You're Mine

Chapter Three

Chapter three.

Before one can enter the west side, they need a special permit. Even for those living at the east side. But luckily, the park comes before the security post.

Maybe there's another one in the east side, she doesn't know because she hasn't been there.

The week passed in a flash, and it was already the day before the engagement.

Marianna's POV

I had just come out up from the bathroom for my morning wash when a knock came at my door.

"Please wait a minute I'm coming"

I quickly opened my wardrobe to find something suitable to wear. I put on done legging and a polo shirt and the went to open the door.

I opened to find my Dad at the entrance. You need thing came through mind. "I hope I've not done anything wrong that I'm not aware of.

"Dad, have I done something wrong?" I looked a t him nervously as I bit my lip.

"Silly girl, can't your Daddy visit you? "He ruffled my hair and went to sit on my bed since there were no chairs in my room.

"You painted that?" He pointed to the painting of the forest I did a few days ago.

" Yeah, Dad. Do you like it?"

"Yeah, very much. It's breathtaking. Come and sit here dear. " He patted on the space beside him on the bed. I timidly went to sit beside.

Dad visits me once in a while when he's home so this is not extremely shocking or anything. And I love it when I do get spent some alone time with Dad. Even though my stepmother will punish me for it when he travels again.

He brought me into his arms and kissed the crown of my head. I was elated. For this, it was worth the punishment I'll get later.

"Why do you insist of learning medicine when you could be an artist. Your works are more beautiful than that of most professional artist dear. You'll be going to school soon, are you sure about this? " My spoke softly to me and also caressed my head as he did so.

"Yes Dad, I'm very sure. I won't regret it." I gave him a toothy smile, showing off my two canine teeth. He always said that I look cute when I smile like that.

"Okay, if you say so. I trust your judgement. I came here for a different matter today. "

" Oh, did I do something wrong? "

" Of course not dear, I wanted to talk to you for some days now but you were never around. "

" Oh sorry Dad, I didn't know. I went to tour the neighborhood. "

"Nothing to be sorry about it's okay." Suddenly his face became so serious. I got worried immediately, forgetting that Dad said he wasn't here to punish me.

Fear had become second nature to me since eight years when came to interrupt my Dad and his family's lives.

"I'm sorry dear, for putting this task on your shoulders. But it's the only way I can think of helping you now." His forehead creased drawing into horizontal lines and his eyes became clouded with sorrow and guilt.

"Dad,--"

"I'm sorry dear, I let you down. I promised tour mother to take good care of you but I've not done so. You're such a good child, you've never done to complain to me no matter the punishments they met out to you."

My eyes widened in shock and I bowed my head in shame for letting him

"I'm sorry Dad, I just didn't want to cause you any problems."

" I know princess, its this Dad that's sorry for letting you down."

" No Dad, you didn't--"

" It's okay princess, let me finish. I'm proud of the woman you've become and I'm sure mother is too.

"Things between your stepmother and I are very complicated and I don't want to pull you into it. If they find out my emotions about you, they'll plot more evil about you.

"Be very careful not yo let them hear of anything that we'll discuss here to today, mmhmm?"

" Yes Dad"

" Good. There's indeed a reason why your future father-in-law wants to marry off his youngest son. Buts it's nothing that'll put you at a disadvantage.

"In order to get out of your stepmother's clutch, I had to find a strong backing to help me, I also had ensure that none of my actions will affect you.

" Your fiance is indeed worrisome and dangerous but not to you. I'm glad that your sister refused, the plan is gradually falling through.

"Princess, I can't guarantee that your fiance will love and care for you, forgive tour Dad for his incompetence. But I can assure you that no harm will come to you.

"You'll not lack for any material things. Also, after five to ten years, if both you and your fiance come into an agreement, you can get a divorce and find your own life partner.

" I've told your in-laws everything about you and they love you already. Even if I'm not able to succeed with my plans, at least you'd lead a much better life than you being here."

" Dad I--

"Know that you're very special dear, and this undeserving father of yours loves you immensely."

" No Dad, don't say that about yourself. I love you too." I buried my head in his chest as I cried.

" There, there, it's okay dear." My Dad comforted me till I stopped crying.

" Let's hurry up before they wake." Dad acted as if we were playing hide and seek making me burst into laughter. It was too comical.

"In-laws will be coming here today, on about an two hours time." He released the bomb.

" What, Dad?"

" They wanted to see their beautiful daughter-in-law before the engagement "

" But Dad,"

" Don't worry princess, they're going to love you. This is for you,wear it when they come." It was then that I noticed that my dad came in with a shopping bag."

" Awww, thank you so much." I already knew it was going to be beautiful. Dad had and eye for these things. Most of the things I own had come from him. But I don't wear them because of my stepmother and sister.

"One more thing," my Dad continued.

"You have to stand up for yourself. None of what's happening is your fault. College is going to be more difficult than high school, don't allow your sister to bully you okay. You have to stand up for yourself "

" Yes Dad" it was easier said than done.

As if dad knew I was bluffing, he took hold of my chin and made me to look into his light blue eyes.

"Promise me, all that I'm doing will become of no use if to don't learn to stand up for yourself princess."

I gathered all the courage in my bones and promised him.

"Yes Dad, I promise."

We spoke for a little while longer he kissed and my forehead and left to leave me to get ready.

When he got to the door, I ran and hugged his back tightly. "Thank you so much Dad, I love you."

"I love you too princess" he replied hoarsely and then turned around to hug me back. We stood in the position for a little while before he kissed my crown and left.

When Dad left, I proceeded to get ready for the breakfast with my future father and mother-in-law.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. Thankfully, neither my sister nor my stepmother came to taunt me.

I'm sure they're frustrated on their. They usually don't wake up before 10 when they don't have any programs to attend. So for them to be awake at 8 was a real challenge on their part.

Moreover, they usually take a long time to get ready. If not, for a day like this, they'd already come to turn my mood.