"Always remember to smile, Chantylle. You are not allowed to be rude at him, do you understand?" Papa instructed to me as he started driving our car.

I rolled my eyes and remained silent. As I watched the rain from the clouds fall on the earth, my head was leaning against the window. I observed others using umbrellas to attempt to dodge it on the sidewalks. Some of them started to run.

Funny to think how a lot of people hate rains. While I love it so much...

If it weren't merely for the unexpected meeting my dad stated I need, this would ostensibly just be a typical day for me in my room, going about my usual business. Meeting, my ass! I am aware of the type of meeting we will attend. I'm not a moron. My parents are quite easy to read, especially my father.

Papa came to a stop in front of a dining establishment close to our neighbourhood. Before turning to me, he glanced at Mama, who was discreetly observing me in the rearview mirror.

"I'm sorry if you have to deal with this, Princess.."

I smiled fakely. "It's okay, Papa. Like I have a choice."

"Chantylle..." Mama uttered with a warning tone.

My eyes immediately watered. I felt a pang in my heart as they both turned away after seeing it.

I had knew better. Life isn't just about happiness.

The person I most looked up to in the world was my father, who I now hardly recognize. Back then, he was a father who loved me and was kind and understanding. He makes an effort to make me happy all the time... satisfies all of my needs and all of my wants. My all and my savior, he was. But now? I'm uncertain.

"Please don't make this hard for us, Chan. You know the reason why we are doing this," Papa said in a calm tone.

"Yeah... because of the company." I snorted.

"This is for you! How many times do we have to say that?" Mama said firmly.

I used the rearview mirror to have a look at her. I inherited her tiny lips and chinky eyes. I have always loved staring at her, which is why. But looking at it now just makes my pain grow.

Here too, my mother, whom I adore above all others, is the one who breaks my heart into a million pieces. She is the first woman to have taught me everything I need to know. To be kind, decent, timeless, and affluent... However, she was steadily ruining me as well.

They told me that our business is the most significant aspect of our family, and that's when it all began. Since I was a young child, they have always told me that if it weren't for the Lanzetta Food Corporation, they wouldn't have the resources to provide for all of my needs. As my grandfather left it to Papa, it holds a lot of value for him. Similarly for me, because I'm the one and only person who will ultimately succeed to it. Because of this, my parents would frequently remind me that without it, we would have nothing.

I initially shared their initial belief. That is why I always tried to understand back then that they couldn't attend any events at my school due to our business. The business is experiencing an issue. There is an event. There is a crucial appointment. They occasionally fall short.

I swallowed all the pain from it. Because those were really a valid reasons...

"This is Maria Chantylle Lanzetta, my daughter," Papa said as he introduced me to the two people in front of us.

They are both male species. One of them looks old like my father, and one is, I think, just a few years older than me. The old man's hair is turning white already, like my papa's. His mustache tells me that he is a handsome man even without it.

My eyes darted to the younger man. My lips pursed as I check on him.

He was wearing a black suit, worn with a white shirt and a black bow tie. He looked too formal. He has black messy hair, a proud pointed nose, and thin lips. His dark, intense eyes are intimidating.

"Chantylle, this is Mr. Raymond Marzon and his son, Vren Lucifer Marzon.."

His thick brows were furrowed while he looked at me like he knew all the mistakes that I had made since I was a baby. I felt like he knew the naughty things and dark secrets about me. I felt like he knew me so well.

I've known a lot of lads my age and men who are years older than me. The majority of them were jovial, witty, kind, and nice. Additionally, I have male buddies that share my mood. Being around them is relaxing. They eventually made interacting with other males so simple for me as well. However, this man in front of me exudes overwhelming danger, forcefulness and violence. It's alarming.

I looked away from him. My heart is pounding so loudly and I don’t know why!

"Chantylle, greet them," Mama commanded when she noticed that I was just staring.

Acting like a robot, I twitched my lips to form a smile before I bowed my head to them.

"Hi! It is such an honor to meet the both of you!" I greeted in a very exagerrated happy voice which I don't care if they will notice it.

The old man, Mr. Raymond Marzon laughed as the wrinkles on the side of his eyes showed. "You have a very sweet, and beautiful daughter, Anthony," he said.

Papa and Mama laughed too, maybe to hide their embarrassment at what I did. Because their laughter is just so stiff.

I frowned as I looked down. Why am I here? If I stayed here until they finished their talk, they might think I agreed to this! When the truth is, I will never, ever, agree. Screw these Marzons in front of me! I should've stayed in my room.

I was breathing rapidly when I lifted my head again only to see Vren Marzon's deep eyes staring directly at me. Never minding the shame of his stares, I raise my eyebrows at him. His expression changed with that. He now looked amused, and his lips even twisted.

My mood went down even more when we were already eating. My parents are smiling widely, like they've just got a big fish. Yes, it is definitely a big fish.

"So you graduated in Harvard University? And now, you are an engineer?" Mama uttered in a quite loud voice.

"Yes, Mrs. Lanzetta," Vren answered.

I rolled my eyes. He probably graduated with the help of his smart friends. A rich man like him pays other students to maintain their high grades. I am not saying that we are not rich. But my boy friends told me that they usually do that. Boys are lazy. That's why they do that.

Delighted, Mama clapped her hands. Papa smirked before drinking his water. Of course, they are so much pleased to hear that.

They carried on speaking. Although I am speaking as well, I am usually quiet. I was growing increasingly bored when my phone beeped. I received a message, and as I read it, I became even more problematic.

Alec: Where are you?

I bit my lips and shook my head before I put down my phone. The loud laughs of the people around me filled my ears.

"Mama, I need to go to the washroom," I whispered to my mother.

I saw how Vren's eyes shifted their gaze to me, making me stop leaning at my mother. But Mama heard it. That's why she turned her head to look at me.

"Okay. Make it fast, Chantylle," Mama said in authorative voice.

Yes!

I nodded at her and smiled. Sweetly. "Thanks, Mama.." then I looked at Papa and Mr. Marzon. "Excuse me..."

I stood up and didn't glance at the younger man who was sitting in front of me, even though he was already gawking at me. My heart is beating so fast. His stares are making me comfortable. It was deep, like he'd dug all of my secrets! It was like he knew what I was going to do.

This is not right. Not right!

I moved quickly as I headed towards the women's restroom. I didn't enter, though. I skipped straight over that. I briefly paused in the hallway before pulling my phone from my sling bag. Already, Alec has left two messages. I cursed.

Alec: Are you busy?

I was about to reply when my phone rang from his call. I immediately swiped it to answer.

"Hon!" I exclaimed and sighed.

"Why are you not answering my texts, hon? Where are you?" he asked in a worried tone.

"I.. Uhm.. I'm currently having a dinner outside with my parents.."

"Dinner? Outside? With your parents?" he asked ridiculously. "Are you kidding me, hon? Your parents don't do that.."

"I am not kidding. However, to clear your thoughts, maybe this is not really a family dinner. We are eating with some of Papa's business partner and his son!" I blabbed furiously.

"What?! Go home now, hon," he ordered it because he knew what it was all about too.

My eyes widened when I came back to my senses. I shook my head repeatedly. "I.. I can't."

I am so not into this. I am mad at my parents, but I don't want to do that. That is not the right thing to do.

"We both know what's going on there, Chantylle! You know what your parents are thinking!"

"Yes, I know, hon.. That's why I am going to set this up in the right way. I will fix this as soon as possible. You don't have to worry..." I said calmly, even though I was not sure.

"Chantylle-"

Before I could finish hearing his sentiments, someone took my phone abruptly. Feeling shocked, I gasped as I turned around. But when I saw who was the one who did it, I immediately became annoyed.

"What the hell are you doing? Give me back my phone!" I shouted irritatedly at Vren.

He was standing proudly while holding my phone. The side of his lips rose, and I could see amusement in his eyes.

"How rude you are, Ms. Lanzetta. Talking to your boy while having dinner with us?"

My jaw clenched. "So what? This is none of your business! Give my phone back!"

I tried to grab my phone out of his hand. I succeeded when he let me. But when I lifted my gaze up to him, I caught him staring at me intently.

"This is my business, Ms. Lanzetta. You are my business. Because as of now, I'm already your fiancé. Remember that," he said before he left me.

"What took you so long?" Mama asked strictly when I came back to my seat.

Papa was busy talking with Mr. Marzon. They seem to not have noticed my presence yet.

I bit my lip and felt a little bit shy, especially when I saw Vren's eyes were on me. Again, it made me uncomfortable. He's like a predator watching his prey. Wait.. what?

I cleared my throat. "The restroom was full, Mama. I had to wait for minutes because of that," I answered.

Mama arched an eyebrow but made no comment. They chuckled with Mr. Marzon once Papa regained her attention. Vren continued to fixate attentively on me in the meantime. My brows drew in.

Why does he keep on staring at me? Do I have some dirt on my face?

Because of that, I unconsciously dunk my head to look at the screen of my phone. It is clean. Still beautiful. No dirt. What's wrong with him? I rolled my eyes as I inserted my phone back inside my sling bag. Is this the first time he's seen a radiant woman like me?

Oh well..

"So when is the wedding?" Mama asked so suddenly.

I was busy looking at the whole place when she asked that, which is why my head instantly turned to her.

For a fleeting moment, I want to be dumb. I don't want to understand it. I want to ask, "What wedding?" or "Who's wedding, Mama?" But God knows I know what she means by that!

Mr. Marzon laughed and so as Papa. Like they both knew what Mama is talking about. I was caught off guard and my whole face paled.

"Well... We are not in a hurry, right?" Mr. Marzon said grinning as he looked at me.

Mama laughed loudly, waving her hands on the air. "Oh, no! Not really!"

"I will let my son decide on that. He is the groom anyway..." Mr. Marzon looked at his son.

They all look at the person in front of me. When they went silent, I got tempted to look at him too. I gulped as I slowly glanced at Vren. He was silently sipping on his glass while his eyes lingered on me intently. I gasped.

He swiftly placed the empty glass on the table after he drank all the water in it without even looking away from me. My breathing hitched. I couldn't take my gaze away from him either, and it's bothering me! My heart is throbbing rapidly. I am terrified of what he's going to answer!

His lips twisted, still looking at me. "My bride isn't ready yet..."

I gritted my teeth.

"I will let her decide on it, too. We will still talk about it.."

This jerk!

"That's great!" Mama clapped her hands in so much enthusiasm.

My jaw fell open. I stared at my parents. They both look happy and excited without thinking about their daughter's feelings. My heart ached with that. I cannot believe it! I really could not believe it! I feel like they are not my parents anymore. They don't care about me anymore.

That made my tears begin to start, but I had to hold it back because the man in front of me was not taking his eyes off of me. I tried to look at him too, but it only lasted for a second. I immediately avoided my gaze.

I clenched my fist under the table as I took a deep breath. Calm down, Chantylle. Please do not cry here. You are strong. You can do this.

My parents started to change when our company started to fail too. At first, I did not even care about it. As long as they still give me anything I want and everything I need, I am good. Not until my father began to hinder me from going out and messing up with my plans. They even restrict me from buying different kinds of branded bags, watches, and shoes! Even the jewelry I'd love to buy.

But I knew so many of their rules that when I tried to break them, they took away all of my cards. reason why I couldn't say no in this meeting. I had to be good to get back my cards.

"Thank you so much for inviting us in this dinner, Raymond," Papa said when our dinner has ended.

"I am pleased that you came, though.." Mr. Marzon laughed.

"Are we going to expect a next call?" Mama joked and the three of them laughed.

I did not laugh, though. And so as Vren but I snorted. Vren and Mr. Marzon both looked at me. Papa and Mama laughed again however Mama was the one who held my shoulders tightly. I looked up to her and she gave me a leering look.

My parents bid their goodbyes to them hurriedly. Tongue-tied, I bid my goodbye too.

"Chantylle!" Papa called when we went home.

I acted like I did not hear him. I acted like I did not care about anything. I acted like I was not hurt. I acted like I was cool. But the truth is I am at the very edge of crying. I am just pulling myself up.

We just entered the house, yet here he is, going to start with his litanies again. I am tired of it. All I want is to go and lie down in my bed to sleep.

I only had a few steps to the stairs, then I was off to my room. Papa called me again.

"Chantylle! If you are not going to face me, you will end up outside this house!"

I gasped. My eyes watered immediately. My lips trembled. My heart hurt so much with the fact that he could throw me out in the middle of the cold night! Where is my loving father now?

Slowly, I turn to face Papa. His enraged gaze shot toward me. The flames on it were practically visible to me. Additionally, I can see Papa's neck veins, which indicates that he is not happy with what I've done.

"You were so silent and rude during our dinner, and now you're like this? Where are your manners? I told you not to be rude, but what did you do?!"

"Tone down your voice, Anthony," Mama said calmly.

I looked at Mama. And even though I didn't want her to, I still wished she would support me. But then, she turned aside with a stern scowl when she realized I was staring at her.

With that, my tears fell down to my cheeks.

"Stop using those tears on me, Chantylle. You know it will no longer work," Papa said firmly with a piercing look.

I know, Papa. You don't have to say that. Because I know... that company is more important than me. More significant than your daughter.

Papa continued his long litanies, and I was silently crying all the time. Mama went up to their room as if nothing was happening here.

That time, I stopped hoping that my parents would be back to the way they used to be.

After hearing from my father, I hurriedly locked myself up in my room and cried loudly. I lost my care even if they heard me and assumed I was doing it on purpose to make them feel guilty.

My laptop rang while I was still sobbing. I wiped away all of my emotions when I noticed that my buddies were calling and accepted the video call right away.

"What happened to you? Why are your eyes swollen?" Eliana's concerned voice was the first one to speak after they scanned my face.

"Did you just cry?" Vivien asked.

"Just a little bit," I lied as I smiled.

"What? Why? Wait... tell us what happened!"

"What happened to the dinner you told us about?"

I sighed and started telling them what happened... starting from the meeting until how Papa scolded me. And to my wonder, they both looked shocked.

"Are you kidding?" Vivien asked ridiculously.

My brows furrowed. "Do I look like I'm kidding?" I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

"Vren Marzon? Really? Vren? You must be kidding us! It can't be!" Eliana said.

"Yes. Vren Marzon. What's with the reaction, girls?"

They looked at each other like what I asked is so ridiculous. Then they both laughed.

"That's Vren Marzon you are talking about! The Vren Marzon! And oh my. You also met Raymond Marzon, his father! I can't believe you don't know them!"

"And you're saying that Mr. Marzon and your parents are planning the both of you to be wed?" Vivien shook her head while laughing.

"What?"

"My God! An adonis-like entrepreneurial prodigy, Vren Marzon! He's well-known to all. He owns a variety of companies with locations all over the world. Despite coming from an affluent family, he had his own fortune. Chantylle, we can't believe you're missing something like this!" Eliana exclaimed.

What...

My jaw fell open after hearing my friend's report to me. They showed me information about the Vren Marzon that I was unaware of. What a filthy rich man he is. Even though his family is already rich, he still tries to make his own name in the industry. He is a multi-billionare himself, to be exact. Not to mention his inherited wealth from his family. They told me even the tiniest things about him.

For a few seconds, I was amazed by him. I was definitely amazed that I had forgotten that I had met him earlier and how I was irritated at him every time. I had forgotten his equally rude attitude towards me. What exactly did he say? And how arrogant he is in my eyes.

And now these two are telling me that he is a successful man?

Hell. I had not even thought of that. even a bit! It is not obvious! The truth is, I thought he was just a simple son of a rich man. That idea honestly didn't enter my mind. Really!

"Seriously, Chan, in what planet were you from?" Vivien asked in a serious tone.

"You do know that I am not interested with business!" I groaned.

"But atleast you could've made some research!" Eliana said while fixing her short hair.

"I do not have the time to make a reseach when we were in the car, alright? And I still didn't know him that time," I explained.

"OMG! So you are really serious?!" they said in chorus.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. If I could just tweak their hairs right now, I would. These two..

"So you think I'm a liar?"

"Of course not! We just... Couldn't accept it! Oh my goodness! How did that happen? We know that Marzons are not doing arrange marriages!"

"And Vren is okay with it? I thought he has a girlfriend?"

My brows shot up at what Vivien said. girlfriend? He has a girlfriend? Well... He has the looks, so he probably has. It is impossible if he doesn't have it, though. But why did he tell me that he was already my fiancé? What? A fiancé that has a mistress?

Oh you, Chantylle!

I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. I shouldn't think of that. He is not my fiancé. It will never be! For whoever's sake, I have a freaking boyfriend! I shall stop those plans of my parents'. That wedding they are planning to have, it shouldn't come.

That's what I was thinking until I fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, I took a bath quickly and wore a simple floral dress paired with flat shoes. All my things were in my sling bag.

When I went down, Mama was in the kitchen, cooking our food since they fired all of our maids. Meanwhile, Papa's at the dining table with his newspaper, coffee, and usual. I stopped and stood there for a minute to stare at them. I couldn't help but feel sad again. Staring at them made me feel that everything was alright when it was not.

I continued walking towards them. I saw Papa glance at me then back to his newspaper. Sighing, I still kissed his cheeks.

"Papa.. Uh, I am going to meet my friends after breakfast..." I said, crossing my fingers.

But I know better, he would say no...

"Okay, you can go."

I gasped softly as my eyes widened in surprise. Still couldn't believe on what I've heard, I stared at Papa, thinking if is it really him who talked.

"Pardon, Papa?"

He hissed and looked at me again. "I said, you can go. Should I repeat it the third time?"

"N-No, Papa.." I shook my head repeatedly, scared on his tone and that he might change his decision.

I sat down, still amused. Mama was looking at me with her brows furrowed, but I ignored it. Because of the happiness I was feeling, I ate energetically. I almost forgot that I was with my parents. My mind is clouded with the thought that finally, after a week of being locked in this boring house, I am finally free.. Or not. Because I still know my father. This will only be for today.

At the same time, I am nervous and confused. What happened to Papa that led him to decide like this? But maybe he is guilty that he scolded me for so long last night.

I winced at that thought. I should just be happy with it.

"Mama, Papa, I'll go now," I excitingly said when I finished eating. I kissed them both on their cheeks before turning around.

"Stop right there."

I frowned and turn around to face them again. Papa put down his news paper and sipped on his coffee.

"Papa?" I said, confused.

"Wait for Vren because he's going to drive you. You are not allowed to go anywhere today without him."

What the...

"Papa-" Before I could finish talking, I already heard an engine of a car.

My face paled as I took a glance at the window and saw a luxury car parking outside our gate. Vren Marzon came out of the car. He looks stunning in a black t-shirt that slightly hugs his well-toned body and a pair of pants. And again, he doesn't look like the businessman my friends are talking about. He looks like a model to me.

That is why I understand why our teen neighbors went out of their houses just to look at this handsome freaking man who is now walking towards our house.

But I am fuming mad, despite how he looks right now!

What the hell, right? I thought Papa was in a good mood, which is why he allowed me to go out. And now, this? This is the real reason!

"Chantylle, open the door. It must be Vren..."

I breathed in and out before following Mama. Vren was about to knock when I opened the door.

Funny how even though I intended to avoid his gaze, ours nevertheless locked. Like the first time I saw his ominous, enigmatic, and threatening eyes, I was uneasy. Once more, fear made my heart beat rapidly. I've never experienced this emotion before, but I know it's bad.

"Your parents?" he asked in a deep voice.

"In the kitchen..." I answered in a cold tone.

I opened the door widely and stepped back a bit to let him come in. When he did, I unintentionally slammed the door, and I was even surprised by it. I looked up at him only to see his blank stare at me. My brows shot up on him.

"What?" I arrogantly said.

He just stared at me again, blankly.

I rolled my eyes at him before walking towards the kitchen. He followed me, and when we got there, he greeted my parents. I could not help but be fascinated by how he talked to my parents like a normal person. His wealth is not far from ours. When, in fact, it is. And he was so formal in the meeting and right now, but there was something about him that made me amused.

"Papa, I'm going," I said again, when I noticed that their talk was getting longer and longer. Though, I was hoping that Papa was joking earlier.

"Vren, take care of my daughter. Call me when she did something unpleasant. Alright?"

What?

"Papa, I can commute-"

"I said Vren's going to drive you," Papa said in a loud and authorative voice that made me shut.

I blinked twice and gulped. I couldn't look at Vren in embarrassment.

Mama walked near me and whispered, "Don't do anything stupid again, Chantylle. I am warning you." Then she stepped back.

"We'll get going now, Sir, Ma'am.."

All they did was nod. Once more, I evaded Vren's stare as he turned to face me. However, I was almost startled when he stepped over to me and put his hands around my waist before leading the way out. I ripped his hands off of me as soon as we were out of my parents' line of sight. I gave him a sneer.

"You don't need to do that!"

He just shrugged and walked towards his car. He opened the shotgun seat for me, and I silently went in. I stopped myself from being amazed by his car, but I couldn't! This is fantastic!

"Aren't you busy? Why did you accept this favor of my father?" I asked, frowning but my eyes were roaming around his car.

"This isn't your father's favor."

"What?" I looked at him, confused. "Then who's favor is this? My Mama?"

Vren did not reply. He just looked at me with a grin on his face before he started the engine of his car.