Chapter Fourteen

**Michelle**

“Get the f*ck back here, don't you dare walk out on me young lady!"
I wasn't allowed to go past the living room this time as my father dragged me back by the arm. My head was starting to get headache already.
“You are getting married to Matteo and that's final. You better go in there and get dressed for that date.” He ordered with his voice really strong.
"I'm not getting married to whatever his name is and I'm not going on that date with him. You can do your worst." I turned around to face him.
The anger on his face doubled as his fists balled up in fury.
“You know there's a way you can go around this, you can avoid getting married to him and it's pretty easy.” He said.
"I don't care. I'm not getting married to him eitherway.”
"Trust me, you wouldn't want to take that risk. Matteo isn't someone you'd want to gaslight, he's way dangerous than what he let on that day.” A sardonic smile was on his face.
“I still don't care.” I kept the bored tone.
“You'll care soon enough. But just so you know, if you don't really want to get married to him, get ready to pay him back half a million dollars.”
My brain didn't process it at first because that amount ot money isn't something I think anyone woukd say so carelessly in the middle of a conversation.
“You must think I'm a fool if you think I'd believe that. What did you use that amount of money for?” I asked leisurely.
"Oh, darling he's not. Where did you think we found the money we used to fly your brother abroad before he died after your plan in killing him succeeded.” My mother came in behind him.
My head started feeling light, my throat suddenly dried up as my eyes started getting watery. Images from that day flashed through my head again.
“You borrowed the money from Matteo?" I asked in a small voice.
“Yes. And in return for the money, he wants you to get married to him.”
~
I couldn't sleep a wink all through the night, I kept turning around on the bed, my head a jumbled up place already.
I woke up with really swollen eyes due to no sleep at all. When I saw the change in atmosphere outside, I dragged myself up and went to take my bath.
I know so well that I'm late already but I did not give a d*mn right now, all I want to do is lay in bed all day, away from everything bothering me.
Unfortunately, that's just a wishful thinking, there's no way I can sleep in because apparently, I'm the only one who can clean Vincent's office.
After dragging my body around the bathroom longer than I should, I got out of the house feeling like sh*t.
My parents were nowhere in sight, making me heave a sigh of relief. When I got to the bus station, I saw Evelyn waiting for me already, her car was parked in one side.
I walked towards the car to see her seated in the driver's seat and was on her phone, she looked like she was trying to call someone.
I knocked on the car's window, startling her as she looked at my direction. She unlocked the door from her seat then I entered.
“Hey, I'm really sorry for keeping you waiting." I said immediately I got inside the car.
“What happened to your phone? I've been trying to get through to you since I got here.” She said, waving her phone to emphasize more on what she was saying.
I took my phone off my lap and raised it up.
“It's here."
“You didn't hear it ring?" She asked.
I looked at the screen to see up to twenty missed calls from her. I had put my phone on silent last night, I do that any time I need to be alone.
“It was on silent, I'm sorry I kept you waiting. Something came up and let me just say I wasn't in the best mood to go to work. I didn't know you'd wait for me.” I said.
"It's okay. Are you good now though?” She asked, starting the car.
“I am." I mumbled, looking ahead of us.
The drive was really quiet, Evelyn didn't even try to engage me in a conversation, probably after sensing my mood.
We got to the company's premises in no time and she pulled in. She parked the car in the same place she did yesterday and we got in together.
“Thank you once again, Eve.” I said before we both parted ways.
“It’s nothing, like I said. That's what friends are for. And if you ever need help with anything, do not hesitate to ask me.” She replied with a soft smile on her face.
We parted ways after talking about random things before eventually parting ways. When she left, I was left to my own misery once again.
I didn't bother to run since I'm late for cleaning already. I walked so leisurely towards his office without bothering with the key. I knocked once and waited for his response.
I didn't hear his response then I knocked again, this time even more firm.
“Come in.” I heard his faint response.
I turned the doorknob then entered the office. He was already behind his table and was working.
“Why are you late?" He asked the moment I got in.
“I had a pressing family issue at home.” I answered.
"More pressing than losing your job?” He asked again.
I just looked down, obviously ignoring his question.
“I believe I'm talking to a human being.” He asked back.
"I don't know how to answer that question.” I replied.
"Really? Then you're fired."
I looked up to stare into his eyes. "You want me to pick a family matter over my job?” I asked him.
He didn't reply me but I took that as a ‘yes’.
“Fine then, I'm resigning."
He looked shocked to hear me say that but I didn't care right now. If he thinks he can add to my problem then he's wrong.
I turned around to leave but was stopped by the scraping of his chair.