Beneath His Armor

I sat on the plush chair facing the large glass windows of my father’s home office. I sincerely didn’t know if I was shocked or merely disappointed. An arranged marriage? With a man I know from nowhere? “Father I—” “ The arrangement has already been made Sofie there is no room for argument” my father interrupted. I looked at my mother who averted her eyes from me. My brother was out of town so there was no one to defend me or even hear me out. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me, to us . I mean I do care about our no my father’s company but what kind of family decides to sell of their only daughter just to save their name and luxuries? My name is Sofie Kiera Carter, only daughter gifted to Desmond Christian Carter and Mabel Ariana Carter . Also a sister to Alan Dylan Carter. We are a three star elite family living in the Winston Estate in the beautiful city of New York. We are a loving family, well we were until me. Left to me life all about simplicity. But unfortunately that was not the same for my father. He craved the extravagance, the fame, the money. He believed money and the right connections could get you everything you need in life. He is not wrong, money and the right people can make a miracle but at what cost? My parents had Alan first. He was all, he was everything.The obedient and loving son every parent would want. Then I came along. My mom said a I had my father wrapped around my little finger the morning I was born. We were okay, like any normal family. That was until my father’s mother passed away. Grandma was lovely. She was headstrong and firm in her own way. Father had to take up the company after her shocking departure. Father became different. He wanted us in a certain type of way that we were not which I believe he was displeased with. I was a wild child. I wanted nothing more than to live my life out there free of any burden but my father had other plans. He wanted a perfect daughter, one that was not loud, one that was graceful and refined in all her ways, one that was poised. I was far from that, but I became that. I am that!. The Blackwoods were a seven star elite family. They are one of the families at the top of the chain. I have had the chance to meet them at one of the annual gatherings and though I am not too sure of the details I am well aware that they have a son. Adrian Blackwood. The mere mention name sends shivers down my spine. He is known for his rudeness and cunning behavior. He doesn’t care about anyone except himself and maybe his family. They are a powerful family, after all they owned most of the biggest companies here in New York. Knock-knock. A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. “Come in” my father said. The maid came in swiftly with an envelope on a gold painted tray. The envelope was beautiful. Lavender with intricate designs in gold dominated the envelope. “ This was ordered to be delivered to you sir” Mrs Mann, the head maid, stated. My father thanked and dismissed her. Upon reading the letter he paled, as if seeing a ghost. This was not good. “ May I have a look at it please father?” I asked my father. He turned to look at me with…warmth? Regardless he passed it to me. It was one of the investors demanding for his share lest we face dire consequences. “Father” I began “Is this the only option? I mean… an arranged marriage in this time and age, is it not too archaic?” I asked, my voice quivering. Father turned to me with a softened expression “ Sofie dearest, you know how much I care for you, you had my heart the minute you came out of your mother’s womb. This is not only about marriage — it’s about the future of our family. The Carter name has always stood for power and influence but due to my stupidity it is falling apart and Adrian Blackwood is our only way out.” Tears stung the corners of my eyes. I knew he was right and I hated it. I hated that he was right and more importantly I hated that I have to be the one to go through this. “But why about love father?” “ Isn’t that the key to a happy marriage? I don’t even know him” I said, my voice coming out as a whisper. “Love is a luxury my dear, one that we cannot afford at the moment” My heart sunk. “I am truly sorry for bringing this upon you Sofie.” I looked at him. For the first time I did not know what to feel towards my sweet father. “I understand father” I said quietly, taking another look at the letter in my hands “ I will try my best.” My father stood up and crouched down to me “ Look at me honey” I looked at him with tears in my eyes “ You are not my precious gem for the nothing. You are stronger than you think I know it. Plus who knows, maybe overtime you and Adrian will find a common ground. Worst things have happened”. I forced a smile though it didn’t reach my eyes. I wanted to believe him, badly but the rumors I had heard about Adrian Blackwood made it difficult for me to see myself there. The man was known to be one who keeps to himself. He was rarely seen in public but when he was he had a stoic face as if he has never been happy his entire life. Some say he has a dark past. Others say he is ruthless. They say he built his empire through crooked means and has nothing such as love in his dictionary. My thoughts were once again interrupted by a knock on the door. A moment later Mrs Mann came in, her hands clasped together in the front of her apron. “ Pardon my interruption Mr, Mrs and Miss Carter but dinner will be served shortly.” My father nodded in acknowledgment “ Thank you Mrs. Mann. We be down shortly.” “ Sofie” my father began “I will do my best father” I stated. “ That is all I ask” he said before leaving the room. I sat in the same spot for a while still holding the letter. I tried to picture my life, how things will be. Will they be good? Will it be okay? More importantly will I be happy? With a heavy sigh I stood and left the room to the dining room. I purposely took the long route. I wanted to look at everything. I wanted to drink in the beautiful scenery of the garden, the hill that I use to run on, the portraits and unique paintings on the walls, the flower vases that held beautiful flowers, everything. “There you are dear” My mother said as I entered the dining room. “ I was beginning to think you will not be joining us” I gave her a tight lipped smile. “ I was just going over some things in the office.” My mother nodded, her expression sympathetic “I know this is hard for you Sofie but trust me your father knows best.The Blackwoods are a traditional family and Adrian … well he is important too. Dinner was served. I ate my usual portion and excused myself as I wanted to be alone. A while after I came to my room Mrs. Mann came in with a tray. “ I thought you might need this. It is chamomile tea. Known for its ability to calm one’s mind and nerves.” she stated. Indeed I did, chamomile was my favorite. “You always seem to know what I want at the right time. Thank you Mrs Mann.” She smiled as I spoke. “You know child, happiness does not always find you. Sometimes you have to create happiness for yourself. You are a strong woman Sofie. I have known you since you were a child so I know that you will get through this.” Her words made me smile. “ I will Mrs. Mann, I will. Thank you and goodnight.” “ Goodnight little one” she responded. With that she excused herself to go and perform her other duties. As I gave in to the darkness of sleep, I wondered what Adrian would be like and what the future held for me, for us.