Liz's POV

Three years later

My eyes were affixed on the television set in front of me, I was unconscious of my environment, my body was present but my soul had traveled far away from this planet, into a world of endless questions and thoughts.

A sharp sound slipped suddenly into my ear making my heart skip, I turned to the direction of the sound. Lo and behold it was my father. He was dressed in a royal blue suit, lined with royalty, his hands were tucked into his trouser's pocket. My gaze traveled from his body down to the shopping bag on the floor.

When did he step in? I must have been so intrigued by my own thoughts that my brain couldn't pick up the sound around me. "When did you step in?" I asked, adjusting the pajamas I was putting on.

He took a deep breath and walked briskly to where I sat, and retired next to me. "You have been ignoring my calls," He responded, his eyes boring into mine.

I smacked my lips and turned my gaze away from his. If it was possible I would bury him six feet beneath where I'm standing, because the whole mess I'm in now is his doings. "You should thank the heavens that it was just your call I ignored…"

He bit his lower lips, and began tapping his palm on his laps. "I'm famished, do you have anything at home?"

My eyes went round. There is one habit that would never leave my father, beating around the bush… it was clear that he is here for a purpose, but he would say until I ask.

"Why Michael?" I bellowed, shifting my gaze back to his aged face. "Why him, why me?"

I must have wished he would be able to see or perhaps have a glimpse of my pestering thoughts and imaginations, maybe then he would understand my plight.

"Liz, you know I do everything for a purpose," He breathed, taking my hands into his warm palms.

"We are dying…"

Before he could continue his statement I let go of my hand forcefully and buried it in my laps. Oh! Here he goes again, putting his company first. I shut my lips and aloud it quiver. I am dead…

"I know you love me. A little part of you still yearns for him. Help me please,"

My heart began to melt at my Father's plea. He rarely shows his vulnerability to people, to me… But now he is humble and desperate as a young lad eager for his mother's breast milk.

I am just so tired of forcing myself on Michael. I want to give up but the look from my Father is making my heart ache terribly.

"If you were in my shoes you would definitely take the same step I took. You know how his father is, he is willing to partner with our little company, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Do you expect me to throw away such blessing and opportunity, speak to me Liz?! Do you want my years of sweat and hard work to go down the drain?! Huh?!"

Now I feltl bad for him. He has tried to play the perfect role of a Father, maybe I should help him this once, maybe I should yield to my heart desires and help our family, our dignity.

"I love Michael…" I confessed, with my gaze casted far ahead, away from his surprise expression.

"That is a good thing my dear!!!" He triumphed, taking back my hands.

"But Dad, he wouldn't dare look at me twice in the eyeball. He is disgusted by my existence…"

My father grumbled, he released my hand slowly, stood up from his sitting position and strolled to the shopping bag that laid helplessly on the ground. He squats to it and picks up, then he strolled back to where I sat.

"All men are the same," He implored, and threw the bag back into my lap.

The corners of my eyebrow wrinkled. What is he planning this time!?

In haste, without trepidation I dug into the shopping bag and unraveled a red, negligee gown out of the box.

"You must be kidding me," I spluttered, shoving the dress off.

He breathed loudly and walked to the spot the dress laid on from my swing, he took it in his arm, walked to me and sat down.

"Do your thing, rebound… Trust me this is going to work."

I scoffed. Not on Michael. That guy hates me to the core. But I have to do this for my Father. I hate to see him heartbroken and displeased.

"Okay, I will do it. Just this once!!!"

His eyes lit up and he jammed his hands together in excitement.

…

I wish I could have ignored my Father's suggestion. Now I have to pay dearly for the consequences of not thinking twice.

Michael's car drove roughly into the compound. My heart began to skip from where I lay in wait for his presence. The picture of his blank face kept replaying in my head and it made my heart thud faster against its ribs.

I nearly forgot my assignment. The mere thought of his presence made my stomach do an upside turn. How would I deal with his presence…

The room door flung open, and I felt my heart drop into my stomach.

"Hey, welcome!" I whispered, waving my hand, and also eager for his response…

He nodded his head and aimed for the bathroom.

That was a relief… This was a great sign that my plan was coming into fulfillment.

I fell on the bed and ran my frail fingers into my wavy hair. Now I had to commence with the remaining part.

After a few minutes, he stepped out of the bathroom. It was as though walking into the shower and activated his cruel system. The Michael I knew was back; the one I was married to, that made me fear the existence of men.

He barely ate the food I prepared with a lot of hope, prayer and my whole heart. All he did was play with it and smiled stupidly while staring at his phone.

…Father, I tried my best!

I tried to win him over. Tried to do the dirtiest thing couples do, but he wouldn't oblige.

Why does he hate me so much!? Why was he still staying with me and hasn't even said a nice word to me!? What was my mistake!?

My vision was getting blurry, tears trickled down my face as I watched the beast come on top of me… At last, he has succumbed to my will. However, I am now so powerless, like a wounded lion.

My vision began to shift to the most peaceful thing I had ever seen, darkness… I wanted to fight back for light, but it was already dominating my head.

…I was really sorry for disappointing my father!!!