What the hell!
1045 Words
Chapter 2.
(Few days earlier)
Mike sighed for the umpteenth time that day, Evelyn's concerned eyes followed him as he paced the living room.
"Is everything okay, love?" She asked her husband, giving him a gentle pat on the back as she urged him to stay in one place.
"I'm in a bind and need some advice. I borrowed money from Jared, and I can't pay it back." Mike heaved a deep sigh, this time rubbing his face with his calloused hand.
Evelyn sighed too, "Oh, I see. That sounds like a difficult situation, Mike. Why don't you give me the details, and we can try to find a solution?" It was the first time she would be hearing something like this.
"You're not mad at me?" Mike questioned, searching her face.
Evelyn chuckled, "Of course not, come on, out with it."
"Well, I owed Jared a considerable amount of money, and he's been very understanding, but I just can't come up with the funds. He suggested a rather unusual idea to help me pay off the debt—marrying our daughter, Jasmine, to his son, Knoxville." To be honest, Mike couldn't call Jared considerate, considering the threats and many things that has followed him not paying hia debt back in time. But, Mike couldn't say that. There was more pressing issues.
Evelyn's eyes widened, "That is definitely an unexpected proposition. However, it seems like Jared believes in helping you not only financially but also in securing a better future for both families. Have you considered discussing this with our daughter? It's important to gauge her thoughts and feelings on the matter." She advised, but the euphoria of her daughter marrying one of the richest bachelor in the city is roofing.
Mike shook his head, "No I haven't, you know how she is, she is too focused on her career now, she would think I'm trying to sabotage things, but that's not the case."
Evelyn nodded, "I completely understand your concerns, darling. It's crucial to respect our daughter's feelings, desires, and dreams. Let's try to find a way to reconcile both your financial situation and Jasmine's happiness, you should probably consider speaking with Jared and sharing your apprehensions?"
"I have been too worried about what this would mean for Jasmine's future. Maybe I should talk to Jared and be completely honest about my concerns, maybe I could find another solution to this. I don't want to be a bad father." Mike concluded, giving his wife a hug as thank you.
Evelyn returned the hug, "That's a great step, love, open communication is key in resolving any dilemma. I believe Jared will be receptive to your worries and wishes for Jasmine's happiness. After all, he offered this solution with good intentions." She knew well that a man like Jared wouldn't have anyone's happiness in mind but his.
Mike smiled, "You're right, baby. I really appreciate your support and guidance. What would I do without you." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and exited the room.
In the end, he had to accept the offer.
(Present)
"Mike dear, listen to her, please." Evelyn called her husband back, after seeing the look of despair on Jasmine's face.
"But, it's done." He repeated.
"Dad! You can do this to me, I can't marry someone I don't love, someone who is definitely gay and someone I seriously don't know." Jasmine argued, standing from her place on the floor.
She went straight at her father, holding both of his hands in hers, "Dad, listen to me please, if there is something else I can do, I'll do it, anything but marrying Knoxville." Jasmine spoke the name like it was venom.
"Just marry him dear, only you can save the face of this family Jasmine." Mike sounded tired and remorseful, he shook his head, pulling his daughter in for a hug.
"Do this for me baby girl." Mike urged, but Jasmine dropped her father's hands, stepped away from his hug.
"Dad! I have a boyfriend, you know Leo, how do you want him to feel if I leave for a man I barely know all in the name of saving the family's face?" She questioned, her face hard.
"Guys guys! Let's calm down, it's been an emotional day, how about we take it easy and continue this conversation tomorrow?" Evelyn stepped in between father and daughter.
"No Mum, let him answer me! What situation do you want me to put Leo in?!" Jasmine's voice qaa going over the roof, so he'd father's face changed.
"You will marry him and that is final." Mike commanded and left the living room.
Jasmine scoffed, looking around for a bit, "I'm out of here." She declared and walked out the front door, remembering to slam the door to showcase her anger.
"Jas! Jasmine!" Evelyn and Ethan's voice followed her through the dark but she doesn't look back.
Tears ran down her face in anguish, she qaad at her father and sad that he could bring home something not even remotely favorable for her.
Jasmine pulled out her cellphone and dialed a number, it rang, once, twice, three times, but no response.
"Where could he be?" She reasoned, "It's Thursday, it's day off." She remembered her boyfriend's schedule.
The only place she felt like she belonged right then was with Leo, the only person that seems to always understand her.
"He's probably playing video games." She concluded, starting in the direction of his house.
When she got there, she knocked.
Once.
Twice.
She called out Leo's name.
"Leo! Leo! Are you in there?" No response and Jasmine began to panic.
Thoughts ran through her head, "I told him to move out of this shitty neighborhood, he wouldn't listen." She grumbled, trying to unlock the door, but to no avail.
While being on set, she learnt lots of tricks and one of them involve using hair pin to unlock doors, so she put her skill to test.
With a click, she knew it was successful.
"Leo!" She called out from inside the house.
She could hear voices, coming from the direction of the bedroom, so she followed the sound. She was however met with an unpleasant sight.
With wide eyes, "What the hell!" She shouted.
- Writer
