Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C18 - Request

Third Person's POV

10:30 am - Razon's Company

Louise paced nervously outside her parents' office, her mind racing as she rehearsed what she was about to say. This was the first time she'd ever asked her parents for something serious, and she wasn't even sure how they'd react to her sudden request. But she couldn't stand by and let Donny continue with his arrogance and the arranged marriage situation looming over Stacey. She had to act.

Taking a deep breath, Louise knocked on the door.

"Come in." her mother's calm voice called out.

She pushed the door open and found both of her parents seated, discussing something over documents. Her father looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes as he saw her standing in the doorway. "Louise, this is unexpected."

Louise stepped forward, hands fidgeting in her pockets. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you both about something important."

Her mother smiled warmly, setting aside the papers. "Of course, what's on your mind, Anak?"

Louise swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn't planned to tell them about her and Stacey—not yet, at least. But the arranged marriage had pushed her into a corner. "I know you're working with Donny's family, and I heard about the arranged marriage thing with Stacey. I want you to cut ties with them."

Her father raised an eyebrow, glancing at her mother. "What brought this on?"

"Donny's a jerk, Dad." Louise said bluntly. "He's been annoying Stacey nonstop for months. This whole marriage thing is just him trying to force her into something she doesn't want. I don't want you working with people like that."

Her mother looked concerned. "We had no idea Donny was like that. We've known the Sevilleja family for years. But, Louise… business relationships like these are complex. We can't just—"

"There's more." Louise interrupted, the words catching in her throat. She had to sell this. "Stacey and I… we're together."

Her parents blinked in surprise, stunned into silence. Her father leaned back in his chair, staring at her. "Together?" he repeated, his tone cautious.

Louise nodded, trying to maintain her composure. "Yeah. It's not recent, either. We've been figuring things out for a while now. That's why this arranged marriage thing can't happen. I won't let it."

Her mother exchanged a glance with her father before turning back to Louise. "You're saying that you and Stacey… are in a relationship?"

"Yes." Louise lied, her heart thudding in her chest. It wasn't entirely false—her feelings were real, but they hadn't officially gotten there yet. Still, this was the only way she could see to stop the madness.

Her father sighed deeply, running a hand over his face. "Louise, this is the first time you've come to us with a request like this."

"I know." Louise said quietly, her voice filled with conviction. "But I need you to understand how serious this is for me. Stacey means a lot to me, and I can't just stand by while Donny manipulates everything."

Her mother studied her carefully, sensing the weight behind Louise's words. "This is really important to you, isn't it?"

"It is." Louise replied firmly. "I wouldn't be here asking if it wasn't. I know business is complicated, but this is the first time I'm asking you for something, and I need you to trust me on this."