The Secret Engagement

Chapter 3: Watch your back, big boy

CHAPTER 3

There were no words to describe how Angela felt at that very moment. The realisation that she was going to be engaged with a stuck-up, wannabe Justin Bieber, arrogant, son of a bi-

Well you get the picture. She just didn't want to be engaged to the person responsible for encouraging the student population to bully her. Angela clenched her fists hidden under the table and smoothened out her face.

"Ahh, of course, Kyle Hawk right?" She managed to get out.

"Yeah that's his name. Come to think of it, doesn't he go to your school?" Mrs Hudgeman leaned in and whispered. No one can know that she goes to any school at all. As far as the public knows, Angela Hudgeman is home-schooled.

"Yeah, he does," Angela smiles stiffly. She can't tell her parents about him. If they knew, they wouldn't go through with the engagement. Their business relationship with the Hawks literally rests in her choice of words. Making enemies with your competitor was the last thing they needed right now. "He's okay I guess."

Mr Hudgeman looked at her quizzically. "So, you okay with this engagement baby?"

Angela looked at her parents. Both of them gave her a hopeful look, though there was some sadness in her dad's eyes. Her heart clenched. She remembers his pale body laying on the hospital bed, breathing evenly, but eyes never opening. She remembers staying beside him, holding his hand in her hands. She remembers the smell of disinfectant and how nauseating it was. Her stomach turns and there's the bitter taste of acid at the back of her throat.

"Yeah, dad. Let's go through with the engagement." Angela said firmly.

Her mother's eyes lit up with excitement but her dad narrowed his eyes even more. "That's great honey!" Mrs Hudgeman clapped her hands. "But there's something you need to know." Angela motioned for her mom to continue. "We want you guys to only marry at 21, cause that's when we'll go public with your engagement status. Of course, going to events together would be great for the press but that's only if you want to."

Angela nodded weakly. She gestured for a waiter. She told the waiter to get the hotel valet to bring up her car. She didn't think the conversation was going to last long anyways.

"So that means that you have to wait about 4 years before we do anything official," Mrs Hudgeman chirped. "Isn't this so cool? It's like it's written straight from a book!"

Angela looked at her mom and laughed awkwardly. Only her mother can be excited to wait for 4 years until her daughter is married. Angela swore to herself. She wouldn't disappoint her parents. Even if she has to be with the douchebag himself.

"Angela?" She looked up to her dad.

"If at any point in time you want to call it off, you know that it's okay to tell us right? We only wish for you to be happy at the end of the day." Mr Hudgeman said seriously. This was his only daughter after all, and sue him if he wanted to spoil her. 

Angela's eyes softened. She gave him a genuine smile. "Yeah dad, I know."

"Good." He flashed her his killer smile.

"I'm gonna go first alright? I've got homework. Love you!" Angela excused herself.

"Love you baby!" Both her parents called out.

"Jinx!" They said together. Angela quickly made her way out of the restaurant.

"Jinx again!" She heard from a distance. Angela chuckled to herself. Despite all their years of marriage, her parents still showed their love for each other continuously. Even if that meant being childish with one another. The smile from her lips quickly turned into a frown. Now, how is she going to handle this Kyle Hawk?