USED

USED
I can't believe he just said that. How can he be planning to marry me off without even considering what I truly want?

If Eric were a complete stranger to me, would I be forced into this marriage just to support his company? I had been holding back from saying anything since the meeting started, but now, I can't stay silent any longer.

"Dad, can I talk to you for a moment?" My voice was firm, but my heart was racing.

"Sure, sweetie."

I turned and walked away, my father following closely behind. Once we were alone, I faced him, my frustration spilling out.

"Dad, what is wrong with you? Who gave you the right to say something like that back there?"

"I was only trying to help you." His voice was calm, but his eyes held an intensity I hadn’t seen before. "I know you have feelings for that young man sitting in there, but what I don't understand is why you’re not making a move.

Do you think I would have said that if I wasn't sure of your feelings? Gia, I know I've been the worst father, but your happiness matters to me."

His words caught me off guard, silencing the storm of emotions inside me. My anger wavered, replaced by a sudden wave of vulnerability. He knew. He had noticed my feelings for Eric.

"Was it that obvious?" My voice came out softer than I intended.

He smiled faintly. "You remind me so much of your mother when we were together. Did I ever mention that she was the one who made the first move?"

"Really?" My chest tightened at the mention of her.

"I'm sorry I never talked about her with you. I just… I didn’t want you to feel different because she’s no longer here." His voice carried the weight of years of unspoken regret.

He had no idea how much I had longed to hear him say those words. My throat tightened, my emotions threatening to spill over.

"You have no idea how I felt all these years, Dad. My mother died giving birth to me, and you never made time for me. You weren’t there for my graduations, my birthdays… You were never there. I always thought you blamed me for her death."

My voice cracked on the last word, and for the first time in my life, I saw guilt wash over my father’s face.

"No, sweetie. I would never do that. I’ve just always felt guilty because I know I failed you." My father's voice wavered.

"And the fact that you look so much like your mother… it tortured me. Every time I looked at you, I saw her. So, I thought distancing myself was the best thing to do."

"How was that the best thing to do?" My voice cracked with frustration. "You abandoned me, Dad. I wouldn’t have survived without Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell. They’ve been my backbone. They were there when you weren’t."

A heavy silence filled the space between us before he finally spoke.

"I'm sorry, Gia. I know I’ve been selfish for a long time. Please forgive me. I promise I’ll make it up to you."

"How?" I bit my lip, fighting back the tears burning in my eyes. How does he plan to make up for years of absence?

"I don’t know how… but I’ll start by trying to bring happiness into your life. I just hope your mother can forgive me for being such a failure to you."

I swallowed hard. "I hope so too… but can you really get Eric to marry me?"

I knew I sounded foolish. If Eric didn’t want to, it wasn’t like I could force him. But I couldn’t help it anymore—I wanted him. The mere thought of him with Hannah made my stomach twist. I hated that girl. I couldn’t imagine how she’d react if she found out I was marrying Eric.

"I won’t force him," my dad said gently. "But let’s just go back."

We returned to the table, and the moment we sat down, Eric’s worried gaze locked onto mine.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

"Yeah, I’m fine," I replied, though I wasn’t sure if I was convincing either of us.

My father cleared his throat. "My daughter has decided to marry your son—if he’s up for it."

Eric’s POV

I stared at Gia, waiting for an explanation. Was she really agreeing to marry me just to please her father?

I had wanted to ask her out, to take our time and figure things out—but marriage? That wasn’t something you rushed into.

I studied her expression, searching for answers, but she gave nothing away. What had she discussed with her father?

"I’ll marry Gia," I said finally, my own words surprising me as much as everyone else. "But… give us a month to think it through. If, after a month, we still feel the same, then we’ll get married."

Gia’s eyes widened, filled with uncertainty. I thought this was what she wanted—so why did she look so shocked?

"Son, are you sure about this?" my father asked.

"Yes. You know Gia, Dad. I’m sure Mom would approve of her immediately."

"I’m talking about you," he pressed. "What about Hannah?"

I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of my decision settle.

"Don’t worry, Dad," I said firmly. "I’ll break up with her."

Gia's POV

The moment Eric said he would break up with Hannah, I realized this had gone too far. I only wanted to see how he’d react to the idea of marrying me, but his expression gave nothing away. Maybe I shouldn't have let Dad bring it up in the first place.

"You don't have to break up with the girl you love just because of this," I snapped, my frustration spilling out. "Dad, let's drop the marriage talk. It's getting annoying."

"But our parents want us to get married for the betterment of their companies," Eric countered, his voice laced with obligation rather than sincerity.

"I'm not going to marry someone who barely cares about me."

"Are you saying I don’t care about you?"

"Do you?" I challenged, my patience wearing thin.

The argument escalated, drawing surprised glances from Mr. Cromwell and my father. I had never fought with Eric before, but today, his behavior infuriated me. With a sharp exhale, I pushed my chair back.

"Dad, I’m leaving. I'll see you around," I said, rising from the table. "And for the record, I already have my life figured out. I know I never shared anything about my relationships with you, but I am dating someone. And so is Eric. So let’s not rush into anything."

Without waiting for a response, I thanked Mr. Cromwell and walked out. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't believe any of this was happening.

I wanted to go home, but then I remembered Brianna wasn't there. Changing course, I headed for the hospital.

Brianna's POV

It had been hours since Dax left, and he still hadn't returned. The boredom was unbearable. Was I really going to be stuck in this hospital bed for months, unable to move around freely?

Lost in thought, I looked up just as Gia walked in. One glance at her face, and I knew something was wrong.

"Gia, what’s going on? You look like someone just slapped you across the face."

"It would have been better if that had happened," she muttered, plopping into the chair beside my bed.

"Then tell me what happened."

"I argued with Eric in front of my father and yours. I didn’t mean to, but he really got on my last nerve today."

"Wow… okay, calm down. Start from the beginning."

Gia let out a heavy sigh. "My dad wants Eric and me to get married so we can merge our families' companies. He thinks combining them will take us to another level."

I frowned. "Wait, your dad—who was never around for you—suddenly wants to dictate your marriage? Seriously?"

"I know, but… Brianna, he seemed sincere," she said softly. "He knows I have feelings for Eric, and he told me he wants to contribute to my happiness."

She smiled as she spoke, and my stomach twisted. She actually believed him. But I knew the truth. Her father was only using her, and it made my blood boil.

"Gia, your dad is manipulating you."

Her expression dropped. "What do you mean?"

I hesitated, but she needed to know. "Eric told me not to say anything, but I can’t keep this from you. Your father’s company is struggling—if he doesn’t get financial support, it might go bankrupt. He’s using your emotions and your feelings for Eric against you."

Gia froze, her face draining of color. "So… all that talk about Mom, all his apologies… they were just to get me on his side?"

"I’m sorry, Gia," I said, my heart aching for her. "But your dad just wants to use you to save his company."

Her lips pressed into a tight line. Without another word, she stood up.

"Brianna, I’ll be back."

"Wait—where are you going?" I asked, alarmed.

She ignored me.

"Gia, please don’t do something stupid," I pleaded, but she slammed the door behind her.

Panic settled in my chest. This was bad. Really bad. I grabbed my phone and quickly dialed Eric.

"Eric, we have a problem," I said the moment he picked up.

"What’s happening? Are you hurt?"

"No, but I told Gia about her father’s company… and how he’s trying to use both of you."

A long pause. "Brianna, I told you not to tell her."

"I know, but I couldn’t stand there and watch her believe his lies. She was happy, Eric—she actually thought her dad cared about her happiness. I couldn’t let her keep living in that fantasy when he’s just using her."

Eric cursed under his breath. "Where is she now?"

"I don’t know. She just stormed out of the hospital, and I can’t follow her because of my injured leg."

"I’ll call you back."

The call ended abruptly, and I tried calling Gia, but she wasn’t picking up. My chest tightened with guilt. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Maybe I should have let her hold on to that illusion just a little longer.

But it was too late now.