THE PAIN YOU GIVE

CHAPTER 2 Unwanted Arrangements

Chrissy stood at the imposing entrance of her father's mansion, with her heart pounding with uncertainty. Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing Lucy, the maid, who greeted Chrissy politely. Lucy ushered Chrissy inside, guiding her towards the living room where her father awaited.

"Good morning, Dad," Chrissy greeted as she settled into a seat beside him. "You mentioned it was urgent," she reminded him.

"Indeed," her father acknowledged. Mr. Taylor's stature was notable, not just as a prominent figure in the shipping industry across Chicago, but also as a respected member of parliament. He held his family's reputation in high regard, striving to maintain an impeccable image. However, Chrissy's relationship with her father was complex. She often found herself at odds with his obsession with their family's status, feeling as though her desires and opinions were disregarded. His strict demeanor, particularly towards her, instilled a sense of fear that made her feel powerless in his presence.

In response to Chrissy's inquiry about the urgency of their meeting, her father cleared his throat before addressing her confusion. "Well, yes," her father began after a moment, "I summoned you here to address a matter of significance regarding your future," her father stated. "Chrissy's brow furrowed in confusion. "What is there to talk about regarding my future, Dad?"

Before her father could respond, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation. He instructed the maid to show the visitor in, and soon, a figure entered the room, causing Chrissy's eyes to widen in disbelief.

"Mr. Price!" her father greeted warmly, embracing the young man before offering him a seat. Jason, his presence unwelcome to Chrissy, returned her gaze with a glare, igniting a spark of hostility between them.

As her father resumed speaking, Chrissy's attention was divided. She couldn't fathom why Jason was there or what role he played in her father's plans. "I was talking about your future," her father declared, his gaze fixed upon her with unwavering resolve. "And how it affects our family's status. You see this gentleman right here," he gestured towards Jason, "he will be your husband." Chrissy's world came to a standstill at her father's startling declaration. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with disbelief. "But...why, Dad?" She couldn't fathom the reason behind such a drastic decision. "I can't marry him. I don't even know him."

"Oh, but you do, Chrissy. We met at the party yesterday, remember?" Jason interrupted, with a mocking tone, prompting Chrissy to cast her gaze in his direction. Chrissy's anger boiled over, her retort dripping with venom as she lashed out at Jason.

"Shut the fuck up!" Chrissy snapped, her frustration boiling over as she directed her fury towards Jason. But before she could continue, her father's booming voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Enough!" Mr. Taylor's voice thundered through the room, commanding attention with its authority. "This is my decision, Christina. You will obey me, understood?"

Chrissy's protests fell upon deaf ears as her father continued to assert his authority, his words a relentless barrage of admonishment and ultimatum.

"Do you want to disgrace our family?" he demanded, his tone tinged with disappointment. "You will accept this marriage arrangement, for the good of our name."

Defeated, Chrissy could only nod in resignation, her spirit crushed beneath the weight of her father's expectations. "You may leave," Mr. Taylor dismissed Chrissy with a curt tone. "That was the important announcement."

With a surge of anger coursing through her veins, Chrissy rose from the couch and cast a seething glare at Jason, who wore a smug smirk on his face. "I'll be going now," she declared sharply before storming out of the room.