Chapter 3 Old Enough

"Daddy you have to give me a chance to explain. I don't understand why you'd want to marry your only daughter to that family anyways. Everybody knows about the men of that family. They have a reputation of being players. Do you want me to live a life of misery?" Candice asked in a desperate tone.

"Do you really think I'd do that to you princess? I love you and I always put you first in the decisions I make. How can you doubt me like this?" Stephen asked her.

"But it is the LaRues we're talking about and they're all the same. I will never marry into that family. Im old enough to make my own decisions. " She replied not looking at her father.

"Fine." He said calmly. "Since you're old enough to make your own decisions I think it's time for you to start taking care of yourself as well."

"Wh- what's that supposed to mean?" Candice asked looking puzzled.

"That my darling child means you're now going to get yourself a real job, a place to live and so on." He put his glasses back on and picked up his tablet and added. "Oh and you'll need a car also."

He stretched his hand and motioned for Candice to give him her car keys. She sat there looking at him with her mouth wide open in disbelief. She knew he was serious but she honestly didn't think it would come to this.

She slowly handed him the car keys and looked at him with sad eyes. Candice had a job but she was working for her father. That of course came with a few certain perks. She had an apartment and a car both provided by her father but now this bird had to leave the nest. The thought was making her nervous but marrying one of the LaRue players was even worse.

"Fine. I can do this. I have a degree and some working experience in business finance. I'll get a job easy." She said and pouted as she got up from her chair and headed towards the door. Then she quickly remembered her credit cards. Surely her daddy wouldn't suspend her cards. She turned around just as he looked up as if he read her mind.

"Only one credit card is still working and after a month it will also be suspended." After that he went back to his tablet and didn't bother looking at her again. This pained him more than he wanted to admit and most importantly he didn't want her to know. That's why he was letting her keep one card. Stephen loved Candy more than anyone in this world but she was spoilt and needed to be thought the ways of the world.

She's been in his care since birth. He took this opportunity to let her experience the real world and he hoped she would toughen up and learn to be independent. He was pleased with the fact that she didn't protest and she seemed determined to do this. Now that was taken care of he had to pay the LaRues a visit and he dreaded that. He was having lunch with Aaron LaRue to give him the bad news.

Stephen had already worked up a different strategy on how to continue with the merger without marrying Candice into the family. He was going to propose this idea to Aaron and hope he's game.

Candice took a cab from her father's and went to Alicia's place to told her what had happened. They've been best friends since they were kids and shared everything. Alicia also knew about the previous night but just like Candice she didn't expect this kind of punishment.

"I have to admit I didn't think Mr Lawson had it in him." She said. "You always get away with everything. So what are you going to do now? You can crash with me till he forgives you if you want." She suggested.

"Thanks AL. I need to get a job. I doubt daddy will forgive me anytime soon. I've never seen him so serious before. He even took my car!" Candy felt dejected.

Alicia gave her a hug and together they started looking for job opportunities. Alicia grabbed her laptop and started searching for jobs while eating some snacks. Fortunately for Candy she had work experience and her father's company is big that could work in her advantage she thought.

She applied for a few openings hoping she might get a reply later. She and Alicia started gossiping about who's dating who and cheating on who within their circle of friends. Alicia suggested going out but Candy had to decline. She knew the carefree life of reckless spending was over. She had to use what ever she had now wisely.

"OMG! 24 hours haven't even passed and already you've matured. I'll bet Mr Lawson would be proud of you." Alicia started laughing.

"Haha very funny." Candy retorted sarcastically.

"I have only one credit card to use for a whole month and it has a limit. I don't have much of a choice but to wise up." She faked cried and they both laughed.

Alicia drove her to her apartment to pick up some of her clothes. Her father had sent her a text informing her he's renting out her apartment. The drive back to Alicia's place was quiet. Candy felt like this was all a dream. More like a nightmare actually. First her father was marrying her off into that dreadful family and now he wanted to severely punish her for refusing. Why was life suddenly so unfair towards her.

She thanked God for Alicia. At least someone was still in her side. She still had a shoulder to cry on. Alicia was not born in a rich family. Everything she had she had worked very hard to obtain. She had met Candy when they were little in a park. An accident had brought them together and Candy had always been grateful to Alicia and since she had no siblings she thought of her as a sister and best friend. They had been through a lot together and still ran to each other when ever they faced troubles.