pte

e so you better tell me where, or I'll get on the next plane out of this city. No, this can't wait until tomorrow, dad! For heaven's sakes you set me up to be married in two days' time, that's just bullshit!" A mother walking beside

**

t was the reason why she would have loved to put that face on canvas--but no time to think about that now because she was too furious at the old man. Cassandra stormed across the restaurant, her face

r fingernails into his wrinkled skin. Her father's gray-blue eyes which looked exactly like hers

or twice and waited for an explanatio

that some customers were looking at them curiously, their utensils halfway through their mouths. Still gl

nch with her comment and she almost regretted it. Tucking

ing, please

t can't," she snapped at him, "How can yo

his hand, "And Philip was kind enough

asked for your own daughter and you gladly consented? Oh God, I

months. And why don't you try it? You wanted to

father, "I can't believe this. Is this about what happened t

is part of

marry me off just because of what happened tw

t see that you're actually living a life with the way you're going

cause he was able to talk you i

ond, okay? I did it to save our

ad. You did it to save your precious

meday y

After all I

at's why I insisted the contract only last for six months. You can get

ound them once again. "You really planned it so well, didn't you?

I did it for you

not have been surprised if he said yes because that was just he

want her to feel happy knowing you'll be tying the knot so

Strindberg. Though she would love to leave him and go as far away as she could, she knew she could never do that. Her dad had been the first

nt anyway? Of all things, why me? He i

t said he has his reasons. But don't worry; I made him promise that he won

it too?" she as

take Philip's word. He's one o

h your own daughter." She knew her father was already suffer

, Cassy, I know that. But it's been two years. It's time you move on and take a plunge.

on. I've moved on. In fact, I would be ready for a new start-but not this way," she snapped, but did not hold bac

nd he nodded slowly, smil

ight century where women have gained their rights in society and family," she took her hand from her father'

. Knowing her mom, the old lady would jump in joy to learn that

ve me for thinking that way, but I'm still angry and I hope you understand. But no worries, I'm not running away. I'll be in that wedding so no need to check on me. See you there."

**

the ending spring and wishing she would die and wither with the

; she fumbled for it and frowned at the un

r clients. "Cassandra

," the oh-so-familiar voic

" she said dryly. "To what do

l be at your door by seven sharp. W

finish her question because he disconn

mi

led just a

trind

stood frozen in the middle of the sidewalk, fear and anxiety running through every cell of her body

et the clan yet! She