Trapped In His Vows

LANCASTER'S MANSION, MALIBU.

20th AUGUST, 2018, 1:20 pm

"I'm home!" Heather cooed as she stepped onto the porch. The summer sun released very radiant rays. The sky was crystal clear, not a sign of rain was seen. The gardeners were tending the garden gracefully. The Lancasters' mansion stood in a quiet Malibu enclave, its modern yet timeless design echoing the serene whispers of the Pacific.

It hadn't been this quiet since last winter.

The trunk of the limousine slammed shut, its abrupt sound slicing through Heather's thought.

The porter smiled and signaled to the driver, who revved the engine as he stepped out of the driveway and headed toward the garage.

The porter picked up Heather's luggage and walked gracefully toward where Heather stood.

Heather rang the doorbell. No one answered. She turned back to the porter, who was now struggling to lift the heavy bags up the stairs.

"Is no one in?" Heather called out, concern etched across her face.

Mrs. Davis, the porter, pretended not to hear her-just this once. Or had she always known what went on behind those doors? She simply glanced, lifted her head, offered Heather a tight-lipped smile, and continued hauling the luggage.

Heather let out a sigh, shaking her head almost instinctively. Maybe Mrs. Davis hadn't heard her. Or perhaps she didn't understand. Was she even from California? Shrugging the thought aside, Heather pushed the doors wide and stepped into the living room.

"I'm home-" Her voice trailed off to a whisper. She glanced once warily around the living room, her eyes darting from face to face. Her eyes finally came to rest on her dad's, Mr. Lancaster's, and she furrowed her brows in confusion.

Why was there a meeting going on without her knowledge or consent? And who was the stranger sitting across the room, smirking at her? She couldn't help but notice him – his entire aura seemed off.She looked again at him, this time with distaste.

"What's going on here?" she asked, trying to maintain her voice level, as a creeping sense of unease rose up her spine. She glanced at her dad and breathed out. Mr. Lancaster looked at his daughter,his eyes pleading that she doesn't cause a scene. He had known her. He cleared his throat.

"Dad, what's going on here?" She asked again,this time with a stern voice.

"Heather dear, welcome,do have a seat" her dad finally spoke up as he gestured towards the chair across from him, silently urging her to sit. His voice had this calmness yet eerily soulless.

"I refuse to sit till I know what's going on here–won't anyone answer the damn question?" Heather cuts in abruptly, her frustration boiling all over.

If he's not gon' tell her,I will. Tyler thought to himself.

"Er..." Tyler started but was silenced by the glare Mr. Lancaster shot him. Tyler heaved a sigh and sunk into his chair.

Mr. Lancaster motioned to Julian with a satisfied smile."This is Mr. Julian Carter. A highly successful man, one of the best in real estate." Heather glanced at Julian,her stomach was in a knot. "Okay...and?" Heather said, her brows creased, her tone carrying a hint of exasperation. Mr. Lancaster cleared his throat, his expression turned firm.

"And...you're going to marry him."

"Excuse me?" She interrupts sharply,stunned. Tyler snorted. His dad, Mr. Lancaster, gave him a deadly look. Tyler glued his eyes to his phone, acting like nothing happened.

"What? Married? To him?" She gestured towards Julian and gave a hollow laugh. "This is insane" She pressed a hand to her forehead, shaking her head almost at once.

"No, Dad, I can't marry him. He's a total stranger–we barely just met". She protested, her gaze desperate.

"It's the best decision for the family. Besides, we won't be strangers for long". The stranger, Julian, finally spoke as he stood up. "Julian Carter" He extended a hand towards her. Heather looked him up and down.

" Excuse you? If you don't know shit,shut it!". Repulsion twisted her features. Who the hell does he think he is? Julian smirked,lowered his hand and settled in his seat.

"Language!" Louis muttered through clenched teeth.

"Dad?, are you not going to say anything?" She turned back to her dad trying not to picture her life with this monster.

"I know your mum won't approve of this but Mr. Julian is right, it's the best decision for us dear." He spoke as he stared blankly at her, his words were measured.

"Don't! Don't you dare drag mum into your shit" Heather wore a stern look this time.

"You're unbelievable" she spat out. "So you want to marry me off just like that, like I'm some asset or some prize to be won. What reason do you have for doing this? What reason–?"

"He's investing in the company" Her dad interjected.

"Oh!" Her purse fell from her grip without her noticing. "So that's what this is about. This is all about you, huh? Like I don't even matter" she swallowed hard and let out a deep sigh. She tried to blink back hot tears that had begun to build up in her eyes.

"Louis? Tyler? So you guys knew about this and couldn't let me in on it or something,Tyler?" Tyler glanced at her. Their gaze met. Her eyes read betrayal. She had begun to choke on her words. She shook her head in disbelief and let out pent-up breath in a sigh.

Tyler wanted to speak but on second thought, he decided that now wasn't the right time.

Mrs. Davis walked in. "My apologies sir, good day sir," she spoke rather hastily. The room was quite suffocating.

Heather interrupts her,"You too..." as she walks toward Mrs. Davis "you had an idea about this I believe, you're the worst"

Heather paused.

She shut her eyes and heaved a sigh. Heather was trying her best to keep cool, she definitely didn't want to lose it.

She clenched her fist and let out another sigh.

"Good talk everyone". She said with a forced smile and headed for the stairs.

The room was pin-drop silent. For a moment, no one dared to exchange glances.

Heather had started ascending the stairs when Julian called out to her, "The name's Julian Carter, it was nice meeting you by the way."

Heather halted.

This guy really got some nerves, she thought. She turned back to him. She started walking towards him, then hesitated.

"You know what...?"