Exploited Arrangements

Chapter 8

"They did what?"

The firework display was beautiful last night. It ended the party with a bang. The down part - I had to stand on that stupid balcony I once called beautiful. I had to stand with Jackass's arm around my waist and look happy. Easier said than done. Before it was even over I got into my father's Lamborgini and told the driver to just drive. I didn't even wait to find Zara. She was a grown child in my opinion and could find a ride home herself. Besides she wasn't alone, she had Liam.

"Yup. They tricked me into this whole arrangement and made me believe I was attending a business gala."

I'm still in bed and I feel sick and feeble. I feel stabbed in the back. My parents are supposed to look out for me. My list of trustworthy people has last night been trimmed to only two people - Zara and myself. I don't think it's a good idea to trust myself, but at least my arms can't reach my back.

Zara called because she was upset that I dropped her last night. In return I have to give her all the details of what happened last night.

"Wow, that totally sucks! But I think you're lucky."

"You think I'm lucky? The man I was going to marry died in a plane crash because of my father. I'm getting married to someone I didn't even know existed because of my parents - mostly my father. I don't feel loved Zara." I whined.

She has a huge smirk on her face. "What?"

"The guy you are marrying's father is the owner of Hawk Online Retailers! If that is enough, he is super hot! Did you see that ass of his and don't even get me started on does muscular arms that his suit failed to hide!"

I roll my eyes. "Seriously, I thought of all people you would feel for me. Now you're drooling all over my problem."

She begins to chuckle, "Oh don't lie to me. I know you think he's hot too."

I can't seem to contain my smile. "Okay fine I admit it, he's hot."

"I think you even like him."

"No, no way. He is a total asshole."

"That's what they always say in novels. Remember I'll be keeping the video and show it to your children one day. "

"Why haven't I killed you yet? Maybe I should just get it over with."

"What? You know I believe in novels and hate at first sight," she giggles.

"He wants everything to go his way. When I refused to go to the stage with him to deliver the appreciation speech, he called me out in front of all those people!"

"He did what?! I thought it was all to make your introduction more dramatic." She still laughs at my pain. "Fair enough. I wouldn't want to tie myself down to someone who is like your father - someone who always wants his way in everything. No offence."

"None taken, I totally agree with you. I wouldn't want to marry my father either. And yet here I am. I will have to start making preparations for my wedding to his more handsome duplicate soon."

"At least I'll be by your side preparing for your funeral. And to think, I never thought you were going to get married before me after the death of Daniel."

"Don't make me cry, Zara. I wish I was preparing my marriage to him."

...

IT'S THE BIG DAY!

YAY! *Note the sarcasm.

Today is my wedding day.

I stare at myself in the mirror as the hairdresser does my hair.