Shay's POV
By the time I reached home, our butler quickly informed me that my parents and siblings had already left for the event. I rushed to my bedroom, took a quick shower, slipped on a white formal dress and a pair of new high heels, hurriedly did my hair and makeup, and drove to the venue where the business event was taking place.
It took about twenty minutes to get there, and as soon as the valet opened the door for me, I quickly stepped out of the car and speed-walked inside.
My parents and siblings were just ahead, standing in front of a group of reporters and journalists whose camera flashes were nearly blinding them. I joined the line next to my older sister, Shelby, who gave me a side glance before turning back to smile at the cameras.
I followed them into the hall, and we took our seats in the front row, maintaining perfect posture and smiling like the "ideal" family we were supposed to be.
After the MC made the introductions, several board members from my father's company took turns presenting to the guests how well our business was performingâboasting about our perfect, never-ending profits and new international partnerships.
Essentially, the event was yet another opportunity for my father to showcase his success as a businessman and inflate his ego.
Straight after the main event, we moved to another large, empty room for a quick family photo shoot. A single couch was placed in the center where my parents sat, while the rest of us stood behind them in order of age from oldest to youngest.
I plastered a fake smile on my face, staring at the camera and waiting for the photographer's cue.
"Are those my new Jimmy Choo heels?" my other older sister, Shanelle, whispered angrily to me.
"No, they're mine," I replied.
She scoffed and glanced at my shoes.
"Stop lying. That's a limited-edition pair. I swear, if I find out those heels are mineâ"
"They're not yours!" I sharply whispered back, causing my mother to glance at us with a hint of annoyance.
Shanelle jabbed my arm, and I closed my eyes in frustration, trying to focus on the camera. She may only be a year older than me, but she acts as though she's much older, constantly bossing me around and making comments that drive me mad.
My nails dug into my palms so hard I didn't care if they started bleeding.
The moment the photographer declared we were done, I exhaled a sigh of relief and followed my parents to the car for the ride home.
My father rarely speaks to me at home, let alone looks me in the eye. The same goes for Shanelle, who always talks without thinking. He only discusses family business matters with Shelby and Shawn.
The tension in the house when we got back was unlike the usual. It felt like we were anticipating something big, and when Dad threw his suit jacket angrily to the floor, we knew it was time to retreat to our rooms before he vented his frustration.
"The monopoly strategy? Are you kidding me?!" he yelled at Shawn.
Shelby and Shanelle rushed upstairs, but I lingered at the base of the staircase, watching Shawnâwho always bore the brunt of Dad's anger.
Since Shawn had recently been appointed CEO of Falcon Group, Dad wasn't ready to retire just yet. He wanted to ensure Shawn could run the company independently, despite Shelby also helping with other business affairs. I was never close with my sisters.
Shawn was the only person I could rely on, and I knew he'd do anything for me.
"I took care of it, Dad," Shawn said calmly.
Dad stepped closer, hands on his hips, his face furious.
"Then why the hell did the marketing performance show only 5 percent? Do you think 5 percent is good enough to be included in the charts?"
Mom placed a hand on Shawn's shoulder, trying to calm Dad with quiet words.
"I don't give a damn!" Dad roared. "By tomorrow, I need that number erased, or you and your marketing team will have a problem." He stormed off, leaving Shawn to shoulder the burden yet again.
I always felt sorry for Shawn, who was constantly under pressure, but there was nothing I could do to help. Anytime I tried to intervene, Mom reminded me to stay out of it. Sighing, I returned to my room, took a shower, and got ready for bed, dreading another day of work tomorrow.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I was startled to find Mom standing in my room, arms folded and gaze fixed on the floor. I dried my hair with a towel and sat at my vanity in silence.
"Why were you late tonight?" she asked sternly.
"My yoga class ran longer than I expected. Sorry."
She turned and glared at me through the mirror.
"Sorry isn't good enough, Shay. Events like this are important for us to present as a family. Do you understand?" I nodded slowly.
"Your yoga classes and whatever else can wait. Clear your schedule for tomorrow afternoonâI've arranged for you to meet a very handsome and successful man who might be your future husband."
I spun around, frowning.
"What? Why, Mom? I told you I'm not ready for this."
She made a dismissive sound with her tongue, walking to the door.
"Don't be ridiculous, Shay. You're nearly 25, the perfect age to get marriedâjust like I did. And don't worry, he's not the only one in line. Just meet him and see if he's your type."
I stood up, laughing in disbelief.
"Why me? Shelby and Shawn are almost 30, but you're not forcing them to get married!"
Mom opened the door and gave me a cold, steady look that made my frustration boil over.
"That's because they still have important roles to play in this family. You, on the other hand, not so much."
With that, she left, slamming the door behind her. I ran my hands through my hair and groaned in anger. There was no way I was letting this arranged marriage happenânot when I was still working on my plan to leave this house for good and never look back.