Blood Lines and Broken vows

Brielle

"NO Brielle,this can't be real. You're a cheat!!"

This is the sixth time I won against Suzanne after going another round.

"Admit it Suz, you're terrible at chess. It's time you accept I'm better"

I purred, deliberately annoying her further.

"Let's go one mor..."

A loud shriek from my phone interrupted her and I glanced at my screen to see my mom's name flashing on the display.

It was my mom calling

"Hello mom"

I greeted as I picked the call

"Hey Brielle, how're you doing"

Her voice came through the line.

"I'm okay mom.."

I replied emphasizing on the mom.

We talked earlier today and I made her realize I'd be spending the night at Susan's. Her calling me around this time must be because of something important.

"Uhm.. Brielle,can you come home now?"

She cooed

I could feel the sense of urgency and something almost equal to fear in a voice but she was brisk to cover it up.

"What's wrong mom??"

I asked,my curiosity piqued.

"It's past 9'

I said, glancing at the clock resting well on the wall.

"It's nothing baby,your dad and I have something important to discuss with you".

"Okay then, I'll be home soon"

I said as I ended the call.

Something seems off,I could feel it. My mom randomly calling me past 9pm saying there's something important just doesn't add up.

"Is everything okay?"

Suzanne asked.

"Of course, everything is"

But the confused scowl on my face made my statement unbelievable as she furrowed her brow seeking for a further explanation

"Mom called,she asked me to come home."

"Home?? Didn't you tell her you'd be spending the night here?"

She asked puzzled

"There's something important they need to discuss with me which obviously can't wait till tomorrow. So I need to go now"

I said, grabbing my purse as I stood up from her bed.

"Should I come with? It's late already?"

"No, I'll be fine. Don't worry, I'll be here tomorrow and maybe then, you'll admit I'm better than you at chess"

I taunted, flashing six fingers in her face. A reminder of my six victories over her

Her growl accompanied me as I walk out of the room

The cold breeze enveloped me as I stepped into the cold night. I quickened my pace as I strode to my car.

I settled into the driver's seat once I reached my car and inserted the key into the ignition, turning it with a satisfying click.

The engine roared into life and I pulled out of the driveway and onto the roadMy mind raced with anticipation wondering what could possibly make my mom call at this hour.

Whatever it was,it had to be something important, something that couldn't wait till the next day.

"F*ck"

I muttered under my breath as I honked the horn for the umpteenth time. The clock on my car dashboard glowed at 9:26PM and the traffic congestion is here, testing my patience.

I glanced out of my car's window and my eyes landed on a familiar sight- The gates of Hope orphanage.

A tiny smile curved around my lips as I reflected back on my past days. It's been thirteen long years since I left the place

13 long years since The Millers adopted me and took me in as their own child.

I've never been starved of a thing ever since I was adopted. They showered me with everything a kid could want,the love, attention and the wealth.

"Ugh... finally!"

I heaved a sigh of relief as the cars ahead of me finally began to move.

****

Few minutes later,I got to my house. I alighted from my car and strode into the house.

I flung the door open and met my parents already seated in the living room.

My mom wore a worried look while my dad's expression? Unreadable.

Okay,this meeting isn't going well.

"Mom"

I called out and she stood to engulf me in a hug. I pulled off after a while and took a seat across from my father.

"We called to discuss something important with you"

My dad started, his voice huffed

"You're almost thirty Brielle"

My mother chimed in and I held back a sigh. This same topic again

"You're not getting younger. No matter how successful you are right now,you still need a man behind you. You deserve to be happy and truly love"

My mom stated, emotions quivering in her voice.

"I'm happy mom. I have you and dad. I have everything I could ever wish for around me"

I said, squeezing her hands softly.

"You need to get married. You need to do it real quick"

She added. "You're right mom. I need to get married and that's why I have a boyfriend"

The last part was a lie but I just had to say it,to relieve myself of this conversation. I haven't been lucky with men. I've dated two guys my whole life and they both didn't end well

One left me with the excuse that I'm always too serious and always busy with work while the other is a sex freak,which I couldn't handle.

"Brielle,that is not enough"

My dad finally said, sounding displeased. "Anytime we talk about marriage, you're always bringing the excuse of having a boyfriend and never for once have we seen you with a guy"

Right,the previous times we had this conversation,I always tell them I have a boyfriend. As far as I know,that's what they should believe.

"So I took it into my hands to find you a man.."

My breath froze and my hands twitched in shock. I felt my lips parted, forming a silent "Oh".

A mix of emotions swirled with me- shock, disbelief and sadness.

"Find me a man?"

I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper as If trying to clarify if I had indeed heard what I just thought I did.

"Yes, I've got a man for you and the arrangements has been finalized"

"He's coming for dinner in two weeks time,I'm sure you'll like him once you meet"

Great, I'm meeting my husband in two weeks.

BRIELLE

My hands twitched in anticipation as I await my fiance's presence. I still can't believe I'd be meeting my fiance today. I took a quick glance at my mother was was busy arranging varieties of food on the table. I knew I should be helping but right now,my mind is preoccupied with lot of thoughts

I don't want this,I don't want the marriage,I don't want any of this. As much as I want to scream "NO I CAN'T DO IT", I still can't. I can't betray my family,I can't disappoint them. They've always wanted the best for me and turning them down right now would be selfish and ungrateful.

If getting married to Kyle Clark will be my little way of thanking them for everything,then I'm surely willing to take the risk.

The name "Kyle Clark" echoed in my mind once more.

Kyle Clark of the Clark's family. The word "Clark" is the most recognized name in the city. It's a name that commands attention and admiration. The Clark's corporation,founded by Kyle's grandfather is the most powerful and successful company in the city, with a vast empire that spans industries and continents

He wasn't just a man, he is every lady's dream. Every lady would be lucky to be his wife but then,I just didn't feel the thrills.

I tapped my feet repeatedly,a subtle way of calming my nerves when I'm anxious.

"Brielle"

My mom called and I lifted my chin to meet her gaze.

"I'm so sorry,we don't mean to force you into this. We just want you happy"

Concern etched her face as she spoke. I managed to muster a smile as I took her hands gently into mine.

"I understand you've always wanted my happiness and trust me when I say I'm happy about it. I mean,who wouldn't want to marry the Almighty Kyle?"

I cooed and a small smile finally found its way into her lips.

"Don't worry,you can always come how if he maltreats you,I'll be sure to kick his ass"

She clenched her fists tightly and I bursted into laughter.

"Ah there you are"

My father's voice broke us up,his eyes gleamed as he spoke. "Thanks for coming"

"You honored me with your invitation. There's no way I'd miss it"

My body stiffened at the deep, unexpected voice I just heard behind me. It was so rich and sensual with a hint of Italian accent.

"And where's your lovely daughter?"

He asked and the sarcasm on the "lovely" was so obvious that it washed off every bit of attraction I had for his voice.

"Brielle,meet you guest"

My mother said, her face beaming with smiles. I stood up and turned...

Tall, Emerald green eyes, Black hair.

His presence screams power and luxury.There are a lot of handsome men and there is him.

With a sweet smile curving on my lips,I stretched out my hands

"Brielle.. Nice meeting you"

It took few seconds before he took it

"I already lost count of the time you father said your name to me, I'd be dumb if I haven't gather your name yet" His expression was stone hard and there was a bit of coldness in his voice

"Kyle Clark, it's my pleasure"

He replied and I could swear I felt a hint of sarcasm in his voice..again

A question struck me then. Why on heck did Kyle Clark agree to this marriage? He is infamous for his constant clubbing and doesn't seem like someone ready to settle.

Why then?

What kind of deal did he make with my parents?

Mental note to self- Ask mom about it

He took a seat opposite me,his gaze was fixed on me- piercing and unyielding.

I quivered a bit under the scrutiny of his stare and just then,he smiled. His smile was void of any warmth.

"How was your journey Mr Kyle?"

My dad finally asked, breaking the silence in the room.

"Fine"

He snapped instantly. His voice was sharp and rude

The sudden quiet that followed was smothering, the weight of Kyle's curt reply hanging heavy in the air.

He sighed, offering a half-hearted apology "I'm sorry"

He mumbled, though his tone revealed little seriousness. "Work has been quite a lot these day"

"We understand"

Mom cooed gently.

He nodded and averted his gaze on his phone. He kept typing nonstop.

This was supposed to be a dinner,a chance for us to get to know each other better,but he was too busy with his phone to pretend to be interested. A sense of unease wash over me as I realized I was already dreading this marriage

"Your food is getting cold"

I finally said, trying to maintain a perfect composure.

"I'm not hungry, wifey. Already took something before coming"

He flashed a ghost of smile at me and he went back to his phone

"So.. the wedding, it'll hold in six months time"

My dad announced and I widened my eyes in shock.

"Six months?? That's a small duration"

I protested but Kyle just shrugged

"It's fine with me. Six months it is"

Kyle replied,his gaze meeting mine before he finally looked away

I bit my lower lips, feeling a sense of desperation wash over me.. Six months was a short time to get to know someone, especially someone as aloof and disinterested as Kyle.

Why had he agreed to this marriage? What kind of deal had he made with my parents? I took a deep breath and cut into my steak, trying to calm my racing thoughts

I looked at my parents and noticed a small change in their mood. They shared a look, their faces showing a hint of worry. It was clear that they had picked up on Kyle's aloofness, but they decided to stay quiet, not wanting to ruin the evening

"We'll leave you both to catch up"

My dad said as he shared a look with my mom. She stood up from her seat and they strode out of the room.

Again, I twitched my hands nervously. I was sure of a thing at that moment, Kyle Clark is not who I

imagined him to be and he was definitely not the kind of man I want to marry.

KYLE

I drew in a heavy breath as I finally stepped into my sleek black car. Brielle had offered to accompany me but I declined. The least thing I'd want to do right now is associate well with George's daughter.

The events of the evening kept replaying in my mind and I clenched my fists tightly. I wished I could have struck him hard on his face. What pissed me off the most was the way he maintained a perfect facade like everything is fine.

Six months, six months is all I need. Six months to delete all the videos and break the marriage. For the first time that night, a small smile tugged across my lips

George won't know what'd hit him, all I had to do is to keep playing this card well. I'll destroy him,I'll destroy his whole reputation and I'll make him regret ever crossing the Clark's path

I picked a cigar from the box in my drawer , and lit it. I needed to clear my head. I reached my phone and dialed my brother's number– Thomas

"Hey Kyle, how's it going?"

Thomas' voice came through the line.

"Fine, just that I struggled hard to not punch him in this face"

I replied, drawing In another puff.

There was a pause on the other end of the call, followed by a heavy sigh from Thomas.

"Kyle, I know how hard this is for you"

He said, his tone soft yet strong.

"You need to go along with this marriage, at least for now, until we can figure out a way to solve the problem that hang over our head"

I felt another wave of anger surged through me. The thought of getting pushed into a marriage because of my family's image made my blood boil.

"It's not that easy, I'm not ready for marriage. We need to get this fixed in six months time"

I mumbled, struggling behind the urge to transfer my inbuilt rage to him.

Thomas sighed again, his tone easing.

"I know you don't want this but we don't have a choice right now. We need to protect our family, no matter what it takes."

I clenched my jaw, My grip on the phone was tightening. I hated feeling stuck, like a pawn in someone else's game. But I knew Thomas was right. For now, I had to suffer, no matter how much it pained me.

"Just play along,George is cunny. He might leak the video if he notices anything. Act interested while we secretly destroy the videos. Do this for Mom please"

I took a deep breath before I finally muttered

"I've heard you"

I ended the call with Thomas and my thoughts drifted back to Brielle. She is pretty and has these captivating brown eyes. Every man would want her but then she's George's daughter. No amount of beauty could erase the stain on that record

With a sharp exhale, I rubbed my temples with my thumb and forefinger and I finally drove out of their home.

**********

I entered my family's living room and caught sight of my mother- Isabella. She stood from the couch,her face etched with concern and worry immediately she saw me.

"Kyle, sweetheart, I'm so sorry for the trouble I've caused you"

She began to caress my face but I jerked off her hands.

"I'm tired of the constant apologies, it's never going to change a thing. I'm getting married in six months to his daughter. How can sorry fix that?"

I quizzed,my eyebrows arched,our gaze meeting. Her eyes were filled with tears and a half of me felt for her but the other was angry and disappointed. I know it's not her fault but I just can't help the emotions.

"I never meant for any of this to happen. It was a mistake I swear"

She muttered amidst sobs

"Tell that to George. He's hell-bent on destroying us all if I don't wed his daughter. He is ambitious and cunning. The video with him now captured the moment when you pushed him down the stairs. No one would believe you. No one will believe you..."

I drew in a long breath trying to calm my nerves. I knew I was being hard to her but ,I just couldn't control it.

The event got us into this mess and now I have to fix it.

Her continuous sobs filled the room and I hugged her gently.

"Don't worry, I'll fix this mom"

I whispered to her,then wiped off the tears off her face.

I disentangled from the hug afterwards and strode to my room

I fastened the door shut once I got to the room. I strolled towards the window and yanked the blinds aside allowing sunlight to penetrate into the room.

I walked over to the refrigerator and spewed a glass of water into the cup.

I sat on my bed afterwards as I emptied the water in a gulp.

Lot of thoughts filled my head.

One was making sure every copy of the videos got erased and the other was my marriage..

An idea popped into my head immediately.

I need to get acquainted with Brielle. If there's any way I'd get through George, it'd be through her.

As much as I hated the idea of being with someone under false pretenses, I knew that it was my best chance. I sat down and started thinking of ways to get close to her. Just then, my phone pinged indicating a text notification. I picked it up and read the message. A smile curved at the corner of my lips.

It's showtime.