My Sweet Escape

Praline

Candy's POV

I love the scenery from my apartment. The sparkling lights from the passing cars and the high-rise buildings are captivating. I see some billboards of famous products showing the pretty faces of well-known actors that usually brighten up my mood. But doing this tonight doesn't make me feel any  better.

"You should be thankful because you have money to start anew." I told myself. Yes, the buyer this morning was like an angel sent from heaven. He checked my apartment and car then bought them right away. He did not even ask for a bargain. It was a miracle. Thank, God! 

I just asked him to give me one more week to polish everything before I can vacate this place. I've been here for 8 long years. My mom and I had some fond memories in this place. Maybe it's high time for me to really move on and face my life's long journey. With the money that I have, I think I can put up a small business. A lying-in and then teach in a university. I can find a smaller house in another city, away from here. 

I am feeling relieved as I imagine my future while having a sip of my favorite honey citron tea when my phone suddenly rung.

"Candy, we have a big problem." Atty. Luna's voice sounded nervous. 

"What's wrong, Atty?"

"The other side is demanding us to pay 10 million as settlement for the criminal case."

I felt like fainting upon hearing his words. I know that I am being blackmailed already. This is too much but the most painful thing is, I am willing to give my all. I want to give everything if this will make them happy. I know for a fact that I cannot get rid of this guilt in me. My money, career and all my properties are just material things that can never sum up to the value of life. 

"Let's pay them." These words came out of my mouth...no, the words came out from my heart. 

Dave's POV

I saw my dad sitting on the garden chair, sipping wine from a goblet. He seemed to be waiting for me. I knew it! He found out about the 10 million expense from the company's account. 

"What the hell are you thinking, Dave? How can you spend this big amount in a day? What did you buy again?

I just smiled and said, "Think of it as an advance payment for the Russia project, dad. You don't need to pay my salary anymore." 

"Tell me, son. Is this for Lisa? Did you buy an engagement ring?" He asked curiously. 

"Sorry to disappoint you, dad. But I gave it to another girl." I told him and left. 

I can see his confused look as I went up the stairs to my room. I'm leaving for Russia in a week and I'm sure that I will leave Candy in a good situation. What I did for her will sound useless but I will leave it all to fate. For now, I just can't start anything with her. 

I got a text message upon entering my room. It's Lisa. 

"Hey, can you come down? I'm in the garden with your dad. He asked me to come over."

I scratched my head in dismay but there is nothing I can do. I sensed that dad really want me to set the engagement. I wish that I can escape this predicament. Why do I need to let him decide for me? I need to be wise and play the game well. 

I went down and saw the two happily chatting, looking close and at ease with each other's company.

"I hope that your father will approve of my son." My dad said.

"My dad loves, Dave and I know he's eager to have a grandson, soon." They both laughed as I see how Lisa panned her look at me in a seductive way. 

"Oh, Dave. I invited her to come over so we can discuss the details of your engagement ceremony." 

"Lisa, I asked the head of the events team to contact your secretary. Dave is leaving for Russia next Monday and I want the party to be held on Saturday just before he leaves. Then we can set your wedding day when he arrives six months from now." 

I see the two of them talk as if my life is just a company event that they can decide upon or cancel whenever they want. They talked about the wedding as if it is an inauguration that does not need love as the reason for its existence. All they think about are business deals and the company's reputation and net worth. I feel like they will not see me even if I slip out of this place. 

So, I slowly stood up and Lisa grabbed my arm. 

"I will just go to the toilet." I explained.

"Lisa, why don't you go with Dave inside the house. I need to go to bed early,too. " My dad said in an obvious go-to-bed together tone. 

"Of course!" Lisa excitedly said as she stood up. 

She obviously prepared for this as she is wearing a little red dress paired with a 5-inch cigarette heeled strappy sandals that would make men swoon. Her sexy figure is definitely hard to resist. She clung to my arm as if she is ready to undress me even in front of my father. I never imagine this person to be my better-half. Not even in my nightmare.