Rachel's POV
I climb off my bed and hastily make my way out of my room. I know that whatever reason Dad has summoned me for is not going to be in favour of me. I mean when has anything dad has done ever been in my favour? He practically makes decisions for me because well, he thinks that is what is best for me but he is wrong, he does not even know me at all. He does not what I like or not so how can he think he makes the best decisions for me?
I wave the thought off because I know no matter how much I think about it, it does not change anything.
Dad will always be dad.
"We need to talk." Dad says sitting down on the couch comfortably with his legs crossed and a newspaper in his hand. His spectacles hang carelessly on his nose and he pauses to gaze at me when I do not give him an answer.
"Sure dad, I mean yes. We can talk." I mumble settling down on the couch facing him. I try to feign confidence meanwhile I am dying of fear inside of me. I am afraid he does not bring good news. The last time I felt like this was when told me to forget about being a writer and focus on the family's business.
"It is about your future Rachel. I want you to see this as a huge opportunity for you. A life changing one." Dad says with a small smile. Okay, this is definetly not going to be something good. whenever dad has that smile on, it means he is up to no good.
"Okay dad. Whatever you say." I mumble nodding my head and gesturing him to go straight to the point instead of beating around the bush and triggering the anxiety in me.
"You are getting old Rachel. I need to carry my grandchildren very soon..." Dad starts but I immediately cut him off because I know where this conversation is leading to.
"Dad, I know you are about to give me the marriage talk. I understand I need to get married soon and I will, just give me time." I say with a tired look on my face. Marriage is the least of my priorities right now, as a matter of fact, I do not count it as a priority.
"How much time do you need Rachel? I have given you enough time. You are twenty seven years old for goodness sake!" Dad snaps at me with a frustrated look on his face. He dumps the newspaper on the center table and shoots dagger glares at me.
I release a heavy sigh and say "Dad, twenty seven is still pretty young to me. Some people marry at the age of forty and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that." I say. Actually, a lot is wrong with that.
"Rachel, I do not have time for your stupid jokes." Dad says through gritted teeth. He pauses to rub his temple and continue "Look at Amelia, she is married happily with four kids already and Amelia is only twenty five." Dad says. Here we go again with him bragging about one of his friend's daughter.
"Dad, Amelia and i are two different people and incase you did not know, Amelia's husband is abusive and not four kids, two kids actually." I say with a frown on my face.
My dad groans in frustration. He rises to his feet and walks towards me.
"None of my business young lady! You are getting married!" Dad exclaims.
I know that pushing this conversation any further will only lead to a huge fight between I and dad, honestly, that is the last thing I want right now so I just sigh in defeat and nod my head in agreement.
"Alright dad, I will get married. I just need to find a man." I force a smile on my face.
"There is no need to bother about a man, I already have someone for you." Dad says in a much more calmer tone. He walks back to the couch and settles down with his hand on his chest. Did I just hear him say he has someone for me though?
"Rachel, I already have a perfect husband for you. You are going to love and cherish him." Dad says with a big and fulfilled smile.
"Dad, I will not be marrying a stranger just because I need to produce grand children for you." I say in a dry tone. I pause to roll my eyes and continue "You and i both know that is wrong. Marriage is for love and not because you have a father who desperately wants grandchildren."
"Oh, do not worry yourself about that Rachel. He is not a stranger, your childhood friend." Dad says. Childhood friend? Which of them because I only remember having one childhood friend. I really hope it is not who I think it is.
"Zion Clark." Dad deadpans.
"No dad, no way in the world am I marrying Zion. We are not friends anymore remember?" I say rising to my feet. Zion Clark is a different person now, he is a famous billionaire wooing all the girls in the city.
"You will marry him Rachel. Zion has influence, all the influence in the world that you will be needing to survive in the world of business." Dad says.
I should have known from the onset that this has nothing to do with me but with his stupid business empire that is already crumbling by the way.
"Dad, are you trying to use me for your own advantage?" I ask with a look of disbelief.
Dad sighs and shakes his head at me. "Rachel, think maturely. This is an opportunity for the both of us. Zion's family have already agreed to take you in." Dad says.
Oh my goodness, I can not believe he has talked to Zion's family about this already.
"You are such a horrible person dad!" I say storming out of his sight.