Theo looked around the living room admiringly until his eyes caught sight of a picture, it was the picture of a girl. She resembled the girl he tried to bully today.
" Oh, here she comes " Mrs. Branks announced as Nina flaunted herself down the stairs.
Soon, she was walking into the living room. Theo turned to see who was coming and to his greatest surprise, it appeared to be his recent target of bully. Nina greeted and prostrated courteously to everyone until she saw someone she least expected to see.
" Theophilus"? she thought and stared at him astoundedly for a brief moment. They both stared at each other in Surprise momentarily.
" I guess it's love at first sight " Mrs. Parker teased and they all laughed.
" You have a really beautiful daughter. She has grown to be a perfect match for my son " Mr. William praised and they all laughed again. Nina disliked the atmosphere but kept quiet.
" Go sit beside him so we can get straight to the point " Me. Parker said, motioning to the seat Theo was sitting on.
" Oh, my god, I really hate what's going on " Nina thought as she sat beside Theo.
" Is she really this wealthy and she's looking dashingly gorgeous today. I hope she won't expose my wicked deeds " Theo thought and sighed. Nina crossed her legs while Theo faced another direction, trying to avoid making eye contact with Nina.
" So, we would be carrying out a ritual today. Something we started long ago " Mr. William began as he brought out two black ring boxes and took it to Nina and Theo. " Just pick one " Mr. William Parker instructed and Theo picked one, so did Nina.
" Today is your engagement day " Mr. William announced and everyone applauded.
" Wai..t a sec, what do you mean by engagement and who is getting engaged "? Nina and Theo chorused astoundedly.
" You two " Mr. William Parker answered.
" We sincerely apologise for not informing both of you beforehand, but it has to happen. You are betrothed to Theo " Mr. Anthony Branks said and Nina gasped.
" You mean this monster "? Nina exclaimed.
" You call my son a monster "? Mrs. Leah Parker asked surprised.
" I don't think you know your son too well. He's a bully, a savage, he makes life at school for students miserable. I can't get engaged to him, neither can I marry him " Nina stated firmly and sprang to her feet.
" This is a business partnership and not a child's play. You got betrothed to him when you were still a baby. We established a relationship in our companies with both of you as the foundation. We payed the price for our son to get betrothed to you. You can't stop it now, else everything we built will crash. You both will bring synergy to our companies. You both are the heirs to everything we have. You have to get engaged and then get married " Mr. William Parker explained with seriousness.
" Dad, and you never told me !!" Theo raved.
" I...I was just waiting for the right time and the right time is now " Mr. William Parker said sternly.
" No, I'm sorry I hate all this crap, everything going on here is a nightmare. I don't love Theo " Nina said amidst tears.
" Love doesn't matter " Mr. Anthony Branks interrupted.
" Even you dad ? You're with them ? Please take your ring, I'm sorry " Nina said and ran upstairs sobbing. Meanwhile Marlia watched the scenario unfolding before her with keen interest.
" You can't run from your responsibilities " Mr. Parker hollered and those words echoed in Nina's head. She slammed her door shut and locked it, leaving the key in the keyhole to prevent them from opening it with a spare key.
She sobbed noisily and lamented. She brought out her diary and wrote sadly:
~ Life is a ground of Thorns
It looks like flowers
But until you step on it
You'll never realise
You were blind. ~
Never believed my fate would be, to be betrothed to a monster.
Do I run ?!!!