Marrying My Best Friend's Dad

"I want you to be my mom!" Erika's command to Donita shocked her friend.

Her hand froze in midair. The spoon that was about to touch Donita's lips fell into the bowl, splattering hot broth across the dining table.

"What?" Donita's voice was barely a whisper, a mix of shock and the certainty that she must have misheard.

Erica was still sitting casually across from Donita, leaning back in her chair with her usual spoiled style. Her long hair was tied up halfway, and her light makeup made her look beautiful.

"Listen, dear, this is urgent! I need your help. Marry my dad!"

"Marry your dad? Are you drunk? You know very well that your dad is old, Erica!"

Donita initially laughed off Erica's request, but when her friend's face turned serious, she immediately asked, "This is just a joke, right?"

"No! I'm serious." Erica didn't even get mad when her friend called her dad old.

Donita's eyes scanned Erica's, desperate to find a hint of a prank, but the expression she met was unsettlingly earnest.

It was a look of pure intent, and it was a side of Erica she had never seen before.

"Erica, your dad is old, and..." Donita's voice trailed off.

She was attempting to reason with her friend, but couldn't ignore the fact that her friend's dad was undeniably... HOT!

"I know my dad is old. He's 45, but don't forget how handsome he is, and his body is insane. Everyone thinks he's still in his thirties! Plus, he's the CEO of Sebastian Group. He's got young women crawling all over him."

Erica interrupted, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You've told yourself how good-looking he is."

"And you know what else? I mentioned to my dad, you have a crush on him!" Erica added with a mischievous glint in her eye, but the words hit Donita like a ton of bricks.

What? Erica had even told Oscar? What would Donita do now? Wouldn't the man be disgusted with her?

"Are you crazy? What did your dad think when you told him that? Oh my GOD, Erica! He must think I'm a flirt! He must think..."

Donita panicked. All this time, she had meticulously maintained a good and polite image in front of Oscar, Erica's daddy.

"Oh, don't be mistaken! He actually smiled. He even agreed when I asked him to marry you. He didn't protest!" Erica crossed her arms over her chest, then leaned toward me.

"So don't you protest! I need your help to keep him away from that shameless bitch who keeps chasing after him."

"What do you mean?" Her eyebrows shot up. "Which bitch?"

Erica exhaled loudly, then stood up. She walked to the refrigerator, took a bottle of cold water, then stared at Donita with an annoyed expression.

"That woman's name is Wina," she said with a disgusted tone. "She has no shame. She's always showing up everywhere, and last time, she said she'd be my 'new mom' soon."

Donita was shocked, but she couldn't deny that Oscar was hot. He was cold and distant, but handsome and charming.

Donita was sure many women were crazy about him because of his physical appearance. He didn't look old, ahhh, he was just so charming!

"Oh, so she's officially your dad's girlfriend? If she's your dad's girlfriend, that means your dad likes that bitch, right?"

'Why ask me to marry him, then? Just some kind of substitute?' A hot flash of anger and resentment flared up inside Donita.

"No way! My dad said she's just a business partner who's chasing him. She confessed her feelings to my dad, but he firmly rejected her. Since their business relationship is still ongoing, he can't always avoid her, so Wina often ends up seeing him." Erica said excitedly.

" I hate her! I'd rather have you as my stepmother than her. So, please... I hope you say yes!!" Erica continued.

"Erica, you're crazy," I muttered, standing up from the chair.

"I'm your best friend. This will sound really weird."

"Weird?" Erica smirked. "What's wrong with you marrying my dad? Mom died ten years ago. I'm okay with Dad wanting to remarry, but not with Wina."

"Besides, you're way sexier than Wina. You're also way younger! Of course my dad would prefer you!" she continued passionately.

As if she were a saleswoman promoting her product to make a big sale!

"Erica... would your dad even like me? You have to consider your dad's feelings, too..."

"Why wouldn't he? You're way younger. Your boobs are bigger and your ass is rounder than Wina's skinny body and old face. Any man would prefer you! You'd have to be crazy to think my dad wouldn't like you! I'm a woman and I admire you. Your body is goals... uhhh, so sexy!" The woman spoke excitedly, her words becoming increasingly vulgar.

Donita shook her head quickly. "Do you think marriage is just about that? Marriage works because both parties are involved. Besides, your father's feelings also have to be considered. Who knows, maybe he likes Wina more?"

"No way, my dad would never like an old woman! Especially since she's so materialistic..."

"Love is blind, dear! Maybe your dad doesn't mind..."

"My dad couldn't possibly love that woman!" Erica cut in quickly.

"Honey, you're more beautiful, younger, better, and I'm sure you're not materialistic. I'm sure my dad would definitely choose you over Wina!"

Donita could only remain silent as her friend quickly refuted all her words.

"I'm serious, Donita, dear. I've already talked to Daddy. He didn't refuse to marry you."

"And if you agree, he'll take care of everything."

Donita remained silent for a long time. Her mind was in turmoil, but her heart was beating faster than usual.

Donita realized she liked the way Oscar looked at her with his sharp gray eyes when they accidentally sat next to each other in Erica's living room. She had liked Oscar for a long time, but she always felt it was a forbidden love.

"What do you think? Will you do it?" Erica pressed explicitly.

Donita lowered her head as the voices inside her battled. Honestly, her logic was fighting against her true feelings. The desire within her that she had never dared to admit in public.

"I... need time to think about it," Donita replied in a soft voice.

Erica smiled. "Alright, I'll give you one night to think it over. But remember, you have to agree because you're the only one who can help my dad."

What was the point of thinking about it? Because in the end, Erica was still forcing Donita to agree to marry her dad.

That night, Donita couldn't sleep. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was in a complete mess.

Suddenly, at exactly 10 p.m., her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Oscar Sebastian! The reserved man had never called her before. So why now? She stared at her phone for five seconds before taking a deep breath and answering the call.

"Hello?"

"Donita."

His voice was deep, heavy, and calm. Yet, that was what made her body tremble.

"Yes?"

"Erica said you're thinking about my request ..." His deep baritone got straight to the point. "But I want to hear it from you. Are you willing to marry me?"

Donita didn't know how to answer, but for some reason, she couldn't say no.

"I... will," she whispered, her soft voice still clearly audible to Oscar.

"Hmm, I'm glad to hear that. I'll make all the arrangements immediately. Have a nice dream." The baritone voice delivered the words in a flat, cold tone.

How was it possible that a single phone call, a single brief sentence from Oscar Sebastian, could completely change her life? How did she even say, "Yes, I will.."?

That night, she couldn't sleep at all, with Oscar's baritone voice echoing in her ears. Her body shivered...

"I want to hear it from you. Are you willing to marry me?"

Initially, Donita had wanted to delay her answer. She wanted to take time to think, even though her feelings were already clear that she had liked Oscar for a long time.

But what about Oscar's feelings? Instead, Donita felt as if she was under a spell, and she simply said yes!

***

Donita sat in Erica's backyard garden, staring blankly at the fish pond. Meanwhile, Erica was in the middle of an angry rant.

"It's always about Wina! That old woman has no shame!" Erica grumbled, annoyed.

Donita immediately listened in. A moment ago, she was still wondering if Oscar wanted to marry her because he loved her, or just because Erica was forcing him.

"Can you believe it, Don? This morning she sent a package to my dad's office. It was men's cologne! Ugh, how embarrassing! It's so obvious she's desperate for my dad's attention."

Donita smiled faintly. "Maybe she really is in love with your dad."

"Love? Ugh!" Erica rolled her eyes. "My dad already rejected her. But Wina... well, you know. No shame! She acts as if she's his girlfriend!"

Donita looked away. A strange feeling suddenly welled up in her chest. Why? Was she also annoyed at Wina?

"I'm more and more convinced that you're the perfect woman to be Daddy's wife," Erica said, turning to her with a serious expression.

"Wina has no shame. Even after being rejected, she keeps forcing herself on him. Women should be more like you-not chasing, but being chased!"

Donita laughed softly. "So, if a woman likes to chase, does that mean she's not a woman?"

"No. What I mean is, a woman should be elegant. She shouldn't look cheap. Like you, baby! You're so relaxed and elegant. That's why my dad will definitely choose you," Erica said, sipping her drink.

But Donita didn't respond. Since last night, her heart has been filled with questions.

Did Oscar really like her? Or was it just... because Erica had forced him?

The man was too composed. So detached and so cold! Even on the phone, he sounded more like a business associate than a man about to get married.

***

That afternoon, Donita received an email with the subject line "Sebastian Wedding and Preparation Briefing."

Donita's hands quickly opened the email attachment. Inside was a PDF file containing the event schedule, dress fitting times, and a list of vendors that had already been booked. Even the names of the caterer and honeymoon hotel were on the list.

"Oh my God..." she whispered to herself.

Oscar, that man, had prepared everything. But he hadn't said a word to Donita. No messages, just an email, as if he were sending a work contract.

Donita didn't know whether to be happy or disappointed by what Oscar had done.

***

The next day, Erica dragged Donita to a luxurious boutique in an upscale neighborhood. They were greeted by a tall woman with flawless makeup.

"Mireya Laurent. The Sebastian family's designer," she said, shaking Donita's hand. "Mr. Sebastian personally gave me the task of designing your wedding dress."

"A task?" Donita replied, her voice filled with surprise.

"Yes, he contacted me personally," Mireya responded, smiling warmly. "He had a very specific request. The gown needs to be conservative, without overemphasizing your figure. Especially your bust, which shouldn't be exposed, as it's quite full for such a slender body type."

"What? How possessive is that?" Erica burst out laughing, while Donita swallowed hard. She was even more confused.

How did that man know her breast size? Donita was completely bewildered, as Erica's laughter continued.

Mireya led Donita into the fitting room. Inside, several stunningly beautiful gowns were hanging.

Donita gazed at the sparkling white fabric in front of her. "This is so beautiful, but isn't it too lavish? Is it expensive?"

Mireya chuckled softly. "Mr. Sebastian wants everyone to see his wife looks stunning on stage."

First, he's so possessive, not liking his bride's gown to be too sexy, not even showing a hint of cleavage. Now he's calling her 'his wife'? But he's never once talked about their marriage with her. A wave of irritation washed over Donita.

Is she just an expensive item to be put on display for the public? Donita was becoming increasingly unsure about her decision to accept Oscar's proposal.

Oscar never explained a thing. Erica, on the other hand, had been smiling and laughing the whole time, as if she was so happy. And her? She was just lost and confused.

***

That night, she was forced to stay over at Erica's house, under the pretense of keeping her company while Oscar was away on a business trip, leaving Erica all by herself.

She suddenly noticed a small box resting on the bed. It was a black velvet box, and inside was a diamond necklace with a small note tucked beside it. The note simply said, "Wear this, okay? I want you to look special. O.S."

Donita sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she stared at the handwritten note.

"Does this mean he feels something for me, too?"

It was a sunny day in San Francisco. Donita was in Erica's car, gazing at the skyscrapers towering over the financial district.

Among all those buildings, the Sebastian Group stood majestically. Erica skillfully turned the steering wheel and parked the car in the VIP area of the building.

"Alright, we're here! Daddy said he wants to take us out for a special lunch today. There must be something!" she exclaimed cheerfully.

Donita nodded, forcing a smile. But deep down, she was still so unsure. Was this man truly going to marry her? Or was he only doing it because Erica was pressuring him?

She may have loved Oscar for a long time, but she refused to be a woman who was simply 'used' to fulfill a need.

They walked into the Sebastian Group's opulent lobby when a piercing voice froze them in their tracks.

"Ericaaaa? How are you?"

Erica and Donita immediately spun around to face the voice, and there stood... Wina!

"I'm fine, Auntie." Erica replied politely, her face a mask of cold indifference.

"Why are you still calling me 'Auntie'? You should be calling me 'mom'!"

Wina's head snapped around, her eyes instantly narrowing on Donita beside Erica. Her gaze was a cold, calculated scan, scrutinizing the unknown woman

"Oh, Erica! And... who do we have here? A friend?" Wina's eyes quickly swept over Donita from head to toe, a smile pasted on her lips that didn't quite reach her eyes

But before Erica could explain who Donita really was, Oscar suddenly emerged from the private elevator reserved for the CEO and high-ranking officials.

"Oscar, honey! I was about to go to your office, but you came to pick me up here." Wina immediately latched onto his arm. Her slender fingers deliberately crept up his shoulder, as if to claim him with her touch.

The spoiled tone of the woman named Wina, who was wearing a bright red bodycon dress, sounded utterly disgusting! Her appearance was highly seductive, especially for someone heading to the office.

Her hair was elegantly pinned up, her crimson lips were pulled into a flirtatious pout, and her eyes flashed provocatively at Oscar Sebastian as he emerged from the elevator with his secretary

Yes, at that moment, Oscar was indeed coming down with his secretary.

Oscar was wearing a gray suit, his jaw set firmly, and his expression was flat. The man stared at Wina with the same blank expression as if he were looking at a wall, but Wina seemed unfazed.

Wina kept talking, her voice shrill, and occasionally she leaned her head flirtatiously on Oscar's shoulder.

"Look at her!" Erica whispered to Donita, her voice muffled with anger. "That woman has no shame!"

Donita's heart hammered uncomfortably against her ribs. She knew it was nothing but pure jealousy.

Oscar tried to pull his arm away, but Wina held him tightly. "Oscar, come on. I've prepared lunch at our favorite restaurant. Just the two of us, honey."

Her voice dripped with temptation, and Wina leaned in to plant an air kiss right beside Oscar's cheek. Donita saw Oscar's breath hitch. Oscar subtly tried to pull away, but Wina only latched onto him more tightly.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Davis," Oscar said flatly, without any intonation. "I have a lunch date with my daughter and... Donita." Oscar glanced at Donita for a moment, but his gaze was too quick to be caught.

"And she's not just my friend, Auntie! She's my future stepmom!" Erica took a deliberate step forward.

The shift in Wina's demeanor was immediate. Her fake smile dropped, replaced by a mask of disbelief. Her hand fell from Oscar's arm as she stared at him, her eyes wide with shock.

"What? Your fiancée?" Wina gestured wildly toward Donita. "This girl? Oscar, what kind of sick game are you playing? Tell me this isn't true!"

Oscar's face expressionless, staring at Wina as if she were nothing more than a minor annoyance.

"I'm not joking, Ms. Davis," Oscar finally said.

"I'm going to marry her." Oscar said it in a flat tone, as if without any meaningful emotion, making Donita doubtful.

Wina gasped, then let out a sharp, sarcastic laugh. "Oh, I get it now, Oscar. This is your plan? You're using a girl to get rid of me? What did you promise her? Money, or is she pregnant and now demanding you marry her?"

She stepped closer to Donita, her eyes filled with hatred. "Listen, girl. You don't know who I am? Oscar will only be mine!"

"Watch your mouth, auntie!" Erica was ready to step forward, but Donita held her back.

Donita stared straight at Wina. She didn't want to be trampled on by anyone.

"Pregnant? Hey, don't think every woman is as shallow as you are. If Mr. Sebastian truly chooses you, I'll walk away! So, Mr. Sebastian, the choice is yours. Is it me or her?"

Without a word, Oscar stepped forward, positioning himself beside Donita. His arm went around her, pulling her close in a decisive embrace.

Wina was shocked by the reality before her. "You! How dare you!" She raised her hand, as if to slap Donita.

However, before her hand could reach, a strong hand gripped Wina's wrist tightly. It was Oscar's hand, blocking Wina from slapping Donita.

Oscar's face remained expressionless, but his sharp gray eyes stared at Wina. There was a cold glint in them that made Wina pale instantly.

"Don't you dare touch her," Oscar hissed, his voice low and threatening.

For the first time, Donita heard such a firm tone from Oscar. Oscar roughly released Wina's wrist, causing the woman to stumble backward.

"Now, leave. I don't want to see you here again."

Wina stared at Oscar, then at Donita, her eyes blazing. Without saying a word, she turned and walked quickly out of the lobby, her high heels clacking loudly against the marble floor.

Erica laughed triumphantly. "That's my daddy! Cool!" She hugged Oscar briefly, then glanced at Donita.

"Donita, are you okay? Wow, you were so brave just now! How dare you stand up to Wina!"

Donita nodded slowly. Meanwhile, Oscar had already returned to his usual expression, as if nothing had happened. His hand was no longer on Donita's slender shoulder.

His gray eyes, which had earlier been filled with threat, were now cold again. As if the previous action had been nothing more than a formality.

Oscar didn't say a word to Donita, and that made Donita think, and doubt again.

"Come on, Donita! Daddy's hungry!" Erica called out, pulling Donita's hand.

On the way to the car waiting in front of the lobby, Donita stood a little distance away from Oscar, while Erica chattered away.

Donita looked at Oscar's silhouette. He seemed so perfect on the outside, untouched by emotion. Why was Oscar treating her so coldly?

Was she nothing more than a weapon he could use against Wina? Or was there a piece of his heart that truly belonged to Donita?