Chapter 11

I, Hannah Cooper, have hit the epitome of a life full of drama. 

How did I get myself into this? . 

I had chosen to remain at home over the last few days. Jackson and I were not in direct contact. We're both dealing with a lot of things. majorly the storm that his father started and his decision to act oblivious about it. When he left here he seemed rather angry. but more at me than his father. I seem to catch the idea that he expected me to act in a certain way to which I disappointed him. but I didn't care. There were much more important things for me to deal with than pleasing an arrogant man like himself and his father. 

'Hannah, come down, dinner is ready.' My mother, whose character had changed completely over the last 3 days, called me down for supper. I put down my laptop hitting send on the last paper I was supposed to do for my final exam. I went down the flight of stairs realizing that the entire family was waiting for me. My dad had this weird smile on his face that never seems to go away. the both of them had been acting strangely. but I assumed it was because of the billionaire's who had shown up in our house. 

'Hannah after you eat, there is something we need to talk to you about. my mother said as my father held her hand. if this is about marrying the billionaire again I'm not interested. That decision has to be something intimate. if we don't love each other enough then that isn't going to work.' I explained, lying through my teeth. I knew that sooner or later we would have to marry. I wasn't stupid. While the closest in our contract only stated an argument about a situation that revolved around a fake relationship sooner or later the results that Jackson expected had to come with a fake marriage as well. However, I did not trust my parents enough to let them know about our situation. or about any of our plans. Jackie is the only person who knows.

'It's about something else. We finally understand what you meant and we agree. Marriage is not the solution to everything.' My father said,and I felt freaked out. He never just agreed with everything I said. and he never accepted defeat or said that I was right. 

' What's going on? I pressed, not able to contain myself. 

' It's just that we think you should move away.'

'What?' My voice was filled with shock as I walked closer towards them. My little brother Heyman and my sister Jessie were seated on opposite sides of the dinner table as they all stared at us. 

'Come on dear. move away. Raise your child in a different environment. forget about the billionaire. He doesn't care about you.' 

' What? Why are you suddenly saying this? A few hours ago you were convincing me to think about the baby and now…'

'That is still what we are doing. We are thinking about the baby. You are much better off living in a different city. A different country even. You have a passport. You can travel the world. Live life how you truly wanted it to.'

' Do you know how expensive that is? And besides, Jackson wants to be as involved with this pregnancy as humanly possible. He wants to help raise his child and I cannot deny my child a father.' 

I felt like I was having the same argument all over again. only this time it wasn't with my best friend it was with my parents. What was wrong with everyone and why were they suddenly changing sides? 

'What's going on?' I stared at my father while my mother avoided my eyes. I smelled something fishy. fancy meals. the new range of decor that had been brought into our house. the new fridge. even the jacuzzi. something was off. 

'Hannah, you know we want the best for you.' my father suddenly got up as he moved towards me. Your mother and I made a decision..'

' What did you do? I asked, feeling a sense of déjà vu. 4 years ago my parents had made a decision that almost crippled my education. they had taken out my college fund which I myself had been saving and they had decided to squander it up on my mother's birthday and the rest of it to God knows where. I had an ugly feeling at the bottom of my stomach that day when they did it. and that feeling is the same as right now. 

' Hannah please.' My mother cooed, as she smiled slightly. 'You have to understand that we're always thinking about you and what would be best for you. We are your parents and we love and care for you so much.'

That has never been something they ever said or believed in. My foster parents did not believe in love or care. they believed in neglect. In abuse. and over the 13 years I had stayed with them I had gotten used to it. but I had learnt to protect my siblings from them. 

'Your father and I accepted a small contribution from Mr Michael in good faith that you will make the right decision.'

'What? What are you saying? What are you talking about?' I broke down. I felt like the world was swirling around me.

' Honey please come down. Come have a seat here.' I moved back when my mother tried to touch me. I felt like the world around me was spinning. I was afraid of the answer she was afraid of giving. but my father did little to spare my feelings. 

He looked me straight in the eye and for a split second I was convinced he was enjoying my pain. 

' Mr Michael is a reasonable man. and you are our daughter, we know what's best for you. We took a small contribution from him in exchange that you would not go near Mr Jackson ever again. there is much better you can do with your life other than following a childish man.'

' How dare you!' I gasped. 'How much money did you take? I sounded every syllable out with spite and anger. 

My father got up and walked towards me, marching my tone. 

' 130,000 euros.' he said and my heart dropped.