Daddy Forced Me To Marry My Bully

Hunter's POV

I stomped on my accelerator, increasing from 90 km/hr to 110 km/hr on a road that had a 50 km/hr sign. But I couldn't care less, not with the call I had received from my dad's secretary.

Everything was becoming blurry, even more blurry as tears rushed down my eyes unknowingly. I overtook vehicles, speeding up like a mad man, honking so loudly to alert other drivers of my surly approach. I was almost thrown over through my car window as I sped over a speed bump, making me realize that I was too much in a haste that I forgot to put on my seatbelt.

" This is the State Security Service, we request that you pull over right now", the cops behind me said with their speakers, obviously referring to me. They had started tailing me about three minutes ago, blasting their sirens to make me pull over, but that didn't seem to work so they ventured to their speakers.

" The driver in the red Ferrari, pull over right now!" another voice said through the speaker, angrier than the first one that had spoken, but alas, all in all, nothing made me budge, instead I increased my velocity, even surprising myself at how fast I could be, and the whole saga became a scene out of an action movie, with the good guys chasing after the bad guy.

They were itching dangerously close, too close for me to remain calm. Two of their vehicles drove up on both sides of my car, almost overtaking me.

" Pull over right now! We won't be saying it again!" the angry voice shouted from my right as I took a glimpse of him in the whole commotion; his blonde hair and sun-tanned wrinkled face that had sun glasses - we weren't even in summer and he was putting on sunglasses. I looked at the traffic sign ahead, noticing the stop sign there as the vehicles at the horizontal lane kept up their pace, but there was no stopping me, not with the bastards tailing me.

I stomped harder on my accelerator, screeching my tyres and being sure enough that they were letting out smoke; or it was just a figment of my imagination, but nevertheless I sped up, swiftly maneuvering through the inclined moving vehicles, obtaining a few car scratches but not as bad as the cops who were bumped into, involuntarily acting as my shield.

I looked behind with my rear mirror and saw that traffic was starting to build up; just perfect. I went on my way as they rained curses on me, together with other drivers who had been caught up in the mess.

" I'm running late you assholes!" I kind of heard a driver shout at the cops - now that I think about it, his voice was pretty loud. The cops were still trying to figure themselves out, trying to make sure that they had not lost a limb or a foot. Poor drivers, I felt sorry that some of them had to be late to wherever it is they were heading to, but that was not compared to how sorry I felt for myself.

The sirens and the curses and the shouts faded away in the distance; not that I was particularly paying attention, in fact, my heart was speaking too loudly for me to hear anything and I kept asking myself 'what if?'

I pulled into the hospital's driveway and ran out of my car leaving the ignition on, as if I was being chased by a demon, almost knocking over a group of paramedics with a patient that had an iron rod pierced through his left eye.

" Sorry, sorry, sorry", I said, more tears running down my eyes, but they were too focused on getting him to the emergency section to notice my little tantrum.

" Hey, Mister, you have to pack your car properly, and you even left the car on", a guard on duty said, approaching me. I ran off into the building, leaving him surprised for a moment before he began running after me.

" Hey! Stop! You can't go in there", he said as I immediately barged into the hospital building, taking the elevator before he got close and eventually losing him.

I stopped at the twenty-first floor and slowly approached the ER, my heart almost pounding out of my chest.

" Hunter, you're here", Gianna, my dad's secretary said approaching me, her feet, bare of footwear and her hair disheveled; she must've also run like a mad woman.

" Oh my God! Hunter! What is all of this?" she exclaimed, poking the broken glasses that were on my face and forehead, reminding me that my car window and screen had broken when the cops bumped into me at the intersection.

" It's nothing. Where's dad?"

" What do you mean it's nothing, you're bleeding profusely. Let's go get you a nurse", she grabbed me by the arm, trying to head out of the unit.

" I said I'm fine. Where is my father?" I was being disrespectful and unkind, I knew that, but I just wanted to know how my father was doing.

" He's currently in the theater. I was reassured by the doctors that they were doing everything they could to save him", that was pretty reassuring, but certainly not for me.

" Did you see him before they moved him to the theater? Was he bleeding too much? How many of his bones were broken? How badly was he injured?" I asked without giving myself a gap to take a breath, let alone for her to answer.

" Hunter calm down, your father is in safe hands now, and partially important, we have to get you a nurse".

" No, I won't budge from here, not until one of the surgeons comes out".

" I'll then get a nurse", she said and left momentarily.

I paced up and down, waiting for about five minutes which to me seemed like five decades. The door to the E.R opened and a surgeon stepped out, looking around as if to find someone.

" How is he doing? Is he still unconscious?" I violently approached her and asked, throwing the poor lady off balance, almost making her fall to the ground butt first.

The door to the elevator opened and about three cops, together with Gianna and a seemingly intern nurse with a first aid kit approached.

" Hunter!" she ran to us, " I'm sorry doctor, he's the victim's son".

" Oh", the doctor exclaimed, taking a moment to calm her nerves, " well ....um, your father......... your father is um.........".

" Excuse me, Mr Middleton?" one of the cops said as they reached us. It wasn't any of those chasing after me; they must've called for backup and tracked my car, " you are under arrest for the violation of the Road Safety Act, and for endangering lives and properties and even for destruction of public property and private property", I was completely phased out as one of them cuffed me, " you are to remain silent and are permitted to speak to your lawyer once we verify with you at the station".

" Wait! Wait! What is this all about? What's going on here? You're arresting him? What did he do?" Gianna asked, completely confused.

" Madam, what is happening is that this young man right here thought he just fell out of a fast and furious movie, and ended up destroying innocent people's properties and even endangered their lives", the cop that cuffed me said to her.

" Doctor please, how is my father?" that was the only thing on my mind, the only thing I could think of, and the only thing that I wanted to know.

" Take him out", the cop that had spoken first said and the other two tried to force me to move.

" Would you idiots let me know how my father is doing!" I was loud, way too loud, and I had let out my emotions, tears streaming down gently from my eyes, " just let me know how my father is doing, please", I was calm this time and they seemed to be touched; although the two men holding me didn't let me go.

I turned to the doctor and asked her the same question, " how is my father doing?" more tears came.

She heaved.

I bet everything had seemed chaotic to her, the cops, the arrest, everything, but her eyes made it obvious even before her lips could say the words. It was all hidden behind those brown eyes covered in glasses.

" I'm sorry, he couldn't make it. We tried everything that we could but.................................", I was sure she was saying something, but I just couldn't hear her anymore, and just like that, my world came crashing down.

" My boy, you really have to pull yourself together. The fact that your father left us doesn't mean that the world has come to an end", our housekeeper, Ma Erica said as she walked into my room and saw me crying myself to death. A lot had happened in just a few days; I had lost my father, spent a good amount of time in jail, and also sustained injuries that almost left my face scarred, my signature fine face.

" Look", she sat near my feet and I sat up to give her the impression that I was paying attention, " your late father; bless his gentle soul, would never have wanted you to be in this current state, feeding yourself tears for drink and isolation for bread. He would never have wanted you to stop living your life".

My eyes which were puffy and dried up of tears were ignited, and tears started flowing effortlessly. I looked at her as I cried and she immediately understood the question on my mind, it was evident on my face - what life are we talking about? The one that ended with my father's?

" The life that you had before he passed away", she was almost sounding melancholic, " it certainly will not be the same as it was but he would still want you to live the best of it, to finish school, get your degree, take over the company and go on many dates with those fine young men that always lurk around you like flies before finally settling down with one of them", she was massaging my hands, letting me know that all was fine.

I couldn't help having an outburst, and I buried myself in her embrace as I let out all the stuffed emotions inside me, calling upon my dad as I cried into her arms while she gently stroked my hair, repeatedly saying that all was well.

That reminded me about my dad all the more, who formed the habit of always saying ' all is well' after we saw the Indian melodrama ' Three Idiots '.

Just like the main character in the movie; Rancho or at least something that sounded like it, dad would always tell me to deceive my heart into believing that all was well, just so that all would eventually become well.

But alas, my heart knew the truth down to its last cell. There was no deceiving it and so I cried out that bittered heart, holding on to Ma Erica; the closest thing I had to a mother.

She had left her family; her husband and nine children in Mexico to seek greener pastures in the U.S, just so that she could support her family back at home. She was employed into our household after getting into the states, and back then as a child I had witnessed her crying in silence. I had innocently confronted her, questioning her of her reasons for crying, that was when she opened up about missing her husband and her children. I had consoled her, and before we could figure out what was going on we had already grown on each other - that was fourteen years ago.

" It's okay my boy", pulling me out of her embrace, " now, I want you to get into the restroom, freshen up, and come downstairs for breakfast, okay?"

I nodded, too tired to say a word.

She left the room and I laid back down on my bed, wishing that I could cover myself with my sheets and disappear. I conflicted with myself and ended up rolling out of bed and into the restroom.

I freed my bladder of the heavy load it was carrying before picking up my toothbrush to clean my sour mouth. I couldn't fully remember what happened while I was brushing, it was either I swallowed the foam from the toothpaste or I didn't use a toothpaste at all, but I didn't rinse my mouth. I was even too distraught to remember how to walk properly, not to talk of brushing my teeth properly. I changed out of the clothes that I had been putting on for several days in a row, noticing how badly I smelled and eventually found my way to the dining table.

Ma Erica had made my favorite - tilapia sandwich and a creamy latte. She came to the dining room, pretending to be looking around for something while just secretly making sure that I ate the meal. I took a sip of the coffee, it's taste blending poorly with my taste buds.

The door to the sitting room opened up and Gianna stepped in, wearing a slim fit, red Dolce and Gabbana gown on a black with gold pearls Prada shoes, together with a golden purse to compliment the whole look - she just seems to not be aware of her age.

" Good morning", she greeted, welcoming herself and taking a seat next to me; she wasn't a stranger in our house, her status had even transcended that of a visitor. " You look terrible", she said, showing a concerned expression that made me feel quite uncomfortable.

" Why are you here this early in the morning?" I had no time to exchange pleasantries. Cinderella had a godmother who had encouraged her to be courageous and kind in all situations, I had none, so to hell with trying to sound nice.

" We have not held a shareholders' meeting ever since your father passed away, and his will is yet to be read", she said, cupping her hands on the table.

" Are any of the shareholders making a problem out of it?"

" Not yet, but I guarantee you, they will. If not this week, then the next, but they will surely make a move if you fail to do what is needed of you".

I took another sip from my coffee, finally relaxing my nerves with its tender hot feeling.

" Schedule a shareholders' meeting next week ", I said, taking a bite of the tilapia sandwich.

I walked into the room with Gianna following behind. Everyone stood as I walked to the seat at the high end, in a fancy suit and tie, looking fresh and young, straight out of the package; as girls would normally say before I get to tell them that I was gay.

I took my seat after which I signaled to the others to do so as well.

I tapped the mic on my desk just to make sure that it was working, and then leaned forward to it, " Good day everyone. I dutifully apologize for calling for this meeting on a very short notice and for disturbing your schedule ", I paused, making sure that I had everyone's attention before continuing, " I've invited my father's lawyer, Mr Thompson to this gathering, just so that the needful will be done using due protocols", they knew what I meant, all of them, wrinkled faces and deceitful eyes all covered with either a neutral look or an insincere smile. I had gotten a lot of those insincere pitiful smiles at my father's funeral; there was no need for more. " Mr Thompson, please go ahead", I instructed the middle-aged man that beside me.

He moved to the lectern at the other end of the room as all eyes went from him to me, all ears eager to hear what he had to say.

" Good day everyone. I am Mr Thompson, the late Mr Middleton's lawyer, and I am here under the jurisdiction of the state property law to read to everyone's hearing Mr Middleton's will", he spoke eloquently, grabbing everyone's attention. I bet they were just interested in what he had to say, not how he said it, " as the major shareholder of the company, with a total of 41% shares in stock, he had instructed that 3% of his shares should be moved to the company's departmental store. To all those whom he had borrowed shares, he had decided to let them keep the shares once they sign an undertaking contract of solidarity to his son, Mr Hunter Middleton. To that effect, he left 38% of his shares in stock to his son, making him the company's major shareholder and ultimately, the new CEO of T.K group", a round of applause was heard, all rhythmic as if they had all decided beforehand to clap in a certain way.

I heaved, not that it wasn't expected, I just felt relieved.

" But there is one condition to be met before the shares can fully become yours", Mr Thompson was addressing me, " before you will be able to take full control of the shares he left for you, you will have to get married to Mr Hazel Mcman", he pronounced the name louder than other things he had said.

I was lost for a second, wondering who the hell Hazel was, before it struck me; or rather I remembered: wet pants.

" What! Hazel who?" I exclaimed, standing to my feet and shocking the entire room.

Hazel's POV

Getting married was one thing, getting married to Hunter was another. The news was everywhere in the business world, that before he would inherit his father's fortune, he would have to be married to me.

My parents were overly excited about the news, claiming that the marriage would strengthen their friendly bond with his late father; I wondered what kind of non-existential bond they were trying to strengthen, especially with a dead man. Why not visit a shaman or a church? Must I have to be married off?

They never even asked if I was into guys in the first place before hurrying to marry me off to Hunter. My opinion was invalid and that was it.

I got out of bed with a slight headache and made my way to the restroom. As I brushed my mouth, I felt the toothbrush prick my gum, causing a little bleeding in my mouth. I was immediately reminded of the beating, the bullying that left me with far more blood in my mouth than I had in my body. Hunter did it to me, he caused it. That night at the sleepover in his house twelve years ago, I had begged him not to tell anyone and he assured me that he wouldn't, only for me to get to school the next day and find the inscription ' wet pants ' written all over my locker and my desk.

I threw the brush into the trash bin and rinsed my mouth. I had to get a new toothbrush. I took a quick shower, drenching myself in the coolness of the hot water. I needed it, at least so that I would remain sane and get through the marriage registration.

I stepped out of the shower and on checking my phone, saw that I had three missed calls from Sasha. The bitch wouldn't just leave me alone after playing dirty with my friend, Cole, and the calls and need to apologize got serious and severe after the announcement of my marriage to Hunter. I blocked her contact and went on to fit my body into a suit.

I brought out the black suit my mother had handpicked for me for the special occasion - it was apparently nothing special, just the name of the luxury brand attached to it, making me quite sure that it must've cost a lot of good money.

In a matter of minutes, I was downstairs, toasting myself a few slices of bread and making tea.

" Good morning, sir", Basil, my secretary greeted, wearing a matching suit with me and holding an iPad to his chest.

" Good morning, Basil. What's my schedule for today?" I asked, taking note of the fact that his dark, caramel complexion, together with his sleek haircut, looked better on the suit than I did.

" You do have a meeting this morning with the investors from Sun motors by 8:00 AM, after which your marriage registration at the state High court will take place by 11:00 AM........." although the suit was similar to mine, it wasn't exactly the same. Mine was a luxury brand, his wasn't, and there was a little comfort from knowing that. I took a bite of the toasted bread and a sip of the tea as he continued, " the whole thing should be ending by 2:00 PM because you have a special meeting with Mr Ten at the airport by 3:00 PM. You will also be meeting with the contractors of the new development site back at the company by 4:30 PM, and you have a dinner meeting with the chief editor of the Daily News", he finished, raising his face from the screen of the gadget.

I sighed, feeling ready to start off the day, only exhausted by the thought of being married to Hunter Middleton before the end of the day.

" Okay, get the car ready", I said, taking the last bite of the toasted bread and finishing off my cup of tea. He headed out of the building into the garage and I met him at the entrance, got into the vehicle and he zoomed off.

The meeting with the investors took a toll on me. I grabbed the stem of my tie and loosened it a little, catching my breath as Basil sped off to the court - dealing with those guys was really a hard job to crack and I could only hope that they get to consider investing in my company. We were already running late, so Basil was speeding up. My mom called me, asking where I was and I could only reply with a " I'll be there in a minute". The minute eventually turned to seven minutes, and ta-da, we were at the court.

I rushed out of the car and briskly walked into the building. " Good morning mom", I greeted my mom, leaning in for a peck on the cheek.

" Good thing you're here. Why are you late?" her grey eyes were laced with a little bit of concern and worry, deep down, she knew I wasn't looking forward to getting married.

" I had to take care of something at work", I looked around, " where is he?".

" Hunter?"

I nodded.

" Guess he's running much late than you are".

I cursed underneath my breath. I never waited for people; it was always the other way around.

" What did you say?" mom asked, she must've heard me say something.

" Nothing mom", I said, gesturing with my hand.

Basil had parked the car and was climbing up the stairs of the courthouse to meet us when a sleek ride stopped in front of us and someone got out of the vehicle.

It was him, and Basil was blocking me from getting a proper view of him.

When he finally got out of my view, I felt like I was drawn into a trance. There he was, Hunter, climbing the stairs in such grace that irked me, dressed in the same suit as me, same brand, same color - I wasn't the only one mom sent a suit over to, and I just wished that I could exchange clothes with Basil. He seemed to be walking like a character in a drama approaching its opponent for a gruesome duel. His sunglasses and dull face would've convinced people that he was attending a funeral, not a marriage registration.

" Here you are my dear", mom said to him, embracing him.

" Good morning, madam", he said, taking off his glasses as he left her embrace, revealing the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen. Like, were his eyes always that blue? " How are you doing?" he asked, a warm smile stretching across his face.

" I'm doing great my dear. How about you?"

" I'm getting through", the smile was still on his face.

" Well, you've been through a lot already", she took his hand, " don't worry, everything will be fine, we're now going to become your family", he nodded, his smile stiffening.

I didn't realize that all this time, I was mopping at him like a stray cat hungry for milk, not until he looked at me with a look that asked " is this the thing I'm getting married to?"

" Oh, you guys must've met each other before now, right?" mom asked and her question was answered with an awkward silence that made it so obvious - we didn't meet up! " No problem, no problem. Let's head inside, your father is probably waiting for us", she said, trying to pull us out of the awkward situation.

We all went inside, both of us, putting up air to make it obvious to the other that we cared less, and for some reason, his aura was just pissing me off.

Decrees were read and papers signed, and finally we were certified spouses.

" Let's take a photo", my dad had said, his face stretching into a smile, one that I hadn't seen in a long time. He and mom had insisted on being present even though it was practically unnecessary. They must've had quite the illusion that I could end up standing my supposing spouse up.

We posed in front of the courtroom, with both of us in the middle and my parents on both sides. There was no photographer so Basil took the picture with his cellphone, together with the woman who came in with Hunter.

I would've guessed that she was his secretary but he probably wouldn't be a student and at the same time, have a secretary.

Basil came up and informed me that we were going to be late if we wasted more time so I had to excuse myself from all the drama of my parents trying to cuddle up to Hunter.

" Mom, dad, I'm leaving. I have to meet someone at the airport", slowly making my way out of there, " I'll call you later", I said.

" Ok, but..............", mom was saying something but I was so concerned about leaving that I didn't pay attention to what she was saying, but was pretty sure she mentioned something about my house.

We drove to the airport, hoping not to be late as we were earlier.

After parking at the garage, I headed inside, hoping to reunite with my bed. I turned on the light to the sitting room and almost peed in my pants.