Taking Over The Dynasty

Chapter 2

"So I guess we will have to meet up after class?" I said, smiling at her.

"As usual, definitely," She squealed in excitement.

It was already in the afternoon, and I waited for Lily in my car. This time, I usually waited for her in the car, and once she got in, we went for a trip to our favorite place in the mall, which was eating at a cat cafe. We would spend hours in that place most of the time, and we don't mind paying a lot as long as we get to play with the playful cats.

The door to my car opened as Lily got into the car. She closed the door after she waved some goodbyes to her classmates. She then nodded to me to start driving to the cafe.

"So... tell me your problem. How come, out of the blue, your father is asking you to marry a man?" Lily asked.

"It started from nothing, Lily. There was no fight, and everyone was in a quite good mood. Then suddenly, my dad brought up Everdeen's offer and asked me to marry their first son. Of course, as a normal human being, I would decline it. First, I still consider myself young. Second, I am just as scared as any child that they would take over my family's business. By no other than the Nick Everdeen."

"But Nick Everdeen is already rich... they do not need any financial help or new major business offers from anyone anymore. Besides, I haven't heard much about Nick as far as the gossips go. All I am hearing is that he is a jerk that rejects every girl that he has ever shown interest to."

I sighed deeply as I looked out to the road, "I know, but..."

"You are scared that he might be like your dad, isn't it?" Lily cut me off. I was about to debunk her, but I was caught off guard by myself. I was scared of the chances. I was afraid of living in fear again. This is supposed to be a new point of my life that I should be proud of—no controlling and abusive man. "Okay, not marrying Nick is quite an impossible thing, no that your dad is even braver to hit you again. So to make your heart feel at ease, I will do as I can and try to see what kind of a man Nick is. At the very least, I hope he is not abusive. I hope so, Carol."

"I hope so too, Lily," I replied while giving a short smile as I continued focusing on the road.

Finally, we arrived at our destination, and from the outside, it seemed that the cafe had fewer customers than it usually does for a sunny and bright day like today. "Finally! To release some tension," Lily exclaimed as we got out of my car.

I made my way to the cafe's entrance, and as soon as I opened the door, the cold air of the air-conditioned room brushed against my cheek, and I have never felt at home more than today. I could feel a tiny furball brushing against my legs, and I looked down to see Snow, my favorite car in the cafe.

She was a beautiful ragdoll that was so big and elegant. I have always wanted one, but my parents are not fond of cats, so I regularly come here for Snow. I picked up Snow and carried her in my arms like a mother carries her baby.

"Welcome, Carol!" Mrs. Anne greeted me and showed me the way to my usual dining small table for two people in the cafe. "What would you like for today?"

"Hmmm, a slice of red velvet cheesecake would be nice, and a cup of hot green tea, please" I ordered my dessert and gave her a smile as Lily also collected her usual order from Mrs. Anne. Mrs. Anne and I were pretty close, and I have always supported her work in building this cat cafe business from scratch. Now, this place is booming with never-ending customers. The cats were as if never tired, pleasing one customer and the other. They all enjoyed the human presence.

The snow made biscuits on my lap with her pair of tiny and fluffy paws as she circled around and finally lay on my lap, having a short nap. I looked at Lily while caressing Snow, waiting for her to discuss a topic.

"So, I have decided to pursue law school after this," She said shortly in confidence.

"Nice! What made you want to continue there? What's the sudden news?"

"Well, I just think that being a lawyer is cool, and I can still be rich, and I am particularly interested in handling cases in the court," She said and giggled at the end.

"Being a lawyer, you will be holding a lotttttt of responsibilities, y'know," I said matter-of-factly.

"Well- okay, yes, but I do have passion for this. Somehow someway, I could feel it in my heart," Lily replied, giving a sympathetic look, asking for support that I would gladly give.

I giggled and looked her in the eye; of course, 100%, I will always support you, and I am just a call away," I replied with a broad smile on my face. Then suddenly, I sighed and looked down at the sleeping cat on my lap.

"What is with the look, Carol?" Mrs. Anne broke the silence as she carefully set down my dessert order and Lily's.

"Oh, hello, Mrs. Anne!" Lily greeted her in excitement, "Our Carol here is having quite a serious problem." 

"What is it, my dear?" Mrs. Anne asked as she looked at me in concern.

"It's my dad Mrs. Anne. He is telling me to marry a man I barely know. I am not ready for marriage," I said as I looked her in the eye, hoping to get some advice.

Mrs. Anne sat down beside me and took both of my hands as she caressed them gently with her hands. "For some people, marriage is a blessing. Some are not. I am fully aware that going against your father might be impossible because he only sees with his brain, not his eyes nor heart."

"Then how am I going to make him see it? Show him how much I don't want to marry the man?"

"That is why you also need to see it with your own eyes. Right now, all you are seeing is anger and pressure from your father. So let me tell you this, why don't you try to find something about the man and convince your father that he is not the best man for you and your family business. Some people are just a bit hard-headed to consider someone else's opinions, so now, you can try to make him see it. You know him the best; try to show him the values that the man has that for sure will make your father lose interest. You'll find a way, I am sure of it," Mrs. Anne said in a calming voice. 

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A/N: