In the Embrace of Terror

"Always remember to smile, Chantylle. You are not allowed to be rude at him, do you understand?" Papa instructed to me as he started driving our car.

I rolled my eyes and did not answered.

My head is leaning on the window's car while I watch the rain from the clouds to drop on the ground. I noticed how people on the sidewalks were trying to avoid it in the use of umbrella. Some of them were running.

Funny to think how a lot of people hate rains. While I love it so much..

This is supposedly just a normal day for me in my room, doing my usual routine, if it was not just because of the unexpected meeting my dad said I am in need. Meeting my ass! I know what kind of meeting we are going to. I am not dumb. My parents, especially my father is so easy to read.

Papa stopped the car infront of a restaurant near our subdivision. He looked at Mama who is silently looking at me in the rear mirror before he turned to me.

"I'm sorry if you have to deal with this, Princess.."

I smiled fakely. "It's okay, Papa. Like I have a choice."

"Chantylle.." Mama warned.

Tears stung into my eyes. They both looked away when they saw it. And it made a stab on my heart.

I had knew better. Life isn't just about happiness.

My father, who I idolized the most, turned into someone I don't know now. He was a loving, caring and understandable father for me, back then.. He always do things for me to be happy. Gives me everything I want and anything I need. He was my savior, my all. But now? I don't know.

"Please don't make this hard for us, Chan. You know the reason why we are doing this," Papa said in a calm tone.

"Yeah.. Because of the company." I snorted.

"This is for you! How many times do we have to say that?" Mama said firmly.

I looked at her using the rear mirror. Her chinky eyes and thin lips is what I got from her. I have always love looking at her that's why. But looking at it right now makes me hurt even more..

Here is my mother whom I love the most is the one who makes my heart shattered into pieces. She is the first woman who thought me all the things I need to learn. To be polite, decent, classic and sophisticated is the one who will ruin me too..

It all started when they told me that our company is the most important thing in our family. They had thought me, since I was a kid, that they wouldn't have the means to give me all the things that I need if it wasn't because of the Lanzetta Food Corporation. Papa inherited it from my grandfather so it is really precious for him. For me, also. Because I know that it would be mine. I am an only child. The only one who will inherit it in time. That is why my parents are always telling me that without it, we won't have anything.

I, also believed on it at first. That is why I would always understand back then that whenever there is an event in my school, they can't go. Because of the company. There's a problem on the company. There's a meeting. There's a very important appointment. They can't always make it.

I swallowed all the pain from it. Because those were really a valid reasons..

"This is Maria Chantylle Lanzetta, my daughter.." Dad said as he introduced me to the two person infront of us.

They are both male specie. One of them looks old like my father and one is I think, few years older than me. The old man's hair is turning white already, like my Papa. His mustache told me that he is a handsome man even without it.

My eyes darted to the younger man. My lips pursed as I check on him..

He is wearing a black suit worn with a white shirt and a black bow tie. He looked too formal. He has a black messy hair, proud pointed nose and thin lips. His dark intense eyes are intimidating.

"Chantylle, this is Mr. Raymond Marzon and his son, Vren Lucifer Marzon.."

His thick brows were furrowed while looking at me like he knew all the mistakes that I did since I was a baby. Like he knew the naughty things and dark secrets of me. Like he knew me... So well.

I have met so many boys who are in my age and also men who are years older than me. Most of them were sweet, caring, funny and jolly. I also have boy friends that has the same vibes of me. They are comfortable to be with. Much more confortable than my girl friends. Reason why it is so easy for me to interact with other boys/men too..

But this man in front of me screams so much danger. Violence. Forceful. It's alarming..

I avoided my gaze on him. My heart is throbbing so loud in nervous that I think it would explode in any time!

"Chantylle, greet them," Mama commanded when she noticed that I was just staring.

Acting like a robot, I twitched my lips to form a smile before I bowed my head to them.

"Hi! It is such an honor to meet the both of you!" I greeted.

It is in a very exagerrated happy voice which I don't care if they will notice it.

The old man, Mr. Raymond Marzon laughed as the wrinkles on the side of his eyes showed. "You have a very sweet and beautiful daughter, Anthony," he said.

Papa and Mama laughed too, maybe to hide their embarrasment in what I did. Because their laughs are just so stiff.

I frowned as I looked down.

Why am I here? If I will stay here until they finished their talk, they might think I agreed to this! When the truth is, I will never, ever, agree. To hell with these Marzons infront of me! I should've stayed in my room.

I was breathing rapidly when I lifted up my head again only to see Vren Marzon's deep eyes staring directly at me. Never minding the shame for his stares, I raise my eyebrow on him. His expression changed with that. He now looked amused and his lips even twisted.

My mood went ill even more when we're already eating. My parents are smiling widely like they've just got a big fish. Yes, it is definitely a big fish.

"So you graduated in Ateneo? And now, you are an engineer?" Mama uttered in a quite loud voice.

"Yes, Mrs. Lanzetta," Vren answered.

I rolled my eyes. Probably graduated with the help of his smart friends. Rich man like him pays other students to maintain their high grades. I am not saying that we are not rich. But my boy friends told me that they usually do that. Boys are lazy that's why they do that.

Delighted, Mama clapped her hands. Papa smirked before drinking his water. Of course, they are so much pleased to hear that.

They continued talking. I am also speaking but most of the time, I am silent. I am getting bored and bored not until my phone beeped. Someone message me and when I looked at it, it made me more problematic.

Alec: Where are you?

I bit my lips and shook my head before I put down my phone. The loud laughs of the people around me filled my ears.

"Mama, I need to go to the washroom," I whispered to my mother.

I saw how Vren's eyes shifted its gaze to me making me stop from leaning at my mother. But Mama heard it that's why she turned her head to look at me.

"Okay. Make it fast, Chantylle," Mama said in authorative voice.

Yes!

I nodded at her and smiled. Sweetly. "Thanks, Mama.." then I looked to Papa and Mr. Marzon. "Excuse me..."

I stood up and didn't glance at the younger man who's sitting infront of me even though he's already gawking at me. My heart is beating so fast. His stares are making me comfortable. It was deep like he's digging all of my secrets! Like he knew what I am going to do..

This is not right. Not right!

My steps were fast as I walk towards the women's restroom. But I didn't come in. I walked passed to it. I only stopped in the hallway then I took my phone out of my sling bag. There are already two message from Alec. I cursed.

Alec: Are you busy?

I was about to reply when my phone rang from his call. I immediately swiped it to answer.

"Hon!" I exclaimed and sighed.

"Why are you not answering my texts, hon? Where are you?" he asked in a worried tone.

"I.. Uhm.. I'm currently having a dinner outside with my parents.."

"Dinner? Outside? With your parents?" he asked ridiculously. "Are you kidding me, hon? Your parents don't do that.."

"I am not kidding. However, to clear your thoughts, maybe this is not really a family dinner. We are eating with some of Papa's business partner and his son!" I blabbed furiously.

"What?! Go home now, hon," he ordered.

My eyes widened when I came back to my senses. I shook my head repeatedly. "I.. I can't."

I am so not into this. I am mad at my parents. But I don't want to do that. That is not the right thing to do.

"We both know what's going on there, Chantylle! You know what your parents are thinking!"

"Yes, I know, hon.. That's the reason why I am going to set this in the right way. I am going to fix this as soon as possible. You don't have to worry..." I said calmly even though I am not sure.

"Chantylle-"

Before I could finish hearing his sentiments, someone took my phone abruptly. Feeling shock, I gasped as I turned around. But when I saw who's the one who did it, I immediately became annoyed.

"What the hell are you doing? Give me back my phone!" I shouted irritatedly at Vren.

He is standing proudly while holding my phone. The side of his lips rose and I could see dancing amusement in his eyes.

"How rude you are, Ms. Lanzetta. Talking to your boytoy while having a dinner with us?"

My jaw clenched. "So what? This is none of your business! Give my phone back!"

I tried to grab my phone out of his hand. I succeed when he let me. But when I lifted my gaze up to him, I caught him staring at me intently.

"This is my business, Ms. Lanzetta. You are my business. Because as of now, I'm already your fiancé. Remember that," he said before he left me.

"What took you so long?" Mama asked strictly when I came back to my seat.

Papa is busy talking with Mr. Marzon. They seems to not notice my presence yet.

I bit my lips and felt a little bit shy especially when I saw Vren's eyes is on me. Again, it made me uncomfortable. He's like a predator watching his prey. Wait.. What?

I cleared my throat. "The restroom was full, Mama. I had to wait for minutes because of that," I answered.

Mama raise her eyebrow but did not replied. Papa got her attention again and they laughed together with Mr. Marzon. Meanwhile, Vren is still staring at me intently. My brows furrowed.

Why do he keep on staring at me? Do I have some dirt in my face?

Because of that, I unconsciously duck my head to look at the screen of my phone. It is clean. Still beautiful. No dirt. What's wrong with him? I rolled my eyes as I inserted back my phone inside my sling bag. Is this the first time he saw a radiant woman like me?

Oh well..

"So when is the wedding?" Mama asked so suddenly.

I was busy looking at the whole place when she asked that the reason why my head instantly turned to her.

For a fleeting moment, I want to be dumb. I don't want to understand it. I want to ask, 'what wedding?' or 'who's wedding, Mama?'. But God knows I know what she means by that!

Mr. Marzon laughed and so as Papa. Like they both knew what Mama is talking about. I was caught off guard and my whole face paled.

"Well.. We are not in a hurry, right?" Mr. Marzon said grinning as he looked at me.

Mama laughed loudly, waving her hands on the air. "Oh, no! Not really!"

"I will let my son decide on that. He is the groom anyway.." Mr. Marzon looked at his son.

They all look at the person infront of me. When they went silent, I got tempted to look at him too. I gulped as I slowly glanced at Vren. He was silently sipping on his glass while his eyes are lingering on me intently. I gasped.

He swiftly placed the empty glass on the table after he drank all the water in it without even looking away from me. My breathing hitched. I could not get my eyes off him too and it is making me upset! My heart is throbbing rapidly. I am terrified on what he's going to answer!

His lips twisted, still looking at me. "My bride isn't ready yet.."

I gritted my teeth.

"I will let her decide on it, too. We will still talk about it.."

This jerk!

"That's great!" Mama clapped her hands in so much enthusiasm.

Jaw fell opened, I stared at my parents. They both look happy and excited without thinking of their daughter's feelings. My heart ached with that. I cannot believe it! I really could not believe it! I feel like they are not my parents anymore. They don't care about me anymore.

That made my tears begun to start but I had to hold it back because the man infront of me is not taking his eyes off me. I tried to look at him too but it only lasted for a second. I immediately avoided my gaze.

I clenched my fist under the table as I took a deep breath. Calm down, Chantylle.. Please do not cry here. You are strong. You can make this..

My parents started to change when our company started to fail too. At first, I did not even care about it. As long as they still give me anything I want and everything I need, I am good. Not until my father begun to hinder me from going out and messing up with my plans. They even limit me from buying different kinds of branded bags, watches and shoes! Even the jewelries I'd love to buy.

But I got so much of their rules that's why when I tried to disobey it, they took all of my cards away from me. Reason why I couldn't say no in this meeting. I had to be good to take back my cards.

"Thank you so much for inviting us in this dinner, Raymond," Papa said when our dinner has ended.

"I am pleased that you came, though.." Mr. Marzon laughed.

"Are we going to expect a next call?" Mama joked and the three of them laughed.

I did not laugh, though. And so as Vren but I snorted. Vren and Mr. Marzon both looked at me. Papa and Mama laughed again however Mama was the one who held my shoulders tightly. I looked up to her and she gave me a leering look.

My parents bid their goodbyes to them hurriedly. Tongue-tied, I bid my goodbye too.

"Chantylle!" Papa called when we went home.

I acted like I did not hear him. I acted like I do not care about anything. I acted like I am not hurt. I acted like I am cool. But the truth is I am at the very urge of crying. I am just pulling myself up.

We just entered the house yet here he is, going to start with his litanies again. I am tired of it. All I want is to go and lay down to my bed to sleep.

Only few steps to the stairs then I am off to my room, Papa called me again.

"Chantylle! If you are not going to face me, you will end up outside this house!"

I gasped. My eyes watered immediately. My lips trembled. My heart hurt so much with the fact that he could throw me out in the middle of the cold night! Where is my loving father now?

I slowly turn around to face Papa. His angry eyes were darted to me. I could almost see the fire on it. And Papa's veins on his neck is showing, telling me that he is really not pleased with my actions.

"You were so silent and rude on our dinner and now you're like this? Where are your manners?! I told you not to be rude but what did you do?!"

"Tone down your voice, Anthony," Mama said calmly.

I looked at Mama. And even if I don't want, I still hoped that she would take side with me. But when she noticed that I was looking at her, she looked away with a hard face.

With that, my tears fell down to my cheeks.

"Don't use that tears on me, Chantylle. You know that it won't be effective anymore," Papa said firmly with a piercing look.

I know, Papa. You don't have to say that. Because I know...

That company is more important than me. More important than your daughter.

Papa continued his long litanies and I was silently crying all the time. Mama went up to their room like nothing is happening here. Like I am not her daughter..

That time, I stopped hoping that my parents will be back to themselves.

After hearing my father, I hurriedly locked myself up in my room and cried loudly. I lost my care even if they would hear me and would think that I am doing it on purpose just to make them guilty.

I was in the middle of crying when my laptop rang. When I saw that my friends are calling, I wiped all my tears and answered the video call immediately.

"What happened to you? Why are your eyes swollen?" Eliana's concered voice was the first one to talk after they scanned my face.

"Did you just cry?" Vivien asked.

"Just a little bit," I lied as I smiled.

"What? Why? Wait.. Tell us what happened!"

"What happened in the dinner you told us?"

I sighed and started telling them what happened. Starting from the meeting until how Papa scolded me. And to my wonder, they both look shock.

"Are you kidding?" Vivien asked ridiculously.

My brows furrowed. "Do I look like I'm kidding?" I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

"Vren Marzon? Really? Vren? You must be kidding us! It can't be!" Eliana said.

"Yes. Vren Marzon. What's with the reaction, girls?"

They looked at each other like what I asked is so ridiculous. Then they both laughed.

"That's Vren Marzon you are talking about! The Vren Marzon! And oh my. You also met Raymond Marzon, his father! I can't believe you don't know them!"

"And you're saying that Mr. Marzon and your parents are planning the both of you to be wed?" Vivien shook her head while laughing.

"What?"

"Oh gosh! Vren Marzon is the adonis-like business prodigy! Everyone knows him! He owns different kinds of business and it has branches all over the world! He came from a wealthy family but still rich in his own! Chantylle, you are missing something like this and we can't believe you!" Eliana spatted.

What...

My jaw fell opened after hearing my friend's reports to me. They showered me the informations that I did not know about 'the' Vren Marzon. How filthy rich he is. That even though his family is already rich, he still strive making his own name in the industry. He is a multi-billionare himself to be exact. Not to mention his inherits from his family. They told me even the tiniest things about him.

For a few seconds, I was amazed by him. Definitely amazed that I had forgotten that I met him earlier and how I was irritated at him everytime. I had forgotten his also rude attitude towards me. How he said that line of him that he is my fiancé. And how arrogant he is in my eyes.

And now these two are telling me that he is a successful man?

Hell. I did not even thought of that. Even a bit! It is not obvious! Truth is, I thought he is just a simple son of a rich man. That idea didn't really entered my mind. Really!

"Seriously, Chan, in what planet were you from?" Vivien asked in a serious tone.

"You do know that I am not interested with business!" I groaned.

"But atleast you could've made some research!" Eliana said while fixing her short hair.

"I do not have the time to make a reseach when we were in the car, alright? And I still didn't know him that time," I explained.

"OMG! So you are really serious?!" they said in chorus.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. If I could just tweak their hairs right now, I would. These two..

"So you think I'm a liar?"

"Of course not! We just... Couldn't accept it! Oh my goodness! How did that happen? We know that Marzons are not doing arrange marriages!"

"And Vren is okay with it? I thought he has a girlfriend?"

My brows shot up on what Vivien said. Girlfriend? He has a girlfriend? Well.. He has the looks so probably, he has. It is impossible if he doesn't have, though. But why did he tell me that he is already my fiancé? What? A fiancé that has mistress?

Oh you, Chantylle!

I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. I shouldn't think of that. He is not my fiancé. Will never be! I have a freaking boyfriend for whoever's sake! I shall stop that plans of my parents. That wedding they are planning to do, it shouldn't come..

That's what I am thinking until I fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, I took a bath quickly and wore a simple floral dress paired with a flat shoes. All my things were on my sling bag.

When I went down, Mama was in the kitchen, cooking our foods since they fired all of our maids. Meanwhile Papa's in the dinning table with his newspaper and coffee and usual. I stopped and stood there for a minute to stare at them. I couldn't help but to feel sad again. Staring at them made me feel that everything is alright when it is not..

I continued walking towards them. I saw Papa glanced at me then back to his newspaper. Sighing, I still kissed his cheeks.

"Papa.. Uh, I am going to meet my friends after breakfast..." I said, crossing my fingers.

But I know better, he would say no...

"Okay, you can go."

I gasped softly as my eyes widened in surprise. Still couldn't believe on what I've heard, I stared at Papa, thinking if is it really him who talked?

"Pardon, Papa?"

He hissed and looked at me again. "I said, you can go. Should I repeat it the third time?"

"N-No, Papa.." I shook my head repeatedly, scared on his tone and scared that he might change his decision.

I sat down, still amused. Mama is looking at me with her brows furrowed but I ignored it. Because of happiness I was feeling, I ate energetically. I almost forgot that I am with my parents. My mind is clouded with the thought that finally after a week of being locked in this boring house, I am finally free.. Or not. Because I still know my father. This will only be for today.

At the same time, I am nervous and confused. What happened to Papa that lead him to decide like this? But maybe, he is guilty that he scolded me for so long last night...

I winced in that thought. I should just be happy with it.

"Mama, Papa, I'll go now," I excitingly said when I finished eating. I kissed them both on their cheeks before turning around.

"Stop right there."

I frowned and turn around to face them again. Papa put down his news paper and sipped on his coffee.

"Papa?" I said, confused.

"Wait for Vren because he's going to drive you. You are not allowed to go anywhere today without him."

What the...

"Papa-" Before I could finish talking, I already heard an engine of a car.

My face paled as I took a glanced on the window and saw a luxury car parking outside our gate. From the car, Vren Marzon came out. Wearing a black tshirt that is slightly hugging his well built body and a pants, he looks so attractive. And again, he doesn't look like a businessman my friends are talking about. He looks like a model to me.

That is why I understand why our teen neighbors went out of their houses just to look at this handsome freaking man who is now walking towards our house.

But I am fuming mad, despite of his looks right now!

What the hell, right? I thought Papa was in the good mood reason why he allowed me to go out. And now, this? This is the real reason!

"Chantylle, open the door. It must be Vren.."

I breathed in and out before following Mama. Vren is about to knock when I opened the door.

Funny because my plan is to not look at him however our eyes still met. And like the first time that I saw his dark, mysterious and menacing eyes, I felt nervous. My heart pounded fast again in fear. I had never felt this kind of feeling before but I know this is not good.

"Your parents?" he asked in a deep voice.

"In the kitchen. Follow me.." I answered in grimaced.

I opened the door widely and stepped back a bit for him come in. When he did, I untentionally slammed the door and I was even surprised for it. I looked up to him only to saw his blank stare on me. My brows shot up on him.

"What?" I arrogantly said.

He just stared at me again, blankly.

I rolled my eyes on him before walking towards the kitchen. He followed me and when we got there, he greeted my parents. I could not help to be fascinated by how he talked to my parents like a normal people. Like his wealth is not far from ours. When in fact, it is. And he was so formal in the meeting and right now but there's something on him that made me amused.

"Papa, I'm going," I said again, when I noticed that their talk is getting longer and longer. Though, I was hoping that Papa is joking earlier.

"Vren, take care of my daughter. Call me when she did something unpleasant. Alright?"

What?

"Papa, I can commute-"

"I said Vren's going to drive you," Papa said in a loud and authorative voice that made me shut.

I blinked twice and gulped. I couldn't look at Vren in embarrassment.

Mama walked near me and whispered, "Don't do anything stupid again, Chantylle. I am warning you," then she stepped back.

"We'll get going now, Sir, Ma'am.."

They just nodded. Vren looked at me and again, I avoided his gaze. But I almost gasped when he walked towards me to wrapped his hands around my waist before he escorted me the way out.

When we were out of my parent's sight, I immediately torn down his hands off me. I glared at him.

"You don't need to do that!"

He just shrugged and walked towards his car. He opened the shotgun seat for me and I silently went in. I stopped myself to be amazed by his car but I couldn't! This is fantastic!

"Aren't you busy? Why did you accept this favor of my father?" I asked, frowning but my eyes were roaming around his car.

"This isn't your father's favor."

"What?" I looked at him, confused. "Then who's favor is this? My Mama?"

Vren did not reply. He just looked at me with a grin on his face before he started the engine of his car.