Dear Ex, You're Erased

Contract

VIOLET

“You know you do not have to do this, right? If you do not want to do this and your father rejects you, I will get you a place to stay and give you everything you need to start a new life.” Mother whispered. I could see the fear and worry in her eyes as she looked at me in the mirror.

If this was the price I had to pay, then I would do it over and over again.

“Thanks, mother. I am fine.”

“Mrs. Carlton.” We were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. “Mr. Vaughn Ford is here.” She spoke and Mother nodded.

Somehow, my heart began to race in fear. Even though this was difficult, I knew I could handle it. I had gotten married for love the first time, where did it get me? Getting married for business’s sake wasn’t really a bad idea.

I walked into the dining room, my eyes scanning the familiar face of my father and mother and probably the man I was supposed to marry but then, my gaze was drawn to …..him. My feet froze in shock. Matheo? Could he possibly be .....No, that was not possible.

He sat at the far end of the table, his piercing eyes fixed on me. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met and I felt a shiver run down my spine. No, this could not be.

“Come join us, Vee.” Father stretched his hands to me and I faked a smile while this ‘stranger’ continually looked at me and urged to me to sit right beside him. Was I seeing things?

“Meet my lovely daughter, Violet.” Father introduced me to him. “She has been away for a while and has just returned.” Father beamed with excitement.

“Nice to meet you, Violet. You are such a beauty.” The man commented and I faked a smile. Was he really being serious right now? I tried to play it cool, to pretend like I hadn’t notice him.

“Nice to meet you too, Mat.... Vaughn.” I forced a smile to my face. Matheo or should I say... Vaughn and Father began to speak and I could tell Father was super excited to see him. Was this some sort of joke? Or course, I knew him. I didn’t want my parents to suspect anything. They had no idea about our past, about the secrets we shared and I intended to keep it that way.

I looked at mother and smiled at her as I found it difficult to find my appetite. Vaughn did not say a word to me, didn’t even acknowledge me but I could sense his eyes on me, boring into my skin. I could not help but wonder what he was doing here, in my home, surrounded by my family.

“So, Violet….” Vaughn started, causing me to raise my head immediately. “What do you like to do on a typical Friday night?”

I cleared my throat, not sure if this was ready just a question or he really did have ulterior motives.

“Stay at home.” I responded immediately and continued to have my meal while he simply nodded. For the rest of the meal, neither of us uttered a word to the other.

I could however not get my mind off the fact that all of this was happening. How twisted can this be?

“Your mother and I have to attend to something quite important.” Father spoke and stood up immediately. “You both can stay back here and ….talk.”

Father and Mother walked away and my legs began to get really jittery. I tried to stop Mother from me leaving but she had a smile etched to her face as she walked away.

“It’s been what now? Six years? Seven?” He started and let out a chuckle.

“What do you want, Matheo or should I say Vaughn? You go by Vaughn now, right? Why are you here?” I probed.

“Isn’t it obvious? I am your groom. You are getting married to me and I came to know you more.” He kissed his teeth and leaned backwards, a melancholic smile finding its way to his lips.

“Oh, I heard about your failed marriage.” He grinned. “What an irony! The man you dumped me for dumped you in turn and I know your parents cannot stand the shame.”

“This is your handiwork, I know this. What spell... what charm did you use? What did you tell my parents that made them agree to this union?” I shook my head. It still did not make any sense to me. How was all of this even happening? What are the chances of my ex, my high school lover, now being a business alliance whose father wanted me to marry him?

“Don’t fool yourself into thinking this is a love match. Our marriage is merely going to be a business. My father’s wishes not mine.”

I wanted to yell at him or say something but then, Mother and Father joined us with smiles etched to their faces. My heart was tearing into piece yet I had to maintain a smile. I had wronged Father and I had to pay heavily for it but this.... this seemed to be too much for me to handle.

“It’s great having dinner with you all. “ Vaughn grinned with excitement and stood up before adjusting his suit. “My wife to be and I had a very great time and even though we are just meeting, it feels like we have known each other for years hence there is no need for delay.

Sincerely, you do not have to drop a dime. My parents and I would do every preparation for our wedding next week.”

My heart skipped a beat when he uttered those words. Next week? I looked at my father’s face for some form of disapproval or anything that showed he was not comfortable but instead...... his lips thinned into a smile.