Loving Scarlet

Ch 1: Puppet Master

Growing up the only daughter of Mr.Ethan Cross president and founder of Cross industries has made my life easier in a way. I've been raised to be the perfect pawn to benefit our company learning proper manners. taught by the best tutors I was able to graduate high school earlier than most. Protected from the world around me I was locked away in this estate far from others. After that fatal car accident where I lost my mother, My father became cold towards me and everyone around him. It broke my heart seeing him drastically change. He was so kind and warm but now, now I don't even recognize my own father.  As to not disappoint him I follow every rule and maintain the image of the perfect heiress. I haven't talked to my father in years which is why I was surprised when I was summoned to his study. I take a deep breath before knocking *Knock Knock* "come in'' I hear a stern voice say behind the door" I carefully open the door and walk-in. "You wanted to speak to me father?" I don't dare look at his eyes. "sit" he commands, taking a seat in front of the fireplace. I wait quietly for him to speak. "I have finally found a good use for you Scarlet" a crooked smile shows on his face sending a shiver down my spine.  "We are about to have an important partnership soon" he pauses taking a sip from his glass "so that this goes smoothly I have offered them your hand in marriage to show our goodwill. You will be engaged to The CEO's second-oldest son" placing his glass down he pours more brown liquid into the now empty glass. "We will have an engagement party this Friday." My eyes widen at his announcement. I'm barely 16 why? He turns a questioning gaze towards me "if it's for the best of the company I will do as you say" a smile comes to his face "Good! Now leave I have no further business with you" excusing myself I leave the study.

    Closing the door to my room I slide down tears flowing out "why?!" I don't want to marry someone I've never met. I knew I would marry someone my father approved off but I thought I at least would be able to choose who. To get to know them and know they would love me for who I am. Who I am? Ha, and who am I but a puppet for my father to use as he pleases I clench my hands turning my knuckles white. Curling up into a ball I continue crying myself to sleep. I don't notice when my body is lifted off the floor and placed in my bed. Waking up I see Sebastian bringing in a tray. "I thought you might want to eat breakfast in bed this morning" I smile at him. He's the only friend I have inside this cage he's been taking care of me ever since my mother died. His family has been working for ours since my 4th great grandfather. Five years older than me he's been like a brother to me always kind and making sure I'm alright "did he tell you already" placing the tray down on the table he frowns "yes..... he wants you to go find a dress for tomorrow nights engagement party" wrapping my arms around my chest "it's not fair Sebastian, I really thought he just wanted to talk to me finally after all this time I thought he cared" I turn away holding back tears "I am just a puppet for him to use as he sees fit. I don't even know who I am anymore" he walks towards me hugging me close to his chest "stop it, Scarlet, you are a beautiful, smart, kind girl don't let him make you question who you are....now eat your breakfast and get changed I'll wait for you downstairs." he lets me go "why don't you eat on the balcony the garden has bloomed beautifully you'll enjoy the view." he walks over opening the huge curtains covering the doors. Opening the doors lets in the crisp morning air. Coming back inside he grabs the tray he had placed on the table and takes it to the table outside on the balcony. I nod he smiles and leaves my room. He's right walking out towards the balcony I see all the beautiful flowers in full bloom.

    After I finished getting ready I head downstairs toward the front door were Sebastian is waiting by the car. Seeing me walking down the steps he opens the door for me I slide into the car. Walking around he opens the other door and sits beside me. The ride towards the El Palacio was quiet I didn't feel like talking even with Sebastian our driver stops near the front entrance he gets out to open the door for me I step out and stare, El Palacio one of the most exclusive shopping centers in the area. Inside it was filled with designers and name-brand boutiques to even be let in you had to pay for a VIP card. I look around dreading having to buy a dress knowing the party was one day away. "Ms. Cross?" I turn to look at Sebastian "I'm sorry my mind is somewhere else" I smile wearily. "It's alright let's go in here first" grabbing my hand he drags me into a boutique I try on dress after dress not quite finding one that I like. We go around to other boutiques I'm so tired we haven't found anything "I'm done there's nothing here can we please head home Sebastian" he chuckles "just one more if we don't find anything there well head home" I nod "look" he pulls me into La Arcana Boutique I try a couple of dresses at first but I still don't feel they're the right one. "here try this one on" he gives me a long mahogany dress. I go to put it on looking at the mirror it perfectly hugs my body the slit on the dress stops mid-thigh and the halter neckline makes it look elegant turning around I see the open back plunging down stopping just above my butt. I love it this is it. I walk out to show Sebastian a smile on my face. His jaw drops *cough cough* "it looks amazing on you" we have the girl wrap it up and head home.