Flames of Love

"Natasha it's time for you to settle down" She glanced up from where she was resting on the VIG Chesterfield sofa, mid-shift to keep from indenting the material. Near the sofa stood her mother and her Dad, she was holding a book on her hand. She loves reading long story books mostly piece from mystery & thriller. Her Mom was already giving her a disapproving look. "Settle down with who?, Mom!" Natasha asked curiously. "It's time for you to settle down with Andrew, the manager of the company" "Mom, this again??, I thought we have gone through this before" "I'm not ready for any marriage, I don't believe that something like love do exist. I just want to live my life as an independent woman, if possible do an IVF to get a child. I don't want to submit to any sort of man, Mom." "You're almost thirty, Natasha", She said warryingly folding her arms across her chest. The many bracelets lined with diamonds on her arms jingling as she moved. Her Dark brown hair was tied in a bun on top of her head, giving her all round stern aura. "I and your Father here married when I was twenty-three, now you have grown past twenty-three. It is expected of you to marry before you turn thirty" "But mom, I'm just twenty-eight. I'm not yet thirty. Must I even marry?, Can't I stay unmarried, independent and pursue my dreams?" She rolled her eyes at her mom raining questions on her. "So you know, I and your Dad has agreed that you will marry Andrew Ashbluff, the manager of our company" "Mom!, Dad, What?" She raised her eyebrows at them. "Andrew Ashbluff?, This can't be possible mother." "How do you expect me to cope with that ruthless, arrogant and rude person in a to be sham called marriage?". "Natasha it is time for you wake up and stop making our family look bad. You have to start of your own family with him so that we can give a head start to the next successor of our business, marry him or you risk losing your inheritance." She suddenly went cold and in awe; she throws herself to a sitting position in the living room. "Look, My daughter, we have no other choice but to marry you to Andrew the manager of our company and the only son of Late Mr. Reynolds Ashbluff" She looked at her parents in shock, "What! you guys are still joking right?" "I'm afraid we are not" Her dad said looking her in the eyes. She can't believe what she is hearing, Her parents are marrying her off. She looked over to her mom for help, "Mom?!" "That's it, my dear, whatever you Dad says is final" "But-" "No buts Natasha, our decisions are final." Her dad said in a stern voice. "I'm not even ready for anything called love, love is an illusion. How do I cope with all this love thing" she asked on a hard edge. "Rich families marry into other rich families to keep thier wealth and fortunes, our ancestors has done this long time ago. Marrying Andrew will help safeguard our legacy and make sure your interitance is in safe hands. All I ask for is for you to repay us by keeping our business alive." "And I will, I promise to keep the business alive but not forcing me to live with a total stranger" "You no longer have a choice in this matter, if you don't settle down. I will take your car, your house and have your account frozen." Natasha's Dad roared. "We are having a special dinner tonight with Andrew Ashbluff. Courtesy demands that you should be home early." ••••••••••••••••••••• Late in the evening, at the time for the scheduled dinner with Andrew and the Bretts. Delmira, Natasha's younger sister has already set the dinner table awaiting the arrival of the guest. The Dining room was filled with a colorful sensation pleasurable to the extreme. It carried a happy vibe with the aroma of the food altogether. The whole family were all seated in the dining table. "The interior of this dining room looks so amazing" Andrew appreciated the beauty masked in the dining room. "Of course, that's the handwork of Natasha. You have her to be complimenting" "Wow!, That's a perfect job here, Natasha" He praises her looking to her eyes. "I have invited you here to have a special dinner with my family. Firstly, to thank you for your hard work and labour for this past years in my company. Secondly and most importantly, to make a proposal to you which is at your discretion to accept or reject." Mr. Brett said to Andrew A tall imposing man with brown shoulders, dark-skinned with a strong jawline. His dark brownish eyes complimenting his captivating looks. "Sincerely, the pleasure is all mine sir. Go on with the proposal" Andrew said with smiles while anticipating. "Natasha, my older and first daughter is of age. And it is of utmost importance for her to marry into a rich family like us, so to keep our business and legacy alive. Sequel to that I make you an offer of marrying Natasha my daughter." "She is the head beneficiary of the family's estate and company. You additionally will become a member of the family and run the business with her" "Sir!?... How can I marry your daughter against my wish at most even against her wish too?" He asked in a inquisitive but yet in a surprising manner. "Her wish doesn't matter here, like I said earlier you can either choose to accept it or reject it" "Then, with all due respect sir. I decline" Natasha in the course of her meal belches after Andrew had declined. "This sucks, how can one live with a total stranger all through her life. I don't even want to marry him. I don't like him, I don't want to marry anyone either." She mumbled under her breath. Natasha's Dad continues… "Andrew, this proposal comes with some results which might seem uneven to you. But it has to be let out though" "You have two options… it is either you marry her or you risk losing your position as the managing director of my company" At this time point, he became devastated and stuck between two harsh decisions of his life. His eyes wide open, "Sir, that's two seeming harsh decisions to make"