Vaughn

Vaughn's Point of View

They have me engaged to someone without my approval. I can't believe this is happening to me, I thought I made myself clear I would never spend the rest of my life with someone I do not love, let alone someone from an aristocratic family like mine because I know so well how loathsome they can be. I just can't help but smack my hands to my face. I downed one glass of vodka in one sip.

"Bro, slow down. No one's after your drinks, alright? With that drinking habit of yours, you might end up dead on the floor anytime soon." Brook warned as he sipped his orange juice.

I leaned on my back arms wide open on the black sofa and looked at my best bro with my eyebrows drawn together.

"Why aren't you drinking, by the way? Don't you know how lonesome it is to drink by myself?" I spoke, barely finishing my sentence as I already feel my body whirling and reeling.

Afterward, I immediately downed another glass of liquor which I hardly gulped due to the urge of throwing up. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand as soon as I finished the glass.

Brook mixed his drink and with his cheeks slightly red, "You see bro, my girlfriend does not want me to drink as of this moment. You know, after what happened last week? She's furious bro, I'm telling you!" Brook exaggeratedly bolted.

"Why aren't you introducing her to us yet? Huh, I am quite curious as to who this girl is who tamed the legendary drunkard of the high society, Brook Fernandez, to stop drinking." I blurted out.

Brook fixed his hair with his right hand and spoke, "You guys will meet her soon. And for the record, I am not that alcoholic to be called a legend." Brook replied chin help up high.

My mouth pursed to a grin, "Really? It must be the reason when you were rushed to the hospital for passing out due to intoxication and then you asked the nurse who was about to administer IV, whether the bag contains vodka or tequila?" I turned hysterical while laughing.

"That was a long time ago, you are quite chatty for someone drunk huh? Besides, I am absolutely smitten with this feisty girl. So you better get used to drinking alone from this moment on." Brook spoke proudly.

"Psh, whatever. You keep on saying that whenever you meet someone new. Knowing a veritable casanova like you, that will only probably last in your hands for like a week or so." I retorted.

Brook stood up, "Bro, I swear! This girl's different-… you will see!" Brook exclaimed.

"Good for you then, you finally found a match. Best of luck." I said in surrender.

I looked at Brook seriously, "I am getting married."

Brook almost blew his juice out and looked at me with his mouth wide open, "Insane! This is your Dad's doing, isn't it?"

With drooping eyes, I nodded weakly. I know so well that Dad is the mastermind behind this engagement.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner! I would've just taken a sip of alcohol with you. Seriously, you're such a poor guy." Brook said expecting Vaughn to fight his statement back but instead…

Punching the table aggressively, "Yes, bro. I am that miserable."

"Why don't you tell them that you don't want any of this? All your family sees is the happy you, the considerate, perfect son, and all that you are except for these depressive episodes of yours. Don't you think it's about time you inform them to let you have your own life?" Brook blurted out of frustration.

"I want to, but just can't. All my life they made me feel I am obligated to obey whatever they say just because they gave life to me." I wistfully said.

"No disrespect bro, but how twisted is that mindset?" Brook said angrily.

I rubbed my temples, "We are supposed to meet her and their family tonight."

"What will you do? You can't go there like this, wasted." Brook replied.

"Well, arranged marriages are not that new in our circle, you know that." I said.

"So, do you know who this girl is?" Brook asked.

I shrugged as I have no idea who she is. I took one last drink from the bottle and afterward, no matter how hard I blink my eyes, I could no longer feel better as the world around me swirled and instantly turned to a vast black.

The next morning, I woke up from the sun's bright light glinting my eyes. From the looks of it, I passed out last night. I am certain Dad would come here inside my room anytime sooner to nag me about what happened last night.

Moments later, I heard violent footsteps rushing towards my room. Upon arrival, Dad immediately grabbed my collar with eyes almost bulging out in anger.

"Did I not make myself clear to you?!" Dad yelled and as he was about to punch me, Mom caught his fist from the back and said, "Landon! He could have had his reasons to do so so please, don't hurt him!"

Upon hearing Mom, he instantly let go of my collars and took a deep breath as he calmed himself down.

"I am sorry, Dad. I was out of my mind, I will make sure to make it up to them."

"That wouldn't suffice! They'll all be busy from now on. You missed last night's chance of meeting them!" Dad blurted out.

Mom reached for my shoulders and looked up to me in the eye, "Son, don't worry about it. Just focus on your journey in college, the next days would be so important for you. As you wish, you will not be attending South Dale University. This is a big decision for us so I expect you to live up to your promise." Mom spoke.

"Vaughn, we allowed you to attend Cebu Eastern University in exchange for your approval, live up to our deal," Dad said as he rushed out of the room.