Chapter 4 5 years ago (the offer)

Done with the graduation ceremony, the father and daughter duo decided to have a little celebration of appreciation for his princess' efforts. Leaving the alma matter, they headed towards the restaurant with their reservation.

Both entered the luxurious dining area, once seated, Mr. Smith called the waiter for their orders. And the waiter immediately responded.

For some reason, the father was totally bothered by his daughter's silence. He noticed that she's starring far away blankly. He couldn't help but feel worried. He coughed a little louder to get his daughter's attention.

"Ahem! Is there something bothering you, baby? Care to share it to your old daddy?" He asked worriedly.

Meanwhile Izzabelle was startled to hear her father's coughing.

"Nothing dad.., I'm just thinking of mom and Inzo. If they are still alive right now, maybe our little celebration would get more happier than ever. I missed them so much dad..!"

Her voice came as a whisper laced with so much sadness. She also feels sad for the other person in her life that seems like a ghost to her. She loved him so much but he chose to leave her behind. Not even bothering about how would she feel.

"Come on princess, I know your still sad about it but can't you even give a little smile for your daddy? Please baby..!"

Her father pleaded her desperately. She knows her daddy too, he loved her mom and brother so much just like her. So she decided not to make things difficult for him. She gathered her courage and lifted up her lips into a smile looking happy like a child.

Her daddy's face lit up looking at her affectionately. He loves his only heiress so much. He would do anything for her.

In short while, their orders were delivered on their table and both decided to focus on their own plates.

30 minutes passed and they both fully stuffed to their limits. Izzabelle is now thinking about the 'offer' that her father told her earlier at the campus. She began to panic, different thoughts appears in her mind.

'What if my father set me up for a marriage? No! no! No! This can't be..! I still have plans!"

She thought inwardly frowning.

"Princess why are you frowning? Look at me, tell me about your worries, I'm always here for you, remember? We have each other's back okay? You know, I would always support you, right?"

Her dad tries to convince her to spill her thoughts that bothering her.

"I, uhmm.., Dad would you mind telling me about this offer' of yours? Cause you're really are scarring me already.., please don't tell me that you're setting me up on a marriage..?"

She questioned almost pleadingly. If ever, she would apologize to her father because she's not going to full fill his request. Not this time.

"Hahaa!"

Her father burst out laughing finding her thoughts amusing.

"Dad, come on.. this isn't funny! Just tell me already. Don't make me freak out!"

She blurted out immediately trying to be serious. But she sighed in relief knowing her father didn't take her words seriously.

"Don't be ridiculous princess! That's not what I'm talking about. But I'll give it a thought next time."

Her dad replied in bewilderment.

"If its not, what is it then? Tell me now dad or I can't sleep peacefully tonight."

She inquired nervously, clasping her hands together waiting for her father to speak.

Clearing his throat, he began..

"I would like to send you abroad princess, for further education. There is an international training organization somewhere that suits your abilities and skills. I need you to go, to develop, sharpen, and maximize those talents of yours. Can you do that for me?"

Mr. Smith explained carefully hoping his daughter would come to understand his concerns for her future. He starred at his daughter's eyes waiting for the right answers he expected.