Episode Four
1135 Words
I go into work on Monday, I got a text from my Father saying the Anderson's want to meet to me over dinner and talk about my 'marriage', on Wednesday night.
I was to inherit the company at age 25 or when I get married, a little tradition my great-grandfather made years ago, I hear. My marriage fastens things now since I'm not yet 25. I am currently the managing director of my father's company. I try to get information on why and how the company is drowning in dept and why instead of doing something about it, it's being kept a secret.
I spend the entire day, going through all the files and documents dating back to 4 years ago to understand how all this is even bagen happen in the first place.
My Father has been transferring money somewhere for the past few years, he's the one who's been managing this situation and preventing it from out, from the look of things, only a few people in different departments know about it. If word gets out about this situation, the company is over with. I feel so tired. I don't even think I want to know what my dad has been doing with the companies money all time, if it's gotten to this state, the amount he's been pulling out must be absurd and this files files don't even show the complete account. This company is amongst the top 5 best in the country, it could feed a whole state and not go bankrupt, something else is happening.
I get up to leave work, and everybody makes sure to avoid me. I don't smile; I never do. I get into my car and go through my breathing lessons. I'm feeling a lot of things at once, and I know I should let it all out at some point before it swallows me whole and drowns me, but I don't want to. I want to ignore it all, like it doesn't exist.
I can't believe I'm going to become a stepmother to two children.
I'm late for dinner with the Andersons. I manage to get dressed quickly. I heard cars coming into the mansion like 15 minutes ago, and my dad has already sent for me twice in the last 30 minutes. I don't mean to be rude by being late; I was just caught up at work.
My hair is in a ponytail, as always, and I'm wrapped in a two-piece, pants, and top. I want to cancel just thinking about how many conversations I will have to be involved in today.
I head into the main mansion, and Mrs. Hildred informs me that the dinner is taking place at the backyard of the mansion, so I make my way there. The place, which is usually empty, is filled with life today. There's a lot of lighting, but the sight is beautiful. The chattering noise and conversation that were happening before I stepped in stops, and everyone turns to stare at me all at once. Ohh man.
A woman I don't recognize whispers to my father across her, "Is that her?" and my father nods.
She gasps and stands immediately. I have second thoughts about turning around and running far from her. She smiles so wide and brightly that it scares me.
She reaches me and holds me at arm's length, "She's grown into a beautiful woman, Henry," she beams, looking back at my father.
I'm apprehensive as I barely smile back, but I'm sure even if I tried to my smile will look as awkward as I feel. "I'm sure we should let her sit first," an older man comes from behind her, saving me. He gives me a charming smile. "Robert Anderson, the groom's father, and this is my wife Eloise Anderson." He says, extending a handshake which reluctantly take.
This woman leads me to the table. I sit down beside my father. My eyes do a round check at everyone on the table. There's a young girl beside Lucian; she looks around my age. The woman and man are his parents. The girl introduces herself when we are all seated, "Hi, I'm Aria, this dude's sister," she says, pointing towards Lucian with a smug look. When I look at him, he's already staring at me, I nod at him and he returns it. I barely almost don't notice them; he's holding a child wrapped in a pink clothing, and the child looks to be asleep. Then in between Lucian and Aria, and I see a little boy; he looks so much like his father, and he's staring at me with innocent, curious blue doe eyes just like his father. I feel a pang in my chest; it's been ages since I've been in a single space with kids.
Lucian's mother's voice draws my attention from staring at the child. "What?" I ask, confused.
"Your father has told us so much about you, my dear," she says, reaching out for my hand from across the table. My father keeps telling people about me lately. She rubs my hand; it feels weird. She doesn't know me, yet she's showing so much affection than I have received my entire life.
I do not enjoy emotional people, and I certainly do not enjoy physical contact from emotional people. I blink and pull back a little; she doesn't seem to think too much about it. I don't know what my father has been telling them, and I'm not sure I want to hear it.
Lucian clears his throat and adjusts the child in his arms. "How about we talk about the wedding preparations?" My father says, and for once, I'm grateful to him.
"What would you like to do for your wedding, Sabrina?" His mother asks, smiling.
"Something simple, I'd prefer a court wedding if you're okay with it," I say blankly looking at Lucian. He doesn't give off any reaction. Everyone at the table looks shocked. What! Am I the only girl who isn't interested in going all extravagant for her wedding? especially one I'm not really interested in?
"Court wedding it is then," Lucian says; he seems to be hiding a smile.
The look on his mom's face almost makes me feel bad. She looks like we both just stole her life dream.
"But we can have a small reception celebration afterward, right?" She says, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"Sure."
"Just family will be enough," she adds.
My stepmother abruptly stands, "Excuse me." She doesn't wait for a reply before walking out. So much for respecting the family name.
I glance sideways; the little boy has been staring at me since I joined this dinner. I ca
n stare right back at him, but I do not want to be petty.
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