Then, We Have A Deal

06:The Father

I was whisked away to the living room and was sat down on one of those super fluffy sofas.

I was offered a biscuit and an orange juice. I was offered wine first, but I'm not a fan.

The man, he introduced himself as James Wilson. I recognized him as the head and owner of Wilson Productions. Basically, they're a film making company, mostly known for that one hit movie called, 'Heroes Arise' which was a team of superheroes that were brought to life from the comics.

One of my faves, if I do say so myself.

When I asked Mr. Wilson about why he called me a daughter in law he freaked out and was very dramatic about it. I can clearly see why he is in the film making industry

Such a flair for the dramatic.

He called my dad and requested his presence to grace us at the present moment. That was basically what he said.

And so now we are sitting in the living room, I have a biscuit in my right hand and a glass of orange juice on my left. There's a middle aged man that is very good looking, mind you, who is staring at me right now, as if I'm some blessing from the heavens.

And I'm not even religious.

A few moments passed and the door from the foyer opened and in comes my father.

He first saw Mr. Wilson and he grinned like he was looking at someone who he knows since forever.

Mr. Wilson got up and clasped my father's hand and did a one armed hug thing.

"John! You silly old guy!" Mr. Wilson dragged my father to where I was sitting and sat him down while he sat on the other sofa across from us.

"John, why the heck didn't you tell that lovely daughter of yours about the deal?" What deal we're they talking about?

"She was all panicky when she got here, I was getting worried about her." Mr. Wilson continued.

I looked at my father and he was avoiding my gaze, he looked awkward with the situation.

As he should be.

I was too afraid to speak because of Mr. Wilson so I sent my father death glares. He seemed to sense the animosity in them so he sighed and looked at Mr. Wilson, an understanding seemed to pass through them and Mr. Wilson stood up, gave me a nod and walked away.

My father sat down beside me and leaned back before perking up again like he was deciding what he should do.

"Just say it please, I've been through a lot already." he gave me a sad look.

Should I brace myself?

Yeah, yeah I should.

"Kaeda... How should I explain this?" he pondered. I just stared, annoyed.

"Okay, okay. Let's see. What James was talking about, about the deal. Well, you're mother, when we were younger we have been close friends with the Wilsons, James and Portia. Your mother loved them, they're great people and Portia loved us as well. Your mother and the Wilsons have been inseparable even before I met your mother and, ever since they were kids they would promise each other that when they have children of their own, they would have them marry each other. And when the Wilson got a boy and your mother and I were expecting you, they- we decided to go with it."

I looked around waiting for the punchline, looking for cameras or something. When I haven't found anything I turned back to my father.

"What?"

"Your mother was dying, she didn't say it but we knew she really wanted to go through with it. Hoping you'll end up falling in love with each other."

First off: Gross!

Second: WTF?

I don't know what to say. I should've gotten angry, should've shouted at him, demanded to call this off or whatever. But I stayed still because I knew I wouldn't, I'd never go along with this.

Over my dead body.

I noticed my father looking at me.

We don't have the greatest relationship. Our father-daughter relationship is more of an "I exist, and I'm you're daughter" kind off way. We just coexist with each other. We were fine when I was a child, but as times went by, we see each other often, we lived with each other but we seldom say anything to each other unless it's something we need the other to do.

My father finally broke the silence, "So... What do you say?"

Funnily enough, nothing. I don't have any plans. I just want to be a broadway actress. That's all. I don't really want to be in a relationship, specially now that I found that my long term crush is snogging my best friend all along. Without realizing I turned bitter.

But the thing is though, Mr. Wilson is super rich.

You may call me a social climber or what but I got to be honest. We are poor. For the longest time we have been living in the same rundown apartment.

For some reason, the Wilsons who are supposedly my mother's bestfriends deserted us but are suddenly right here, hired my dad on the spot and is offering me a marriage contract with his son (whom I know nothing about).

What's in it for me?

I asked my father that same question.

"Well you wouldn't have to lift a finger for the rest of your life, that's one. Second, you can have whatever you want, the world at your hands."

"And third?" My dad's eyes sparked at my question and he grinned, a grin that told me I won't be able to reject the offer.

"Connection." He paused for dramatic purposes. "Connection to the finest broadway directors."

My father is evil. But it was me who bit the apple.

I want this now.

I wouldn't have to worry about my future.

My career can be kick-started.

I wouldn't have to think about anything else!

I wouldn't need to be jealous of Kristy and that guy, Jake!

All I have to think about is practicality, that's my excuse for accepting.

An evil glint in my eyes started to shine, but suddenly dimmed when I hear the door from the foyer slammed and a loud, angry voice followed the sound.

A guy, maybe a year older than me stood tall by the hallway, eyebrows knitted to a v shape, eyes glinting.

He looked straight at me and I felt a chill ran down my spine.

It was hate at first sight. I can feel it.

Oh, how I hope he is not the son.

"What the fuck are you doing in my fucking living room!?"