Coming of age in New York city as the daughter of the patriarch and New York oil Baron, my father offer me a life adorned with privilege, As the CEO of a major oil conglomerate, my father wielded control over verse reserve and pipe lines
my up bringing was marked by abundance I never found myself lacking any material comfort Hunger was an unfamiliar concept and I always enjoy the luxury of a comfortable bed.
How ever amidst the opulence what eluded me was not monetary but emotional wealth. my deepest yarning transcended material possession - I craved love, family and freedom from constraints of my life meticulously controlled by my father
While the city thrived under my father's economic prowess, i grappled with the intangible void within my heart.
At the tender age of sixteen, I received a life altering news of my arranged marriage to the son of Mr Montgon I had never set my eyes on
"father..." I began tentatively
"I'm sure you remember the marriage deal" he interject
father I'm just twenty and just started my collage life... I'm too young for that and I can't possibly commit to marrying someone I barely know" my voice broke down as I fought back my tears, the prospect of tying my fate to a boy I had never met filled me with mixture of prehension and resignation, as I grapple with the unfolding reality of a life planned without my consent
The marriage seems to be a culmination of my father's ambition and the unrelenting expectations of high society, leaving Me to navigate uncharted waters with trepidation and uncertainty
"Barely know? my father's question lingered in the air stark and unyielding. his voice demanded answers yet offered no insight into the motives behind the interrogative words
I swallowed a sense of emptiness as his stern gaze met mine I immediately regretted my words though I haven't set my eyes on the son of Mr Montgon
did you just say a marriage I've trained you for years is something you barely know? he fixed his stern gaze at me I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out
Tears rolled down freely as I pondered what would become of me
The imminent arranged marriage a pact made when I was still young threatened to shatter my dreams of love and freedom
my father stood up straightening his suit before announcing
"Mr Montgon and his son are coming tomorrow" my eyes widened as I stared at him
It's for the dinner meeting at 5pm get ready before then your engagement Gala ceremony is in three days time…we need to start preparing for the marriage arrangements… it should be done before the end of next week"
Wow, I stared at my father in disbelief and in tears
And just like that I'm getting married" tears rolled down my eyes as I contemplate a future dicteted by my father's unyielding decisions. My father left the living room leaving me to confront a destiny I never wanted
My father and Mr Demien Montgon An Oil Tycoon and the CEO of EVERCORP oil company. Known for his ruthless business tactics, calculated demeanor, and cold disposition, orchestrated this union to strengthen the families's bond in their oil business collaborations, linking my destiny with the son of one of the most notorious oil Tycoon, Mr. Montgon's influence in the oil industry cast a long shadow.
This impending marriage thrust me into a future dictated by the whims of my father and the demands of a man i knew only by family reputation
I never for once considered getting married after the incident of two years ago
The night I was assaulted, I pondered how I'll cope with my nighthmare and the impending marriage
A flood of tears welled up in my eyes as I revisited the chapter of my past life, the emotional journey encompass the heartbreak inflicted by my ex-boyfriend Jason, the haunting memories of the dreadful Gala night and the enigmatic mask that concealed Anthonio's face shrouding his actions into Mistry
Each element of my past seemed to intertwine, forming a complex tapestry of emotions.
The echoes of Jason's betrayal resonated in my heart, the wounds from our broken relationship still fresh. The Gala night, etched in my memory, bore the weight of an unsettling event that left its mark on my soul.
And then there was Anthonio, his mask becoming a symbolic representation of the secrets and uncertainties that enveloped our interactions.
The ambiguity of his actions added another layer to my emotional turmoil, leaving me grappling with unanswered questions.
As tears blurred my vision, each component of my past life unfolded, revealing a narrative of heartache, betrayal, and the lingering shadows of unanswered questions.
The complexities of my emotional journey unfolded like a poignant novel, capturing the essence of my experiences and the intricacies that defined my path.
I harbors a strong aversion towards men and desires no connection with them after the rape incident.
However, circumstances have led to my impending marriage to someone i have never laid eyes on.
As i faces the harsh reality, the nightmarish memories of a horrible incident two years ago resurface, leaving me to confront a destiny i had hoped to avoid.
I ran upstairs to my En-suite in tears the En-suite an epitome of indulgence open with grand double doors as I ran in with tears, I slumped on the Queen-size bed draped in silkens sheets that seem plucked from a royal abode
I cried loudly surprising Michelle and Hailey who were waiting for me in my En-suite
"Alison…" Michelle and Hailey exchanged surprised looks.
"What's wrong?"
"Why does he hate me so much…" I cried, facing them.
"Do I deserve all this? Isn't death much preferable?" I exclaimed, making them scream with disbelief.
"Alison, why would you say that?" They both scolded in disbelief, but I meant what I said. My heart ached, and it would have been better if I had died during birth.
"What did I do wrong to deserve all the unfair treatment and pain life has been giving me…" I wailed, making my friends speechless and emotional.
"Alison, come on." Michelle hugged me as I continued crying, and Hailey joined.
"Why is my life his … why does he have to choose everything for me…" I sobbed in-between their hugs.
"I can't pinpoint a specific reason, but everything he does feels like an attack on me, as if I'm a constant disappointment to him," I continued, my voice filled with the pain that had been festering within.
"Alison, what happened…" Michelle broke the hug and stared at me. I pulled away from them and wiped my eyes.
"I want to be alone… I need you guys to leave…"
"No, Alison…" Michelle shook her head negatively.
"Why can't you guys just leave me like everyone else and let me be alone…" I shouted.
"We can't, not in this state of yours," Michelle persisted.
"You need to tell us what's wrong," Hailey said, and I sighed, laying on the bed. Frustrations hung in the air as their interrogations met with my stoic silence.
I wasn't ready to start a conversation. I just want to be alone, but it seems they aren't ready to leave as well.
My heart weighed heavy with the burden of past sorrows and the looming uncertainty of the marriage ahead of me. I sniffed and raised my head.
"Can you talk to us now?" Michelle inquired, her eyes filled with concern.
With a heavy sigh, I rose from the bed, feeling their eyes tracking my every move.
"Well, my father has this crazy idea of reviving the arranged marriage that I thought was canceled."
"OMG, the deal you told us about?" Michelle exclaimed, her disbelief palpable. I could only nod sadly.
"Sorry to say, but he's such an asshole... you just turned twenty last month," Hailey remarked, disbelief etched across her face.
"I haven't even met the so-called guy before," I scoffed, a mix of hurt and incredulity evident in my voice.
"This is crazy."
"It's really unbelievable."
"It is... I mean, my life was never mine. He owns it and could do whatever he wants with it. The whole deal has been there since I was a child," I confessed, almost breaking down in tears.
"Alison, I'm so sorry. I wish I could do something," Michelle expressed, a mix of empathy and helplessness in her voice.
"When did he say the marriage is happening?" Hailey asked
I continued bitterly, "Montgon and his son are coming tomorrow for a dinner meeting, says my life owner." I added the last part sarcastically.
"Hey, don't say that," Hailey scolded. "That's too quick, considering you both haven't met before," Michelle added, expressing her concern about the fast-paced arrangement.
" Its risky marrying someone you don't know."
"Mostly if he's strict... the name Montgon kind of sounds familiar," Michelle said, trying to recall where she heard the name.
"Yeah, I think I've heard that before," Hailey added.
"I hate my life right now," tears welled up in my eyes again.
"Hey, Alison, let's forget about that for now," Michelle suggested, trying to bring some comfort.
"Yeah, at least the marriage is not today, and it won't be the end of you," Hailey reassured me with soothing words.
"Who knows, you both might get to like each other later... it happens," Michelle shrugged optimistically. I couldn't even imagine myself falling in love with a guy after what I had been through because of guys.
"Those are in the movies, silly you. This is not one of your boring romance movies," Hailey playfully hit Michelle.
"Just saying, but I'm certain..." Michelle shrugged, and I rolled my eyes in response. It seemed impossible, and I already hated him.
Alright, Alison, since your father is around and the pool party plan is a no-go, why not continue the celebration at Styles' concert?"
Michelle suggested, her eyes glinting with excitement. They both glanced at me, perhaps aware of the hesitation lingering in my mind. Stuck in the whirlwind of thoughts about the impending arranged marriage, a concert seemed like a welcome distraction.
"Yeah, you're right. That's exactly what I need right now," I decided, rising from the bed.
"Alison, are you sure about this?" Michelle questioned, her concern evident.
"Well, yeah. There won't be any Jason kissing Maria at the concert, and there won't be any drinking or even Antho..." I trailed off, hesitating to disclose what hovered on the tip of my tongue. The truth lingered in the shadows, an unspeakable weight I wasn't ready to share.
I couldn't bring myself to reveal that my assailant was, in fact, Anthonio. It felt surreal, almost absurd, but The name "Anthonio" lingered in my thoughts, and I couldn't shake off the vivid image of his masked face, the image of his masked face that haunted my thoughts relentlessly.
The memory etched in my mind included his distinct features—those thick eyebrows and that eccentric haircut, details that intertwined with the trauma, making it all the more challenging to articulate the reality I faced.
"Why the weird looks?" I asked, noticing their peculiar stares.
"Ummm... why don't you shower while we select something for you to put on?" Michelle suggested, attempting to shift the focus. I shrugged in agreement.
"Okay."
"What about your father? He might get mad if you go out without..." Hailey started, expressing concern.
"Rick will take care of that. I'll tell him to find a way to cover up," I assured them.
"Okay, I can't wait," Hailey smiled, and I shook my head, heading towards the bathroom. The prospect of escaping into the music-filled atmosphere of the concert seemed like a temporary reprieve from the complex web of my life.