ad chosen for me. His reports were just as egregious as the prospect of getting married to his father - a reckless playboy wit

ess ambitious Mendes brother to gain the upper hand in our marriage. I cringed at

ssing had been an unexpected turn of events. I hadn't realized he was sitting behind me until he mentioned my name. I'

y name. A stinging sensation speared through my chest, an

realized the object of his gossip was s

r and blue-gray eyes, he's quite handsome. However, from his physical a

weat off my face and drinking a huge amount of water, I return the bottle cap to its place. My breathing is uneven f

phone rings. I reach for it, no

roll, biting down on a smile. Dad never ceases to taunt me wit

lm and easygoing, perhaps too calm, as Mom often dominates his authority. I

with your Mom," he says, br

staring at the walls far away. I'm sure

make, Hermie," he says,

e Dad's always sitting on the fence when

e a stand sometimes, especially when i

n your hands. However, whatever actions you tak

ul, as I'm still at a crossroads wi

I say drily. I blow a kiss over the

iting at all? Don

you," I

eases, his tone f

I never moved back into my parents' house. My residency at the

ence that when the opportunity occurred, I vowed to

lived apart

' marriage to have issues because I cou

icy voice in the background, an

er of us could end the call. She must ha

minous laughter, but I know she's seething within, c

's second son tomorrow," my mother states, her aut

th, feeling a sur

reply, trying to k

ticism and suspicion in

tance that I don't want him as a partner. It

voice firm but laced with a hint of annoyance. "My

reason with her. "He hates the idea of marriage with

t he didn't like you?" she asks

s he mine," I reply, trying to convey

is with her? I frown, feeli

find a way to make it work rather than forcing

firm and unyielding. "He's a suitable partner fo

e down," I complain, a sens

," she reiterates, her t

wing it's futile. There's no point arguing

mur beneath my breath, re

arriage out of love is a mere fantasy for girls with no ambitions. Love is an ep

owing she's implying that my fath

" The question slips from my

the background, and I sense a

nto a good home and not be impulsive as I was during

is unperturbed by it. She continues speaking as though sh

this," she warns, her threat firm. "Yo

sense of trepidation. I know I'm trapped, and my mot

odbye before ending the call. I lower the phone fro

e. I pick up the remote and turn on the TV, flipping thro

ing on. I know I need to think clearly and make a decision soon