I was surprised at the number of that showed up to her funeral. My father delivered an eulogy to the gathering.
Later on, I stood near her grave while my father greeted the guests.
Suddenly, I felt someone staring at me. I looked around and there, behind a tree, I saw a man standing.
I couldn't recognize him from the distance. But I knew I never met him.
By the way he was standing, he looked depressed.
Maybe he was a friend of hers.
"Lily. Your father is calling you." My father's secretary, Isabella knocked on the door.
I had locked myself in my room after her funeral and I think it has been a few days. I decided to stay silent.
"Lily, are you okay?" She asked, sounding more concerned.
I didn't want to worry her for no reason. Just like us, she was also going through a lot.
In our house, I can't name a person who didn't like Allison. She and Allison were really close. And Ally used to think of Bella as her own sister.
"Yeah. I'm fine, Bella. I'll meet him sometime later." I replied.
"Okay, I'll inform him." she said and I heard her steps receding.
A little while later, I walked out of my room. My own house looked surreal and I was a bit glad I stepped out. I walked to my father's room, taking my own time and absorbing my surroundings.
"My condolences for Oliver. It must have been really hard for your family." I heard my father speaking, once I reached there.
Oliver? Who is he talking about and to who?
Oh wait, Oliver Anstey? That boy who committed suicide recently. I remember reading about him in the news.
"Yes, it sure was hard to cope with this unlucky accident." Another deep, masculine voice spoke.
I didn't hear anything from the room a few seconds.
"I can't believe my company is in such a miserable state. I'm afraid it will only last a few more days, Anstey." My father said.
"I am willing to help you out. I just ask for one thing in return." Mr. Anstey replied.
"Oh, please go on."
"I believe it is time, that we change our friendship into a kinship. My younger son has reached the right age for marriage. If it's alright with you, we may discuss further." The other voice continued.
"Oh! Anstey, I'm more than alright. Please, please, let's continue." My father laughed.
Why is he trying to sell me off? I'm not his asset.
He wants me to get married to a complete stranger because he wants to save the company.
He is the one who told me, two people marry each other when they love each other and want to spend their entire lives together.
I tightened my fists and continued listening to them.
"Andrew is still not doing great. Since, Oliver was supposed to succeed me, he wasn't really worried. But now, he feels more pressure on his shoulders.." Mr. Anstey said in a soft voice but I heard it.
"He might be a little difficult but I am sure you will like him, Wilson." he continued.
"Looking forward to meet him. Hmm, I remember a quote. If something bad happens, something good will come out of it. I guess it really is true." My father laughed.
Mr. Anstey started laughing as well and said, "This is a great opportunity for us to become closer."
"Indeed, it is." I heard two glasses clink.
While walking back to my room, I was filled with anger and confusion.
How could he? Shouldn't my opinion on my own marriage also be considered?
Maybe an hour later, I looked outside from my window and saw Mr. Anstey leaving and my father standing, waving, looking so proud of his decisions.
I went to meet him at once. I can't marry this Andrew guy. I won't.
"Oh, Lily, come here. We need to talk. I have something great to tell you." My father smiled once he saw me coming down the stairs.
"I overheard your conversation with Mr. Anstey." I said.
"Hmm, then this should be easy. You will be marrying Andrew Anstey. He is a good guy." He said and walked into his room.
I followed him and closed the door behind me. He sat on his chair, so calm and so guiltless.
"Father.. I don't know him. I don't want to marry him!" I screamed.
"Lily, it's for the good of our company. His father is a very rich investor. He might help our bankrupt company." My father spoke, as stern as ever.
"Why have you been so cold and distant ever since she passed away? I'm your daughter too. Don't you care about me at all?" I said, hoping he can't see my tears.
He remained quiet.
"She was attacked.. Have you ever tried to investigate her death? Or did you just accept her death like the coward old man you are?" I said.
He looked at me in the eyes. I could tell how furious he was. For what though? Because I said the truth?
"You are going to marry him." he said, gritting his teeth now.
I knew I won't be able to change his mind.
"Thank you for everything, Mr.Wilson." I said and walked out.
He doesn't care about me, hell, I don't think he ever did.
Everything has been going bad after her death.
"Take care of him for me." I remembered my sister's last wish.
How am I supposed to take care of him when I DON'T KNOW HIM? I.. I never met your boyfriend. You never told me his name. Why didn't you tell me any information about him?
How will I be able to fulfill your last wish?
And I'm not even sure if you were talking about your boyfriend. It could be anyone. I don't know, Ally.
Either way, Wilson is not my father anymore. I hardly remember when he last acted like one.
-----------End-----------