Us Against The World (Sample)

Prologue

∞ Maximus∞

∞ Two years earlier ∞

When most parents decide to break news to you, their child, you would think it would be something like they were moving, cancer, divorce, retirement, something along the lines of that. Not something like you are going to marry some 18-year-old girl because she's the daughter of a long-time friend, they thought it would help me fix my image in order to help their business. Also, it's an old tradition from my family that had been done and was still being done to this day. My parent's families were stuck in the old ways where the parents find their child a spouse. They thought it was best because they were all about image and money. It gave them the ability to control almost every aspect in their children's lives. That was why my parents had me when they had me and so on. They actually had lots of old traditions that I hated growing up, but my parents eased back because they wanted me to have somewhat of a normal childhood.

My grandparents hated it but respected my parent's wishes. Everything was fine until now, they were forcing me into an arranged marriage, and I think it was because of my grandparents and probably because I had been acting out and ruining their image. You see, my parents owned their own businesses. My mother was an interior home designer and an event planner. She worked from home mostly, but she did have an office building where she had others who worked for her. My father was a businessman who had dabbled into a little of everything from computer tech all the way to import and export of goods. I was supposed to be taking over his business and according to my family's tradition I couldn't take over unless I was married, and I think my parents were going to be sticking to that tradition.

"Max, I know it isn't ideal, but it would help a lot. It's a win-win situation. Plus, it is a tradition in my family that still goes on Max. We told you that a long time ago. Your father and I were arranged to be married and we didn't like it that much, but it wasn't bad at all. We fell in love with each other and I am sure you will fall in love with Persephone." My mother tried to explain in order to make the situation sound good, but it just pissed me off more.

"You told me you weren't going to force me into an arranged marriage. And what do you mean it is a win-win situation? How am I winning when I am about to be tied down to some little girl who probably cares more about shopping, getting her nails done, and spending my money instead of taking care of a house and husband. Does she even know how to take care of a husband?" From the corner of my eye, I saw Persephone cringe when I made that statement.

I wasn't going to lie, I felt kind of bad for saying that because I didn't really know her like that to judge her. But come on, what did people expect me to think? She was 18 for crying out loud. Most girls her age were either in college or starting their freshman year of college. In Persephone's case, she was starting her freshmen year of college, and most girls her age were worried about their next boyfriend and senior prom, not marriage. I wondered what she thought about that, which brought me to my next point. My attention turned to Persephone, who was gorgeous by the way, ready to ask her how she felt, but before I could ask her anything her father cut me off.

"First off young man, I'm going to need you to watch how you talk to and about my daughter. You will respect her and talk to her like you've had some home training. Don't make me have to show you because I will." Caine, Persephone's father said threatening me. My parents didn't say anything to take up for me either. He was right. I shouldn't be taking my anger out on her. "You need to apologize and then address her like you got some sense."

"You're right, I apologize. Persephone, I didn't mean to take my anger out on you." I apologized to her and all she did was nod her head in response. She had been quiet the whole time and hadn't said anything and honestly, I wanted to get her to take on everything. "Persephone, what is your take on all of this? Are you okay with being married at a young age to someone who is older than you?" I could tell I shocked her with my question and made her nervous because all the attention was on her now. Before she answered she looked at everyone and then turned her attention back on me.