Chapter 2: The Stranger

Amelia

“Shit, you didn't tell me.” 

“I don't think I needed to,” I said to him, my face full of confusion. 

“It was vital information.” He said.

“So what now? You've found out and?” I asked him and watched him get his pants. He didn't just want to ball out, not at this minute. 

“I need to go.” He said, his shirt already half buttoned up ready to leave 

“You can't just go, we haven't even started.”

“I can't touch you.” 

“Why?”

“I don't f**k virgins—that's why.” He silently answered. 

“Wow, so that's what this is all about.” 

“Kindly see yourself out of the room alone Miss. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.” He said and dashed out. 

I can't believe that the one guy I thought I would get freaky with tonight f***king left in the middle of all of this. It's me on the bed, naked and looking like a complete fool. 

*******

My phone blew up with notifications. I checked, sighing as I noticed the 27 missed calls from my best friend. I just had my nap and it wasn't a nap.

“What?!” I shouted into the phone, answering my best friend.

“You didn't see the news?!”

“What news?” I replied, wiping the sleep off my eyes.

“That you're engaged to Ramon!” she screamed.

“What the h**l? I'm not.” 

“It's all over the news Mimi,” she called my name—a nickname she only calls me.

“It's all over the internet—it's right there, I swear.” 

“S***t!” I scanned through the new gist on I* and they wouldn't shut up about it. I know this is my dad's doing. He did all of this.

“You didn't tell me you guys had something before.” 

“That's because we didn't, my dad did all of this for his stupid company.” 

“But it's all over the news now, and to Ramon Lawson!” my best friend shrieked with joy.

“Don't let this get out,” I warned.

“Girl—it's already out.” she laughs 

“You know what I mean, don't go telling your family or start preparing for a wedding.” 

“Well someone sounds grumpy today.” she teased.

“Cassie—” I called her name, warning her but more as a plea.

“You should go see if your fiancée wants something.” She said and giggled 

“Shut up.” 

“Well, figure out what you would do about this. We'll talk later.” The call ended swiftly. I needed to do something about all of this, calling it off will be of no use.

*********

“I know what you did.” 

“Amelia darling, we should start preparation for the engagement ceremony.” My dad responded with a satisfied grin.

“I'm not getting married to anyone!”

“Oh, you're just a child. What do you know”

“I'm not Becca father, I'm not your toy or something to sell.” I spit back at him.

“Becca is comfortable in her husband's home.” 

“Becca hates that marriage father! You don't see it, you don't see how frustrated your children are.”

“You will get married to Ramon Lawson and that's final.”

“F**k I'm not!” 

“Amelia!” His voice resounded in the boardroom. I was this close to doing anything irrational—this close.

“You will get married to him, it will aid the growth of our company. It's the perfect marriage.”

“You just want to get rid of me, do I have to be the perfect daughter for you?”

“The board executives will soon arrive Amelia, I suggest you let the chauffeur drive you home.” 

I was devastated. My father will sell me off, marry me off when he gets the slightest opportunity. Everything was about his darn company and not me. Everything has always been about his company, mom leaving didn't touch his heart but he was so engrossed in the status of his darn company that he didn't even—

“Amelia,” my dad said, snatching me out of my thoughts. “You can leave.” He finishes. 

I walked out of the office, my tears at the brim of my eyes begging to drop. I needed to opt out of all this but I had to obey my father. The limo came to the front of the company and I slid into the vehicle. My phone pings with a notification of a message from Dad.

Control Freak:  When you get home, dress up nicely. My friend will be coming today.

Me: Sure

Control Freak: Be nice Amelia.

Me: I'll dress up like a doll. 

Control Freak: I'll come home soon. 

******

I waited for my father. The table was all set and proper—courtesy of the maids. It was someone important coming to see Dad tonight, for decorations to be up at this time. 

I heard their laughter from the dining room, I walked to the meeting room, my eyes glued to my phone screen.

“Amelia.” my father brought my attention to him and his visitor. 

No way! 

“This is my best friend, Vance,” Dad said.

I was dumbstruck. The same man I had a one-night stand with was my father's best friend! The same man who was hands deep into my folds the night before was my father's best friend!

I stood in shock, looking at him as he gave no reaction at all.

“Oh—

“Hello Amelia, you look—grown up.” The man said.