I slowly flutter my eyes open and i come in contact with the rays coming from the sun. It almost blinds my eyes causing me to roll to the other side of the bed. I accidentally collide with the wooden bed-side desk. causing me to groan in pain and mutter a curse under my breath. I open my eyes widely and I feel a throbbing headache. I groan in frustration as the memory of last night slowly replays in my head.
How I has harassed by some perverted guy and how Zion saved me.
Actually Zion is the only thing that has been on my mind since I crossed paths with him. He has left this effect on me that I can not stop thinking about him and I know it is not anything good because thinking about him ignites the feelings I thought i buried years ago.
I wave off such thought and sluggishly drag my feet towards the bathroom for a quick shower. I hastily shower and change into a corporate outfit. I walk out of my room and surprisingly meet dad sitting on the couch with his eyes on the screen and a cup of coffee in his hand.
"Good morning dad." I say in a dry tone. I walk towards the kitchen but dad yells my name causing me to freeze in my steps. I turn around to gaze at him with a raised brow. What is it that he wants this time?
"Did you sleep well?" He asks. I know what he wants so I would really appreciate if he would just go straight to the point rather than playing me around.
"Yes I did." I say playing along to his games.
"What about yesterday? Have you given it much thought?" Dad asks. I sigh and shake my head at him. Here I was, hoping that he would have a change of mind.
"Dad, If you are talking about bringing a husband then yes, you have nothing to worry about but marrying Zion? That us one thing I refuse to do." I say.
"Shut up!" Dad yells rising to his feet. An angry look is plastered on his face, he clenches his feet tight and grits his teeth. "You will marry Zion young lady!"
"Why dad? Why? Why do you always have to ruin my life? Why do you always act like it is your life when it is mine?" I yell at him in a shaky tone. Dad sighs, he rubs his temple and tries to calm himself down.
"Why are you acting so childish Rachel? What is wrong with you? Twenty seven for goodness sake!" Dad yells at me.
I sigh and drop my handbag to the floor. Why does he keep emphasizing on the fact that I am twenty seven years old.
"Anyways, I do not have time for the long talk. Prepare for dinner. Zion and his family would be coming over. I want you to be at your best behaviour and make sure you look presentable." Dad says. What? I would be seeing Zion again? Why am I having mixed feelings? I do not know whether to feel elated to see him again or to feel angry.
I pick up my bag and walk towards the front door but Dad calls my name again causing to run a hand through my hair in frustration and turn to gaze at him.
"What is it this time dad?" I ask in a shaky tone.
"Do not mess things up at all Rachel, please." Dad says with pleading eyes. Of course, I should not mess things up for him. Noted.
I walk out of the house and lean on the front door for support. I allow the tears to fall down my cheeks. I hastily wipe it off and make my way far away from the house.
I spend a few hours at work brooding about my life and what happens when I eventually get married to Zion. Once I realize it is almost time for dinner, I leave work and arrive home only to meet unfamiliar faces in the kitchen.
"Welcome home Rachel." Dad says.
"Who are they?" I ask him with a confused look on my face.
"I hired a few chefs just to make sure Zion and his family enjoy the meal. I also hired a make-up artist too, she is upstairs in your room." Dad says.
I scoff and shake my head in disbelief. Wow, Dad sure worships Zion and his family just because of their wealth. The worse of it all is that we are not poor either, to an extent we can afford whatever we want, Dad is just a money thirsty man. I am sick of him.
I just sigh and make my way up the stairs. I push the front door of my room open and meet the so called make-up artists sitting at the tip of my bed, besides her is a silver sleeveless dress.
"Hi, are you ready?" She asks. Do I have a choice?
I hastily shower and change into the dress dad got me, it is a bit too extravagant for my taste. The dress is fitted and it stops at my knee. It feels like dad is already selling me off to Zion. Is there really nothing I can do about it?
I allow the make-up artist to peform make up on my face and by the time she is done, I do not recognize myself. I look pretty but weirdly, I do not look like myself.
The make-up artist bids me goodbye after she is done with painting my face. I sit in front of the mirror for a long while thinking about everything until dad yells my name from the sitting room.
I sigh and sluggishly make my way downstairs. I meet him dressed in a suit and the dining room looks enticing with the different delicacies on the table.
"They are here, come on." Dad pulls me by the wrist.
I sigh heavily and watch dad open the door wide. Time to fake it.