Tainted Desires | 18+

Flashback #3

Terrence Toussaint

As the conversation flowed, I tried to focus on Eloise, the girl who was sitting across from me on the round table. She glanced my way with an awkward smile, probably just as unsure about this situation as I was. She looked familiar, but I couldn't just put my finger on where I had seen her. She could also be one of the girls I'd been with for one night as I barely remember who goes under me.

My father leaned forward and began discussing business with Antoine and Camille. Their words sounded serious and formal, and I found myself struggling to follow the intricate details of the deal they were proposing. Glancing at Eloise again, I noticed her fidgeting with the edge of her napkin, her gaze shifting between her parents and me.

Feeling a mix of curiosity and anxiety, I cleared my throat and interjected, "Excuse me, but could someone please explain what exactly I am doing here? I've been sitting here for over two hours, and none of you have bothered to acknowledge either my presence or hers."

The tension in the room seemed palpable as my question hung in the air. Eloise's awkward smile faded slightly, and her eyes widened in surprise. Antoine and Camille exchanged a brief glance while my mother maintained a composed expression.

My father sighed softly, his gaze momentarily shifting from the business discussion to me. "We are discussing your marriage to Eloise."

My heart seemed to skip a beat as my father's words sank in. "My marriage?" I repeated, my voice tinged with disbelief.

Antoine cleared his throat, his tone cautious, "We believe that by joining our families through this partnership and your marriage to Eloise, we can create a stronger foundation for both our businesses and personal relationships."

My mind was racing, struggling to process the magnitude of what I had just heard. Eloise's eyes were fixed on me, a mix of apprehension and curiosity in her gaze. I glanced at my mother, hoping for some sign that what I had heard wasn't true, but she remained quiet, her expression carefully neutral.

The room felt suffocating, and I found myself struggling to find the right words. "Marriage is a significant commitment," I managed to say, my voice tinged with a mix of incredulity and frustration.

Antoine chuckled, grating on my nerves. "In the world of business, partnerships can be just as, if not more, binding." I shot a quick glance at Eloise. She looked as taken aback as I felt, her lips pressed together in a thin line.

My frustration grew, and I couldn't help but challenge Antoine's perspective. "A partnership in business is. Marriage should be based on love."

Antoine's gaze met mine, his expression cool and calculated. "Those ideals sound wonderful, Terrence," a nasty smile found its way to his lips. "For a thirteen year old boy."

Antoine's words hit me like a slap in the face, and I felt a surge of anger rise within me. My jaw clenched as I struggled to maintain my composure.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself before responding, "Respect, understanding, and love aren't limited to age."

Camille spoke up softly, "We didn't mean to belittle your feelings, Terrence."

"Well, your husband certainly managed to do just that," I replied, unable to hide the bite in my tone. My frustration was mounting, and Antoine's condescending attitude was only exacerbating it.

Antoine's expression tightened, but he remained composed. "You are twenty-one, boy. Old enough to take on your father's multiple businesses. You will learn that love or whatsoever fantasy you wish to live in will not take you far in life, business will. Power, money-"