Daddy's Princess

Ignored

My father was about to kick me. He's clearly thinking that Adam will call off the engagement after I returned home.

"If that boy calls off the engagement, I swear, I'm gonna skin you ali--" he trailed off with his words when someone shouted from the door, voice loud and thundering that it made the old man freeze from what he's about to do as the other man hastes towards him.

My father still didn't know the details of what I've done but he had concluded on his mind that it's something unforgivable.

He's right this time.

But as always, he punishes me without even hearing me out.

It was Adam who came running inside huffing off heavy breaths. He came right on time when I was about to get kicked and he immediately pushes my father too hard that my father lost his balance and stumbled on the same floor I am helplessly crouching.

He then snarled at my father as if he's looking down on someone younger than him. "Don't forget our agreement! One single bruise I see in her body inflicted by you, I'll terminate all the relations my company has with yours!"

I didn't think he would still come for me after what I've done.

Seeing him protect me like this, standing up to the man I'm afraid of sinks me into so much guilt that I could only cry for it.

I started to break down in tears once more.

How could he have come back for me despite what I did?

"Whatever she does is not your concern anymore. Calling off the engagement is not an option for me as long as it involves Mia. I told you, she's no longer your concern now. You don't need to worry and just mind your goddamn business." Adam huffed, out of breath as he continued before he crouches down to pick me up. And as always, I would automatically retreat to him for his embrace.

But my chest feels so tight after hearing all this. 

How could he still take me back?

He picks me up gently and carries me, "I stick to my word... I'm not like those old men who fools everyone with empty words." he stated before walking out the house.

I don't know how my father reacted after I buried my face on the crook of Adam's neck after he embraces me, but it's the second time he left speechless whenever he and Adam clashes because of me.

On our way back to his place, I was still a crying mess. He didn't say a word but after we got off the lift, still carrying me, he sat on the couch without letting go of me.

How could he still hold me like this?

"I didn't say you could leave only to return to your father, Mia. You could go anywhere if you don't wanna stay here but not to the people who would hurt you... you know I wouldn't allow you to get hurt. Why do you even think of going back to your father?"

"I don't wanna burden anyone anymore..." I cried, but it earned an exasperated sigh from him.

"You can stay here... you don't need to leave. I'm not gonna let your father hurt you, as promised..."

My embrace and clutch on him tightened, crying my heart out. 

However, he continues, muttering, "But everything we had... even if we have has not even started yet, everything ends here... the engagement still exists but this will be solely for business relations. After marriage and all the arrangements for both of the families' companies are set in place, I'll file for divorce. I don't wanna imprison you in a marriage you don't want. " He stated.

I hate myself so much...

It's not like I didn't want to be with him. 

But somehow, what I did made him think otherwise, although it's entirely my fault.

I've never felt so dirty my whole life except now.

I've been a tool for my father's company to flourish by giving me away as a bride. And the man who'll take me will no longer give a chance in love for I've betrayed him.

"I'm sorry for being a burden to you," I muttered while holding back soft sobs I can't fully control.

"You were never a burden..." he replied.

He said I wasn't a burden. 

But I definitely feel nonexistent.

Two days passed but after that day, everything has changed. It's like he doesn't see me anymore... when he's home after work, he would just walk passed by me and goes straight to his office.

Even if I invited him for dinner, he would tell me he already ate and would always close his door on me.

I was really not a burden for him like he said since he makes me feel like I'm invisible. Now I feel like I'm annoying him with my constant effort on reaching out to him. And it hurts more than all of the beatings I got combined.

This is when I decided to go out and meet Jennie to tell her everything.

At first, I thought she wouldn't believe me but then, as I told her everything, she started crying. She was extremely disappointed in Damon for being an unbelievable asshole and also at me because I never had the guts to tell anyone what I've been going through.

She felt sorry for me... she said she could've shared all the pain I was feeling during the time I was completely helpless... and she felt guilty for giving unsolicited advice. She thinks that she has ruined my second chance of happiness with Adam. 

But it wasn't her fault.

I only have myself to blame.

After my heartfelt talk with her, I came home pretty late... it's actually my first time coming home late. I even texted Adam where I was but to my disappointment, he didn't reply.

What did I even expect?

As I got off the lift, I heard his voice and a familiar female voice in the living room. I went there to check and was surprised to see the designer.

His past little.

Both they're gazes turn to me when I entered the living room.

I wasn't sure how to react since it wasn't my place to ask but then, she greeted me, "Good evening Ms. Brunner." She smiled softly.

"I haven't really introduced you both but will you please come closer,  Mia?" He called.

After two days, this is the first time he had spoken to me.

"Mia, this is my good friend, Irene Carter." He started.

"Irene?" I asked. When I met her a few days ago for the final fitting of the dress, she introduced herself as Emerald.

But I quickly realized that she may be using her pen name as she is a designer.

"Uhm... yes, I've used the name he gave me as my official pen name for, also to give identity to my designs." She answered.

He gave?

"I delivered your gown, Ms. Brunner. I hope it'll fit you really well... I bet you'll look absolutely gorgeous in it." She added.

"Anyway, it's getting late. I'll take you to your hotel, Irene." Adam offered, smiling softly down at her.

"No... I'm fine. I'll take a cab. Besides, it's late so-"

"That's the point... it's late." He chuckled as he cut her words off.

I hate this.

I hate seeing smiles to this girl and loses that smile when he looks at me.

"Yes... it's late. You could've delivered the dress tomorrow, couldn't you? It's so thoughtful of you to have it brought here in this hour." I interrupted sardonically, faking a smile.

And as expected, Adam looked at me and lost his smile.

I hate myself...

"Oh... I'm-" she trails off with words as Adam cuts her off again.

"You can come here anytime, Irene. C'mon, let's go." He started grabbing her wrist and pulling her gently. She then smiled softly to me as she lets him lead her to the elevator.

I felt a sharp pain on my chest when he looks at me without any expression in his face.

He did not even introduce me as his fiancé and when they walked past me, he never even took a single glance at me.

I went straight to my room and cried once again. I remembered all the things she told me that day— that he only let her go as his Little because of his engagement to me, and now that I've ruined everything we had, he would definitely take her back.

And it took him 4 hours to come back.

I waited for him and kept my door open so I could hear the elevator when he comes back. I peeked out from my room when I heard the elevator bell dinged and in a few seconds, he showed up in the hallway, going straight to his bedroom.

In the morning, he prepared breakfast but he ate ahead of me.

I wasn't able to sleep that night because I kept thinking about them. My eyes were so puffy that I  have to put cold compress to it.

The engagement party will be held later this evening which I've completely forgotten last night.

We spent the whole day at home together without even talking. I wanted to talk to him but he doesn't even look at me so how could I?

A team of his stylists then came in the afternoon to prepare us for the party since of course, the media will be present.

While my make up is being done, a few stylists entered my room with a few black velvet boxes. They opened those boxes up one by one upon the bed which reveals expensive pieces of jewelry.

Then, the other stylist took out the dress from the dresser and put it up on a mannequin while I'm getting prepared.

It was a tight-fitting red, bare-back haltered gown. It's beautiful, but I didn't want to wear it...

However, I have no choice.

It's what Adam wants.

My hair was beautifully done with soft curls while the makeup artists compliment my fair complexion and beautiful skin. She said she did a light makeup on me but when I looked in the mirror, it was far from the light makeup I do but it looked pretty nonetheless.

I was then informed that he's done getting dressed and is already waiting for me on down at the lobby.

They helped me wore the dress and the black 4-inch velvet pumps with cross straps.

They once again complimented my height, they said it's perfect beside Adam. He's 2 meters tall while I stood 5'8 without the heels on.

They said I look perfect right now...

How I wish what they say is true.

After final touch-ups, I went down to the lobby where he's waiting, and when the lift's doors open, I saw him standing near the car, both hands in his pocket, looking absolutely stunning on a black tuxedo.

When his gaze landed on me, my breath hitches... 

I want to hear him say I'm pretty, or beautiful.

But I wasn't expecting any compliment from him anymore. 

I walked towards him, keeping my head bowed to avoid his eyes.

I heard him sighed when I reached him. He then lifted my chin but I kept my gaze down for I'm completely nervous, not because of the party but because he touched me again.

"You must not bow your head like this when you walk. Keep your head leveled and smile... You're absolutely gorgeous, Mia, but you'll be even more beautiful when you smile."

I look up at him only to find him looking at me with that particular expression on his face behind a forced smile. I know he's still thinking of my mistake that's why he can't smile genuinely at me anymore.

Those were just empty compliments, without seeing that similar smile he showed Irene, I feel he didn't mean it... and it hurts.

"Thank you. " I muttered, keeping the same expression I wore before he started talking to me.

I don't feel beautiful without him telling me that I am, without him smiling genuinely at me.