Don't forget to vote and share with your friends and love ones

Inside me was an alarm bell that woudn't stop ringing loudly. 

My whole world was suddenly plummeting down to hell.

"I'm sorry, but did I hear my parents say "engaged" ?" I stuttered as the words tumbled out one by one. I became completely unaware of the people around me. The last thing I needed was to hear that my life was actually becoming chaotic. 

I couldn't believe I had just heard it coming from my own mother, who was always against talking about marriage or let alone having a boyfriend. My dad ? I can't even begin.

"I refused to accept him as my fiance." I announced boldly as I made eye contact with my parents. My mom turned her head towards my Dad.

"Told you so." But he just kept a steady gaze.  

This came out of nowhere. 

I mean not now - like if I was like 55 then hell yeah but what the fuck? I was just beginning to live life and now I'm going to be turned into a wife...

Isn't this illegal?

 Further more how could that possibly happen without me knowing something like this actually was going on.

 "For God's sake I'm just 15!" I cried out in total frustration. Everyone's attention turned too me. "Oops."

My Dad sighed. "Can you all please leave me and Scarlet alone?" and gestured towards the door. "I need to explain something to her." 

"Tsk. Hell yeah you should." I cussed in my mind. "What's up with all of them barging in anyways like as I if they came to wish a dying person."

They all left in silence. Archers left the last before giving me one last look and closed the door behind him.

"You too dear," he said to Mom. 

"Are you sure?" she asked and pointed towards me. He just nodded.

Once she was gone I exploded.

"Dad how could you do this? How could any of this actually happen? This isn't right! I'm under legal age for this stuff and you know that! I don't understand them...he and you and Mom's sudden appearance and behaviors to this world... you guys are always against this topic and now why all of I don't understand anything!" I disputed with a sob ready to expose its face. My mind was racing 70 km/h that I hadn't given the news any thoughts of having a logical reason.

"And how is that-that Archers guy even ok with all of this?" I was clutching the bed sheet so tight that I could feel my nails digging into my palms. I was trying to steady my breath. I was so god damn pissed with everything right now that I couldn't control my mind that was clouded.

"It's alright. Let it all out and once you've calmed I'll start explaining." he calmly assured. I was breathing heavily and all the emotions in me were swelling. 

Why does this week have to be so emotional?

"I...I...,"I stuttered out in surprised. He was quite persuasive there but I shook my head mentally.

I wanted to know the answers to my questions fast and get out of this place so I readily lied to my Dad that my mind was settled.

"Sure?"

I nodded. 

Here goes nothing.

**

I couldn't register my Dad's expression at that time but I knew it was as sullen as my mood. He didn't want me to go through this just as much as I hated the sound of the idea. So was Mom. 

But I had too. 

It was hard capturing the words that came out of his mouth but I had to grasp on.

When he was done, my mind started to grow dizzy again and I had to lay down to rest. Dad left me alone to have some self time and soon I was staring at the ceiling of the dim lit room. The light from the lamps on either sides of my bed were quiet soothing my panicked mind.

Good thing the main lights were turned off otherwise a migraine would've entered.

Dad told me he'd give me some time to take it all in but one thing was certain. He claims it all to be true and that I really didn't have much of a choice and wished that he had the power to change it all.

I then realized that I couldn't feel my body anymore. It turned out to be so numb because I've been laying here for almost 2 days.

I stretched my body and let out a huge yawn. After several seconds of blinking and fighting with myself finally  pushed away the heavy but warm comforter and sat up straight. 

For the first time that day I realized that I was wearing a pair of sweat pants and a large t shirt. They were definitely not my size and both were black. My favorite color to wear.

Weird...

I stood up slowly and I felt suddenly relieved to be moving again. I walked around the room for a while exploring and found that this room was indeed very large. It even had a balcony in one of the windows.

I pushed away the curtain to take a tiny peek of the world. A stream of sunlight broke through and I squeezed my eyes shut. 

Dad was being so - cool about this situation that I was still in a daze.

This was what I've gotten out of him so far.

My family and Archer's were long time rivals in business decades back but had come to terms with each other after a gruesome incident. My great grandfather had apparently saved his great grandfather's life and wanted nothing more in return for it. 

Now the favor could finally be returned a mere 16 years back when my parents first got married. 

A feud began and since I was born, I apparently had been already tied to him since birth and he was what? 2 years old at that time?

The reason to all this brought me to my full attention.

Once after my parents had their honey moon and Mom was already 4 months pregnant a man came to our house one evening when everyone was in their rooms and almost took her life. Luckily my Dad had acted quickly as soon as my Mom let out a terrifying scream. She had been up reading with only a night lamp on and thinking that the coast was clear the murderer slid into their bedroom and surprised the life out of her.

Unfortunately he got away but my mom saw his face and classified his identity. His name was Miguel Garcia and was a henchman of one of my Dad's ongoing rivals in business. Apparently my Dad had gained more than they have beating them to almost going bankrupt. This sparked a blood thirst. 

And further on, Archers family had been keen on doing any favor back and was glad to help us back then even risking their family name but they were more powerful and my parents were forever grateful for their help. 

"But why would they attack Mom?" I pondered.

"Not her but...." he stated grimly and coudn't seem to bring himself to tell me.

"But?" I urged on. Dad too a deep breath and looked away. "Come on Dad you said I needed to know this big hidden secret of my life and now you're just going to hide it again?"

Dad looked like he was bitten and flinched. 

"Fine." He sighed and looked back at me. "He wasn't aiming at your mother."

"Go on." I pondered.

But a shower of tingles have already covered my whole body. 

He was looking directly at me and I knew then who it was.

"You."

 The world suddenly zeroed its focus on me and my heart almost leaped out in fright.

"What?" I cried in shock. "Me? Why me?"

"Because you were to be the next heir of our family's business remember," he frowned with tired eyes. Oh, right. 

I observed my Dad carefully and saw those stressed eye bags under his eyes. "To make it worse for me, he was carrying a dagger at that time, you and your mom won't have survived if -" and he stopped. It was too painful a memory for him and a shocking discovery for me.

He sighed tiredly and heavily.

 "I'm sorry I got you in trouble, Scar. I really am but things just don't go the way we want it to. I never wanted my baby girl to ever get caught into such a mess."

My heart began to break painfully.

I've never seen him so exhausted before. Maybe I have to actually take this seriously and leave my selfish emotions away. I would've reacted straight forwardly but I was just completely taken aback. 

"Dad you don't have to go on if you-"

"No. You need to know." he decided.

"Dad, you never told me why our business collapsed."

"To keep you safe."

"So all that on purpose!" I stared - eyes wide. Did he really sacrifice all that to keep us safe. At that thought I wanted to wrap my arms around my Dad and tell him that everything will be alright. Anger started rising in my veins. Whoever started this was sure to get his ugly shit in hell now that I knew.

"Yes," he answered shortly. Tears started welling in my eyes but I held it. I had to be strong. I burst of energy suddenly filled me up out of nowhere.

"So you mean to say that - I'm stuck with Archers."

"Engaged." he corrected. I rolled my eyes. "I know you're not going to give in that fast but there's a reason why you're not allowed to date anyone and all those times we tried avoiding any talk of this topic. We were going to explain this to you sooner but not now. It was too early but we have no choice. You're in danger Scarlet and Archers is your only hope now. Please bear with us. He's not that bad of a kid. You'll soon grow to liking him" He chuckled and actually let out a smile for a guy I barely knew.

"Never doubt your parents wisdom." I thought.

"Anyways, it's not that you don't know him at all," he continued. I raised an eyebrow. "You guys did meet when you were younger but they soon moved away abroad for some years due to his father's business and came back not long ago." 

"And you think now's the time that we reunite?" I snorted.

"Yes." my dad answered firmly. He stood up for a second as a thought crossed his mind. 

"And about Archers?" he asked making me look up. "He's alright with it because he's already accepted it before you did. Now all remains is the anticipation for you to do it as well."

"He's one smart kid Scar. And a tough one too. I don't think I'd hand you over to any other guy in this world if not for him."

I rolled my eyes. 

My Dad can become the best drama queen at times.

"Besides I know you'd eventually figure it out soon. You just need time. You guys are still young and still have your whole life ahead of you." he went on and suddenly turned back to me and gave a wide smile.

"You know so far as I have heard, there are tons of young girls like your age flocking around him waiting to-"

"Yeah yeah I get it! Jeez, cut the crap Dad I'm already cringing to the core." I snapped and lolled my head to the other side. "I know what you're trying to do here and it's never going to work."

Now that's diabolical and I think it's time we all had a visit to a psychiatrist.

I opened yet another door only to find that I was standing in the doorway of the bathroom and let me say this - it was more than the size of my living room and really my house isn't that big.

"Whoa." I muttered in a daze as I closed the door. The room even have a walk in closet and lots of expensive furniture. It looks like I was floating around a millionaire's lair. Me - an unwanted middle classed girl sleeping in a very luxurious room. 

What was my family even doing here?

Although I could compliment on the colors I've noticed. they were the colors I mostly favor. Blue-black and some other soothing dark colors.

"Tsk. This is ridiculous. Who even owns this place?" I snickered to myself as I allowed my fingers to glide along the lining of the soft couches.

"Me." replied a husky voice from behind me.

The scent of his strong cologne hit my nose like a bullet train and I didn't even have to guess who he was.

"Holy fucking shit!" I jumped as my back hit a hard wall. I immediately turned around only to come face to face with someone's chest. 

It was completely intoxicating.

I felt like it was just wrapping itself around me and tying me up like an invisible rope.

"I'm glad you're finally up." he chuckled. "Here I've brought you your lunch. Why don't you go eat first?" 

I coudn't move and stared at his mask face before I just nodded.

As I slowly let my eyes gaze up the person's body my nose caught a strong whiff of fresh mint as when he spoke until I reached his chocolate orbs. There wasn't much to see though thanks to his mask. He was still wearing that.

I gulped. 

His hair all swept in many directions made him looked like a bad boy.

I then heard a deep chuckle and my lips set into a frown.

I rolled my eyes.

Obviously. How did I forget? 

I was in Archers room and I was an intruder to his rich mansion. I think.

"Is it spaghetti?" I asked in a small voice.

"Yup! Just like you wanted I presume." he exulted and unexpectedly grabbed my hand and made me sit on his bed while he ran and grabbed a table and a chair for himself.

As he placed the food in front of me I couldn't control myself and started eating before he could even sit.

"I'm sorry," I said as I drank water. "I'm just starving." And continued ravenously eating. Damn was this delicious. Reminds me of my mom's cooking. "Remarks to the chef. My lord, it tastes amazing!" I moaned. I was in heaven.

Archers just grinned. "You sound so cute when you moan. I think I should try-"

"Shut up!" I yelled and smacked his arm from across the table. "I don't wanna hear it from you pervert." 

"Oh and your mom made your meal cutie." he chuckled. 

"No wonder I love it so much." I giggled and slurped up the remaining noodles and chugged it down with cold water.

"She's amazing and her food just tops up everything. Your Dad must be lucky to have one tough caring wife in his arms."

"I know. But she can sometimes be a little over the limit sometimes," I chuckled. 

"Yeah like all mom's but really your Dad must be very happy with an awesome wife who happened to have a very adorable daughter."

I stopped chewing and stared at him. He was leaning front and intensely observing me. 

"Why are you flirting?" I asked straightforwardly. I made my tone clear that I was not interested in this conversation.

He was taken aback and his eye brows were arched. We continued this until he broke away chuckling and I felt like I had just won something.  He thought for a while before continuing.

"Why shouldn't I ?" he asked and brought his eyes back to me as I ate again. "You're my fiancee after all."

I ignored him and stared at my food. "Unofficially." I was almost finished and hoping to get away from him any second was the first thing on my list.

"Tsk. We'll see about that." he sang. 

"Please go away." I said with a sigh. "What can I do to get you away form me?"

"Let me sleep with you?" he asked hopefully.

"NO!" I cried in shock and threw a nearby pillow at his face. 

"I didn't mean like that!"

"That's it I'm off with you pervert." I grumbled and was about to scarmble away when he caught hold of my waist, pulling me back with such force that I landed on his lap. 

"Unhand me!" I yelled.

"Oh, comone Scar! I was just messing with you babe." his eyes smirked and looked genuinly sorry but I was right to keep my guard up. "But can I ?"

"We'll see," I remarked and slammed another pillow against his face. That mask of his was really annoying.

When I was done, Archers kindly took away the dishes and cleaned up the place before returning back to me. I on the other hand was feeling more energetic than ever but I just sat there leaning against the bed thinking about everything that just occurred.

I was just about to doze off when I suddenly couldn't feel the bed anymore.

"Put me down!" I squealed out as I was swiftly swept up into the air and into his muscly arms and began hitting him on his chest. "You have no right to do this, put me down!"

"You were about to fall off the bed. Relax!" he tried calming me down and hugged me tighter.

Instantly, I relaxed and scolded myself for acting like this to him. My grip on him loosed and I simply sat in his arms.

 I didn't cry. Either I was to exhausted or given up on life; I just lay there with my earphones on and listening to my jams. 

The way he touched me caused shivers to cascade down my spine. 

But what was his real name. I know for a fact that Archers was his surname, so what was his first?

"Archers?" I asked slowly dragging his name, unsure whether it was a good idea.

"Yes?"

"Never mind." I said dismissing the idea. 

"You can ask anything honey,"he reassured.

"No I think I'll save it for later." I hastily said. "Now can you put me down."

"Hmm, let me think about it," he implied in a teasing tone. "No."

"Why?" I asked. 

"Because," he shrugged and opened the door. He then made a dash through the corridors and down some stairs.

"Where the fuck are you bringing me!" I squeezed my eyes shut. "Someone might see us."

"Don't worry about that," he said. I could feel the wind in my face as he ran around the house and soon I could feel him setting me on my feet as I felt the hard ground under my toes.

I was still latching onto his sweatshirt and my eyes closed. 

"You can open your eyes now love," he cooed in my ears and nipped it causing me to squeal and  opened my eyes.

I was standing in front of a huge room. And in them were rows and rows of cupboards with endless shelves of books.

"Welcome to the library."

I was lost in words.

"You...have your own personal library!" I shrieked excitedly. "Oh my god!" I was jumping up and down and suddenly without thinking gave him a hug. 

"You are welcome here anytime love. I knew you're into reading."

"It's beautiful!" I said as I admired the huge library. "Are you sure this is part of the house?"

"Positive." he chuckled and was about to grab me again when I held out a hand. "I can walk thank you." 

"But I was going to give you a tour," he stated. "Besides you have no shoes on."

"It's alright. I'm going to take a shower later anyways." I assured. "So about the tour?"

"Follow me," he motioned and grabbed my arm.

As he led me through his house, I suddenly came upon the thought of how tiny mine was. The house was beautiful of course and enough to house a hundred people. 

My favorite part was of course the library but when he showed me the outside I immediately fell in love with a magnificent cherry blossom tree growing in a nearby pond.

It was glowing brightly under the clear sky and the sun was shining brightly above us. It was the perfect weather with a cool breeze flowing by.

We were currently standing in front of his patio where a swimming pool lay under the sun, glimmering it's aqua brightly on display for us to be hypnotized and I was itching to jump in. I've always been into swimming but I embarrassingly can't swim although I like being in water.

I must have been staring for a long time because Archer was nudging my arm. 

"Hmm?" I asked absent mindlessly.

"I said, do you want to go for a swim?" he asked.

Swim? Now? In his swimming pool with him around? 

Definitely a bad idea.

But I would love too.

"No thanks maybe next time?" I considered.

"Why not?" he groaned. 

I chuckled. "It's just because I don't feel like it."

"But you looked ready to jump in." he protested. "Why the second thoughts?" I could've sworn that sounded like he was grinning but with that mask I would never know. 

"Doesn't mean I wanted to get in, I was probably thinking of something else maybe," I snapped.

Ripping my gaze away from the pool I wanted to knock him cold so he could leave me alone but when it landed towards him he was already staring at me and it sent me chills up my spine.

"What?" 

"Nothing." he shrugged but I had a feeling he wanted to ask something.

"Are you hungry?" he asked after an awkward moment of silence.

"I don't need second helpings thank you. I don't feel like I have the appetite." I said in a small voice. I didn't know why I felt like this ever so often now. He gave me one last look before finally giving in.

"Well then let's get goi-" he began but a high pitch squeal stopped him. We both turned around to find a tall slim girl jogging towards us. 

She looked about my height but a few inches taller but not as tall as Archers.

She had a wide beam plastered on her face and her sun kissed skin was exposed in that t shirt and short pants she was wearing.

I was surprised with her sudden appearance. I think Archers was too because when I was about to ask him who she was he was already holding a grumpy dark face on.

We haven't met anyone so far and here I was looking at an almost goddess like figure. She could've been the sun goddess with her chestnut hair and pearly white teeth glowing whenever she smiled.

"Shit." he groaned and frowned at the approaching girl. I was amused. I haven't seen him this pissed off after a long time and so far I was the only one who had been showing a bad mood. 

"Out of all the time we have she had to show up now." he gritted his teeth and rubbed his eyes.

 "Hey guys!" I waved back but Archers just snorted at her and looked towards the pool.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as she glared at her brother.

"Dog." she grinned. "I haven't seen you in months and this is how you greet your sister back?"

Whoa, she seemed pretty bad ass for someone who looks like an angel. 

They had the same hypnotizing eyes but different hair color.

So she was his sister.

"You never mentioned that you had a sister." I sneered at Archers and he just shrugged like he didn't want to talk about it. 

"Now you see why I don't." Poor guy. He looked completely tormented by her presence and slowly hid behind me so I won't notice.

"Are you scared?" I whispered sarcastically.

"No! Just hate it when she's around," he hissed back and I had a feeling he was not kidding but also embarrassed..

One moment I was thinking how beautiful and harmless she is and by the looks of her own brother I think she is lethal after all.

"Don't take notice of my brother." she said as she stopped right in front of us. "He can get very domineering and especially with you here now."

"Wait, does that mean something?" I asked, hoping it wasn't what I think it was.

"Yes!" 

Oh crap.

"And you're staying here from now on!" she cheered in delight as she clapped her hands excitedly.

"What the - you weren'-" Archers fumed and was cut off like a slice of cake. 

"Shhh!" his sister sibilated.  "Now let us introduce ourselves properly."

She turned her face towards me and smiled as she stretched out his hand. "Hey, I'm Phoebe. I'm this boy's eldest sister. Nice to meet ya sister-in-law!"

I gawked. My mouth opened widely and was literally hanging widely before I corrected her. Or tried to.

"Hey I'm Scarlet." I replied in an awkward tone and shook her hand back but I urged a smile. "And I think you already know that? Anyways I'm sorry Phoebe but you got this all wrong. I am not your sister-in-law."

"But you will be." she smirked as she winked at me. She was seriously one ass to beat in jokes.

"How come my Dad hadn't mentioned this to me?" I wondered to myself. 

"Surprise!" Phoebe beamed. 

The tension inside me was rising to the surface and now more than ever I was completely sure that my Dad had just told me a tiny portion of this confusing story.

Archers cleared his throat. I think he had a feeling that I was getting uncomfortable since I haven't replied back. 

"Oh, I'm sorry Scarlet. I didn't mean to make you feel like this." she apologized immediately.

"No no. I'm fine. It's just everything is happening so fast."

Her brother just huffed at her and lifted a hand onto my shoulder. I froze as tingles shot up my body.

 "Well it was nice bumping into you. Now if you'll excuse us sister, I was about to show her-"

"Ooohhh," Phoebe broke into a bubbled face and looked almost like a 4 year old. I felt Archer's hand on my shoulder tightening and let out a frustrated growl.

"Is your hair naturally red ?" she pondered with curiosity. I rolled my eyes. I was confused. My hair is auburn but not red. I was about to reply with a no but decided it was the prefect chance to get back on her.

"No, I soak it in the blood of my enemies every night." I replied with a dark smirk. Archer let out a loud cackle which made my heart jump.  

Phoebe on the other hand was all too surprised. Her stunned face almost made me laugh but I didn't want to show her further disrespect.

"Scarlet, mind if I take my brother aside?" she asked politely. 

"Take him as far away from me please." I replied pushing her brother towards her. Phoebe chuckled as she literally dragged him a few feet away.

I looked at them from the distance but acted like I was busy staring at a painting next to me. 

"That's some girl you've got yourself brother." I heard her say as she grinned and turned to deadpan Archers in the eye. 

"I can already see she's a feisty one too and a good match for you. Make sure you take care of her of you know what you're going into." 

Archers said something back but I coudn't quiet grasp it. 

"I know brother but I'm just clarifying my point. You know I don't like all those other fakers swarming around you all because of our money. Besides even if you did hook up with one she'll be out within the next second while I'm around."

Archers grumbled something back before staring right at me. 

I blushed for getting caught and bit the bottom of my lip as I turned my head away.

Her warning was sort of hilarious to my ears and I was curious to know what would actually happen to him. But I held my tongue in. I had a feeling I would know soon since from what I heard, I might be staying here. 

Did I happen to switch life with someone else? Or is this one long weird dream?

_______________________^.~_____________________

A/N

Welcome back ya'll!

This is getting interesting and I'm getting hyped.

I apologize for the lateness but here it is hope ya'll enjoyed!

See you in the next chapter.

Cordially, Scarlet ♥♥