they talk about me when I'm not there? I bit my lip and got closer, stopping when I felt the staff's eyes on me from the other room but I knew they wouldn't say anything.
"So, you really do want us to go through with this?" Nicholas asked.
"It is for the best, son." Mr. Aleshire added.
"Kol, if your son doesn't want to do this he doesn't have to. We understand that he's young and has a life to live." My father said.
"Your daughter is young too... why not let her find love on her own?" Persephone said, running a hand through her short hair.
"This isn't about love, mom. Let's stop pretending that's what it is going to be. Can we at least be honest about that? The one mostly compromised here is me? I'm supposed to marry a pretty girl and give her all my money, after all." Nicholas said with a shrug.
"I will not allow you to disrespect my daughter like that, I told you Emmeline wants to see if she can find love in a life with you. If she doesn't want to marry you, she won't." My dad said loudly.
"If that's really what you think of me then why are you here?" I said, walking into the room and sitting down in my seat in front of him. I flashed him a challenging smile.
"Emmeline--" He said and chuckled.
"No, you know what? Even if that was the case what different am I than that woman you got caught with last week? Isn't that what you gave her?" I said, crossing my arms.
"Emmeline do not compare yourself to that kind of woman." My mom said from beside me, her face clearly showing surprise. Of course! My mom knows about Nicholas being caught on camera with her and still wants me to marry him. Absolutely unbelievable.
"No, I'm just saying what he's basically implying." I shrugged and fake smiled at Nicholas.
"You really think that's the same thing. I'm legally giving everything I have for life, not a night." Nicholas said and I shook my head. Yeah, he had a point but essentially if you think about it he was basically saying I was selling myself out for money.
"I'm not for sale, Nicholas." I said and stared at him, disgusted beyond belief. I hated the way he looked at me.
"You know, I think my son meant to say something different. He's been acting differently and we have had a conference about his interest in changing his... habits. Why don't you give him a chance, sweetheart? Please?" Mr. Aleshire said and gave me a sad look.
"Fine," I said and looked at him. I wanted to slap away that stupid smirk off his face and tear his eyes out every time he looked at me like I was his next lunch.
"Give him six months, half a year should be good to plan a wedding and ensure that everyone believes you both want to get married." My mom said and I hummed.
"Five, not one more day," I said and Nicholas nodded like that was all he needed. This won't work and it simply won't work because I know what kind of man he is now and there's absolutely no way he'll get away with this. Especially because I'm in love with Stefan.