The Forbidden Billionaire

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

(Liberty's POV)

"Why are you in such a good mood, Lib?" Alana, my best friend, asked as she approached my bench. She was the only one to ever see the real me, to know all the feelings dangling inside of me. I tucked away my magazine, happy that she was finally here. I wasn't surprised to see her, as I had invited her to meet me here. I invited her to go over to my parents' house with me, as I hoped she could persuade them into seeing the nonsense my father was trying to push on me. I did not want to be forced into something I didn't want to do, I was not five anymore. I have always done everything to impress my father and make my mother see me in her fashion. Nothing was ever enough though. I was still a disobedient, weak child who could do nothing right in their eyes. Why couldn't they see everything I had achieved?

I had completed training my father could never even attempt. Don't get me wrong, he's a fierce fighter and someone not to easily write off, but I was better. I completed a course he couldn't even understand. He was a mean CEO who built his empire from the ground up, had others always flocking in his presence, but his negotiation and knowledge were no comparison to my own. I was better than him, in every way, but still not what he wanted. I shook my thoughts away, as I ignored Alana's question. I needed to talk about my dilemma with my father before jumping in to tell her about Caspian. I jumped off the bench, getting ready to attack as I sprinted over to my best friend as soon as a deafening scream left her lips. I glanced around my surroundings, finding no threat at all, before checking her over for any injuries. I took in her appearance, seeing her eyes wide with shock and a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"It is a guy, isn't it?" Alana screeched, as she began to jump up and down excitedly. You would think she was twelve instead of the twenty - one - year - old standing before me. I rolled my eyes at her, not having the energy to bicker with her. We used to see each other every day and now we are lucky to see each other once a month. I knew it was because of me, not wanting to leave the house, hiding throughout the night when I used to be a night owl with her. I had become isolated and I still wasn't ready to change that.

"Yes, I did. Though I do not see anything becoming of the relationship. He asked to see me at the end of the year ball. I do not think I could pep talk myself into a social visit in less than a week." I told her emotionlessly. How could I express other emotions around Caspian, but not my childhood best friend? Why did he make me feel so safe? Why was I already missing him? "My concern is the most recent request from my father. Mother seems on his side for this and I need your help."

"Fine, I will drop the subject for now, but if he makes you this relaxed, I will make you go to that ball. Why is your face all covered up?" She crossed her arms while pouting before I glared at her. A shiver ran visibly through her body, causing me to smirk in satisfaction. "Right, not a concern right now. What is he trying to force on you now?"

"An arranged marriage." I whispered, my heart plummeting as I thought about Caspian. Why did he have this effect on me?

Her laughter filled the empty space, as I pulled her down the back alley trying to avoid running into anyone on the way home. When she realized I wasn't joking around, her face became impassive. "Wow, your serious? After everything you went through two years ago, he thought it would be good to push someone you don't know on you? Who would want to marry you anyway?" She joked, trying to lessen the seriousness of the situation. I nudged her as I sent a glare her way, causing my bestie to giggle uncontrollably. She was no help.

We arrived at my father's estate. The guards allowed me through as they shut the black gates behind us. They met me with or without a covering on. Father updated my image every time a surgery was completed. As I walked into the house, I ripped off my disguise, annoyed by the sweat accumulating on me from wearing the ridiculous clothing. Alana gasped beside me, as I turned towards her with a raised eyebrow. I dared her to say one word.

"Oh my god. What is wrong with your face? Is this the complete appearance? You look like a whole new person. Where did my best friend go?" And she said it folks. What was wrong with her? Couldn't she read the room? Nope, she wouldn't be my best friend if she could. She didn't know how to do anything but speak her mind without a filter.

"Do you want me to make your face end up like mine?" I threatened in a low voice. I watched her gulp, as the seriousness of the situation she got herself in hit hard.

"Nope, I do not have the connections your daddy does. I would like to keep my face intact, thank you very much." Her snarky reply annoyed me, but I knew I wouldn't hurt her. Even if she hurt me, I knew I could never watch my best friend, my only friend, go through anything that would hurt her or traumatize her.

"You are home dear, come to the dining room. I prepared a snack, as your father and I would like to talk to you." Mother said as she walked into the hall. I was dragged into the dining room by an excited - looking Alana. You would swear she lived for the drama. As I took a seat in my normal spot, watching my younger brother being escorted into the kitchen to eat, I knew what the discussion was already about.

"Liberty, I have given you two weeks to be used to the idea of getting married. I have found a suitable man for you. One who will care for you and keep you protected. He has the ability to run my company until you have recovered. Please consider this. The wedding is scheduled for the end of the month. That gives you twenty - two days to get used to the idea." Father said with a no-nonsense tone. He wasn't giving any room for my rejection. I couldn't believe he could be so heartless.

"Mother?" I asked in disbelief. How could she not defend me on this? I have given them everything in life. Always completed more schooling than necessary, always kept myself out of tabloids, put on a show for all of their friends, did everything I was asked. Why can I not have this one thing? Why can I not find a husband through love instead of benefits?

"This is for the best. You need a support system and your father needs to retire," Mother said with such certainty. How could she think this was for our best?

"I will consider it, father." I replied, before excusing myself. I locked myself in my room, not bothering to see Alana outside. She knew I got this way and she always gave me my space for checking up on me. I slid down the back of my door, as silent tears streamed down my face. The thought of a man touching me caused a chill of disgust to motion through me. Then my mind filtered towards Caspian. My mind didn't find him.... repulsive. His touch was calming and comforting, as other men's touch petrified me.

Could he not be considerate of my feelings for once. "Honey, you know your father is only trying to protect you. He feels he has failed you by not finding your assailant. I hope one day you will understand where we are coming from." Mother said outside of my door, after knocking repeatedly without an answer from myself.

I let out the breath I was holding as I heard the retracting footsteps of my mother. She was never one to invade my personal space when she knew I wanted to be left alone. I rested my head on my white birch dresser beside me, as I tried to clear my mind and soul of the troubles arising around me. Even if I could pretend to be fine, as I thought I had been, father wasn't going to change his mind.