Zandy's POV
[When Zandy's Parent Told Him About the Arranged Marriage]
AFTER I parked the car in the garage, I quickly got off and went inside the house. I'm busy planning for my restaurant when my Mother called me because they said they had something to tell me. They don't know about my plan to build a restaurant because I know they will stop me from pursuing my dreams.
I graduated from a course related to business but it doesn't mean that I'm into business, especially in the company that my family has. We own a big and successful gaming company that my parents forced me to manage at a young age but I knew I didn't like that line. But since I am an only child and they have no one other than me to manage it, I have to learn how to run it. But I can't deny my love for food, I love the smell of each dish and I like to cook.
I found Mom and Dad in the living room waiting for me. There was only one thing in my mind that they would tell me, they want me to run the company. Well, it's not new to me. I got used to it. I want to do something, a business that I like and I can do it happily but they don't understand what I felt.
I sat quietly on the sofa and rested my arms on the back of it. I looked at them seriously and Dad's face showed anger and annoyance.
"It's good that you came, Zandy," Dad began, his voice clearly displeased. "When are you going to stay at home? You act like a spoiled brat and an immature boy. Instead of studying how to run a company in the future, you're just an idiot. You're not young anymore, Zandy and this is not the time for you to sail away and do whatever you want," Dad preached looking directly at me.
I grinned. Dad's sermon is not new to me. I'm already immune to that and I just laugh at it. "You think, 'I don't do nothing, that I'm just hanging out and enjoying life? And even if that's what I'm doing, it's probably my right to enjoy it. You're stressing me out with the company even though you know I can't handle it in an instant. I need more time to learn, and that's not easy," I reasoned.
They are also used to my reasoning so they are not surprised by what I said. Dad grinned. "Do you need more time to learn? I give you a lot of time to learn, Zandy, but you yourself don't want to learn. You always like that. Zandy, can you please be mature? Think about the company where your future depends and it's not just you. I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing this for your future. No one else will inherit the company if not you," Dad continued.
I gasped. Honestly, I understand their point, and that's why I prefer to fulfill what I want first before investing my life in the company. "I didn't say that I won't enter the company, Dad I just need more time to adjust myself. I'm not into gaming companies and it's difficult for me to take care of a company that I know nothing about and have no passion for. But, I'm still learning to manage the company but this time, 'Let me do what I love to do," I insisted.
"Son, you can do whatever you want even if you're in the company. What your Dad and I want is for you to learn how to run the company. We're old and there's no one else to inherit the company if not you," Mom replied.
I'm not sure if I enter the company, I will still be able to do what I want. I'll manage a huge company, it is not just a restaurant, it's a big company and there are many things to consider and do.
"I understand what you want, but this time I hope you understand me too. I'm going to join the company, I'll manage it but not now," I said.
I heard Dad sigh. He covered his forehead and bowed slightly.
"Ok, if that's what you want, I'll give you time to do whatever you want but remember, Zandy, after five months, whether you like it or not, you have to enter the company and learn to manage your own business. That's the condition and there's nothing you can do," Dad said authoritatively.
I was silent and could not speak immediately at what he said. I feel he was serious about what he said. "Five months?" I asked in shock. Dad nodded. I took a breath and bowed slightly. Damn! Is he serious Five months? In five months I have to plan the restaurant and finish it but that is not that easy. There are many processes.
The whole house was silent for a moment. I didn't even react because I knew I couldn't do anything about what Dad said. He won't change that even if I beg.
"By the way, we want to talk to you and your Dad, we have something to tell you, Zandy," Mom broke the silence.
I frowned, turning to Mom. Isn't that already? "You're going to say what, Mom?"
The two in front of me looked at each other. Dad bowed while Mom was struggling to speak whatever she had to say.
"Your Dad and I know that you're getting older, Zandy and until now you don't have a girlfriend or even a female friend," Mom began what she was going to say. My forehead furrowed even more. "Last week, we met your father's childhood friend and he has a family and a daughter. She's adorable."
My eyes narrowed as I slowly understood what Mom wanted to say. "What do you mean, Mom?"
"So...we decided to marry you to his daughter, Zandy. His family is also worried about their daughter's curse that if she doesn't get married by the time she reaches thirty, she might never get married besides you're at the right age to get married, so we'll make a way," Mom said quickly, obviously struggling to say that.
My eyes widened. "What? You're going to marry me to a woman I don't know? F*cking no! I won't marry that woman," I objected to what they said. "No matter what happens, I will not marry! And what do we care about that woman's curse?"
"But, Zandy you're going thirty next year and until now you don't have any girlfriend or someone you can marry. Your dad and I are old and we want to be part of your wedding and at least have grandchildren. If you don't look for you, we will do that," Mom insisted.
I shook my head. "You can interfere with other parts of my life, Mom, but not marriage. I can decide whether I'll get married or not. I'm old, Mom, I can decide for myself," I continued. I took a breath. "I'm not marrying anyone, Mom!" I said emphatically, then stood up and walked away from them.
I went straight to my room and violently sat on the bed. I hit my head. Are they crazy enough to marry me to a girl I don't know? No! I will not marry!