THE SHANKS’ FORCED DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

“You said it was an emergency!“ Verna exclaimed, with barely veiled anger as she regarded her father sitting there in sound health. In his study. “It is an emergency.“ Her father insisted. “You made it sound like you were dying.“ “I'm going to if I don't talk to you.“ She rolled her eyes at that. “Why are you being cryptic? What's going on?“ “I'm sorry, okay? I did what I had to. You wouldn't come unless I did that.“ “You did what you had to? Did you even consider the position you put me in? I dropped everything for you. And for what? Some sort of prank? Aren't you guys older than that?“ “What I called you for is important, Verna. If you would just sit. So we can discuss it like reasonable adults.“ “Oh, I'm the unreasonable one? You could have just called or sent a text.“ Verna protested. “Would you have picked my calls?“ She rolled her eyes at that. Everybody present knew the answer to that. “Exactly. Besides, it's a delicate matter. It can't be handled over phone.“ “Mom? Did you know about this?“ Her mother conveniently feigned ignorance at that. She huffed and sat down from across her father. “What was so urgent you had to pretend you were on your deathbed to get me here?“ “I'll go straight to the point. You're getting married, Verna.“ Her father said bluntly. Verna wasn't sure she heard him correctly. She stared at him blankly. “I'm doing what now?!“ “Let me rephrase that. You're getting married to the wealthiest man here in Denmark.“ “I'm sorry, what? You just said I'm getting married, didn't you?“ “Yes, Verna. That was exactly what I said.“ Verna scoffed. “You must have mistaken me for your daughter.“ She stood up to take her leave. “Verna. You are my daughter.“ “I'm sorry. I'm suddenly your daughter again? You disowning me six years ago would beg to differ.“ “Like you said, it was six years ago…” “You threw my things out, dad. You sent me packing and now, you want to pretend it's water under the bridge?“ Tears welled up in her eyes again as she remembered that dreary night. “You were pregnant out of wedlock. Any father would have done what I did.“ “No father would abandon his pregnant daughter. Then proceed to ignore her for six years.“ “I called you yesterday.“ Her father stated childishly. “To tell me that you were dying. You said it might be the last time I see you which is obviously a lie since you're healthy enough to spew this bullshit.“ “Verna, Language!“ Her mother scolded from her corner. “Are you f*****g serious, mom?“ “Don't speak to your mother like that.“ “I will speak to both of you how I see fit and I wouldn't call her my mother. You let your husband drive away your only daughter. Your pregnant daughter. You didn't bother to see how I was faring.“ Her mother looked away at her accusation. “That's enough, Verna. Sit down.“ They all sat down. “Now, you're going to get married to this man, okay?“ She looked him straight in the eye. “No.“ “No?“ “Yes, daddy. No.“ “You dare challenge your father?“ “I have better things to do. More important things than getting married to some guy I don't know. It's not happening.“ The next thing she heard was a resounding slap. He had slapped her. He moved so fast she didn't see it coming. “Dad… you slapped me.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I'm going to do it all over again if you keep being disobedient. You're going to listen to me, Verna.“ He yelled. “I am your father.“ “You throwing me out says you're wrong. You're not my father.“ “I'm telling you, Verna. You're going to do exactly as I say.“ “Or what, Dad? Or what?“ “Or I'm going to kill your mother then kill myself.“ He threatened. Verna and her mother gasped. “You better get yourself in order.“ He took a step closer to her. “I don't make empty threats.“ “Leave the girl alone, Albert.“ Her mother cried. With that, Mr. Ross stalked out of the study, dragging her mother along with her. Left alone in the study, Verna collapsed to the floor in tears. While Verna was getting informed of her impending marriage, Arthur Shanks was striding into his company. “Good morning, Mr Shanks.“ Came from different part of the company. He ignored them all. He suddenly came to a halt, almost making his PA bump into him. “Is there anything you want, Mr Shanks?“ His PA asked diligently. “Yes.“ He then proceeded to point out six members of his staff. “Fire them.“ “Sir?“ “I'm not repeating myself, David.“ “On what grounds, sir?“ He glared in response. “I have to include it when I'm processing their letter of termination, sir. Or else they could sue the company for unlawful termination.“ Mr David explained calmly. That made sense, Arthur decided. “Inappropriate dressing.“ “Ok. We do have a strict code of dressing so no one would contest that.“ “You talk too much, David.“ “I'll do that right away, sir.“ ***** “Sir, your next appointment is here.“ Mr David told his boss. “I have no idea I had another appointment.“ Arthur said without looking up. “It's an off the book thing.“ “Reschedule.“ “I tried to…” “Try harder, David.“ He still didn't look up. “Sir, he wouldn't leave.“ “Have the security throw him out.“ “He insists, Sir. Says he has something you would be very interested in.“ “Let him talk to you about it.“ “He refuses to talk to anyone that's not you, sir.“ “Alright.“ Arthur sighed in resignation. “Let him up.“ “Good afternoon, Mr Shanks. You're a hard man to see.“ The man said, jovially. His little attempt to break the ice was unwelcome so he wisely kept his mouth shut. Arthur ignored him, still. He finally looked up at him. It took all of Albert's willpower not to shrink back under his gaze. He bowed respectfully. “I understand you have something to say.“ “Yes, Mr Shanks.“ “Get on with it, then.“ “Uh, ok.“ He cleared his throat. Arthur didn't offer him a seat. “I saw the announcements you put out in the papers.“ Arthur was interested now. “Have your seat.“ “Thank you, sir.“ “Go on.“ “I'm willing to offer you my daughter.“ Albert got straight to the point. “You are willing to marry your daughter off?“ “Yes, Sir.“ “Is she willing?“ “I'm her father.“ Arthur was very satisfied with that response. “You're willing to marry off your virgin daughter?“ “Yes, sir.“ “I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation.“ Arthur chuckled darkly. “You are positive your daughter is a virgin?“ Albert hesitated this time before boldly stating. “Yes, sir. I'm sure she's a virgin.“