my wife

chapter 1

I was called down for dinner by my parents.

The smell of Steak. I love it.

My parents are restaurant owners, so obviously their food is the best. Even though our cuisine are mostly Spanish foods, my parents' steak is still the best. Usually I would help my parents cooking but my mom wanted me to fully focus on my studies, at least for today. 

I grew up learning that family is first priority. Things like looking out for each other or helping each other is a must. That's why I always help my parents but I don't see it as a duty, it's more of me being a helping hand. Especially since I'm an adult now, helping them is the least I could do. No matter what they need me to do, I do it. For example helping out at work, cleaning, cooking or setting the table.

The table looked so beautiful and my brother set it? For real? That can't be right, that lazy ass is sloppy as hell. 

„Theo did you really set the table today?"

„Yeah", he says distractedly. It's just odd, so I ask: „What's the occasion?"

And obviously no one answered.

Everyone is already sat and I'm the last one to sit down. So I join my family and we start eating.

My family acts so weird, it's more than suspicious. Usually my parents are very talkative but today they look worried. Something has been nagging on their brain the entire day. Just what happened today? Even Theo is being weird. I haven't seen my family since yesterday. Mom has been poking her food for a while now, she also keeps fiddling around. Dad on the other hand is extremely calm. What are they doing, it's starting to look silly. I can't enjoy my food at the sight of my family. The tension is suffocating me. Awkward silence is hurting my ears and I can't bear it any longer, when my mom starts to speak.

„We need to tell you something sweetie.", she said carefully.

„What's up?", I pretend that I haven't noticed anything.

„We want you to do us a favour.", can't she just get to the point? She always does that.

„Mom, you always do that. Stop, and tell me what's going on."

She hesitated for a few seconds but then says: „We want you to marry Emilio Romano." She looked nervous but tried to keep a calm face.

„WHAT?! You're just gonna marry me off? You can't do this to me!", huh?

„Sweetie-", my dad tried to calm me down.

„NO! Why should I marry him? I don't even know him!", what? I couldn't believe what was happening.

„You know, our restaurants belong to him.", our restaurants what? My entire body froze. What did he just say?

„What, but I thought they were ours?"

„They are but also aren't. These are our restaurants but they belong to his company.", my dad explained.

I'm shocked but then remember the marriage-thing.

„You still haven't answered my question."

„Well, he sort of requested it and when he asks for something you can't really refuse."

„WHAT?", I'm confused more than confused.

What the hell is going on?!

I don't even know this guy and how does he know me?!

Most importantly why does he want to marry me?

„How? Why? I don't understand."

„Sweetie, it would give us huge benefits and influence. If you marry him, you need to move in with him but it's only for the media. It would be suspicious if one of the most famous CEOs is married but the wife practically doesn't exist. You'll have your own floor, he'll pay for everything you need including school. You won't need to work with us anymore and you can concentrate on studying now, that's more important."

„NO! No no no! You can't marry me off! Benefits? C'mon! Isn't this what we have enough for you? Instead, you sell your daughter to your boss.", they both look at their plates and say nothing. This is ridiculous. They can't even defend themselves because deep down they know that I'm right.

I can't believe it. My parents want to marry me off. I mean the offer sounds great but too good to be true. Also I DON'T KNOW THIS GUY. Who believes this crap! My own floor? No college fees? Who is this man? And what are his intentions? 

I love my family, I really do and I would do anything for them, but honestly? I fear that my parents were tricked. How come there are only benefits for us? He must have ill intentions. 

What if he's a serial killer or a don?

What do I do then? I imagine all sorts of things.

I start to panic.

„Theo?", I look at him.

„Hm?", he looks like he woke up from a daydream.

„Did you know?", I'm desperate. I can feel my eyes filling up with tears.

„They told me before you came down.", so that's why he looked distracted. I feel like someone's is chocking me. I can't breathe and my whole body burns. 

„I need time to think about it.", I mumble.

I get up and leave the room. As soon as I enter my room my stomach growls.

And I instantly regret my decision because that steak was delicious.