"So, Rika, what do you say? Would you like to be my partner for the upcoming-"
"No, I don't want to. I already have someone taking me to the Union Conference, and I have already said 'yes' to them. I am afraid I cannot go with you, Mark."
Mark's expression went stiff instantly, and even her mother looked uncomfortable hearing what Rika had to say about her decision to go to the union conference.
Rika had to admit that it felt nice to see her mother and her brother look this stunned after what they had heard.
Her brother moved, but Rika saw it too late.
By the time she realized what had happened, Mark had grabbed her shoulder and spun Rika around so that she faced him.
His grip felt bruising, and Rika cringed as soon as she felt those hands gripping her arm. She lacked the strength to break free from her brother's grasp.
