Falling in Love with You

Chapter 6 Arranged marriage

Gertrude Pov...

I was still feeling exhausted from my meeting and presentation, but then Dad called, asking me to come over to discuss some important matters. When Dad calls like this, it's usually for something rare and significant.

" Thank you, Ms. Cushe! " The host exclaimed with a warm smile. I responded with a smile, showing my appreciation before making my way out of the conference room.

I value my personal space and prefer not to have a driver. I drive my car, despite the occasional inconvenience.

"Dad, Mom, I'm home!" I called out as I walked through the door.

"Ma'am, they’re in the dining room," our housemaid announced. I smiled, feeling a warm sense of anticipation.

"Thank you!" I uttered, placing my bag on the side table before excitedly walking to the dining room. I kissed their cheeks warmly before taking a seat at the table.

"How was your day sweetheart?" Dad asked.

"Tiring, but it’s fun, Dad!" I laughed, feeling a burst of energy despite my exhaustion. Mom smiled warmly, and I could see the relief in her eyes. I'm thankful she's recovering now. Her smile is a sweet reminder of how far we’ve come.

" You'll get used to it, sweetie. Once your mom feels better, I'll be there with you at all the conferences to guide you. " Dad said, his voice warm and reassuring.

" I miss those days, Dad. I enjoyed going out with you. " I pouted, reminiscing. He chuckled at my sentiment.

"Are you sure you want an old man following you around?" He asked. Mom laughs softly. I miss my mom's giggles and laughter.

" You are not an old man, Dad! I would love to come with you! " I hummed, winking at Mom.

" Mom, get well soon so we can go shopping together again! It's been four years since our last shopping trip! " I said with a playful whine and a smile, hoping to lift her spirits and remind her of the fun we used to have.

"I will, sweetheart!" Mom responded. I dream of having a partner like Dad. The way he looks at Mom is both beautiful and it's enviable. Their love remains as vibrant as ever, even after many years, and they always seem like newlyweds.

"Anyway, sweetheart, I know you won’t hate me for this," Dad announced, his voice booming and catching me off guard. "I've already arranged a marriage for you!" The words struck me, like a lightning bolt, leaving me stunned and overwhelmed as I tried to process the flood of emotions swirling within me.

"Sweetheart!" Dad uttered again.

"D-Dad!" I mumbled helplessly.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. It's for your good. " Dad said, his voice a mix of gentleness and resolve. " I can see that you two have the potential to set a great example someday, much like we have. The way you look at each other is truly magnificent. " Despite his reassuring tone, my mind was racing with questions. An arranged marriage? Who could it be? Who was the lucky guy who had made such an impression on Dad?

"But Dad, I'm scared he might not like me, and what if I don’t like him?" I said, my voice trembling with worry. I had never imagined that my marriage would be arranged like this. No one knows about my past feelings for Jonathan, and I'm still healing from that. Maybe this arrangement will help me move on and finally forget him.

" I won't let that happen, sweetheart. I'm certain you both have feelings for each other. " I frowned, trying to make sense of his words. My feelings were straightforward, I only liked Jonathan and had hoped to find love in Italy, but despite my efforts, it remained elusive.

" How about Gideon? Am I going to marry first? " I tried to reason out.

" Sweetheart, even though your brother is older, we can still find a woman for him at any age. However, finding a man for an older woman was challenging. " He tried to explain, and his point was reasonable. Dad was right!

"Alright, Dad. I trust you. " I said with a smile though still worried. I knew, however, that Dad would do everything in his power to ensure I wouldn't get hurt.

We ate contentedly as Mom regained her strength and joined us at the table, though Dad continued to take special care of her. Most of the time, he fed her with the same gentle attentiveness he would a baby, making sure she was well cared for while the rest of us enjoyed our meals.

"I want a man like you, Dad," I mumbled unintentionally, but the words were loud and clear. They looked at me with surprise, their eyes wide as if they'd just heard something extraordinary.

"Sweetheart!" Dad smiled, comforting me.

" Can I find someone like you, Dad? I admire the way you love Mom and us so much. I want to have someone like you in my life. " I pouted envious. It was evident that the love and devotion you showed our family were qualities I deeply admired and hoped to find in my future relationships. I forgot I already had an arranged fiancé.

" Each person is unique in their way, but when someone loves unconditionally, there are no limits. It flows naturally, without any demands or expectations. I love your mom deeply just like I love you both. Both of you are essential to us. While words can't fully capture what you mean to us, I can promise this. I will never let your life go to waste," he explained. I pouted, tears streaming down my cheeks.

I'm beyond grateful to be their daughter. "I love you, dad!" I cried, wiping my tears, ruining my perfect makeup.

After we ate, Dad took us to the entertainment room to catch up on the random movies we missed. This was our weekly family bonding ritual, but we lost it when Gideon went to Italy and I became too busy with my studies.

Dad’s choice of comedy always hits the mark, leaving us laughing uncontrollably as if our bellies might burst from sheer amusement. However, when he shifts to drama, it takes on a more personal dimension for me. I find myself deeply connected to the plot, reflecting on my experiences with unrequited love. In school, I was the nerdy guy who helped the beautiful girl, only for her to choose someone else and move on. She gained popularity and accolades, while I felt like a mere pawn in her life, relegated to the sidelines as the villain in my own story.

Am I a villain now, or is this just how I see myself in the aftermath?

I hadn't realized how absorbed I was in the story until I noticed that Mom and Dad had left the room without me. So captivated by the twists between the protagonist and antagonist, I could hardly tear myself away, but my heavy eyelids betrayed me. Despite my resolve to finish the tale, sleep eventually took over, and I drifted off right there. I was jolted awake by the maid, who told me it was already seven in the morning. How long had I been asleep?

I emerged from the room, still yawning and feeling the effects of a restless night. My body ached, and every joint and muscle seemed to resist as I attempted to stretch and loosen up. After several unsuccessful tries bending and stretching, I decided it was best to head to my room to freshen up and begin the day.

"Sweetheart, don't forget our meeting tonight!" Dad shouted before I closed my door.

Oh, no! It's only Thursday, and I'm still swamped with meetings. I've been feeling so exhausted lately. How much more would it be if Dad handled all the work? Is this how he feels all the time? With half the workweek behind me, I'm already drained and dreaming of a day curled up with my cozy pillows. Dad, being older, must need plenty of rest and a proper diet to keep up. Now I see why he’s so strict, punctual, and meticulous. It's all part of managing the immense pressure and responsibility.