' That's because you would help us do it, '
That was the only sentence that Arissa heard, and it lingered in her thoughts.
Help them do what and how?
"I made it clear that I do not want to be part of the company by leaving this country," Arissa said reminding her father before tossing the documents away to the standby table.
She has had enough of their madness in this short period she came in here. She turned around to the staircase to go back to her room and later sought herself out on her restriction letter.
Her parents are crazy...
"We have already arranged your marriage contract and the other family is a willing participant." Her mother spoke up and with this, Arissa turned forcefully back at them.
"Did you know what you are saying?" Arissa asked her mother, eyes wide open because now her fears became very perceptible, so was her rage and without hesitation, she yelled, "Have you gone mad? What did you just say?"
At her words, Laura charged forward to her and slapped her across the face hard "Don't forget I am your mother. How dare you talk to me with no conduct?" Laura asked in anger looking into Arissa's eyes.
Mr. Lincoln kept quiet and just stood at a spot and let his wife lash out. Arissa raised her hand and rubbed her face, numbing the pain. She felt bad about her words choice but_
"If you need a savior for your company, why did you not marry him yourself, Laura?" Arissa finally lost it. This is more worst than taking her freedom of traveling.
If she get married now, she would be a housewife like her mother and that's highly ridiculous. She does not want to be a sit-at-home wife of some rich business tycoon.
She's way too young to be doing that. She has a life she wants to continue.
"Arissa calms down," Her father said with his hand reaching out as he came closer to her. He can visibly see this is too much for her to take but he has to still do it. Her breakdown can't stop him, "I also did not marry your mother with love. It was the business case," he explained and was about to touch her shoulder when Arissa backed away.
"Don't touch me," Arissa gritted her teeth as she shifted away so her father's outstretched hand would not touch her.
Her father kept his hand down and his slight facade dropped, "Your contract is already signed up and whether you agree to add your signature or not, you would still get married. Your husband's family are higher-ups and your voice would not be heard." he threatened her.
"We can do something else, Father. We can start up other businesses," Arissa tried convincing her father calmly without letting them see how desperate she is.
Mr.s Lincoln just stood at a side and watched Arissa's expression. She expected her to be a crying mess now just like how her sister was when she heard this news but on the contrary, she is still calm and under control.
"You still have more fortunes right? And connections?" she asked her father looking into his eyes. He can't do this to her.
"They would all support you. Your business partners. Wouldn't they?" Arissa added and her mask almost fell off.
"We are taking no idea from you Maria," Mr. Lincoln downgraded her opinions, looking into her eyes, "You are getting married and nothing more"
Arissa gritted her teeth coldly and forced out a nonchalant smile. Anytime her father calls her by her middle name Marie, he wants no more opposition from her but_
"I will not get married Father," Arissa declared confidently to her father as she flicked her lower back brown thick hair to her back to be more confident.
"Then we freeze your bank accounts," her mother spoke up not able to withstand Arissa's confidence any longer.
Arissa passed her mother a mocking smile, "Sorry," Arissa scoffed, "I'm not like you Mother," she added passively with a smug expression, "I would work to eat." Arissa debated looking at her beautifully manicured nails indirectly showing them she is capable to work.
"I can open a cafe or be someone's house help or caregiver," Arissa said raising a brow "How about that? " she asked tauntingly.
The media already knows her as the younger daughter of the Lincoln family so how honorable would it be for her to be serving someone as a house help?
"You try no such th_"
"Laura!!" her father called her mother name sternly.
Mr. Lincoln hates how immature his daughter can make his wife be.
"Follow me, Marie," Mr. Lincoln said walking past her. Arissa blinked her eyes before taking a step forward.
If anything, she is marrying no one no matter the condition and no one would sway her away from her decision.
"Are you still a virgin Arissa?" her mother asked behind her as they walked out of the house to the outdoor basement, "Your suitor wants you as a virgin," her mother continue when the father-daughter duo just walked through without a word.
Arissa did not answer but the question hit her. "My suitor does have a choice," Arissa said inwardly, and a devious scheme formed inside her head.