3
"So, you won't call the cops?" Aunt Tilly asked for the twelfth time, adding more wool to her knitting needle. Summers' lips twisted slightly. No one would ever understand. She moved closer to Tilly and whispered in her ear.
"My dad is involved in some shady dealings with powerful people. His connections shield him from any legal consequences. Even if I tried to call the cops, no one would dare act against him. It's hopeless," she explained, standing up.
"Summers, I'm so sorry," Tilly dropped her knitting onto the bed.
"For what?" Summers chuckled.
"For not being like my sister, your mom! She was amazing—formidable. She never wanted any of you to face your father's wrath, and I'm nothing like that." Tilly had a sad smile.
Summers turned to her with a grin. "Oh, Aunt Tilly, that's okay. You couldn't have just stepped in; it would've been bad for me and Exa, especially Exa... And I'd rather get hurt than let anything happen to her. It's not the first time I've been through this. Worse has happened. Don't be angry about it. Being too strong kills, and that's what happened to Mom. Let's be careful," Summers concluded, pulling Tilly into a hug.
Tilly smiled, a sense of relief washing over her. Breaking the hug, Summers asked, "Where's Exa? I haven't seen her."
"She's in her room, taking a long nap. She's a little down, but after the nap, everything will be good as new," Tilly smiled.
"Alright, I'll go downstairs and check the fridge. My stomach's growling," Summers said with a smile, causing Tilly to laugh.
"Alright!" Tilly replied.
Summers descended the stairs, heading for the refrigerator. When she opened it, she was met with disappointment—no groceries.
"Ugh!" she groaned, pouting slightly.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket as she pulled it out, grabbing some milk from the fridge. She glanced at the caller ID—"Unknown."
Her brow furrowed as she took a sip of the milk. The phone kept buzzing, so she picked it up.
"Hello?" she asked cautiously.
"Hey... Hey Summers, it's me!" A familiar voice spoke. Her heart pounded in her chest.
"Who?" she asked, carefully choosing her words.
"What?! You don't have my number? It's me, Jackson," he chuckled.
Suddenly, Summers felt a wave of anger wash over her. Her head felt hot.
"Jackson, what the hell do you want?" she asked, her voice shaking despite her attempt to sound brave.
"Don't tell me you're mad. I told Marley to tell you the text was a freak accident. She didn't?" he replied.
Summers took a sharp breath, her eyes welling up. "Screw you, Jackson! Leave me alone. Go ahead and be with that blonde bitch of yours!" she shouted, hanging up.
"Who were you talking to?" Her father's husky voice startled her, and she quickly slipped her phone into her back pocket.
"N-No one..." she stammered, looking down.
Her phone began buzzing again, continuously, as her father's eyes narrowed at her.
"Go sit down," he ordered.
Summers walked past him gingerly, her sigh barely audible, and sat on the couch. She looked up, meeting his gaze. He sat down closer to her, making her feel uncomfortable, but she held his gaze with fear, unsure of what he would do next.
"I've arranged a marriage for you," he said bluntly, as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world.
Summers' eyes widened. "Hmm?"
" I said I've arranged a marriage for you, don't make me repeat myself" He yelled
" what?!" Her voice trembled with disbelief
"You're going to marry Kelvin Brooks," he continued, ignoring her reaction.
"It's already decided."
"I can't marry him!" Summers stated, Her voice firm as he shot a death glare at her
" You will" He retorted, his voice carrying authority.
"I- I can't marry him" her voice shaking with both anger and fear. "You can't do this."
"I can and I did," he responded coldly. "You think I care about what you want? This isn't about you, Summers. It's about the family. You'll marry him, and that's final."
Her father's eyes flicked back to his desk, already disinterested in her emotions. His decision was made and no pleading was going to change it.
Summers felt her chest tighten, anger mixing with desperation.
"What family?" she shot back, her voice shaking. "There's no family. You only want what's best for you and you alone. You've never cared about any of us!"
Mr. McAteer's face hardened at her words. His eyes, cold and unforgiving, narrowed in irritation.
"You think your opinion matters here? You're lucky I'm giving you a chance to contribute anything to this family. Do you think anyone else would tolerate your disrespect?"
Summers clenched her fists. "He's my cousin for crying out loud! You expect me to just go along with this? To marry him like it's some business deal? How can you do this to me?"
Mr. McAteer rose slowly from his chair, his posture rigid with anger. "Enough. You'll do as you're told. This isn't a discussion."
Summers shook her head, her voice breaking. "I won't marry him. I can't—"
Without warning, her father's hand twitched, and he stepped toward her, his arm raising as if to strike. Summers flinched instinctively, bracing for the hit—
But then a knock sounded, sharp and sudden, freezing both of them in place.
Mr. McAteer's eyes darted slowly towards the door, his voice low and sharp.
"Who is it?"
The door creaked open, and in walked Kelvin Brooks, dressed impeccably in a tailored gray suit, his dark hair slicked back with an air of smug confidence.
He moved like a gentleman, every step deliberate and smooth, but Summers could see through the facade. Her heart tightened with disgust.
Kelvin greeted Mr. McAteer with a firm handshake, flashing a polite smile.
"Uncle," he said, his tone respectful.
Mr. McAteer's scowl melted away, replaced by a warmth that made Summers' stomach churn. He acted too well around him, suddenly friendly, even doting, as if the previous confrontation had never happened.
"Kelvin, it's good to see you. You've grown into a fine young man," her father said, his voice dripping with approval. Summers rolled her eyes at the show.
Kelvin turned his gaze to her, his smile widening as if he hadn't noticed her coldness.
"Summers," he said smoothly.
Summers refused to reply. Kelvin had been her worst cousin back when they were kids—especially during their teenage years. He constantly made her uncomfortable with his remarks, always telling her how much he admired her body. He was such a pervert back then.
And now, even though years had passed, she still felt uneasy under his gaze, especially as his eyes swept over her chest. She shifted uncomfortably, but under her father's hard stare, she felt forced to respond.
"Hi," she muttered through gritted teeth, causing a smirk to form on Kelvin's lips.
Fear settled deep in Summers' chest. She just wanted to be free—free from the mess of her broken heart after being dumped by someone she trusted. She wasn't ready for another relationship, much less a marriage. And especially not with Kelvin.
She didn't want to marry him. He wasn't right for her. Tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them back, determined not to cry in front of him.
"How about we go out for a bite to eat? It'd be nice to spend some time together, get to know each other better," he said, smiling.
Summers' skin crawled at the thought of being alone with him—her cousin. The bile rose in her throat, but her father's expectant glare left her feeling cornered.
As she glanced at Kelvin again, she had to admit he was different now. He had grown more attractive and carried himself with a poised confidence. He was no longer the awkward teenager she remembered.
Now, he was the head neurologist at a prestigious hospital, having even saved the life of the president—an act that had earned him worldwide praise. On top of that, he was a successful businessman with his own company.
Summers scoffed inwardly. 'Not bad', she thought.
"Well, will you be free?" Kelvin's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Free for what?" she asked with a nervous chuckle.
"You know, to spend some time together and discuss the wedding plans," he repeated politely.
Summers frowned, hating the way he pretended to be so polite.
"I'm sorry, I—"
"She will be. Right now," her father interrupted, speaking for her.
Her lips parted in shock. She didn't want to go out with Kelvin. Not at all.
"That's great! If it's okay with you," Kelvin added, turning to Summers.
Summers bit her lip, catching her father's warning look. She had no choice.
"Yes, it's fine," she replied, forcing the most beautiful smile she could muster. "I'd love to go with you."
/////////////////////////////////////
////////////////////////////////////
Summers tapped her foot rapidly against the floor, her leg bouncing in an unconscious rhythm. Her fingers found their way to her lips, and before she realized it, she was biting at the skin around her nails, gnawing until it stung. A knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach, each second feeling heavier than the last.
Kelvin was coming at 7 p.m., and she had no clue what to wear—though, in truth, she didn't even want to go with him. The very thought of being alone with him made her insides churn.
"Mom, mom, mom... What do I do?!" Summers screamed, her voice raw as she grabbed fistfuls of her hair, tugging at the roots in a fit of frustration and panic. Her reflection in the mirror showed the chaos in her eyes.
A knock sounded at the door. "Summers? Summers, what's going on?" Tilly's voice filtered through, concerned but calm.
Summers exhaled sharply, trying to steady her voice. "I'm fine, Aunt Tilly. You can come in."
Tilly opened the door cautiously, stepping inside. Her eyes scanned the room before settling on Summers. "What's happening?"
Summers groaned, pacing back and forth. "Dad wants me to marry Kelvin... my cousin! And now he's making me go out with him tonight. I don't even want to see him, let alone marry him. But how do I say no to Dad? I don't want to disrespect him, but—ugh!" She flailed her arms in exasperation, her words tumbling out in a chaotic rush.
Tilly chuckled softly, though her eyes held sympathy. "Summers, calm down for a second. Take a breath."
"Seriously, Aunt Tilly... I can't calm down. I can't express myself, I'm angry... I'm not happy. Every day it's the same thing, just a different mess. No one cares! How do you expect me to calm down when I'm about to...to..." Summers' voice broke, tears threatening to spill as she sat on the bed, burying her face in her hands.
Tilly, though never one for motivational speeches, she couldn't just let her cry. She moved closer, gently placing her hands on Summers' shoulders as she sat beside her. Tilly softly tucked Summers' hair behind her ears and gently lifted her chin.
"Summers, I'm so sorry... And if I said I know how you feel, I'd be lying. But what I do know is, I don't want to see you cry. I want you to smile, even if things are hard right now," Tilly said, offering a small, reassuring smile.
Summers gave a sad grin. "Aunt... I don't want to marry him. I don't want to be with him," she stated, frustration clear in her voice.
"But your dad, he'll—"
"I know!" Summers cut in sharply.
"It was all so sudden. And I can't do anything to stand against him... none of us can," Summers said, her lips twisting in frustration.
Tilly was silent for a moment before asking, "When is he coming?"
"7 p.m."
"Well, you know what?" Tilly paused, and Summers looked up at her, curiosity in her eyes.
"We'll dress you up for it," Tilly said.
Summers' eyes widened. "What?!"
"Listen, Summers," Tilly began, her tone firm but gentle.
"I'm not saying I like this either, but if you're going to be with Kelvin, it might be a way out. You can finally leave your father's control and find your own path. Kelvin might not be as bad as you think. People can change, and I have a feeling you might be able to find some freedom, or at least a bit of peace, living away from here."
Summers blinked, unsure. "So... you're saying I should marry him?"
"Not exactly. But staying here under your father's thumb is no life for you. With Kelvin, there's a chance for something better, even if it's not perfect. And maybe, once you're out, you can help your sister too."
Summers hesitated, thinking of Kelvin. He had changed—dramatically. But the idea of finally escaping her father's suffocating grip made her feel something she hadn't felt in a long time: hope.
"What about you and Exa?" Summers asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"We'll be fine. Don't worry about us. This is your chance to take control of your own life," Tilly reassured her with a gentle smile.
Summers still wasn't entirely sure, but the idea of leaving, of finally having a chance at something better, sparked a small flame of determination within her. Maybe this was the opportunity she needed.
"Alright," Summers said, her voice steady as she nodded, a faint smile on her lips.
•°•°•°•°•°•°•°°•°•°•°•°•°•°•
Summers stood in front of her mirror, her reflection almost foreign to her. Tilly had helped her into a simple but elegant dress—one Summers had forgotten she even owned. It wasn't flashy or revealing like she feared. It was modest but beautiful, a soft lavender color that complimented her skin and framed her figure just enough without drawing attention.
"See?" Tilly said from behind her, adjusting a small strand of Summers' hair. "You don't need to dress like someone you're not. You go as yourself. That's what matters."
Summers met her aunt's eyes in the mirror, gratitude swelling in her chest. "Thank you, Aunt Tilly."
Tilly nodded. "You just remember—no matter what happens, you've got a home here. Don't let him or anyone else make you feel like you don't."
The honk of a car outside made Summers' stomach twist with anxiety. Her father's voice boomed up from the living room. "Summers! Kelvin's here!"
Her time had run out.
She took a deep breath, smoothed the dress one last time, and gave Tilly a weak smile. "I guess it's time."
Tilly kissed her cheek softly, her face hard with concern. "You don't owe them anything, Summers. Not him. Not your father. Go, and then come back. We'll figure this out together."
With her aunt's words lingering in her mind, Summers descended the stairs. Her father stood by the door, arms crossed, his expression cold and expectant.
Kelvin stood beside him, looking her over with a slow, calculating smile that made her skin crawl.
"You look lovely," Kelvin said, his voice smooth but insincere.
Summers forced a smile, the knot in her stomach tightening. "Thanks."
Her father's glare urged her forward, and she swallowed her fear, stepping outside into the cool night air. Kelvin opened the car door for her, his smile lingering.
"Shall we?"
Summers glanced back at the house, seeing Tilly's shadow in the window, her silent strength carrying her forward. She nodded, forcing herself to move. "Let's get this over with."
As the car pulled away, Summers couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much darker.
~°~°~°°~°~°~°~°°~°~°
They reached the restaurant, and Summers gaped in awe. She couldn't believe Kelvin could afford the most exclusive restaurant in town. Only the wealthy or highly famous could even consider dining here.
As they stepped down from the car, a wave of nervousness tugged at Summers' confidence. She felt Kelvin's hand suddenly wrap around her waist, and she jerked slightly in shock.
His touch irritated her. She hadn't asked for him to hold her, and this definitely wasn't part of the date.
'Was this supposed to happen?' Summers thought, glancing up at him. His face, earlier plastered with a fake smile, was now set in a focused expression. Her irritation deepened.
They took their seats, and she forced a fake smile, though she couldn't wait to tell him she had no intention of marrying him. Despite the tension, the restaurant's refined ambiance caught her attention: soft lighting, elegant décor, and an air of sophistication surrounded them.
Summers sat across from Kelvin, still faking her politeness. Kelvin, however, remained composed, his gaze fixed firmly on her.
"Thank you for meeting with me," he said, his voice firm.
"Uh... my pleasure," she replied, still wearing a strange smile.
Trying to regain control of the conversation, she continued, "I was hoping we could discuss some ideas for the wedding. Maybe we could—"
Kelvin cut her off smoothly. "Absolutely, the wedding details are crucial. I've already picked out the venue and the catering. It'll be a grand celebration. I'm even thinking about a few changes to the menu to cater to a wider range of guests."
Summers was caught off guard but nodded, trying to keep up. "That sounds nice. I thought we could add some personal touches, maybe include some of our favorite things in the ceremony."
But Kelvin's attention had already shifted to his notes. "Of course, but first, we need to finalize the seating arrangements. I've already designed a layout that works best for the flow of the event."
A waiter approached them with a polite smile. "Excuse me, sir and ma'am, may I take your order?"
Kelvin glanced up briefly. "What would you like, Summers?" he asked without even looking at her.
Summers felt a wave of rejection wash over her. This wasn't what she expected from the evening. "Uh... I don't think I need anything. We're in the middle of a discussion," she said, her eyes on Kelvin, who still didn't bother to look at her.
"O...okay, ma'am," the waiter replied, then turned to Kelvin. "And for you, sir?"
Kelvin gave a small smile. "No, nothing for now."
"All right, I'll check back in case you change your mind," the waiter said before walking away.
Summers, slightly taken aback, tried once again to steer the conversation. "Maybe we could talk about the wedding dress options? I have a few ideas that could make it unique."
Kelvin smiled, but his tone was firm. "Don't worry about it. Everything's under control, including your dress. Right now, logistics are the priority. I'm making sure everything will be perfect, including a special touch at the reception."
Summers' mind lingered on his comment about the dress. "What do you mean by 'under control'?" she asked cautiously.
He didn't respond at first, forcing her to press further. "Don't tell me you're choosing my wedding dress," she said, disbelief evident in her voice.
Kelvin finally looked at her. "Of course I am," he said, matter-of-factly.
"You don't have the right to do that," she protested, her voice dropping low.
"I'm going to be your husband, Summers, and what I say is what you'll do," he declared with finality.
"What?!" she whispered in shock.
"You heard me," Kelvin replied coldly.
Summers felt a new kind of frustration rising within her. Why was he treating her like this?
An awkward silence filled the air. Desperate to ease the tension, Summers shifted the conversation to something lighter. "What about your hobbies? I heard you like to travel. Any favorite destinations?"
Kelvin didn't bother to look up. "We can talk about that later. Right now, the wedding is the priority, and I'll be handling all the arrangements to make sure everything is flawless."
Summers sighed inwardly. Her attempts to connect with him were slipping away. He was dominating the conversation, leaving her with little space to share her own thoughts or feelings.
It was becoming increasingly clear that he intended to control every detail of the wedding, making her feel like a mere spectator in the process.
"I need to step out for a moment," Kelvin said suddenly, getting up and leaving without waiting for her response.
Summers buried her face in her hands. *What is this?* she thought to herself. She grabbed her phone and texted Marley, venting about how her life was spiraling out of control.
"Ma'am, do you need anything?" the waiter returned with a warm smile.
"A bottle of water would be fine," Summers replied, managing a smile of her own.
"I'll get that right away," the waiter said before leaving again.
Summers continued chatting with Marley, still stewing over the awkwardness of the evening, when she heard a buzzing sound. It was Kelvin's phone, left carelessly on the table. The phone rang again and again, until finally, she glanced at the screen.
'Four missed calls from My Dearest '
Summers' eyes widened in shock.
'He has another woman?' she thought, anger bubbling up inside her. 'What a jerk!'
Then, texts began flooding in, one after the other:
"Babe, where are you?"
"You said you'd be back soon."
"Three more girls are waiting for you."
"You told me I was the only one."
"Reply to me immediately!"
Summers couldn't believe what she was seeing. 'That... that...' She didn't even know what to call him.
It was clear now—Kelvin hadn't changed, and she didn't care anymore.
Kelvin returned, slipping back into his seat as though he had never left. He glanced at her, his face unreadable, and with a casual tone asked, "Where were we?"
Summers didn't reply. She sat there, silently fuming, her mind racing with everything she had just seen on his phone. After a few tense seconds, she reached for her purse, her decision clear. Without a word, she stood up and walked out of the restaurant.
Kelvin, caught off guard, watched her go for a split second before getting up and following her.
She had already made it to the roadside, her hand raised, trying to hail a cab. Her heart pounded in her chest, hoping she could get away from this nightmare.
Suddenly, she felt a hand grip her arm tightly, yanking her back. Kelvin turned her around with a sharp tug, his eyes flashing with something dark. "Where do you think you're going?" he demanded.
Summers struggled against his hold, her voice trembling with anger. "The wedding is over! I'm not marrying my pervert cousin brother," she spat, trying to pull free from his grip.
Kelvin let out a low, menacing chuckle. "You think you can end this? I've always wanted you, Summers. Ever since I laid eyes on you. And even if you say the wedding is over, who are you to make decisions?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she fought back, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'll never marry you, never! And there's nothing you can do about it."
With all her strength, she managed to pull away from his grasp and desperately waved down a bus. The vehicle slowed to a stop, and just as she thought she'd escape, Kelvin moved quickly, grabbing her waist and pulling her close.
He leaned in, his breath hot against her neck as he sniffed her skin, sending a wave of disgust through her. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I'll tell your father how disrespectful his daughter has become," he threatened.
Summers froze, the blood draining from her face. Her father—she feared him more than anyone. He would never forgive her for standing up to Kelvin.
Kelvin smirked, sensing her fear. "Come with me, and I won't reveal your little secret," he taunted, knowing he had the upper hand.
But Summers, trembling with anger and fear, pushed herself away from him with all her strength. "I won't let you control me!" she yelled, her voice cracking.
The bus was still waiting. Without another glance at Kelvin, she ran toward it, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't let him win.
Summers reached for the door of the bus, but before she could get inside, Kelvin's voice cut through the air. "Drive away," he commanded the driver, his voice calm yet authoritative. The driver, confused but complying, drove off, leaving her stranded on the curb.
In an instant, Kelvin grabbed her again, pulling her back toward him. His grip was firm, and she could feel the coldness in his touch. "Get in the car," he ordered, his tone low and threatening. "Or I'll tell your father everything. This is your last warning."
Summers stood frozen, her body shaking as the tears she had been holding back finally began to fall. She breathed out shakily, her voice breaking as she whispered, "Kelvin... please, don't do this."
Kelvin's lips curled into a smirk as he watched her, clearly enjoying her submission. "Oh, don't worry, Summers. I won't tell your daddy," he said sarcastically, a small laugh escaping him.
Summers' heart sank. She knew he was toying with her, and every second that passed made her feel more powerless. "Please," she whispered again, her voice barely audible as she saw the mischief dancing in his eyes. There was no reasoning with him; he thrived on control.
He grabbed her arm again, this time more roughly, pulling her toward his car. "Come on, let's take you home," he said, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. Before she could resist, he shoved her into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut behind her.
Summers sat there, her body trembling as she wiped the tears from her face, knowing that, for now, she had no choice but to go along with him.