BY SONYSA
Chapter One
Hailey's POV:
I was sitting in my room near the window and reading
the book that was filled with mystery and thrill.
I love reading books that contains mystery and thrill, it
keeps me on the edge until the end. I wanted to read
the whole book tonight before going to bed but it
seemed impossible, I was already feeling sleep making
its presence known.
I looked out from the window and stared at the glowing
full moon outside. Suddenly, the slight rustling of the
tree in the garden caught my attention and I felt like
someone was standing there. But I shook my head and
dismissed my stupid thought.
I decided to sleep and shut the book then got up and
made my way to the bed. I jumped on my bed and
pulled the comforter up to my chin. Feeling the softness
of sheets I sighed in contentment and snuggled my face
in the pillows. When I was ready to drift in the
dreamless slumber the shouting and screams of my
mother made me jump up. I was wide awake looking
around scared.
I untangled myself from the comforter and got up from
the bed in hurry. Opening my bedroom door, I followed
my mother's shouting that took me to my grand-
father's study room.
When I reached outside the study room my heart started
to beat wildly.
The door of the study room was slightly open, taking
advantage of the situation I silently slipped inside to see
my mom standing in the middle of room crying and
shouting. My father was sitting on the couch, his head
hung low and the stressful look was etched on his face.
I noticed the anger and worry on my grand-father's face
while he was glaring at my mom. They didn't notice me
standing at the corner and watching the whole scene.
I was scared, seeing everyone so angry. Maybe
something bad have happened or some relative has
died.
Finally, I got the courage to ask them.
"What is happening mom, dad?" I asked them.
Three heads snapped in my way and two sets of eyes
stared at me with horror. My gaze connected with my
mom and I found myself frozen in place. Her eyes were
filled with hate and the hate was directed to me making
me shiver in fear.
In my whole sixteen years of life I never saw my mother
staring at me with this much hate. I was used to of her
disappointment filled glances but this glare felt
dangerous, promising me to inflict unimaginable amount
of pain to my heart.
My father noticed the look on my mom's face and said
"Hailey go back to your room".
I was about to turn around and leave the study room
but my mother angry voice stopped me dead in the
track.
She yelled "No! She should know what is going in this
house. Emily left us because of some stupid promise
your great-grandfather made years ago to his best
friend".
I couldn't believe my ears. My sister left!
Why would she leave her own house suddenly? What
happened?
I asked my mom "Why would she leave?"
My grandfather heaved a sigh and stood up from the
chair he was sitting. He made his way towards me.
"Hailey when I was young I made this promise to my
best friend and now he is on his deathbed, dying. He
wants me to fulfill my promise before his death". My
grand-father said.
After hearing my grand-father I was still confused. I
didn't understand what it has to do with my sister.
My mother must have noticed my confusion and said
"Tell her the truth!"
He sends the glare in my mom way then turned back to
me.
"My friend and I made a promise with each other that
someday we will unite our families by arranging a
marriage between our first grandchildren. Now that he
is not well and dying in the hospital his family contacted
me. They want me to fulfill my side of promise before
my friend dies without seeing his grandson happily
married to my grand-daughter". My grand-father said.
I looked at him in the shock. Now it all makes sense
why would Emily runaway like this in the middle of
night. She has always been against marriage and
arrange marriage is big no her life. Emily has always
wanted to become a model and marriage is an end to
her modeling career.
"Why did you tell them it's Emily? She is eighteen and
it's too early to get married. She has her whole life
ahead to spend the way she likes. Please don't ruin it
by forcing her to marry the man she barely knows.
Please, I beg you! Stop this nonsense so I can ask my
daughter to come back home". My mom pleaded.
"What do you want me to do, Melanie? Refuse them or
tell them that I can't fulfill my friend's last wish". My
grandfather asked my mom.
My mother eyebrows scrunched up at his words. Few
moments later she started smiling cryptically in my way
making me nervous.
With slow predatory steps she approached me.
"I think Hailey is the better candidate to marry off. She
doesn't look that young. She has good height and
weight". Mom said gripping my arm.
I was shaking with fear but her grip was making it
impossible for anyone to notice.
"If Hailey will marry their grand-son they won't mind
and this way you will still be able to fulfill your friend's
dying wish". She suggested.
My eyes widened at her suggestion and I paled. My
hands started shaking violently in anxiety but she
tightened her grip on my arm, digging her nails in my
arm making me hiss in pain.
"Are you out of your mind? How can you suggest
something so absurd"? My dad said in a rage.
"This is the only solution we have and believe me it's
best for all of us, even for Hailey". My mom said looking
at me.
I felt tears brimming in my eyes ready to fall any
moment.
"She is sixteen, Melanie. She is younger than Emily, if
you haven't notice". My grand-father said.
My mom grip loosens on my hand.
"I don't care how young she is. I just know she is not
Emily, my blood, my real daughter. And it is time for her
to repay me for taking care of her all these years
instead of making Michael leaves her outside some
orphan". Mom yelled.
I was numb after her words registered in my mind. Is
she not my real mom?
"Melanie, why have you done this? It is not a right time
to inform her all about the past. You promised me that
we will not discuss this with her until she turns
eighteen". Dad yelled.
At that moment I forgot how to breathe. It means
whatever my mom said earlier was truth. I am not her
daughter. Is my dad even my real father?
"Yes, I promised that I will not tell her anything until the
right time comes. But I think no time will be better than
this to talk about your past, Michael". My mom said in
a nonchalant attitude.
My dad looked at her in utter disappointment. His face
was showing the betrayal that he was feeling after my
mom's revelation.
"Hailey look at me". My father said walking towards me
and cupping my face.
"I wanted to tell you this before but then we decided to
wait until you turn mature enough to understand it. I
am your dad; you are my own blood and flesh. But
Melanie is not your real mother. Your real mother died
while giving birth to you". He dad said.
Hearing my dad say this just stopped my breathing.
"I was already married to Melanie and had Emily when I
went to England on the business trip. There I met your
mother and fell in love with her. Then one day, I found
out that she was pregnant. I didn't know that the
doctor informed her that there would be any
complications during the birth. But she stayed positive
and decided to bring you in the world. The doctors tried
their best to save her but she died after the minute you
were born".
I gasped and pulled away from my dad's grasp. It felt
like he has ripped my heart without noticing it.
He continued "I informed Melanie about my infidelity and
about you. She was angry and hurt that I cheated on
her. But she forgives me because of Emily's and your
future. Melanie accepted you and me. She is just angry
at the moment". He pleaded to me.
He thinks she is only angry? I wanted to tell my dad
that she is not angry, she hates me. No woman
deserves this, the cheating husband and his bastard
child from another woman.
Now I understand why she hates me so much.
I deserve her hate and Emily's hate. Oh God! I destroyed
their happy family by intruding.
All my life I thought this woman was my mother.
Although, she thinks I'm a freak and constantly send me
hateful and disappointment filled glances she would
never let me sleep empty stomach. She didn't show me
her affection like she shows to Emily. But I loved her
and thought she loved me like a daughter.
I was completely silent absorbing everything in.
My dad looked defeated and grand-father was deep in
thoughts. My mom was staring straight at me still
waiting for my answer.
And at that moment I realized that she really wants me
to leave this house.
"Michael, I forgave you long time ago and accepted her.
Now it's her turn to do something for me. I want my
daughter back in this house at any cost. Emily and I
cannot tolerate her presences in this house anymore".
Mom said.
Her last sentence made me pick my poison. At that
moment I decided what I need to do.
I was already standing on the edge of cliff but her last
statement made me finally jump making me fall in the
deep black hole of sadness.
My voice was emotion less when I announced the life
changing decision.
"Mom is right. I will get married to your friend's
grandson instead of Emily". I said to my grandfather.
"Please, ask Emily to come back home. She deserves to
live here". I said turning towards my mom.
"Thank you so much Hailey. I'll stay grateful to you for
this". Mom said with the smile.
I left the room and ran back to my room as fast as
possible for me and locked my bedroom door.
My eyes were misty from the tears pooling in them. I
flung myself on the bed and hugged my pillow tightly.
The tears that I have been controlling from so far
started falling from my eyes soaking the pillow.
I cried that night for my dead mother and for my
father's infidelity. But mostly for the decision I made
few minutes ago without think about the consequences
and it scares me what will happen tomorrow.
Thinking about my past and future a sob broke out from
my chest.
___________________________________________________
Chapter Two
Hailey's POV:
I woke up after hearing the constant knocks at my
bedroom door and groaned. I sat up on the bed and
rested my head at the headboard and shut my eyes. The
knocking at the door stopped and sighed in relief.
I felt the immense pain in my head; my eyes were sticky
and swollen. I cracked open my eyes and tried to clear
my throat but end up coughing violently because of the
dryness. I ran my tongue on my lips feeling the cracks
and hissed.
Slowly, I opened my eyes and looked around at my
room. My eyes settled on my damp pillow staring and
just like that everything that happened last night came
crashing. I wanted to sleep again after recalling about
last night and never wake up.
Last night, was like some horrible nightmare that has
turned into reality really fast. Everything is still vivid in
my memory. I hope to forget everything but seem hard
to do.
I found out that I lost my mother the one that gave
birth to me at the time of birth. The one that pretended
to be my mom in last sixteen years isn't even my real
mother and I am not her real daughter, her blood and
flesh. Even more so I am the product of my dad's
infidelity. And lastly the revelations of my biological
mother death left me gasping for air.
If I had died with my mother that day I wouldn't be in
so much pain at the moment.
I got up from the bed feeling my muscles aching and
made my way to the vanity table.
I stared at myself in the mirror and looked at myself.
My eyes were red and puffy from crying all night even
my face looked little swollen and on the top of that I
had a running nose.
I cringed at how horrific I looked in the mirror.
Did I make the right decision last night?
Even my inner voice didn't answer my stupid question.
I recalled the time I have spent here in this house with
this family. They were so kind to provide me house to
live instead of leaving me at some orphanage or giving
me up for the adoption. Melanie allowed me to call her
mom when she isn't my real mom. My dad provided me
food, education, clothes and a reasonable life.
Again, I heard the knock and went to the door to seem
my mom or should I say step mom was standing
outside.
"Can I come in?" My mom asked.
I nodded my head and she entered in my room. I shut
the door and looked at her feeling nervous suddenly at
her presences.
"I come here to apologize for my last night behavior.
I'm sorry that you had to found out about your dad this
way". She said.
I felt somewhat happy after hearing her apology and
thought she might be here to tell me that I don't need
to marry anyone to repay her.
"But I just want you to know how grateful I am at what
you are doing for your sister. She really appreciates your
help". She said and my hopes died.
I nodded my head solemnly.
"Your dad and grand-father are not happy at my idea.
They wants to tell his friends family how young you are
so they will refuse the idea of your and their son's
marriage. But now it's your responsibility to convince
them to lie about your age. Ask them to lie that you are
eighteen". She said making my heart freeze.
She wants me to ask my father and grand-father lie to
other people.
I opened my mouth to say that I don't think so I have
an ability to convince my dad and grandfather to do
anything when she took the hold of my hand.
"Hailey, I know it's difficult but you have to do this for
your sister. Tell them how you enjoy the idea of early
marriage and happily ever after with your husband.
Convince them that it's what you want and you are not
doing this because of me. I know you, Hailey. I know
your words have magic to convince them. Do this for
me and your sister". She said kissing on the center of
my forehead.
I felt the tears brimming in my eyes at her words. She
really wants me to leave this house.
"I will try to convince dad and grand-father to lie about
my age". I said and she hugged me.
"You will look so pretty in the wedding dress I am sure".
She said excitedly then left my room.
First time in my life I saw the admirations and love in
her eyes for me.
In sixteen years of my existence she never showered me
with love but didn't abuse me either. She did glance at
me with disappointment in her eyes and sometimes
taunt me on my appearance but I thought it was
because she cares how I look.
Emily was never close to me and I thought it's because
we are so different from each other in looks and minds.
While I loved studying she hated it, I love being in
casual comfy clothes and she despises them, even her
night gown is fancy made up of silk and frills.
She never treated me like a sister but in my mind I used
to admire her because of her beauty and perfect style.
She always had a confidence which I lacked
tremendously. Emily acted like a queen in the school,
people worshiped the ground she walked especially
boys.
Because of her other kids stared bullying me. She
pushed me on the floor in the hallways for other
students to see and laugh on my misery.
I was always a timid and submissive girl. I never liked
fighting back for anything even if my life depends on the
it.
The other students of the school started pushing me on
the floors too and that's how push Hailey trend started.
Magically, other students would make me trip in the
class, in bathroom, in cafeteria and school ground. With
years it got worse, other students started playing
horrible pranks on me that would leave me with injuries.
Each day of school becomes a hell for me and I wished
a death upon me.
I had to hide all the abuse from my parents and grand-
father because Emily blackmailed me if I would ever
open my mouth she will make sure the school boys cut
my tongue.
She was senior and she had many friends' especially
scary boys.
Until the fifth grade I was able to hide all the pain and
traces of abuse on my body. But when the sixth grade
rolled in I was beaten by few guys and girls in the
parking lot when I was waiting for my dad to come and
pick me up.
One day when I tried to tell dad about how other
students treats me in the school and I don't want to go
there, Emily found out and punished me by sending her
friends to beat me. They broke my right leg and my jaw
bone got fractured too.
I had a head injury too and that landed me in the
hospital for weeks.
My dad was the one who found me broken, beaten and
unconscious on the ground, bleeding to death.
I was rushed to the nearest hospital and during the
checkup doctors found many old bruise on my body and
informed my dad.
After that incident my dad forbid me to go school and
hired a home tutor for me.
I was a shy girl from the start but getting home
schooled turned me into an antisocial- awkward girl or
as Emily like to call it -a freak.
Whenever Emily's friends would come over for a
sleepover they will call me names and tell me how ugly I
am and I should lose some fat.
At first I didn't believe them. But slowly they drilled it in
my head and I started believing that I am a freak. I
didn't make the effort to change myself and do
something to look beautiful because I couldn't change
what they think about me by doing anything.
Because I realized long time ago that whatever I do,
wouldn't stop people from calling me ugly, fat and
freak.
Among Emily and me, she was always she was
everyone's favorite and in the spotlight because of her
beauty.
I tried few times to mingle in with the family but they
always pushed me back by making a snide remark on
my clothing or on my awkward communication skills.
They would make joke on me and laugh on them while I
would be sitting there in front of them with the fake
smile on my face.
They never realized that they were breaking me from
inside and breaking my confidence, my will to speak and
interact with people.
Later, I stopped talking to anyone. I would just nod my
head in answer or do anything they want me to do for
them without complaining, it saved me from pain.
I used to think that I was useless for this family and but
now my mother showed me how important I am. She
asked me first time to do something for her that will
make her proud . And I want to do it for her to make her
happy and proud of me.
Even, if it means marrying to some stranger. But I will
do it for her.
I was always extra bad looking piece in their perfect
house if its their way to throw me out then I should
accept it.
Also, I don't have any right to stay in this house
anymore. They don't even want me. I know their lives
would be lot better without me in the picture.
Sighing, I made my way to the washroom and decided
to take a shower.
After the shower I changed into my sweatpants and
baggy shirt. Then I combed my hair and put them in a
high ponytail on my head.
I heard the knocks and made my way to the door. I
opened it and found my grand-father and dad standing
outside with grim faces.
Smiling brightly at them, I opened the door wider and
invited them inside.
"We are here to talk to you, Hailey". My dad said.
I nodded my head and waited for them to say
something.
"Hailey I love you and I know you are hurt at the
moment that is why you made that decision last night".
My dad said and I stilled.
"You don't have to do anything you don't wish to do. I
will talk to Melanie and asked her to change her mind.
If she cannot accept you after sixteen years then you
shouldn't stay in this house. I can take a apartment on
the rent and we will shift there". Dad said.
I wanted to hug him and ask them to take me away
from this house and this life but my mom's word
reminded me what I need to do. I need to convince
them instead of agreeing at something like this.
"No, dad you are thinking everything wrong about mom.
She is still my mom and I love her. This morning she
came to apologize to me and told me to do whatever I
want. She was the reason why I said yes to this
marriage last night. But now I'm taking the
responsibility of my decision. I have always wanted to
get married at young age and now I have the
opportunity". I said trying to look convincing.
Both shook their head at me.
"I cannot believe this. You are lying, Hailey". Dad said.
Before I wouldn't be able to lie and my faced will slip
away I recovered myself.
"Dad, I don't want to stay in this house with you, Emily
and mom. I want to make a new life with new people.
Let me get married to this guy so I will try to become
something on my own. I am sure grand-father's friends
are nice people and won't hurt me". I said feeling my
heart bleed.
"They are nice people and the boy is great too. But I
don't think so you should make this decision so soon".
Grand-father said rising to his full height.
"What's the point of the marriage if your friend died
before seeing his grandson married? You're and yours
friends' family is doing this because he doesn't have
much time left. And I'm not making this decision under
any any pressure. It just feels right to do". I said feeling
my voice cracked at the end of sentence.
My grand-father looked pretty convinced but dad has
doubts.
"Hailey you need to understand that whatever I did in
the past. I did to protect you". My dad said sounding
guilty.
The hurt and guilt was clear in his voice making my
own heart ache for him. I wanted to hug him tell him
it's alright but it isn't. I was still hurt not even in my
wild imagination I've ever thought that one of my
parents would turn out to be my stepparent.
My body stilled and my hands hung loosely on my sides.
It was difficult to tell them how I feel but I tried "Dad I
forgive you and I understand why you did this. I am just
in shock and really hurt that you hid something so
important from me for that long". I said.
"But I still love you because I am happy to know that
you are my real father". I said last part with the small
awkward smile.
A sad smile graced both of their faces.
"I will them that you have agreed to get marry to their
son but you are still young, they might change their
mind and you will change yours". Grand-father said.
"Don't tell them that I am sixteen. Lie to them that I
am eighteen". I said making both of them look at me
with horror.
"Why?" Both asked in unison.
"Dad I want them to think I'm intelligent young girl not
some girl barely in high school". I said.
"Please dad and grand-dad do this for me". I begged to
them while tears flowed down from my eyes.
"Okay. We would tell them that you have recently turned
eighteen". My dad said wiping my tears and I hugged
him.
"It looks like I have wedding to arrange". Grand-father
said leaving the room.
My dad and I smiled.
I felt like my granddad knows why I am doing this but
he still doesn't want really want me stop.
"Thank you, Hailey for forgiving me. You are the best
daughter". Dad said.
I nodded my head controlling the tears.
"They are really nice people and rich too. I met them
last week. Mr. and Mrs. William Edward have two sons
and two daughters. Their son Chase Edward is young
still in university. He is handsome, young and studying
in NYU. It's his last semester before he graduates. I
have heard a lot of good things about that family and
his son. I'm sure they'll keep you happy and safe". My
dad said and I hugged him again.
"I know dad. And I'm glad you and granddad accepted
my decision ". I mumbled.
The inside of my heart broke down in the tiny pieces
knowing that there is no escape now.
_____________________________________________
_______________________________
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