Unheralded
724 Words
"What?"
I was stunned, and I don't think I heard it right.
" Dad, what are you saying? Please don't joke like that. If this is a joke, I don't find it funny at all. "
"I'm not joking, Herm, this is the only way."
I studied his face, finding no trace of humor. He appeared composed and resolute. This is not happening.
I stormed out, my pace quickening with each step. As I listened to the unfolding events, I realized they were planning to marry me off to save the company. Tears streamed down my face as I walked through the aisle of flowers.
"I would love to get married in a setting like this, but not under these circumstances," I whispered.
I heard my father calling my name, but I kept walking quickly. It hadn't occurred to me that I was in a remote area, far from the city. How on earth would I find my way back?
"Herm, listen, we need this. It's the only way to save our company. "
He was following me now.
Then he shouted, "They'll kill me if I don't pay them!"
My heart skipped a beat.
" What are you saying? Dad, what is happening? "
I can't calm my racing heart or the knot in my stomach. We may not always see eye to eye, but I love my dad. He's the only family I have right now.
" I, I did something wrong. When your mom died, I, "
He can't finish his words. He stops from walking, and he seems too vulnerable now.
" I got addicted to gambling and, and, I, ah, I, lost. I lost a lot of money, I pawned the company, the hotel."
My mind is in turmoil. What happened to my dad? This isn't like him. He was a fighter, shedding tears when my mom died. He was always away, and I rarely saw him. Now I realize that during those times he was gone, he was trying to comfort himself in the wrong way through gambling.
"We'll pay them. The hotel is still making money. How much do you owe? We can ask our family's friends for help or go to the bank for a new loan."
I walked over to him and took his hand.
"Dad, why didn't you tell me this before? I'm here to help you."
We're both crying now. I can feel my father again for the first time in a long while. He's holding my hand tightly.
"I, I just can't. You remind me of your mother so much. Every day I look at you. It pains me."
I don't know what to think anymore. I feel so confused and left out. Even though I'm his daughter, he shows affection to my stepsister while I feel invisible. Now that they need me, it's like my happiness doesn't matter to him.
"But how about my happiness, my future? Is that important to you? Am I important to you?"
I don't want to have this conversation with him, but I can't sacrifice my happiness and myself. I've been alone for so long. Am I supposed to throw away my future? I know my mom will disagree and understand me. I won't do it!
"No, I won't do it. Why not let Cassandra marry him instead?"
I said firmly. I can't sacrifice my happiness. I've been lonely for too long, and I don't deserve this.
Anger replaces grief in his eyes, and I can see it. Is he upset because I suggested Cassandra instead? Is that how he loves his stepdaughter? Yes, it seems like he loves her more than he loves me. It hurts so much. Even though I'd known this for a long time, I thought maybe, just maybe, I was wrong.
"You can't refuse. The deal is finalized. They are the only ones capable of saving us and me. You will be happy if you marry him. You will live in luxury and the hotel will be preserved."
Now he speaks more firmly. I lost all hope that he cared about me when he returned to his casual demeanor.
I feel unloved, tricked, and hurt. I always thought the time would come for me to have my own happy life. It won't be happening anytime soon, I guess.
"I give up."
- Writer
