Merge? how?

Celine had gotten a call from her dad early in the morning. He asked her to come home that he had an important discussion that he wanted to have with her. She had gotten home that evening and met her father sitting in the living room, his palm placed under his chin. He was so deep in thoughts that he didn't notice his daughter come in.

"Dad? I said good evening!" Celine repeated herself seeing as her father didn't hear her the first time.

"I'm sorry my dear, I have a lot on my mind. Please take a sit"

Celine sat directly opposite her father. She was confused as to what would make her father thinking so hard.

"So Celine, you know i have taken loans in the past to be able to make ends meet and also pay for your tuition?" She nodded in response and her father continued. "Most of those loan sharks are on my neck. I also have to pay tuition for your sophomore year too."

Celine sighed and her father gave a slight smile and continued.

"I went to my boss to ask for a raise and possibly a salary advance.He gave me good news. He was ready to promote me to be a member of the board of directors." Her father announced.

Celine went over to where he sat and gave him a tight hug. "That's very good news dad. Why don't you look excited?" She asked.

"Because there is a condition. Please sit don so I can tell you."

Celine went back to her sit and gestured for her dad to go on.

"So his condition was that.....he wants both our families to merge."

"Merge? How?"

"Celine. My boss wants you to get married to his grandson."

"What? Dad you know that's not possible right? What did you tell him?"

Celine was surprised at the condition her father was given. Why would his boss want that?

"I said i was going to talk to you."

"You should have saved yourself the stress and just refused him straight up. Dad there's no way I'm going to marry someone I do not know and love. It's never happening" Celine refused vehemently.

"But Celine, this is a very good opportunity. It will take us out from the shackles of debt. And you know the Smith family is a very respectable family. They would never do anything to hurt your feeling." Paul tried to convince his daughter.

"Dad, you do not understand. I do not know this people. I don't want to marry a man I do not know in exchange for a good life."

"Celine, you should really think about it. It's a very good opportunity. Losing is won't benefit us."

"Look dad, I'll take up extra jobs to cover the debts. There's no way I'm agreeing to ur boss's condition. And dad you know i have a boyfriend. What do you want me to tell him?"

"You know I've never liked that boyfriend of yours." Her father retorted. Paul had thought Zack was to rascally and dangerous for his daughter...

"Doesn't mean I can leave him just to marry a rich man's grandson who I've never met in my entire life."

Moreso, she was only 22 and in her sophomore year in college. Marriage wasn't something on her to do list at the moment.

"Look dad, please tell your boss you're not accepting his condition. I need to go dad. I have a shift to work at a restaurant downtown".

She stood up kissed her dad on the forehead and left the house.

Paul sighed as he watched his daughter leave. He knew she wouldn't agree to marry Xavier.. She was just like her mother, a woman of principles. His boss's offer was the best thing to take him out of the shackles of debt. He knew no matter how many jobs he and Celine took up they still won't be able to pay up their debt any time soon.

He had to think of some other way to convince his daughter and that was exactly what he was going to do.

Later that night, Paul was about to sleep when his phone rang. Mr Smith was calling.

"Hi sir....i hope all is fine" Paul said after picking the call.

"Yes Paul. I just wanted to ask if your daughter had agreed." Mr Smith said over the phone

"No sir, but I'm still trying to convince her." Paul responded.

"There's not much time Mr Paul. I heard your loan with that microfinance bank is due to be paid tomorrow right? I'll settle the loan for you. Just make sure your daughter agrees to the marriages and all other loans will be paid off as well."

After saying that Mr Smith hung up the phone. He sighed after ending th call. "Women! They can be so stubborn." He said.

He had known Celine would refuse. So he needed to do something that would push her father. He had someone get a list of the people Mr Paul owed money. He saw that one of the loans was due to be paid tomorrow. He had ordered his assistant to pay off the loan. That way Mr Paul would be motivated to convince his daughter. After all, there is nothing money cannot do..right?