The Devil Is Mine

The Engagement Party

ALYSSA

"Put a smile on your face. You're attending your engagement party, not a funeral," Father scolded as he walked into my room to see what was taking me so long.

I know he told me to get ready in thirty minutes, but this is crazy! He didn't really expect me to go through with this, did he?

I don't know what was going on, but I refused to be a part of it.

"I'm not going anywhere," I announced. "When the time is right, I am going to find my own man and get married because we love each other. I don't know what arrangement you've made with your business partners, but I suggest you cancel it," I let out.

I have never disobeyed my parents in the past, but I guess it's about time they started respecting my opinions too. After all, I'm an adult and I can speak and make my own decisions.

"Don't make this harder than it is, Alyssa. Get ready in ten minutes, or I'll drag you out of here even if you're only wearing pajamas. You're no longer a child, and it's time you started taking responsibility for your actions," Dad said coldly.

"Responsibilities? For what exactly?! For walking into the room while you're having a meeting? Are you even listening to yourself?" I wanted to yell at him and told him how stupid he sounded, but I can't even disrespect him despite how angry I am.

"I am not doing this with you," he hissed. He turned to face the door and two maids rushed inside as if they had been waiting for him to call them.

"Get her ready in ten minutes. Make her wear the best dress in her closet. Do her makeup and let it come out nice," he ordered. "You've got ten minutes to change your story, Alyssa, and I certainly won't let you ruin this family's reputation."

"What did they offer you? Money? We have plenty of that. If they are threatening you or blackmailing you, then you should go to the police and not proceed with the stupid engagement!" I yelled.

"Mind your manners when we get to the party. We've come a long way and I can't have you ruin it with your childishness," Father left my room with that and all I could do was stare at an empty space.

I was too mad to cry. Too shocked to think or even react in the appropriate way.

The maids followed Father's order and began to fix my hair while another one did my makeup. I watched all of this happen as if it was a dream. Once all of this is over, someone will wake me up and tell me it's time for breakfast, right?

"All done," the maid gave me a small smile.

One of them searched my closet and took out the white dress I bought to attend the inauguration party the King's would be having in a few days. I have been so optimistic about my application that I even bought a dress in advance and now, they want me to wear it for some stupid engagement?

"Not happening. I'm not wearing that," I said sternly.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we're only following orders," one of the maids reminded me. I wanted to yell in her face, but I inhaled a sharp breath instead.

Contrary to what I had expected when I wore the dress, I feel numb right now. It was a pretty dress that cost me a fortune. It fits in all the right places as if it was made just for me, but it feels so wrong— I should be wearing the dress for a special occasion, not this.

"Your parents are waiting outside," the maid reminded me.

I grabbed my purse, feeling helpless as I went outside to see my mother all dressed up and father in his suit as usual.

His eyes scanned my body, and he nodded in approval before we got into his limousine.

Mom gave my hands a gentle squeeze while tears pricked in the corner of my eyes. I don't even know who I'm about to be engaged to, yet my parents made it seem like it's no big deal.

It is times like this that I wish I was not their only child. Perhaps, if I had an older brother, he would have fought for me.

"Keep a smile on your face and your head high," Father said as soon as we got there.

The penthouse has to be one of the best I've been too. Everywhere was so transparent that I guess whoever lives here must be a saint. I guess that they don't care if anyone is watching them.

"Mr. Jones!" A man greeted my father from behind. We halted on our steps as my parents greeted their friends while I just stayed rooted to the same spot as an unwanted guest. I don't belong here.

"Alyssa?" The man asked with a smile on his face as he turned to me. "You're even prettier in person," he said with a smile.

"Too bad, I wished I looked my worst tonight," my voice came out sharper than I intended, and my mother nudged me for it.

It was funny how everyone was smiling excitedly as if something made sense right now.

"Pardon her manners, she's just a child," Mother gave him an apologetic smile.

"Of course, I know how kids can be these days," he chuckled, and my parents laughed.

Should I remind them that I am twenty-four, not twelve? I'm certainly not a child, but I guess none of that matters anyway.

"Loosen up, will you?" Mom whispered in my ear, but I just wanted to get out of here.

"Can I get a drink? It's a bit hot in here," I mumbled.

The entire room was well conditioned with AC, but my stomach keeps churning in anger from how uncomfortable the elders make me feel, and I just want to get out of here.

"Of course, you can do that, but you will have to meet your man first," the man said, rather too comfortably for my liking.

"The engagement is starting in thirty minutes. I believe you should meet properly before the guest arrives," the man said.

I dug a finger in my skin, pinching myself hard enough to make me scream in pain, but I only smiled in response.

"Speaking of the devil," the man smiled as he stared at someone behind me. I followed his gaze and my eyes widened the moment I saw who walked in through the door.

"You… that… he's not the man I'm about to be engaged to, right?" I stammered as I stared at the most heartless man in the whole world.

"Do you know him?" The man asked calmly.

"Everyone does! He's an ass…"

"I'm glad you do," the man cuts me off rather rudely. "Because you'll be engaged to him in thirty minutes."

No f*****g way!