Loving Lylah

Chapter 9

Lylah

His gaze was unwavering while I tried hard to maintain eye contact.

It seemed he had absorbed the shock of the revelation while I still didn't have my racing heart under control. What were the odds of this happening?

An awkward silence had fallen over us, both trying to figure out what to say in this situation. He was the first to speak.

"I hope you don't misunderstand." His eyes had gone steely and his posture, rigid. "Just because we know each other, or because our parents arranged this ridiculous marriage, does not mean I want this. Whatever expectations you have from me, kill them. It's not gonna happen." He said, going straight to the point. The way he said 'marriage' showed just how much disgust he had at even the thought of it.

Well, this was good. At least I knew we both agreed on how ridiculous this whole thing was and neither of us wanted it. But for some reason, his words stung just a little.

I looked at his serious face and straightened in my seat. I wasn't going to look like some weak bitch. I had to show him that I hated this just as much as he did.

"I agree. This entire arrangement is ridiculous. I expect nothing from you, except, that you don't expect anything from me either. I don't want any part of this but unfortunately I don't have a choice." I ground out bitterly, casting my eyes away from his.

"If we both don't want this, why don't we just end it? Tell your father you're not going to go through with this." He looked at me, his voice devoid of any emotion at the moment.

"Didn't you hear me? I have no choice. If I did do you think I'd be here?" I asked in an exasperated tone. "I can't go against my father. There are too many reasons why I can't. Why don't you tell our parents to end this?" I countered. Maybe if I could get him to end this, my father wouldn't be able to blame me. I wouldn't be the one backing out.

Jimin's face dropped at my words yet he kept his composure. I could see frustration and a hint of desperation swirling within his dark orbs. His eyebrows were furrowed and his lips set in a thin line. When he spoke his voice was laced with a hint of annoyance. "I don't have much of a choice either. If I back out of this, my father will have my head. He already gives me enough grief as it is. I don't need him to give me more shit."

"Come on! I'm sure he'll get over it! We can't keep being engaged!" I cried out in frustration.

"Then why don't you do it? If you do, I will too." He bargained. "Jesus, are you a kid? If I do it you will?" I muttered sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

"Look, one of us has to tell the parents to end this. They can merge their business without this joke." My voice rose slightly as I spoke to him.

"That's why I'm telling you to do it." He deadpanned. "And I'm telling you, I can't. So you have to." I replied, agitated.

"Arguing about this is pointless. One of us has to do it." I sighed, closing my eyes and rubbing my throbbing forehead.

"Look, there's no way I'm gonna do it." He said.

"There's no way I'm getting married anytime soon. If we stick to this arrangement for now, you'll be the one regretting it. I'm more than you can handle. I'll make your life hell." My annoyance shot forward and my eyes flashed with warning.