DISGUISED

Family Expectations and Unwanted Proposals

“I didn't know you would make it.” Yes dad, what happened earlier was business, this is family time.

“Elmma dear” you're late. “Sorry, Mum, I was caught up in traffic.” I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the stress of the day.

As we began to eat, my father broke the silence.

“Your mother and I have been talking.”

I raised an eyebrow. "What about?"

He chuckled softly. “Well, we’ve decided… it’s time.”

“Time for what?”

“For grandchildren.” He winked at me.

I nearly choked when he said that. “What? I– I mean, isn’t that my decision?”

My father laughed heartily. “Oh, of course, it’s yours. But we’re ready whenever you are.

“Honey, I think you and Scott should get to know each other well”, my father said.

I paused, my fork mid-air. “Scott Knox”?

My throat went dry, and I felt a flash of heat rush up my neck. Get to know Scott better? Of all the things you could’ve said, this was the most absurd. Why would my father ever suggest something so ridiculous? Scott and I? No. Absolutely not.

He opened his mouth to respond, but I couldn’t stop. The words spilled out, fueled by weeks—no, months—of frustration. "For how long have you had this ridiculous idea in your head, Dad? It feels like you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to tell me, like this was all planned." My voice cracked with disbelief. "I can’t believe this is coming from you."

My father’s face remained calm, but I could see the tension in his jaw, the slight narrowing of his eyes. I wasn’t going to back down. Not now.

"You know what Scott’s like, Dad," I continued, my anger simmering to the surface. "He’s rude, arrogant, and he doesn’t know how to treat anyone, let alone a woman, with respect. He walks around like the office was his personal kingdom?. Like the world revolves around him. And now you’re suggesting I get cozy with him?" No way. Absolutely no way."

You’ve always been my biggest supporter, Dad. You’ve always loved me more than anything, and now it feels like that’s gone. Are you seriously trying to play matchmaker between me and the one person who’s made me feel insignificant?"

But Scott isn’t the villain you’ve painted him to be. He has layers, just like you. And sometimes, the people we think we dislike the most are the ones who end up surprising us."

I shook my head, incredulous. "What could there possibly be that I’m missing, Dad? He’s a walking ego with a nice suit."

"I’ve known Scott a long time," my father said, his voice low. "Longer than you’ve been in this company. There are things… things you don’t know yet. About him, about his family.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "You want me to believe there’s something more to Scott? That somehow I’ve missed this wonderful side of him while he’s been busy undermining everything I do?"

"Yes," my father said simply. "I do."

I shook my head, unable to believe we were even having this conversation. "Dad, Scott doesn’t respect me. He doesn’t see me as an equal. He sees me as competition, or worse, an obstacle. And now you’re asking me to look past all of that, to find something redeeming in him?"

My father laughed lightly, as though this was the most natural thing in the world. “Scott’s a good-looking, strong-willed young man. You need someone like him in your life, Elmma. Someone who can stand by your side, protect you, and help maintain our family’s legacy.”

My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of disbelief and anger swirling inside me. Protect me? Protect me from what, exactly? I didn’t need some arrogant guy swooping in to “save” me. I was perfectly capable of handling myself, thank you very much. And Scott? Of all people?

But my father wasn’t finished. He leaned forward, looking me dead in the eyes. “In this world, Elmma, you need someone you can rely on. Someone who understands both business and strength. Scott is that person.”

“No, Dad,” I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. “I’m not interested in someone like Scott. He’s - he’s rude and arrogant, and I ”

“Elmma,” my father interrupted softly, “you’ve always been good at seeing people’s faults. But don’t let that blind you to their strengths. Scott has proven himself capable, time and again. And as much as you might dislike his attitude, you never can tell how good he can be when in relationships and you can’t deny that he’s got a mind for this business.”

I rasped my teeth. He wasn’t wrong, but still - Scott?

My father chuckled again, shaking his head. “You don’t have to like it now, Baby. But I know you’ll come around.”

My mum, sensing the unease, tried to offer reassurance. “It’s a big step, dear, but think about it. The Knox family is respected as well as ours, and Scott is a good man. It could be a great match, she said .

“Mum, I have to go,” I feel so exhausted. “Everything about today is terrifying. I just... I need to be alone, to think.” her hand reaching out like she could somehow pull all the stress from me if I’d let her.

“But it’s late, baby,” she replied softly, her concern woven into each word. “You can sleep over. Stay here tonight. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

I glanced at my wristwatch—8:15 p.m. It was late, but not late enough. I needed space, not more conversation. I felt the weight of the day pressing on me, too heavy to share right now.

“No need,” I added softly , forcing a smile as I pulled her into a warm hug, needing the comfort of it, even if just for a moment.

She held me a second longer than usual, as if sensing the storm brewing beneath the surface. “Love you too, sweetheart.”

"Love you Dad," I said, glancing over at him. He smiled back from his seat, oblivious to the storm raging inside me.

I turned to leave, feeling the weight of their love and concern as much as I did the burden of the day’s events.

As I was about to leave, my phone rang.