C h a p t e r O n e
Ry's POV
"Sign here," Uncle Barry, our family lawyer, pointed to the white document with his short, stubby index finger.
He's not my blood uncle, but I consider him as one. He's my father's, best friend. They have been since they were in diapers. I love Uncle Barry, he's always treated me like a son, despite not having any children of his own. He'd also got me out of trouble countless times, but today, he wouldn't be helping me out of this one. If his stoic face is an indication.
My eyes swept to dad's expressionless face as he gives me a single nod, cautiously watching me as he'd always done my entire life.
I gripped the pen in my hand, feeling it about to snap in my grasp.
I'm stalling.
"Sign here," Uncle Barry, our family lawyer, pointed to the white document with his short, stubby index finger.
He's not my blood uncle, but I consider him as one. He's my father's, best friend. They have been since they were in diapers. I love Uncle Barry, he's always treated me like a son, despite not having any children of his own. He'd also got me out of trouble countless times, but today, he wouldn't be helping me out of this one. If his stoic face is an indication.
My eyes swept to dad's expressionless face as he gives me a single nod, cautiously watching me as he'd always done my entire life.
I gripped the pen in my hand, feeling it about to snap in my grasp.
I'm stalling.
Of course, I am. This is so fvcking crazy. I thought that I was meeting dad here to discuss anything other than this bullshit.
My father and Mr. Marcus Vargas agreed that his daughter and I would marry once she turns twenty-one. The only problem is, I am only discovering about it right now.
Apparently, Mr. Vargases company was unstable and needed to merge, so he chose the most successful company globally, which was my father's.
I just turned eighteen a few days ago, and now I am sitting in a room with a marriage agreement staring right at me, fvcking taunting me with bold letters. I'm signing my life away to some girl that I've never seen or met before. I don't even know her name.
What in the fvck!
"Who is she?" I pinned him with my eyes, praying this was some kind of joke. "Why do I have to marry her?" Although I know why I have to marry her, which is such bullshit, I needed to know who she was.
My father and Mr. Marcus Vargas agreed that his daughter and I would marry once she turns twenty-one. The only problem is, I am only discovering about it right now.
Apparently, Mr. Vargases company was unstable and needed to merge, so he chose the most successful company globally, which was my father's.
I just turned eighteen a few days ago, and now I am sitting in a room with a marriage agreement staring right at me, fvcking taunting me with bold letters. I'm signing my life away to some girl that I've never seen or met before. I don't even know her name.
What in the fvck!
"Who is she?" I pinned him with my eyes, praying this was some kind of joke. "Why do I have to marry her?" Although I know why I have to marry her, which is such bullshit, I needed to know who she was.
"Don't worry yourself about her. You don't need unwanted distractions for now." Dad said, still regarding intently.
What the fvck does that even mean? This marriage proposal is an un-fvcking-wanted distraction. I had a million colorful words that were at the tip of my tongue, ready to paint Uncle Barry's office. Instead, I remained quiet. Although, I'm beyond livid about this arrangement.
I get to my car and get in. I sit there in complete silence, thinking about this whole fvcked up situation that I am in. I can't even comprehend what happened in Uncle Barry's office. It feels like a dream, and I'm just waiting to wake the fvck up.
Fvck!!!
I punched the steering wheel twice, the pain not even registering yet, but the throbbing comes eventually. How can our fathers decide our fate? How the fvck are we supposed to be happy after being forced into this deception?
I never wanted dad's company. I wanted to go to college and build my own company from the ground up with my best friends, Blaze and Shade, who I consider my brothers. We've been best friends since the age of seven and have been inseparable since. We did a lot of crazy shit growing up, some that could have exponentially landed our asses in jail multiple times, but Uncle Barry was always there to the rescue.
Shayde's parents were wealthy, so he's an entitled rich kid just like me. His father is the Chief Justice of the United States, and his mother was born with money who also inherited old money from her grandfather and father.
Blaze was an orphan at the age of three. He was told that his father skipped town and his mother died from an overdose. A middle-class couple, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw adopted him. They moved from Georgia to New York when Mr. Shaw got a promotion.
The three of us didn't become friends instantly. Shayde was the infamous troublemaker at five years old. He was always broody and a loner by choice.
"My condo tonight," Blaze said with a smug look, pulling my attention from Shade. "I'm having a few people over."
The last time he had said that he ended up having a shit ton of people, causing the cops to show up and shut the party down.
"I'll be working late, but I'll come by after." Shayde responded, still typing away.
The waiter takes our food and drink orders, then hurried back to the kitchen.
"What about you? Bring Lana," Blaze said after taking a sip of his water, eyeing me through the rim of the glass.
"I'll be there." I frowned.
I'm still pissed off.
"What's up with you?" Blaze asked, noticing my sour mood.
Shayde puts his phone down on the table. I could feel his gaze on my side profile, waiting for me to answer.
"I'm good," I lied. I was far from good.
They both stared at me, not convinced at all, but I was glad they didn't press on. I didn't feel like talking about it.
What the fvck does that even mean? This marriage proposal is an un-fvcking-wanted distraction. I had a million colorful words that were at the tip of my tongue, ready to paint Uncle Barry's office. Instead, I remained quiet. Although, I'm beyond livid about this arrangement.
I pushed back the bile that was creeping its way up my throat. I don't know if I needed to throw up or get into a fistfight.
"Ry!" Dad warned.
Why is he doing this to me? We are very close. We have a healthy father and son relationship. Sure, he's strict, but he loves me. I can't wrap my head around this agreement he's formulated.
He, along with mom, raised me right and made sure that I didn't become a member of a gang, or throw my life away on alcohol and drugs. So why was he doing this to me? I expect this behavior from mom, but dad? No! This is unlike him.
"Ry!" Dad warned.
Why is he doing this to me? We are very close. We have a healthy father and son relationship. Sure, he's strict, but he loves me. I can't wrap my head around this agreement he's formulated.
He, along with mom, raised me right and made sure that I didn't become a member of a gang, or throw my life away on alcohol and drugs. So why was he doing this to me? I expect this behavior from mom, but dad? No! This is unlike him.
I shifted my eyes to Uncle Barry, seeing him shake his head indirectly, a small inkling telling me to not cause a scene and do what I'm asked. He gives me a sympathetic smile and nods towards the pen I'm holding.
I clenched my jaw and signed the fvcking contract, slamming the pen down afterward. Rising to my feet, I glared at my dad. "Don't expect me to play nice."
I clenched my jaw and signed the fvcking contract, slamming the pen down afterward. Rising to my feet, I glared at my dad. "Don't expect me to play nice."
"Ry,"
"No!" I pointed to Uncle Barry, narrowing my eyes at him. "You out of all people should know that this is illegal."
"And you!" I shifted my eyes back towards the man I call dad. "I don't even know who you are anymore."
He doesn't even bat an eye. Typical dad.
I felt disgusted. That feeling of nausea and wanting to punch someone washing over me again. I was close to releasing my anger if I stayed in this office any longer, and I'm positive dad and Uncle Barry would not appreciate the outcome, so I walked away, hauling my anger along with me.
I get to my car and get in. I sit there in complete silence, thinking about this whole fvcked up situation that I am in. I can't even comprehend what happened in Uncle Barry's office. It feels like a dream, and I'm just waiting to wake the fvck up.
Fvck!!!
I punched the steering wheel twice, the pain not even registering yet, but the throbbing comes eventually. How can our fathers decide our fate? How the fvck are we supposed to be happy after being forced into this deception?
I never wanted dad's company. I wanted to go to college and build my own company from the ground up with my best friends, Blaze and Shade, who I consider my brothers. We've been best friends since the age of seven and have been inseparable since. We did a lot of crazy shit growing up, some that could have exponentially landed our asses in jail multiple times, but Uncle Barry was always there to the rescue.
Shayde's parents were wealthy, so he's an entitled rich kid just like me. His father is the Chief Justice of the United States, and his mother was born with money who also inherited old money from her grandfather and father.
Blaze was an orphan at the age of three. He was told that his father skipped town and his mother died from an overdose. A middle-class couple, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw adopted him. They moved from Georgia to New York when Mr. Shaw got a promotion.
The three of us didn't become friends instantly. Shayde was the infamous troublemaker at five years old. He was always broody and a loner by choice.
If I wasn't so pissed right now, I'd laugh at the irony because Blaze is the broody one now. Shayde is the carefree guy who gives no fvcks about petty people.
Blaze became the new kid. By then, we were seven years old. One day during lunch, Blaze was bullied by Tommy and Preston. I stepped in and helped Blaze kick their asses. The fight piqued Shayde's interest, and since then, we've become inseparable.
In Junior high, we were popular, especially with the girls. High school was no different. We joined the school's football team and partied like there was no tomorrow. None of us ever dated girls, it was always one-night stands, until Lana. I stopped all my bullshit when I met her.
My parents adored her. They commended her for saving me from partying and having meaningless sex with random chicks. Up to this day, I still don't know how Lana managed to do it. She changed me without me even realizing it.
My phone chimed, breaking me free from my thoughts. It was a text from my heartless father. He's really not, but at the moment he fvcking is.
Dad- Meet me in my study at 5 pm.
I internally rolled my fvcking eyes and dropped my phone down in the middle console. I started my car and drove out of the parking garage like a maniac, giving no fvcks about the law today.
I pull up to the pier to meet my brothers for lunch as we had planned. I'm amazed how I got here in one piece and the fact that I didn't get pulled over. I was definitely speeding on my way over here, running red lights and all.
Blaze became the new kid. By then, we were seven years old. One day during lunch, Blaze was bullied by Tommy and Preston. I stepped in and helped Blaze kick their asses. The fight piqued Shayde's interest, and since then, we've become inseparable.
In Junior high, we were popular, especially with the girls. High school was no different. We joined the school's football team and partied like there was no tomorrow. None of us ever dated girls, it was always one-night stands, until Lana. I stopped all my bullshit when I met her.
My parents adored her. They commended her for saving me from partying and having meaningless sex with random chicks. Up to this day, I still don't know how Lana managed to do it. She changed me without me even realizing it.
My phone chimed, breaking me free from my thoughts. It was a text from my heartless father. He's really not, but at the moment he fvcking is.
Dad- Meet me in my study at 5 pm.
I internally rolled my fvcking eyes and dropped my phone down in the middle console. I started my car and drove out of the parking garage like a maniac, giving no fvcks about the law today.
I pull up to the pier to meet my brothers for lunch as we had planned. I'm amazed how I got here in one piece and the fact that I didn't get pulled over. I was definitely speeding on my way over here, running red lights and all.
So yeah. Amazed.
Blaze and Shade were already seated in the corner of the cafe when I walked in. I pulled the chair out across from Blaze, plopping my ass down. Shade is frowning down at his phone as his thumbs type furiously.
"My condo tonight," Blaze said with a smug look, pulling my attention from Shade. "I'm having a few people over."
The last time he had said that he ended up having a shit ton of people, causing the cops to show up and shut the party down.
"I'll be working late, but I'll come by after." Shayde responded, still typing away.
The waiter takes our food and drink orders, then hurried back to the kitchen.
"What about you? Bring Lana," Blaze said after taking a sip of his water, eyeing me through the rim of the glass.
"I'll be there." I frowned.
I'm still pissed off.
"What's up with you?" Blaze asked, noticing my sour mood.
Shayde puts his phone down on the table. I could feel his gaze on my side profile, waiting for me to answer.
"I'm good," I lied. I was far from good.
They both stared at me, not convinced at all, but I was glad they didn't press on. I didn't feel like talking about it.
We fall into an easy-going conversation throughout lunch, then go our separate ways, agreeing to meet up later tonight.
Peeling off Katelyn's claws from my arm, I make my way to the kitchen needing another beer.
He must be drunk to even propose that offer to me. Like I said earlier, I wasn't some fvck boy my dad claims me to be.
He throws his arm over my shoulder, "Don't you ever miss sharing women?"
After my shower, I slipped on a pair of dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt. I walked downstairs and knocked, before entering my dad's study at five pm sharp.
His office was just as dark as his soul. Everything was dark. The walls, his desk, his furniture, decor, even the fvcking drapes. Funny how I'd not noticed it before.
"Have a seat, son," He said, pouring himself a drink from his minibar.
I sat on the chair facing his desk. I was already feeling the anger building deep inside me.
He sat in his chair and took a sip of his amber drink.
"This here," a folder glided on his desk towards me. "It's a contract of what you can and cannot do while you wait for your impending marriage."
I eyed the folder briefly, then flicked my eyes back to him.
"Just make sure you read it carefully. We can't afford for you to taint this marriage agreement." His tone was stern that matched his grim expression.
Taint? Jesus! Was he serious? I'm dating Lana, have been for two years. I wasn't some kind of fvckboy he claims me to be.
I kept my anger at bay, though I'm not going to lie, it was pretty damn hard to do, especially being around him since he threw me into the lion's den today.
Mom was worse. I couldn't stand being in the same room as her, and if I had to, my ass stayed as far as possible from her. Our relationship was estranged ever since she tried to send me off to boarding school when I was five. Dad went against it, thank God and his holy crew.
"Ry, did you even hear a word I just said?" Dad's voice brought me out of my thoughts.
I blinked and frowned at the folder.
"What am I to do with Lana? Just discard her like she's just some piece of trash?" I vehemently asked.
"I think you know what you have to do," His words only fueled my anger. I definitely needed to punch someone.
"Know this, I hate the fact that you put me in this predicament. You had no right. I can't see myself ever forgiving you," I spat out. "Why couldn't you just divorce mom and marry this chick instead?"
My dad raised a brow, he was amused, and the corner of his lips curved up slightly.
Smug bastard.
"You will thank me in the end, son," He said confidently, emphasizing the last word.
I grabbed the folder from his desk and stood up.
"I highly doubt it. Don't hold your breath if I were you." I fired back, storming out of his study.
"Have a seat, son," He said, pouring himself a drink from his minibar.
I sat on the chair facing his desk. I was already feeling the anger building deep inside me.
He sat in his chair and took a sip of his amber drink.
"This here," a folder glided on his desk towards me. "It's a contract of what you can and cannot do while you wait for your impending marriage."
I eyed the folder briefly, then flicked my eyes back to him.
"Just make sure you read it carefully. We can't afford for you to taint this marriage agreement." His tone was stern that matched his grim expression.
Taint? Jesus! Was he serious? I'm dating Lana, have been for two years. I wasn't some kind of fvckboy he claims me to be.
I kept my anger at bay, though I'm not going to lie, it was pretty damn hard to do, especially being around him since he threw me into the lion's den today.
Mom was worse. I couldn't stand being in the same room as her, and if I had to, my ass stayed as far as possible from her. Our relationship was estranged ever since she tried to send me off to boarding school when I was five. Dad went against it, thank God and his holy crew.
"Ry, did you even hear a word I just said?" Dad's voice brought me out of my thoughts.
I blinked and frowned at the folder.
"What am I to do with Lana? Just discard her like she's just some piece of trash?" I vehemently asked.
"I think you know what you have to do," His words only fueled my anger. I definitely needed to punch someone.
"Know this, I hate the fact that you put me in this predicament. You had no right. I can't see myself ever forgiving you," I spat out. "Why couldn't you just divorce mom and marry this chick instead?"
My dad raised a brow, he was amused, and the corner of his lips curved up slightly.
Smug bastard.
"You will thank me in the end, son," He said confidently, emphasizing the last word.
I grabbed the folder from his desk and stood up.
"I highly doubt it. Don't hold your breath if I were you." I fired back, storming out of his study.
Lana and I arrived at Blaze's condo a little after seven pm. My mind was all over the place. We've been dating for two years. We decided from the beginning to take things slow. We both didn't want to rush into things, although I knew that Lana wanted more; she was just too timid to say anything, thinking she might ruin things between us. I care for her a lot, and I know after tonight, there won't be anything between us. A sudden sadness consumed me, and I reluctantly refused to let it accompany me.
This fvcking sucks.
It wasn't fair to her or me. My stomach twisted, knowing I was going to break her heart in a couple of hours.
We walked inside and were greeted by Blaze. He handed me a beer while Lana went to say hi to a few friends. There were a lot of people everywhere as the music blared throughout the condo. How the cops aren't busting down his door right now had me enthralled.
"Hello, Ry. It's been a while." Katelyn purred in her sing-song voice.
"Hey, Katelyn." I took a deep breath and turned my attention to Blaze, who had a full-on grin on his face eyeing Katelyn and me.
This fvcking sucks.
It wasn't fair to her or me. My stomach twisted, knowing I was going to break her heart in a couple of hours.
We walked inside and were greeted by Blaze. He handed me a beer while Lana went to say hi to a few friends. There were a lot of people everywhere as the music blared throughout the condo. How the cops aren't busting down his door right now had me enthralled.
"Hello, Ry. It's been a while." Katelyn purred in her sing-song voice.
"Hey, Katelyn." I took a deep breath and turned my attention to Blaze, who had a full-on grin on his face eyeing Katelyn and me.
"Did you come alone?" She asked, grasping my forearm.
"No, and even if I did, you know that I'm with Lana." Not for long, I thought to myself, and my heart ached at the reminder that this is my last night with Lana.
Peeling off Katelyn's claws from my arm, I make my way to the kitchen needing another beer.
Katelyn and I had a thing way before Lana. We were both drunk one night and one thing led to another. I never touched her since then, and she never stopped trying to fvck again.
I see Shayde playing beer pong with a brunette in his arm in the dining room. He waved as he sees me, making a perfect shot into the cup. Everyone around him shouts out, congratulating him on his victory.
I see Shayde playing beer pong with a brunette in his arm in the dining room. He waved as he sees me, making a perfect shot into the cup. Everyone around him shouts out, congratulating him on his victory.
He leaned in to hear the girl tell him something, then he throws his head back in laughter. Shaking his head, he walked away from her and heads over to me. "Bro, that chick wants to know if you're down for a threesome?" He says, tilting his chin towards the brunette.
He must be drunk to even propose that offer to me. Like I said earlier, I wasn't some fvck boy my dad claims me to be.
He throws his arm over my shoulder, "Don't you ever miss sharing women?"
I scowled, "We never shared women."
"Tonight could be the night we do," His brows bounced playfully.
"Do what?" Blaze asked, taking my empty beer bottle and replacing it with a full one.
"Have a threesome," Shayde answered. "Foursome if you're down."
"I'm down," Blaze said nonchalantly. "Who's the lucky lady?"
Before Shayde can point her out, Lana walked up to me, and I can't help the knots twisting in my stomach again. She looked so beautiful and innocent. She has no idea that tonight I'd be breaking her heart.
I pulled her into me as Shayde and Blaze walked over to the brunette.
"Are you okay?" Her eyes roamed over my face.
"I'm good. Are you having fun?"
"I am but you don't look like you're enjoying yourself," Her hands circled my waist and holds me. Almost as if she knows what's about to come. "What's the matter?"
My heart begins to beat rapidly, if there was no music, she'd be able to hear it. There is no way I'm breaking up with her at a party. I need to put on a brave face just until we leave from here.
"I'm good," I repeated, leaning down to kiss her lips, trying my best to convince her. And it helped because she's now sporting a bright smile.
Around midnight, I said my goodbyes and took Lana home. I pulled up to her driveway, and we sat there in silence.
Just do it, Ry. It has to be done.
"Lana, we need to talk," I didn't mean for my voice to come out cold and gruff.
She shifted in her seat to face me. Her eyes were full of worry as she stared at me.
Fvck.
I didn't want to hurt her. That was the last thing on my damn mind, but I had to end it with her before it was too late and things got messy.
Just do it, Ry. It has to be done.
"Lana, we need to talk," I didn't mean for my voice to come out cold and gruff.
She shifted in her seat to face me. Her eyes were full of worry as she stared at me.
Fvck.
I didn't want to hurt her. That was the last thing on my damn mind, but I had to end it with her before it was too late and things got messy.
I swallowed and forced the words out of my mouth. "I can't see you anymore. This has to end. I'm sorry."
Her dark blue eyes meet mine, "Why? I don't understand, Ry," Her voice trembled as tears filled her eyes.
Her dark blue eyes meet mine, "Why? I don't understand, Ry," Her voice trembled as tears filled her eyes.
There was no easy way to do this. Lana had been nothing but sweet and caring. She didn't deserve this, and it was eating me up inside.
After a few moments of silence, I break it.
"I don't expect you to understand, Lana. You deserve someone better." I averted my eyes; I couldn't bear to see her break in front of me or the other way around.
After a few moments of silence, I break it.
"I don't expect you to understand, Lana. You deserve someone better." I averted my eyes; I couldn't bear to see her break in front of me or the other way around.
I heard her sob softly, and I closed my eyes. She was hurting, and I was too, and there was nothing that I could do to take away her pain.
"You're right. I do deserve better, Ry." She whispered. I thought she was taking the break up well, but nothing prepared me for what she'd said next.
"I deserve you." She got out of the car, and at that moment my heart broke into a thousand pieces.
I am truly sorry, Lana.
"You're right. I do deserve better, Ry." She whispered. I thought she was taking the break up well, but nothing prepared me for what she'd said next.
"I deserve you." She got out of the car, and at that moment my heart broke into a thousand pieces.
I am truly sorry, Lana.
