Page 58 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
When my dad returns a moment later, his face is still dark. “This is unacceptable. I can’t forgive you just like that, Alex,” he says. “Please leave now.”
Alex hesitates for a moment and says, “Please, hear me out. I’m sorry, John, but there’s something else I need to discuss with you.”
“Well, let me guess,” my dad says. “You’ll have to marry her now because your parents want it to happen?”
My mouth falls. Shit. Now what do we do?
Alex looks embarrassed. Obviously, he can’t bring himself to say yes.
I rack my brain for an answer and quickly make up my mind. “No, Dad! You guess it wrong. We’re going to marry, but it’s not because his parents want us to, but because… we…we love each other.”
My dad’s mouth falls to the floor. He glances at us again. “That’s absurd, Vivian. You’re lying.”
I shake my head vigorously. “I’m not. I’ve loved Alex since high school. That’s why I volunteered to be his fake date.”
I’m not lying, but I still feel embarrassed. I can’t look at Alex even though he probably thinks I’m acting.
“That’s silly,” my dad chides. “That’s not love. It’s just a crush. Alex isn’t the right guy for you.”
I’m going to argue, but Alex helps me out. “What do you mean? Why am I not the right guy for her?”
“Come on, man. Vivian isn’t your type! You like mature women. Glamorous and vain women like Trisha who look good in public.” My dad sounds sarcastic.
I cringe when I hear the name, and Alex sighs. “Thanks for pointing out my ignorance. John. But Trisha is precisely the reason I realized my mistakes, and she’s no longer my type,” he says calmly. “Besides, Vivian isn’t immature at all. And she is smart and beautiful.”
Although I know he’s trying to convince my dad, I can’t help but let his words deceive me. Does he really think so?
When my dad pauses, Alex says, “I love your daughter, John. And want your blessing.”
Tears are starting to well up in my eyes. Oh my God. He’s such a good actor.
“You must be kidding me,” my dad grunts. “I’m not going to let a womanizer ruin my daughter’s life!”
I gasp at my dad’s remark. He’s never said something so mean to his best friend.
Alex’s face also pales. “So that’s what you think of me? A womanizer?”
“A rich, good-looking, pompous womanizer,” my dad responds derisively.
“Please, Dad,” I speak. “I’m an adult, and we don’t need your permission, but Alex is asking for it because he respects you. The least you can do is to respect him back.”
My dad’s jaw falls, and his nostrils flare again. “Ungrateful little brat. Get lost! Both of you!”
I can’t believe what I hear and I stare at my dad without blinking. He’s never shouted at me like that. When has he become so unreasonable?
Alex pulls me into his arms. “Please, John. It isn’t Vivian’s fault.”
When my dad doesn’t look at us or speak, I struggle out of Alex’s embrace and say, “Fine. I’ll go pack.”
I go down to the basement, with Alex following me.
Chapter 25
Alex
I drive in silence. Vivian is sitting next to me in my Porsche. She’s packed many essentials into her suitcase, saying she plans to stay in my condo until she leaves for France. I rejoice at the fact despite how it turned out between John and me.
I guess she’s processing the meeting with John earlier, probably feeling as guilty as I am in deceiving her dad. I’m grateful for her help. Although I would rather tell John the true reason for the wedding, which was my dad’s health, at the moment, I just couldn’t ask his permission for another scam.
