The Devil Is Mine

ALYSSA "OH. My. GOSH! I DID IT!!!" I squealed, jumping up excitedly as I read the text on my phone. "Congratulations, Alyssa Jones, you have been offered the role of creative director at the King's company. You will receive a call from our team soon. Good luck!" A smile spread across my face and I couldn't stop myself from grinning from ear to ear like a f*****g kid. This is awesome! This is everything I have ever wished for! Having my dream job, flying across the world, using my capacity to become everything I want without having to look up to my parents for help. The universe seems to be working for me and I can't wait to share the news with my family. I knew my father was having an important meeting today, and he told me not to come downstairs unless he said so, but that was like one million hours ago! My stomach was bubbling with excitement and I couldn't wait to share the good news with my parents. I can imagine the proud smile on my mother's face and 'I know you can do it look' on my father's face. Once again, I made them proud, and I can't wait to share the news. I ran downstairs excitedly, taking two steps at a time, as I screamed at the top of my voice. "Mom! Guess what?!" I yelled as I ran down the stairs. My smile faded away the moment my eyes met with the Stoic look on my father's face and the disapproving look on my mother's face. I looked around the room to see Father's business partners all dressed in black. They had their eyes fixed on me, and it made me shift uncomfortably for a second. Shoot! The meeting was still in progress. "Erm…" I stammered, unsure of what to say. Their gazes were sharp and intimidating, making me feel awkward in my own house and I suddenly didn't know what to do anymore. Should I leave? Won't it be rude? My father is high on respect and manners and if he finds me walking out on them disrespectful, he won't let me hear the end of it. "My apologies…" "Alyssa, go into your room right now!" Mother demanded as she shrieked. "I was… I am…" I stammered, but before I could even apologize, Mom cut me off again. "Now!" My cheeks flushed red from embarrassment as I ran back into my room. I have never seen my parents that mad. Even though Father didn't say a word, his gaze was cold enough to send chills down my spine. I have a bad feeling about this. Did I make a mistake by going downstairs? Father has always tried to protect me from his associates. I don't know why, but he won't even allow me to work in his company. That is why I have to look elsewhere to show my competence in the first place, and now I bet all I'd be getting was a scolding rather than some f*****g accolades. I paced around anxiously when a knock resonated through my room. "Yes?" I said sharply, and a maid came in. "Miss Alyssa, your parents are requesting your presence," the maid said, and my heart skipped a beat. They won't let me off the hook that easily and my father can be scary even if he's angry. I'm twenty-four, but I swear, that man still scares me at times. Their guests were gone when I arrived. My father was still sitting calmly in the same position even though his eyes were burning with rage. My mother, on the other hand, isn't doing a good job, trying to maintain her composure. "I'm sorry that I had to interrupt your meeting like that. I just have some good news and I guess I couldn't wait," I apologized as calmly as I could. "Well, you just ruin everything with your…" "And what is the good news?" Father cuts mom off as he asks rather too calm. Is this what they meant by a calm before the storm? "Erm…" I cleared my throat before I continued. "I received a text from the King's company that my application was approved, and I got the role of the creative director," my voice came out barely as a whisper. The excitement I felt earlier was gone, and I don't even know how to feel anymore. "I see… that must be really exciting considering how you ignored my order just to share the news," Father said without an ounce of emotion in his voice. "I'm sorry… I… I swear…" "Well, congratulations darling, but you won't be needing that job anymore," father said, leaving me confused. "Why not? I worked hard for it!" "You did, but thanks to your impatience, you also ruined it by yourself." "What does that even mean? What are you talking about?" I turned to face my mother, who only shoved her hands in the air. "Mom! Dad?! Can someone explain what is going on? You can't punish me for doing something out of excitement! It was just this one-time mistake…" "Congratulations, once again," Father said as he pushed his seat back to stand and mom began to shake her head frantically. "No, Patrick, don't…" I looked between the two, confused about what was happening. "Don't do what?" "You've managed to draw the attention of my partners and for things to remain smooth for our family, you will have to get married to one of my associates," he announced. "You're kidding, right?" I scoffed in disbelief. I don't know much about his associates, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to get involved with any of them either. "It has been decided. You're getting married in two weeks," Father turned to leave, not even giving me a chance to comprehend all of this. "Mom, say something!" I turned to face my mother for help, but she only massaged her temple as if this was just another headache. "You've got to be kidding me," I mumbled under my breath, and just then, my father turned back swiftly from the stairs. "Ah! Before I forget, get ready in thirty minutes. Your engagement party is tonight," he announced, making my jaw drop.