Framed
1093 Words
(Thala's Point of View)
The day of our engagement party arrived. My fiancé turned out to be the heir of the Ravellos, Nekolauv Aurel Ravello. I don't get to spend much time with him but I know that he is kind and family oriented. He's an ideal type of guy and girls like me would definitely agree.
I have known him for a long time because we used to attend the same school. It's just not enough for me to want to be tied to him. Yes, I like him, but I'm not ready to make a commitment just yet. I am only obligated to marry Nekolauv for business reasons. That is so ridiculous. Is this still in use?
"Honey, how are you doing?" My mom asked, melancholic. She attended to me and also looked at my reflection in the mirror in front of me.
I gave her a faint smile and just bowed my head so she wouldn't notice the sadness in my eyes. Just like me, mommy is just like the wind when it comes to opinions. We both have no right to do what daddy wants. It's like we have strings that are just controlled so easily. Like puppets, I guess.
I'm wearing my beautiful off-shoulder designer white dress right now, but I still can't manage to smile. I shine because of the expensive jewelry I'm wearing. This is so sad. I feel like I have been wrapped in beautiful things, to be sold.
"At least I'm being helpful for dad this time. I finally have value." I smiled bitterly, so my mom held my hand.
"Don't worry, Nekolauv will look after you. That guy is kind, so I have great trust in him." Mommy is trying hard to lighten my spirits, and it's working because of her smile.
We have already gone to the engagement's venue. With so many people, I can't even find Nekolauv. I wanted to talk to him before the announcement, but it didn't happen because the party had already begun. I saw him talking to my dad and based on daddy's reaction now, I have a bad feeling.
Where's that b***h? Penelope is nowhere to be found and that made me more curious. Well, she can't do anything now since everbody already knew who's engagement party is this. She probably locked herself up in her room and cried like a baby because of jealousy.
“She needs to know her place,” I shrugged.
I was ready to approach my dad and Lauv, but it was my dad who came to where I was. He just stood by my side and didn't say a word. It feels like we don't know each other based on the way he is treating me now. I noticed that Lauv was already going up on stage, so I took a deep breath and prepared myself.
“Ladies and gentlemen, meet my fiancée.” Lauv caught my attention and even extended his hand towards me. He smiled sweetly at me, so I smiled back.
Our guests applauded to cheer for the both of us, which made me even more nervous. I don't love him but I like Lauv as a guy. ‘He's a gentleman and charismatic.’ I shook those thoughts away and focused on his announcement. I should have been walking if dad hadn't grabbed my arm. I was about to ask my dad, but Nekolauv already answered it.
"The beautiful and competent heiress of the Laurencos... Blaise Penelope Laurenco," Lauv announced, still staring at me. Wrong, he's actually looking at the person behind me.
My jaw dropped at Penelope's presence in front of everyone. She wave her hand and walked up the stage with Lauv assisting her. She's even wearing the same dress as mine. I couldn't move right away because my mind is filled with questions right now.
How is Penelope recognized as the heiress? What about me, the legitimate daughter of my dad?
Penelope smiled wickedly and raise a brow to mock me. “Game over,” she mouthed and held Nekolauv’s arms. She smiled at everyone who’s confused of what's happening.
The gossip started to fill the venue, so my dad pulled me out of there. He looked at me with anger, and it was as if he was about to curse me out. "I'm done with you, Myrthala. What is it this time that you've gotten yourself into?" I felt the pain of daddy's grip on my arm, but he still wouldn't let go.
"I haven't done anything,” I said, still in confusion. “Dad, it hurts.” Then he just violently let my arm go.
"Do you know that guy, Larry Gonzales—the one you brought home? He's dead, and you were the last person seen talking to him before he completely disappeared. He was found lifeless in an abandoned place yesterday. Now tell me, Myrthala. Do you know what happened?" a question from my dad that was full of accusations. I can't believe him.
How can he ask me like that, with those cold, piercing eyes?
"Do you really think I'm that terrible, Dad? Yes, I talked to him, but I only asked him a question. I didn't even know him personally,” I said trying to gain his sympathy. “Dad, someone is trying to set me up!” I added waiting for my dad's reaction.
I tried my best to explain my side, but Dad just shot me a death glare. I couldn't help but cry because I saw the mix of disappointment and anger in his expression today. Tears represents my anger, frustration and sadness that I couldn't open up to my dad.
"Prove it," my dad challenged irritably, which made me stop.
"A month, Myrthala. Don't go back to the mansion until you have evidence to show. Live wherever you wish, but never return empty-handed. I'll clear your name for the sake of our family." Dad turned his back on me as if it didn't matter. "Prove that you deserve to be part of the Laurencos,” he frowned before finally leaving.
How can I do that when I didn't do it to begin with?
"I am being framed, Dad. Will you listen to me?" I whispered in between my sobs.
Is he really my father? I can no longer see the man who's willing to give up his important meetings just to play with me. He is no longer the man I look up to. Our happy moments were framed...
but kept in the past.
- Writer
