4
1751 Words
Chapter four.
Aurelia’s POV.
“Aurelia I'm sick” he said, his voice weak and tired. “Yes, I'm sick. And it's getting worse every day, that's why I made that decision to get you married to him.
I gaped at him, my mind reeling from the revelation. “You've been sick, and you didn't tell me?” I asked, a note of hurt in my voice.
“I would rather not bother you,” he said, looking away from me.
“Oh, please stop being ridiculous.” I said, wavering my hands while going to seat beside my dad. “Wait,” I said, turning to my father with sudden realization. “Why do I feel you're lying to me?”I asked, furrowing my eyebrows.
“Why would I do that?” my father asked, his eyes wide.
“One moment, you said we were bankrupt, and now you're saying you're sick. I don't know what to believe anymore.” I sighed, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This whole situation was confusing and frustrating, and I just wanted to know the truth.
“Aurelia, that's not the main issue here,” he said, his voice still weak and shaky. But I was still finding it difficult to believe.
“Okay, so what's wrong with you ?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Cancer,” was the curt response I got.
“Cancer,” I exclaimed, turning to my father in disbelief. “You have cancer, and you think now is the best time to tell me?” I asked, my voice cracking. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My father was sick, and he was going to leave me, just like my mother did. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, but I fought to keep them from falling. I would rather not show weakness in front of my father. Not now. Not ever.
“I'm so sorry,” my father said, reaching out to touch my hand. “I was still going to tell you.
“When you are dead, leaving me to suffer in this world like mom did” I said, my voice breaking. My father pulled me into a tight hug, and I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I sobbed into his shoulder, my body shaking with emotion.
“Don't say that, dear,” he whispered, rubbing my back. “I promise to be with you and fight this sickness. “Once you are married to Rocco, our problems will be solved. '' he said, pulling my face up.
“Who is Rocco?” I asked, my voice raw from crying.
“The man you will be marrying.” My dad said, smiling.
I sat there in silence, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions. I thought about my dad's failing health and the only way to help was to sacrifice my happiness. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself, to push away the panic and confusion I was feeling.
“What about Annalise?” I asked, wiping away the last of my tears. “Why can't she marry him? My father looked at me with a sad smile.
“You are more mature than her, and you would be able to handle the situation better. I know you feel you are not ready for that responsibility, but I assure you that you won't regret this. He said, and then he paused, as if trying to find the right words. “I know how hard it's been for you with your stepmother. I've seen you try to put on a brave face and act like everything is fine. And grew up to be a strong and bold girl, believe me you will be fine.” My dad said, pressing my hands tightly.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, not sure of what to say at this point.
“Okay, I…will do it.” My voice was quiet, almost a whisper, but I knew my father had heard me. He let out a sigh of relief, and for a moment, the room was silent.
“Trust me, princess,” he said, holding my arms gently. “Rocco is a good man. He's kind and loving, he knows how to treat a woman right.”
“Please, dad, don't give me that.” I said, rolling my eyes. “It doesn't change the fact that he is a stranger to me.”
“About that, I invited him over for dinner, that way you can get to ask him questions and get to know him better.” My dad said, smiling. “I assure you everything will be fine.” He said, wrapping his hands around mine.
“Okay dad.” I said, nodding my head.
He gave me a grateful smile and kissed my forehead before leaving the room. As soon as the door closed behind him, I let out a deep breath, the tension finally releasing from my body as I lay down on the bed.
A loud banging on the door jolted me awake from my slumber. I rubbed my eyes and slowly made my way to the door. When I opened it, I saw my father standing there, his face red with anger.
“You've been sleeping?” he said, his voice harsh. “Do you have any idea what time it is? Our guests will be here soon.” I blinked, still dazed from my sudden awakening.
“Guests?” I asked groggily.
“Rocco,” my father said, clearly irritated. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I had completely forgotten about the dinner. I can't believe I slept this long, probably because of the alcohol I took last night.
I stumbled into the bathroom, quickly brushing my teeth and hopping into the shower. I turned the water on cold, hoping the shock would wake me up. I toweled off and looked into the mirror, my mind racing. What should I wear? I decided to wear the mysterious man's shirt, I pulled on a pair of jeans and put my hair up in a messy bun. Maybe if I looked like a mess, he would reject me and choose my stepsister, which will be better. I thought to myself.
I heard the doorbell ring, and I knew he was here. My heart started racing. I took a deep breath and stepped out of my room, heading towards the front door. My stepmom and Annalise were at the dining table, I ignored them, heading to the door. I opened the door and saw a young man, probably in his early twenties.
He was about 6 '5 ft and handsome, with curly brown hair. His eyes reminded me of the mysterious man I met in the club last night. He smiled at me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe.
“Hello,” he said, his voice cutting through the fog in my head and bringing me back to the present moment. I stood there, frozen, unsure of what to say or do.
“Aurelia,” my father called from the living room, breaking the spell. “Let our guests in.” I quickly moved out of the way.
“Oh, you must be Aurelia,” Rocco said, a smile on his face. “It's nice to finally meet you, and you look lovely.” He handed me a bouquet of flowers, and I took them, restraining myself from rolling my eyes.
“Please come this way,” my father said, leading Rocco to the dining room. I sighed and followed behind them, a sense of dread settling in my stomach. I served everyone their food.
“Mmm, this tastes great!” Rocco exclaimed, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. “Did you make this?” he asked, looking at me expectantly.
“If I say no,” I said, “will you call off the engagement?” Rocco looked confused, and my father laughed.
“Don't mind her, this is just one of her silly jokes.” My dad said, trying to lift the sudden tension in the room.
“So apart from telling jokes, what do you do for fun?” Rocco asked, clearly trying to make small talk. I felt a mischievous grin creep onto my face.
“Drinking and smoking," I replied, spearing my food with my fork. I didn't dare look at his expression, afraid I'd burst out laughing.
My father's voice rang out across the room, cutting through the tension like a knife. “Aurelia!” he called out, his voice harsh. I turned to look at him, and I rolled my eyes.
“She's in a bad mood today.” My stepmom chipped, making me surprised my stepmom was the least person to cover up for me. Perhaps she wants me out.
“It's fine,” Rocco said, taking a bite of his food.
I noticed he seemed to be trying to defuse the tension, and It made me perplexed. He was meant to be angry, not this calm or trying to defuse the tension.
“I see you came alone.” My dad said engaging Rocco in a discussion.
“Yes, my dad had something very urgent that needed his attention, but he promised to be here once he was done.” Rocco said, smiling at my dad.
“Okay, fine, no problem, I understand he is a busy man.” My dad replied laughing.
Rocco and my father began discussing business matters, their voices fading into the background as I sat there, frozen in place. I looked up, my eyes settling on my Stepsister. She was smirking, a look of triumph on her face.
I realized she was enjoying my discomfort, savoring the moment. My father and Rocco laughed at something, and then the dining room fell silent.
The doorbell rang, and we both turned to look at it.
“Must be my father,” Rocco said, his tone light.
My father stood up and made his way to the door. I listened as the door opened, the sound of footsteps and muffled voices. But I didn't care who it was.
“Aurelia,” my father said, his voice soft. “Come say hello to your father-in-law .” I stood up and moved to the sitting room.
“Good…” My words died on my lips as I looked up and saw who it was. My mouth agape.
- Writer
