Father clause
747 Words
Caitlin stood in the middle of her room, surrounded by clothes scattered across the bed, chair, and even the floor.
Her heart was racing.
“What should I wear?” she muttered, holding up one dress, then tossing it aside.
“This is too revealing… he might get the wrong idea.”
She picked another.
“This one? No… too formal. I’ll look like I’m trying too hard.”
Frustration took over.
“Oh God, I have nothing to wear!”
Her voice echoed through the apartment.
Outside, her cousin Alisa heard everything. She opened the door and leaned against it, arms crossed, raising an eyebrow.
ALISA
What’s going on? Why are you so tense?
Caitlin turned quickly.
CAITLIN
I’m not tense… I’m just… in a very awkward situation.
Alisa stepped inside, clearly unconvinced.
ALISA
Alright, tell me.
Caitlin hesitated, then sighed.
CAITLIN
Do you remember the guy who dropped me home last night?
ALISA
Of course I remember. Did you meet him again?
Caitlin nodded slowly.
CAITLIN
Kind of… He’s Raffelo Sohilyo. The director head at Lasha Theater. And now… he wants to meet me for an official coffee before deciding about the job.
Alisa’s eyes widened, then a smile spread across her face.
ALISA
Wow… that sounds like destiny.
Caitlin groaned softly.
ALISA (gently)
Listen. Don’t overthink this. Wear something that feels like you. You’re talented — you don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
She walked toward the door, then turned back.
ALISA
Trust yourself. You’ll shine like a goddess.
And with that, she left.
---
After what felt like hours of indecision, Caitlin finally found it.
A nude-colored tube dress, simple yet elegant, paired with a mustard trench coat. It was perfect — not too much, not too little.
She styled her hair with a soft blow-dry, applied a touch of mascara, a hint of lip gloss, and her favorite perfume.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
For once… she felt ready.
---
EVENING — CAFÉ
Raffelo was already there.
Of course he was.
He stood near the table, effortlessly composed, wearing a sky-blue shirt and white trousers. There was something undeniably striking about him — the kind of presence that didn’t ask for attention, yet always received it.
Caitlin approached and gave a small wave.
He looked up — and for a moment, he just stared.
Then he smiled.
They sat down.
CAITLIN
You’re early.
RAFFELO
I don’t like being late.
His eyes lingered on her for a second longer than necessary.
RAFFELO (softly)
Wow…
Caitlin felt her cheeks warm slightly. She didn’t know how to respond, but she didn’t hate the way he was looking at her either.
RAFFELO
You look beautiful. And… I’m sorry about this morning. I wanted to talk to you properly, outside the office.
CAITLIN
Alright… so what is it?
Raffelo leaned back slightly, his expression turning serious.
RAFFELO
If I know you personally… I can’t hire you.
Caitlin frowned.
CAITLIN
What do you mean?
RAFFELO
My father has a strict rule in the company. If I get involved in any way with a woman I hire… I could lose everything.
A pause.
CAITLIN
So… you’re saying you have something with me?
Raffelo exhaled quietly.
RAFFELO
I’m saying… I can’t pretend there’s nothing.
The words hung between them.
RAFFELO (carefully)
What happened last night… doesn’t need to be mentioned. To anyone. That way… things stay simple.
Caitlin leaned forward slightly, confused.
CAITLIN
Wait—what do you mean by that?
She waved her hand in front of him.
CAITLIN
Mr. Sohilyo? Are you even listening?
Raffelo blinked, snapping out of his thoughts.
RAFFELO
Sorry… I was just—
Do you want waffles with chocolate?
Caitlin almost laughed.
CAITLIN
I’ll just have coffee. And… what’s your decision?
Raffelo looked at her, steady again.
RAFFELO
I need to see you dance. In real.
Caitlin nodded.
CAITLIN
That’s fair.
There was something else he wanted to say — she could feel it — but he held it back.
Instead, he stood up.
RAFFELO
If you’re ready… come with me. I have a private studio at home. You can perform there.
Caitlin hesitated for a second.
Not out of fear.
But because something inside her told her—
This moment mattered.
A lot.
She picked up her bag and stood.
CAITLIN
Alright… let’s go.
As they walked out together, neither of them said it out loud—
But this wasn’t just about dance anymore.
This was about to change everything.
- Writer
