Chapter 2 Lied to once again

"Good you're here, sit we have a lot to talk about." Mrs. Scott instructed immediately she saw Athena walking into the living room.

She was sitting on one of the sofas there looking all serious and grumpy.

Athena nodded and sat on the sofa at the right side of hers.

"Your father is in the room don't worry too much about him, he's okay now." Mrs Scott told her and Athena nodded.

Athena knew all too well that he was never at the hospital.

At first she had thought something bad had happened to him with her mother's worried call but when she landed in Las Vegas again after a long time she realized this was a ploy to get her here.

Bankruptcy was the obvious reason. That's why her mother was so stressed and worried on the call.

What now? Were they going to tell her to quit college?

What's the next order they'll be instructing her to do?

"How was school?" Mrs Scott questioned. The question took Athena off guard and she stared in awe at her mother.

What made Mrs Scott ask such a question? She has been informed of all of the activities of Athena over the past years and the grades she has been getting. Everything was reported to her so there was no need to ask Athena personally.

But why was the question asked now? It was really strange for Athena and she didn't know what to say or how to react.

That was what she didn't know, how to react to affections of a parent. She had had no personal experience so it was really difficult.

"Umm..." She hesitated not yet sure of what she should say. "It's going as planned." She answered with all honesty instead. It was going just accordingly as they planned it out.

No parties so she never attended one no matter what, No Bs so she never got one. No absence so she was never absent from a lecture no matter how sick she was.

There was a long bearable pause.

"How was your flight then?" Mrs Scott asked again.

Something was really wrong and Athena knew that.

She observed her mother's appearance, she was still looking well and stylishly dressed but the bags underneath her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Athena.

"How's it going with everything?" Athena asked instead.

"It's going okay, there were lot's of nurses to take care of him." Mrs Scott replied.

"No. You know what I mean." Athena's face was plain and held no emotion whatsoever.

But Mrs Scott knew exactly what she met.

"I knew you were smart." Mrs Scott sighed. "What to do. You didn't get it from us." Mrs Scott smiled at her menacing.

"I don't know what you mean?" Athena stated.

"Oh you haven't catched on to that yet?" Mrs Scott asked.

"I catch on to everything but only do whatever is best and in your interest, mother." Athena replied. "I don't think we should be talking about what I shouldn't know."

"When have I ever asked of what you thought?"

"I apologized mother."

"Don't let the questions I asked earlier catch you off guard next time. From now on you've got to act human and less like a robot okay. I wonder where I went wrong and you turned into this."

"Do you not like my response to you? What would you like me to say instead?" Athena question.

Mrs Scott rolled her eyes.

"Do you really not know anything? I want you to tell me that."

Athena stoped to think. Was drama what she needed? No, was it what Mrs Scott want?

"I know nothing unless you tell me. My knowledge is limited to what you tell me."

"What a pity! I thought I raised you well, how could your knowledge be limited like that. I wanted you to be a genius."

"I am sorry that I have failed you. I will do better and get a limitless knowledge."

"Whatever, that is not necessary anymore. Right now I want you to be the most dependent person in the world."

"Why if I may ask?"

"Well you realize we couldn't send as much money as we could before. That is because we are having a bit of a financial crisis but it's nothing serious and it will be resolved soon."

"I understand. What may I do to be of any assistance?"

"Oh you'll be of great assistance. You are the key."

"I am glad. This will give you peace and I cannot wait to get right on it. What does the company need?"

"The company needs an investor. Someone that will invest and finance the company so it doesn't go under."

"I understand. I shall prepare to conceive them right away. Who are going to be the investors?"

"The Hamiltons. I'm sure you know them."

"Yes I do. I have met them a couple of times and I must say you made the right choice in choosing to make them your investors, they will be able to support with their great influence and money. In fact this should have been done a long time ago."

"Better late than never."

"Noted." Athena sighed. She was not the slightest bit relieved although she had been reassured by her mother. She felt something was off and she knew it won't be easy making them an investor.

And she knows that their company has been facing bad management and misuse of company funds for a while now because of her father and who would trust a company like that? Definitely not her.

"Bit mother, you do know it won't be easy convincing the Hamilton about this partnership you have in mind." Athena need to state the facts to her mother and make it clear even though she will have to do her best, there are still chances that her very best will do nothing at all to move the Hamilton especially the current CEO.

But the next thing her mother said shocked her.

"Oh but they have already been convinced. They accepted." Mrs Scott informed her.

Although there was no expression on Athena's face, it was obvious she was shock and speechless.

She couldn't say anything for a while as different thoughts ran through her mind.

If they have successfully convinced the Hamiltons which she finds it really hard to believe then why was she called here? Why was she called the key! Why was she told she will be of great assistance? What did her mother mean by all what she said.

"Then what am I suppose to help out in?" She asked, she was dreading the answer cause knowing her mother, what's to come next can never be good.

"Oh well it's simple really and you can definitely pull it off. You see, the CEO agreed with a condition and we accepted it."

"And what is that condition?"

"That you will be marrying him for twenty years. It's that simple." Mrs Scott finally revealed.

Somehow, Athena was not surprised. She had expected to be married off one of these days and she had also prepared herself for the worst to come out from her mother's big mouth.

"I could try convincing them to agree without the marriage attached." Athena offered.

"There is no need for that really, we have already accepted and we will keep it that way."

"I understand. When will be the marriage?"

"In two weeks. The day after tomorrow is going to be your engagement party."

"I will prepare myself for it. If that is all, I will take my leave now." Athena excused herself then stood up to leave.

Mrs Scott did not stop her and just when she was almost out of the living room did Athena turn back.

"I have a question to ask." She said.

"What is it?" Mrs Scott asked without even looking back at her. She was satisfied that what she wanted will be done.

"Do you even like me?" Athena asked. It was now that she turned to Athena and with furrowed brows, glared at her. Athena has never asked a question like this before and this got her thinking.

Not about why she made that statement by why she is even asking. It was supposed to be clear.

"Well of course, you are my daughter right? Because you are considered family, that's the reason we are even making your future bright! Marrying into the Hamilton family will automatically mean that your future is bright and set for you." Mrs Scott answered.

"I never even said anything against that." With that, Athena turned back and walked away.

She went up to her room and went straight to her bed and crashed in.

She replayed the conversation she had with her mother and it was then the realization of her next task dawn on her.

She knew that she would one day have to get married to the man her parents choose.

What she thought she needed to do now was to make sure that this marriage is a success.

She has to see to it that the investment pushes through and saves her parents' company from the financial crisis it was facing now.

Her mind went to the guy she met on her flight to L.A. she hoped he does the right thing according to the people he wishes to impress, hoping that didn't mean taking his life to a different turn like hers.

She got up from her bed to freshen up after her long flight. She kept her luggages and went in to her room's bathroom to shower.

After she came out she took out clothes from her luggages and arranged them in her walk-in closet.

After she was done putting everything in other, she went into her bed again to rest for the day.

***

Athena wore a white dress which complimented her skin and made her look really elegant and it suited the scene she was in.

The party was filled with potential wedding party members both from each side of the family. Her parents had Invited some few office staffs that had high position in their company.

She was soon to be introduced to her soon-to-be husband.

And she wasn't even eager to meet him, she didn't care about any of it.

The host of the party came up on the stage to make an announcement to the guest present in the party

"Good day lovely ladies and gentlemen. I hope we are all enjoying ourselves today in this wonderful party today. we all know why we're here, and it is to celebrate the lovely engagement of Mr Hamilton and Ms. Scott. Please lovely Mr and Ms. come up on to the stage and show yourselves to this lovely people today.

Please ladies and gentlemen give a round of applause as we welcome the engaged couple as they come up on stage." The host said, then after he started the round of applause that soon circulated in the audience.

Athena took that as a cue to walk up on stage and greet the host with a handshake. She looked to her left and saw him. The man she has to spend the rest of her life with regardless of what she wants.

The tall hulk size man she stared at was looking at the crowd in front of them. He was about turning to her, for some reason she panicked and looked away and turn her attention to the crowd.

Soon after the claps from the audience subsided, all eyes were on the couple on the stage.

Athena sighted her mom in the audience and as soon as their eyes met. Her mother motioned her to react.

So Athena managed to turn around towards her fiance. He also turned to look at her, after a little hesitation they both hugged each other, in what the audience believed to be a display of affection from them. And they supported this with another round of applause.

They pulled away from each other soon and smiled back at their ever supportive audience.

Athena thought if they all really cared about their future and not what they would all gain if this pushes through. But she pushed those thoughts aside, fully convinced that this was what she was meant to do. This was the 'right thing' to do. So she shouldn't be thinking about what others thought about it.

She looked at her mother and father who were pleased, she could tell from the looks they gave her.

Her father, although looking older than she remembered looked very well and not at all sick. He dressed well to the occasion. He was in his favorite expensive blue tuxedo and her mother wore a blue dress to compliment it. They were sitting together at the front row like a happy couple and a supportive family.

After the host said some more things about their engagement they were both Allowed to come down from the elevated floor.

She went to meet with her parents, who lead her towards her fiance.

"Oh Mr Hamilton we're so happy that our family will soon be united. Oh sorry I shouldn't call you that, son-in-law." Her mother said with a little giggle.

The sound of the word "son-in-law" made Athena cringe, right there it dawned on her that she was engaged and not the kind of engagement every woman would love to have.

No proposal, only a trick that her mother played to get her here from school and marry their biggest investor and she was meeting him at their already arranged engagement party.

"Ms Scott I'm pleased to meet you." Mr Hamilton said while implanting a kiss on the hands of Athena.

She smiled politely at him and lean towards him to give him a peck on the cheek. This was what she thought she was supposed to do since they were engaged.

He smiled at Athena and she felt warm inside for an unknown reason.

His fine lips screamed to her to be kissed. She was sure girls would be lining up to get a feel on those lips of his.

He was attractive in all aspect and any girl would be happy to marry him, she thought. But not all. Not her. Attractive or not, he is not her choice and this is all business. She was sure he had no affection for her at all.

Mr Hamilton shook hands with Athena's parents then excused himself.

"See Athena he is a fine man, a good one for you no doubt." Athena's mom said to her.

She nodded her head.

She left her parents and got a drink from a waiter and downed the whole thing in one go.

"He is so hot, but I think what they say must be true." Someone from behind Athena said.

She turned to look to see three ladies holding a discussion over glasses of wine.

"What makes you so sure I mean, look his engaged now." One of them said.

"It might just be a cover, I still think his gay. I mean didn't you see how awkward they were while hugging! They didn't even kiss each other."

"Gay?" Athena whispered to herself.

Were they talking about her Fiance.

What a way to make him more good for her, she thought.

She searched for her Fiance in the crowd with her eyes and spotted him leaving the hall of the party.

She felt the urge to follow him and she did. He went down the hallway which was surprisingly quiet and she saw a man waiting at the end. The met up with the guy and they were talking about something, maybe business she thought.

She took a good look at what the other guy was wearing.

She saw that he was good looking also he was wearing a tuxedo but her eyes thrilled down, she saw that he was holding hands with her Fiance.

'what' she was wondering why he was holding hands with him. Were they that close.

Not wanting to be caught spying cause she was not in a hiding spot, she decided to return back to the party.

She tried to shake off what she saw with another drink, this time alcoholic but then she overhead another conversation behind her.

She listened closely to the Ladies who were discussing about her Fiancè.

"Do you think Mrs Scott knows about him being gay?" One of them asked.

"Of course she does, she just wanted his money and his good looks must have been an aiding factor for her to overlook his sexuality." Another lady said.

Was this a well known truth that he was gay? Did her parents know? Was the guy with him one of his fling that he brought along to his engagement party?

She shaked her head. She believed they might just be trying to start a false rumor.

She took In some more drinks and searched for her mother in the crowd.

She needed to find out if this was true, if she was going to be married to a homosexual.

She spotted her mother talking to some guests at the left corner of the Hall.

She walked over there and took her mother's hand interrupting their conversation.

She turned to face the guests and greeted them with a fake smile.

"Please I would like to borrow my mom for a minute." She said politely.

Her mother furrowed her brows not knowing what was going on, but she too put a smile on a face.

"Oh please do, she's all yours." The lady among the guests said in response.

"Thanks."

She took her mother to the end of the hall were no one was.

"What is this all about. I was busy speaking with some potential clients. What's has gotten in to you?" Athena's mom asked her angrily.

"Mother is Mr Hamilton gay?" She simply asked.

'please say no and let all of my doubts be cleared.' Athena prayed internally.

"Shush! Where did you hear that from? Don't mention that here, keep quiet" Her mother reprimanded her,

"Mother I need to know...."she was cut short by her mother.

"Not here Athena!." She said then left her daughter in dismay to the party.

Athena didn't know what to make of her mother's response to her question.

Not even a single word to defend him not being gay. Then was he truly?

Suddenly she couldn't stand being in this place anymore, filled with pretentious people with no care to anyone feelings.

She couldn't wait for this party to be over. She needed to be out of here ASAP.

Since they all came together in a limousine she had to take a cab home.

She went out from the hall of the party and to the street where she hailed a cab home.

As soon as she reached their Mansion she went into her room ignoring any house helps talking to her. She wasn't in the mood to say anything to anyone right now.

She dropped her purse on a round large table in the middle of her room.

And she went straight to her bed to crash there.

She couldn't wait for her mother to explain anything to her because she knew that her mother wouldn't think twice before lying to her about it.

She looked towards her bedside table and saw her phone charging.

She decided she was going to do a little stalking on her Fiance.

She was sure he might have done the same on her, because she was his future wife after all. So it wouldn't be bad if she did so too, right?

She waved those thoughts off and went ahead to unlock her phone and did some stalking.

She couldn't believe what she was seeing on her screen. They were really rumors circulating about him being Gay.

Did her parents just got her engaged to a homosexual? She just realized that they didn't really care about her.

And the way her mother acted at the engagement party when she had asked her about it confirmed that she already knew about it.

She had done all she can to do right with her parents. Going to study the course they choose and even went as far as accepting to marry someone she didn't even know. They didn't seem to care if he was the last man any one would marry as far as they got what they wanted and not what would be good for her.

Once again her mother lied to her.

She didn't like her in the slightest bit. All she was, was a tool for her parents.

She wondered if she was ever going to school again.

She sat on her bed with her phone on her hand near her bedside table. The mobile phone was slowly slipping away from her hold, as she looked at nowhere in particular. Her heart ached in pain as a tear slowly dropped on her cheek.