Trapped [RWS #2]

PROLOGUE

Quinn's POV

We are currently in the dining table having our dinner. Something feels off tonight. Wala ang usual na kwentuhan tungkol sa business at school. Tanging mga kubyertos lang ang maririnig. I just remained silent as well. Tinuloy ko ang pagkain pero ilang sandali pa ay nagsalita si papa.

"Our business is close to bankruptcy." He said in his baritone voice.

Lahat kami ay natigil sa pagkain maliban sa bunso kong kapatid na si Rupert. Mama and I are staring at papa's direction. He placed his fork and knife on his plate and lifted his gaze at me. Sumilay ang kaba sa dibdib ko.

"I need you to save the business." He stated, now in his authoritative voice.

"H-how? I don't think my knowledge is enough to save our business, papa." Magalang na sagot ko.

Nakakagulat ang balita na palugi na ang business namin. That's our bread and butter. Kung sa akin i-aasa ni papa ang pagpapatakbo do'n ay siguradong mauuwi sa pagkalugi.

"I'm not asking you to run it." Seryosong saad niya kaya napayuko ako. Right. Bakit ko nga ba naisip 'yon? Tsk. He cleared his throat before he speak. "Someone offered a big investment to our business. It can save the business and can probably expand it too."

Nag-angat na ako ng tingin. All of us felt relieved pero hindi parin nawawala ang seryosong aura ni papa. He's always like that but today's really different.

"That's a good news then." Saad ni mama sa magaang tono. I can feel that she's trying to make the atmosphere lighter.

"May kondisyon silang hinihingi." Papa said in monotone. He looked like he's about to tell a bad news.

"What condition?" Bakas na rin sa boses ni mama ang pag-aalala. Lumingon sa kanya si papa.

"Hindi basta-bastang tulong ang ibibigay nila sa'tin. They will help our business to get back on track and eventually be one of the most competitive business in the country. In exchange," he paused and drifted his eyes on me. I felt the lump in my throat as I gulp hard. "Quinn needs to marry their daughter."

I heard my mother gasped. Rupert stopped from eating. And I accidentally dropped my utensils on the table. Hindi ko alam ang mararamdaman ko. Hindi marunong magbiro si papa pero umaasa ako na sana hindi 'yon totoo.

"P-pa?" Nauutal na tanong ko. I'm supposed to ask if he's being serious pero 'yon lang ang tanging nasabi ko.

"You heard me, anak." He said with finality. Although he often calls me anak, I've never felt the warmth from it, not once. It always comes with a demand and authority.

"Why me, pa?" Nagmamatapang na tanong ko. Tumalim ang titig niya pero nagpatuloy ako. "Ate's there. She's the eldest, right? Bakit hindi nalang siya?"

He got furious. Magkasalubong ang kilay niya. His jaw is clenching.

"She's doing great on her studies." That's his answer.

At ako hindi? I'm fucking doing my best to excell in class. Hindi ba nila nakikita 'yon?

I tried my best to be calm before I spoke.

"Pa.. ayoko pong magpakasal—" I flinched when he hit the table with his hand.

"This conversation is done. Susunod ka sa ayaw at gusto mo." His voice thunders.

Naglakad si papa paalis. Sumulyap sa'kin si mama. Disappointment was evident on her face. "Hindi mo na dapat sinagot-sagot ang papa mo." Umiiling na saad niya bago tumayo at sumunod kay papa.

Rupert side eyed at me like he's judging my whole being.

What the fuck did I do wrong? Sumagot-sagot? I'm speaking up for myself dahil wala naman akong ibang kakampi rito kundi ang sarili ko. I hate them. I'd rather be alone than be with this sick family.