"Peter, you shouldn't have been so hard on her. She's very hurt, you know "Isabella's Mom, Anna stressed and Mr McKenzie heaved a sigh.

He was also greatly hurt. He doesn't feel good about this either but this is the only way he can protect his daughter.

"I know but what can I do? If l don't act like this, she won't budge. l have to do this "he responded, ruefully.

"Oh, goodness! I don't feel good about this "she choked a sob and palmed her face.

"Anna, you should remember that we are doing this for her own good "He consoled her and she heaved a sigh.

" You should remember we are doing this for her own good "

"Her own good? How? We are only ruining her life "she retorted and her husband sighed.

"Come on, let's get ready for the Crawford's arrival," he said, ignoring his wife's question and walked away.

"What good reason could he be doing this, huh? He's ruining my daughter's life. He's not doing her any good at all, there's never a good reason to ruin someone's life or is he selling my daughter? "Different thoughts were going through her mind.

She followed her husband.

ISABELLA

I woke up on the floor, I guess I fell asleep after crying my eyes out. I rubbed my eyes and sat on the bed.

l sighed and reminiscence on what transpired. Dad slapped me for someone we barely know. it's obvious he doesn't love me anymore.

And Mom, she couldn't even say or do anything. Well, what can she do? She possibly can't go against Dad's words.

"Isabella, the Crawford's will arrive anytime from now. Make sure you are ready by the time they arrive "I heard my mom say from the other end of the door and her heels clicking away as she walked away.

Looks like she's all set and ready.

I just sighed in response. They are happy with this union while I'm wallowing in pain. I want to be a baker but now, my father is trying his very best to ruin my dream.

I sighed and stood up. I went into my bathroom to take a quick shower. I stepped out of the bathroom to search for dresses that would make me look hideous.

Am a fashionista but that's not gonna happen tonight.

I wore jeans trousers than a mid-thigh skirt on it. Tthththem wore a shirt. I also picked a singlet and wore it on the shirt. I added a nerd glass.

I smiled at myself, satisfactorily. Something is missing. Yeah! My hair!

I roughen my hair a little. Perfect! Now I look like an insane woman. The Crawford's surely won't be pleased to see their so-called would-be daughter-in-law dressed like this.

I stepped outside my room door with two different shoes and headed downstairs.

As I walked down the stairs, I could hear voices. The Crawford's are d evening, everyone" I greeted and sat down. All eyes were on me but I couldn't care less.

learned a death glare from Dad, instantly. Mom followed suit.

"What in the world are you putting on, Isabel?" He asked in a piercing tone. He sounded

I shrugged.

"Clothes " I replied, nonchalantly.

"Pie!! "l squealed as I dug into the pie on the table like an animal. Everyone looked disgusted especially the arrogant Lucas and that's exactly what I wanted.

I noticed his Mom smiling at me. Gosh! I need you to hate me, woman " I thought in my mind.

"Isn't she just wonderful? "I heard her say suddenly.

My eye widened in shock.

She didn't just say that, did she?

"Yes, she's. Mom, I want to marry her... "I heard Lucas speak up for the first time since my insane attitude.

Oh my goodness! this boy is an idiot. I feel like slapping him right through his face. He's so dumb.

"Good evening, family " I heard my sister's voice, Aria. "Wow, we have visitors! "she added as she looked around.

"Aria. Did you come? "I spoke up and that's was she looked at me.

"Oh my goodness, Bella! What are you wearing? "she exclaimed and came to my side.

"Talk to your sister, Aria. She's stressing me out "Dad voiced out, bittered.

"Don't worry, Dad. l will speak to you. Come on, Bella, you have to change "she held my hand, pulling me up.

"But .. "

"Just come .. "she pulled me up and dragged me away.

As soon as we were out of sight. She stopped walking and faced me.

"What are you up to this time around, Bella? Did Dad do something again and you decided to make him pay by ruining his dinner or you are an ad?! "She asked d and I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, He did. He's asking me to marry a man I do not know "

"What?! Okay, let's go out ping so you can tell me all about it "She said, calmly and I hugged her.

This is one of the many reasons why I love my sister. She's the only one that understands my feeling. I loathe the day she got married and left with her husband.

"Thank you .. "

"Just shut up, Isabel and go get dressed. I'll be downstairs waiting for you "She said, jocularly and we laughed.

l walked away, heading for my room. I took another quick shower and dressed up in a pink floral gown. l wore my flat pink heels.

I wore my accessories and used my contact lenses, my eyes are naturally green so I use contact lenses sometimes because they draw attention which I hate so much.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and thought about my so-called alliance. Irritating them didn't work, but I need to get out of this marriage one way or the other.

I stepped downstairs and met everyone having dinner.

"You look amazing dear " Mrs Crawford commented and I smiled.

Thanks, ma'am, I muttered

"Mr and Mrs Crawford, I apologize because I have to leave now with my sister to do some baby shopping, "I said, calmly but my Dad interrupted.

"The baby shopping can wait, "Dad said in a commanding tone.

"With all due respect Dad, this marriage is for you. it's your business deal so finalize it, I don't need to be here. Bye "I responded, rudely and went to plant a kiss on Mom's cheek

"Am sorry honey " she muttered and I smiled at her. i dragged Aria out.

"I know you are hurt, little sis but Dad might have his reasons," Aria said as we got into the car

"What other reason than not wanting me to be a baker "I said as she drove off.

PETER (Isabella's father)

"I'm sorry about Isabella" I apologize to the Crawford's, sincerely.

"it's okay Peter, I understand her. I also have a daughter remember. They are always so dramatic when it comes to matters like this " James said, jocularly and we laughed.

Well, since Lucas already agreed to marry her. We should set the engagement date " Vivian, his wife said and I nodded.

Yes. What do you think, Anna? " I asked my wife.

"I know this is for her good but it just hurts to see my daughter like this. I've never seen her this sad. I know you have a nice family but I won't be a party to this "Anna replied, standing up. She walked away.

"l will go talk to her "Vivian said as she stood up and followed suit.

"Don't worry! Peter, all will be well "James said and we continued eating.

Lucas already stood up earlier to receive a call.

ANNA (Isabella's Mom)

I don't know what has gotten into peter all of a sudden, this is not the way to do things. Not at all.

"We have been friends for 8years now, Anna. Is my family bad that you can't get your daughter married to my son? "Vivian's voice asked from behind.

"Of course not, that's not it. But I can't bear to see my daughter this sad and why exactly would peter make this kind of decision so fast and rash for that matter? " I stressed and she walked up to me.

"Well, he is in the best position to answer that but I promise your daughter is safe and she will always be happy with my son "Vivian replied and I sighed. She hugged me.

I guess she is right, Bella hasn't really been into guys either so maybe this is her chance to fall in love "I thought.

We both disengaged from the hug.

"Let's head back to the table, shall we? " I asked and she nodded.

We both walked back to the rest of the family

Soon dinner was over and we talked for a while before they decided to leave.

"Peter, we need to talk!! "l said, immediately they drove out of the compound.

" l know you want answers and I will give them to you" He replied, pouring himself a drink.

"What else do you want to say peter? I mean what else can you even say? "I screamed at him.

"You don't want her to be a professional baker because of what people can say, you want her to take over your legacy. For peace's sake, just let her be!!! "I added.

"Yes, I want Bella to take over the company. I don't want her to be a Baker, I want her to live like the princess that she is, Anna and I don't want to force her to get married either. But I have to do this .. "he said, calmly and I cut him off abruptly.

"Ohh, spare me that cock and bull story. There's never a good reason to ruin someone's life. Anyways, tell me what you have to say "