Chapter 2 2

PAIGE POV

"No No Luke. Don't pull Paige's earrings baby." Rory while prying Luke's hands from my earrings. He is little bit fond of pulling earrings. He thinks that it is some kind of a toy.1

We were having our dinner with my dad sitting in the middle, mom on his right side with Logan next to her. While me and Rory was on his left side and baby Luke in her arms, dying to snatch my earrings. My mom has prepared her signature pasta for dinner. I must tell you that she is the best cook in the world.

Dad and Logan started to talk about business while Rory and mom were talking about the new boutique that had started recently, and there is me, trying to distract Luke from pulling earrings. Much to my dismay he was still focused on my diamond stud earrings.

"Paige how is your work going? My dad asked.

Is the paintings and all completed?" Logan asked remembering about my upcoming exhibition.

"So far good Logan. All the paintings are complete. Next step is to shift them to the gallery." I smiled.

"Good to hear that. Do you need any help with that baby sis?"

"No. Thank you Logan. But Joanna will manage it."

" I am sure it will be a huge success." Rory said and patted my shoulder.

"Of course. After all she is my daughter. Nobody can't beat her. "My dad said with a proud smile.

"Thanks dad. I will make both of you proud. But will you all guys be there at the event?"

"Can't miss it for the world baby sis." Logan said with a huge smile. My mom and dad nodded their head with a big smile plastered on their face.

"Thank you guys. It means a lot to me."

Dinner proceeded with all of us talking about business, sports, gossips with lots of laughter included. When desserts arrived dad cleared his throat to gain attention of ours.

"I have something important to disclose to guys." Dad said with seriousness itching in his face. My mother nodded her head encouraging him.

"Miles and I have decided to merge both of our companies." What? Miles, as in Miles Walker, but why are we merging? We are like rivals right? Thousands of question bombarded in my mind. As I open my mouth to ask why but Logan beat me in.

"Why dad? We have been rivals for decades. It is not like that we are in need for another partnership nor are we bankrupt." He breathed out.

My dad rubbed his forehead and my mother placed her left hand on top his and faced us.

"Logan Robinson just listen to your father first. Don't interrupt while he is trying to say something." My mother said slightly raising her voice

Oh no my brother is in a deep trouble. My mother only uses our full name when she is mad at us. My brother sighed and nodded his head.

"Yes we were rivals. It doesn't mean that we should let this rivalry to continue. And I don't want to happen in between you and Charles or Nolan. I was the one who proposed this partnership."

My head snapped towards his direction with wide eyes. I looked at Logan, he had the same expression of mine and this time he didn't interrupt.

"I know I should have discussed with you guys before talking to Miles and I also know that you would never agree to this Logan." He took a deep breath and continued. "Look children, Miles and I were good friends in college but due to certain circumstances we parted our ways. That doesn't mean we should be enemies for our entire life. And I don't want to pass this rivalry to my children. I hope you guys understand." He finished his speech and I noticed that Logan was in a deep thought.

I picked up my courage and asked, "Dad what's this partnership about?" I asked

He was first reluctant to say, "It's a marriage deal."

"What?" Logan yelled. "You can't be serious."

"Logan, please. Let him finish." Rory pleaded.

After a moment of silence my dad continued, "I know it may sound crazy, but I have to give my daughter's hand in return of this partnership."

No no....This can't be happening. Arranged marriage? How come dad agreed to this? I haven't even had a boyfriend let alone didn't think about marriage. Ugh!!! There were thousands of emotion swirling in my mind. But I kept my cool. But Logan couldn't control his anger anymore. He slammed his hands on the table knocking of some plates. Luke started to wail at the sudden outburst of his father. We all had a horror expression.

"How could you do this dad? My brother yelled out angrily.

Selling your daughter for some stupid business deal. You very well know the relationship status of the Walker brothers. They are very well known players. I don't want my sister to get heartbroken." He yelled at dad. Rory was trying to calm Luke who was continuously crying. Mom was pulling Logan's hand indicating to stay calm.

"I very well know Charles and Nolan's reputation when it comes to women. But there is no other way than to accept it."

Logan scoffed. "There is no other way???. Then drop this stupid deal. I won't allow my sister to act like a puppet wife while her husband is sleeping around with other women."

"Don't say such things to your dad. I am sure there is some solid reason behind this and that's why your father agreed to it." My mother interrupted.

My father rubbed his face with his hands. "Logan I know that you just looking after your sister. But trust me Charles is the best choice for Paige. If you are forgetting, I am her father, not you and I suggest you to obey my orders. I only choose the best for my children. Remember that."

"Oh best!!! Do you think that Charles is the best choice for my baby sis. Then you are wrong. I know him more than you dad. And I am telling you that he is the worst choice for Paige. You will regret it later dad. Just don't do this. This is our Paige's life. Don't play with it dad." He pleaded.

The whole room turn into silence. Only the ticking of the clock could be heard. I was contemplating here whether to agree with Logan or not. Hey!! I am only 24 and I have so many responsibilities to do before getting tied down. On the other hand, my father, who only supported in my up's and down's. I neither want dad to get upset nor hurt Logan. What should I do. I am here standing in between the devil and the sea. After calculating all the pros and cons, I opened my mouth at last.

"I WILL MARRY HIM DAD."