A selfish request

I received a call from Yvette while I was reading a book that night.

[I'm so sorry, Nathan. I didn't realize that they were planning on taking me back. I thought I had the time to think for myself.]

Her tone was solemn. It's hard to grasp that this girl was just happy a few hours ago and now she's looking dejected because of what happened.

And I couldn't do anything beyond that point. I don't have that much authority to back her up because I'm nothing more than a scapegoat for her plans.

"It's alright. I'm just glad that they didn't do anything to you. I was actually worried a while ago." I responded.

[Haha! Worried about me, huh? Are you finally succumbing to my womanly charms, boy?] she teased.

"Dream on."

[Harsh... To be honest, I feel like we're a good match. I'm so proud back then when I flexed you to the whole campus.] I could hear her giggle on the other side.

"And because of that, I got into lots of trouble and misunderstanding. But well, at least it helped you relieve the stress. Are you going to be okay?" I asked.

I'm curious about what that head servant told her about me getting dragged into their family affairs. With the two servants watching us, they should be aware that I don't have any plans of interfering. I only helped Yvette since she requested me to do it.

But now I'm starting to feel like an idiot. Watching someone gets taken via coercion or threat is not my cup of tea.

I would've taken her somewhere else if only that servant didn't make that comment.

Yvette gradually followed his advice because I know that she cares about her companions. And if she's not going to follow that, I might get involved in something nasty as well. And it's also the same if I interfered.

In order to divert their attention, I must...

[I think I'll be fine for now. I just got back home and my parents want me to reflect. I still have time, so umm... I hope you stay with me until the end.] Yvette answered with a plea.

"Yes, I'll stay with you until the end..."

[That makes me feel better. Thank you, Nathan]

The call ended and I stared outside through my room's veranda.

I'll stay with you until the end but I have to apologize...

Because starting tomorrow, I'll be the one to destroy you first, Miss Yvette...

***

In order to save Miss Yvette from her problem, one must do the dirty work and build your way up until everyone that is connected to her won't touch her anymore.

And to do that, I need to get rid of her hope first.

That's right. I'm going to destroy what's empowering her to resist and use that as an opportunity to catch the enemy off guard.

Miss Yvette's way of resisting hauls out the problem without any optimal solution. In other words, we've reached a point wherein both parties had their way blocked by an impasse.

That's why, from this point on... I'm going to be the one to act.

The school ended quite early and everyone already left the campus.

I was waiting in a nearby shed as the rain washes out the field. I forgot to bring my umbrella so I was waiting for it to stop.

But there's one more reason why I'm not leaving this post. And that is because...

"So you two are actually monitoring me just like what she said..." I heaved a sigh and turned to the two lackeys watching me from behind.

"We deeply apologize if that makes you uncomfortable, Sir Nathan Sumirez. My name is Rodney, and this is Lance." Rodney introduced themselves.

These two have been watching me for quite a while so I figured I should use them to initiate the plan.

"Is there anything you want from me?" I asked respectfully.

"I'm sorry if this is going to offend you in some way but... If I may ask, please stay out of Miss Yve's issue and leave her alone." although Rodney didn't say that with a bad tone, he stared sharply at me.

"Leave her alone? You do know that she specifically requested for me, right?" I replied.

"Yes. We're well aware of that. However, even if you go out with her, the inevitable won't stop. Miss Yve is just prolonging her suffering by staying with you." Lance bowed.

I agree with that one, but let's stir them up first to see if there's any reaction.

"Are you really sure about that? Are you okay with disregarding your Mistress' feelings for the sake of their family's selfishness and prestige?" I asked.

"Unfortunately... We can't do anything about it." Rodney and Lance hung their head in despair.

"Miss Yve will be the next one in line to inherit the company of her parents. It's natural because they're a family renowned for establishing many companies and they have a lot of connections to prestigious families that support their investments." Rodney explained.

"Their family has a lot of competitors. I'm pretty sure you're aware of that already. They're a powerhouse that cares about its properties. They're trying to strive by topping them all out." Lance added.

While I'm not sure if their company or business is in trouble, I guess it makes sense for them to seek help from other investors and bring them up to a certain degree in order to push away those who are impounding their assets.

And if they can't pay for that, a joint collaboration between two companies or business partners will be incited.

But the medium was an arranged marriage between their son and daughter.

"In other words, they're just using Miss Yvette as a tool for business partnership?" I asked them in a rough tone.

"It's not like that!" Lance refuted. "This kind of setup is common for the rich world... But well, I guess you could say that it's pretty awful."

"Rich families are inclined to avoid reaching an impasse or standoff with the others in order to lessen marketing warfare and point-blank competitors. Yve's arranged marriage will definitely influence a lot of people in a good way and help them. And besides, that kind of responsibility has been given to her ever since she was born." Rodney spoke in a realistic view.

They're stubborn, I guess I should drop the act already.

"That kind of mindset is kinda outdated, don't you think?" I provoked them and they stared at me. "You two should already face the reality. You don't actually want Yvette to get chained up in her pre-destined path, right?"

Rodney and Lance widened their eyes.

"What makes you think that?" Rodney asked.

"It's because if you really want her to be like that, you could've coerced Yvette just like what that old servant did yesterday," I answered.

Rodney and Lance didn't interfere with my date with Miss Yvette yesterday.

Their actions didn't seem to be in a form of obedience but rather, they didn't do anything because they wanted Miss Yvette to have fun with me while being fully aware of her situation.

It's obviously a pretense because both of them are families serving Miss Yvette's family. But you can't deny that these two are her best friends as well.

Rodney and Lance looked at each other and sighed.

"So you noticed, huh? That's right. We actually watched your date yesterday and it seems to be a good strategy but... we can't support it." Lance said.

"It's because if she refused the marriage, no one would support her family, right?"

"Yeah. That's why I need you to stay away because you might get dragged deeper into this turmoil. Miss Yvette also wishes that for your own sake..." Rodney answered.

At this point, I got all of the information that I need now. All that's left is to do that.

"I understand. If that's how it is then I'm not going to see Miss Yvette anymore." I declared.

"Thank you for understanding..." Rodney and Lance bowed but I wasn't finished yet.

"That's why I have another suggestion..."

"What?"

"In order to destroy the shackles that are binding your Mistress, we need to destroy her competitors first and bring back the glory of being a powerhouse to her state." I closed my eyes.

"You... what are you planning to do?" Lance asked.

"We'll lay a trap and you two are going to help me..." I held out an object and gave it to Rodney. "You wanted to save her as well, right? Then stop being a wussy and assert your dominance to help her."

Both of them contemplated my suggestion but it didn't take too long to come up with an answer.

"So what do you say...?"

"We understand. We're going to cooperate with you for the sake of Yve."

***

That day, Yvette's father received an ominous letter that has something to do with her marriage.

I see. So this is the only way, huh...?

The letter was full of details regarding the venue that is going to get used for Yvette's engagement party.

All that's left to do is for him to prepare things up and follow what the other party desires.

They can't back down anymore especially after getting threatened.

Yvette must absolutely attend the engagement party. otherwise, we'll get...

***

Yvette was waiting outside the gate.

She tried contacting Nathan but she couldn't connect through his cell.

Jeez, what's that guy doing? We need to go out now...

Suddenly, while she was fiddling with her phone, a white car pulled out in front of her and a man got out.

Yvette got surprised when she saw him.

"You..."

The man was looking majestic in his white tuxedo. His hair has been brushed up to keep his handsome face from getting tarnished with his bangs and he exudes an alluring smell coming from an expensive cologne.

It was Yvette's supposed-to-be fiancé, Vincent.

"What are you doing here?" Yvette asked in a harsh tone.

"Fufu, that's quite a greeting, Yvette. I just wanted to see how you're doing. I can't wait for the engagement party..." Vincent confronted her.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not going to that party and I already have a boyfriend..." Yvette countered.

"Pfft— Haha! Really? A boyfriend? Your joke goes way too far, Yvette. This is why I like you. But you know that it won't work, right?" Vincent slithered to her side and hang his arm around her shoulder.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's say that you called off the arranged marriage, you're well aware that your family's assets are at stake, right? The reason why your family tried to tie the ropes between is that they can't re-organize the company and drive the usurpers off. If you can't marry me, say goodbye to your family's achievements" he giggled.

"Tsk..."

Vincent then turned around to go back.

"We'll meet again soon, Yvette. I'm expecting your arrival at the Venue. Oh, and if you like, maybe you can bring your so-called boyfriend as well to watch our wedding. That'll be fun!" he sneered.

"You bastard..." Yvette muttered a curse as she watched him drive off.

She then tried to contact Nathan again to ask for help.

After a few attempts, Nathan picked up.

"Hello?! Nathan? I need you here, please..." she pleaded.

Yvette was happy when Nathan answered her call.

However, that lasting hope and joy got cut off in an instant because of his next words.

[Sorry, Miss Yvette. I don't want to take part in this anymore. Please follow what your parents' desired for your sake.]

Beep.