THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE; Not my choice

Bella sat on her bed, tears flowing down her cheeks as she lamented “You don’t seem to understand what I'm going through” Mrs. Grayson stood at Bella’s room door, her mouth and face twisted in disapproval “That doesn't give you the right to walk out on your father” “I’m drained” Bella manages to utter, her voice breaking “How long will you remain like this?” “It's been a year, you need to get yourself together,” Mrs. Grayson said in a blunt tone Mrs. Grayson detested seeing her daughter in so much grief but she needed to set things straight “Bella” she called out softly “I know it's not easy losing a fiance a week before your wedding and surviving that same accident. My heart breaks for you every time I think of what you're going through Your dad and I care about you so much, we don't want to lose you to grief. You have so much to accomplish in life, you're still very young We can barely afford basic amenities in this household because you refused to go to work. We keep spending but money doesn't come in It hurts me so much that I'm not young to start working, we need you, Bella” She said Bella’s face was pale, her eyes red and puffy from crying so much “It gets harder as each day passes by, I feel so lonely and empty inside” “When last did you meet with your therapist?” Mrs. Grayson asked calmly “I don't keep records of my meetings” Bella quavered Mrs. Grayson heaved a sigh of frustration and said “You can't continue like this, we are experiencing a great financial drain, we need you, Bella” “Do you people even care about me or it’s our financial state that's more important?” Bella’s mouth was turned downwards, her eyes drooping and her forehead wrinkled “Of course, we do,” Mrs. Grayson said sharply “I can't start working now, I need time for myself,” Balla said She felt a lack of motivation to pursue anything in life, she was despondent Mrs Grayson didn't want to complicate issues so she brought up the main subject “I met with Mr Langley, your dad’s friend” “What has that got to do with me?” Bella shrugged “I told him about what you have been dealing with” Mrs. Grayson's lip corners pulled down as she informed Bella “Mom, you can't be telling everyone about me, you know fully well I don't like it” Bella’s voice portrayed frustration, she was irritable “Your dad and I needed to do something because things were getting out of hand” “So how has the problem been solved?” “Bella, you need someone in your life to help you get through this, you need a man” “Are you serious?, I can't believe you are saying this right now” Bella’s brows furrowed and her jaw clenched “It's for your own… “Mom please, I need to be alone now” “Bella listen” “Please, leave” she yelled, sobbing Mrs.Grayson left Bella’s room because she wasn't buying the idea “A man! I can't believe this” Bella said, teary-eyed, shoulders sagged. Mrs. Grayson went to meet her husband to discuss the occurrence with him “She’s an adult, she has the right to make decisions for herself” Mr. Grayson was straightforward with his wife, he wasn't budging “I just want the best for her but she doesn't get it” Mrs Grayson sobbed “What Bella is going through is unexplainable, she needs time” “Honey, She is killing herself over someone dead and it’s affecting all of us, she needs comfort” “Let's give her some time” **** “This lifestyle doesn't suit you, you're ruining the reputation of our company,” CEO Williams Smith said, his lips turned down in disappointment “This is me, I'm living my life, Dad,” Thiago said as he listened to his father passively “Is this what you will portray to our investors?” “How can they even trust you with their resources?” “I’m your son, so they know I'm capable of dealing with their resources” “I worked so hard for this company to get to where it is and I can't let you jeopardize my investments I need to be convinced you're capable of handling the company before I hand it over to you” “All my life, you have never appreciated my effort, what exactly do you want me to accomplish for you to know I'm trustworthy?” “I need to see some sense of responsibility in you, if not I will be left with no choice but to hand the company over to Liam” “What! He's my younger brother, you can't do that” “Unfortunately, he is more responsible” CEO Williams retorted, his voice laced with irritation “You despise me so much, sometimes I wonder if I was adopted” “Don't try to turn the issue on me, you're the main topic here” Thiago stared at his father in disbelief. CEO Williams didn't flinch, he went on to say “I need you to get married and settle down, you're not getting any younger” “I have a girlfriend and we will be getting married soon” “Both of you are birds of a feather, I'm talking about someone reliable” “Dad you can't talk about my girlfriend like that” “That's the truth, you need someone sensible to calm you down and I have taken it upon myself to look for a suitable wife for you” “I can't believe you're doing this, you keep crossing my boundaries and making decisions for me” “If only you were answerable for your actions, I wouldn't have to bother about your decisions” Thiago left to meet his younger brother to vent about the whole situation. He was so pissed at how his father approached him “I can't deal with how Dad keeps treating me,” Thiago said, his fists clenched, brows furrowed with tense jaws “You need to calm down,” Liam said softly “I try to be a good son but he is never pleased” Thiago paced around the room “I think you need to cut down on the parties and girls,” Liam said in a low tone avoiding her contact with his brother Thiago turned to Liam, his eyes fiery and heart pounding faster, he could whack Liam on the face at that moment “Sorry bro, I was just saying” Liam took a step back with his hands in the air “I thought I was talking to someone sensible,” Thiago said and left the room in outrage **** Bella’s door creaked open, she was fast asleep as the soothing effect of crying had taken over her. As her mom was about leaving she got up “Mom,” she said faintly “I’m sorry I just wanted to check on you,” Mrs. Grayson said remorsefully “It’s okay Mom, come on in,” she said calmly as she sat up I'm sorry about what transpired between us earlier, I shouldn't have imposed my opinion on you, you're old enough to make your own decisions” Mrs. Grayson apologized with a subtle tone “ I'm sorry too, I should have understood that you had my best interest at heart,” Bella said, the inner corners of her eyebrows raised “Can I get a hug?” Mrs Grayson asked politely “Mom you’re so sweet,” Bella said as she hugged her mom tightly, she grinned widely “I want to discuss something with you,” Mrs. Grayson said in a serious tone Mr. Grayson cleared his throat to announce his presence “Bella someone’s here to see you” “Who is that?” Bella questioned in surprise