My shattering reality

Welcome back and for those who take breaks before reading on here's a little recap of what happened in the last chapter:

Well I graduated which was surprising considering how I acted most of the school year but with Khalil's help I was able to work my way to salutatorian. During the after party I spent most of my time dancing with Khalil which was an interesting experience considering I never danced that much before. I also got to hang out with my other fellow graduates after convincing them I wasn't as bad as I used to be. At the end of the night when everyone was going home may be the best part of the whole day since Khalil ended up confessing to me and we started dating that night since I felt the same way. Finally we left off with me riding the cab home before all my joy and excitement was to be put on hold. Here's where we continue...

"Thanks for the lift and here I know the ride is already paid for but you deserve a tip for keeping me entertained while you drove". I handed the driver a 20 dollar tip and leaving me with one more laugh he bowed and proceeded to drive off. I was in the best mood I could possibly be as I skipped into my home where I found my dad near the door waiting for me and having noticed my joyful expression he smiled "It looks like someone enjoyed themselves I haven't seen you look that happy since I got you your first bike". This was true but the news I had to tell him was way more important and life brightening than any bike but before I could respond I noticed three unusual faces sitting on the couch "Who are they?" I asked as I pointed to the couch. To this the three of them got up to introduce themselves with the grown man speaking first "Hello, Hope my name is Daverick Hao owner of the infamous Hao company it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance" I nodded as my mind tried to remember why the name Hao sounded so familiar. Mr. Hao was a well build man with broad shoulders, tinted green eyes, and has gelled down dark brown hair with hints of white that seemed to be dyed several times. Overall he seemed to be no older than his 40's.

Next the women spoke who definitely wasn't younger then 37 although she tried to look otherwise with heavy makeup covering her face. She had blond hair, light brown eyes, and a warming smile, one that reminded me of my mother's. "My name is Jessica Hao co owner of the Hao company and it's so great to finally meet you in person your father has told us a lot about you".  I glanced at my Father who was looking at me throughout the two's introduction as if waiting for me to make a realization as to who they were but I still was unsure so I went on to ask the name of the youngest of the three who was probably their son with rugged brown hair with blond streaks, tinted brown eyes, and a fit figure. "And you?" he gave a low chuckle before responding "I am Jacob Hao heir to my parents company and your future husband". My eyes widened in shock that why the name Hao was so familiar this was the same family I was to marry into that when I would take over my Father's company but what about Khalil I had just agreed to be his girlfriend I can't just marry a complete stranger. I felt like I was about to faint I couldn't speak anymore I just rushed out of the room I couldn't breath in there it was too much.

I ran to my room and shut the door taking large gulps of air at a time. I felt lightheaded and I couldn't get enough air but with a little time I was able to calm myself down and get my breathing to a steady level again and once I did there was a knock at my door. It was no doubt my father so I gave him permission to come in "Hope what was that you gave all of us a scare-" I cut him off and stood on my feet "I can't marry him...no I won't marry him". My father looked surprised by this which is to be expected considering that up to now I've just went through with what he said but not this time "And why is that..?". "Its because I love someone else and tonight they asked me to be their girlfriend. I of course said yes, that's why I was so happy coming home" my Dad took a deep breath and paced around for a bit before looking to me again that was probably the most nerve racking thing I've experienced in a while.

"Is he wealthy? Does his family have a higher social standing then the Hao family? Will this relationship benefit the company?". I remained quiet Khalil wasn't necessarily wealthy but he did make a living, his family was just like any other in town but they were extremely kind and welcoming to me in my time with them, and I really couldn't care less about my dad's company benefiting from my relationship. He took my silence as an obvious No "Well if not then you'll have to break up with him and pursue your marriage with Jacob Hao" I couldn't believe what he was saying there was no way I was gonna leave Khalil for some random rich kid I cared for Khalil too much to do that to him. "There's no way I'm doing that! I love him and there's no way I'll leave him for someone I know NOTHING about! That just ridiculous!" I could tell my Father was becoming irritated but so was I what he was demanding was unacceptable. "RIDICULOUS you wanna know what's really ridiculous investing your time in a relationship that probably wont last a month! On a confusion of what love is! That's just a waste of time and I will not allow it!".

"THAT ISN'T FOR YOU TO DECIDE! My relationship is NOT a waste of time! And I know what love feels like more than you! You couldn't even give your wife the time of day since you were so invested in your stupid company!". My Dad grit his teeth and I swear he wanted to hit me but he restrained himself and began to walk out the room but before leaving he turned to me "You will marry the Hao families son whether you like it or not and if you even think of trying to stop it I'll make sure to make that boyfriend of yours life a living hell, DON'T underestimate what I'm capable of and make sure to end things with that kid your an engaged women after all". Then having said that he left closing the door behind him, I dropped to my knees as tears flooded my eyes and rolled down my face in waterfalls. I couldn't believe he had just threatened to hurt Khalil and made it as though that it would be my fault if something bad happened to him and his family. I can't let Khalil get hurt or his family they were so kind to me, Khalil's mom is finally able to spend time with Khalil and his sister thanks to a promotion and Lilac sweet little Lilac she's only 7 years old and is finally happy to not only have her big brother around.

Then there was Khalil kind, cute, and loving Khalil I care for him so much and I don't want to let him go he was the only thing that brought me joy as days went on. He was the only person that cared for me when no one not even my so called father would come to my aid he won over my heart but if this marriage is to happen I'll have to let him go that way he won't go through anymore hardship especially not because of me. The tears just kept on falling as I cried and cried on my room floor and inbetween my sobs I heard that monster I call a Father tell the Hao family that I was just really tired from my graduation and needed to process everything but rest assured that "she couldn't wait to become part of your family".

He could lie through his teeth better then anyone I know but that sad part of it all is that I know he would go through any lengths to get what he wanted he was a business man after all it's in his nature. I was never a daughter to him I was just another investment to be made in order to strengthen his company and there was nothing I could say to stop him. I just had to accept my reality and come to terms with the fact that I could never be happy or have what I desire if it went against my Father's wishes and in this case Khalil was something I couldn't have no matter how much I cared for him. If I wanted to protect him I would have to do as my Father ordered me to but this was not something I could accept so easily as I had done things in the past this time my soul was shattered as I cried myself to sleep.