Agreements and More Shockers

Carmen's POV

When Selva reaches the mansion I quickly step out of the car and practically run inside past all the surprised maids and butlers.

I storm into my 'father's' office where he is speaking with my 'mother' about Jacque and I's weddings.

"We are not going through with this." I state forcefully and they both turn to look at me. Neither of them look too shocked or surprised at my statement and the outburst of the privacy of his study. They know I have this kind of attitude.

"Yes you are." Father says firmly and closes a folder that they were just going over, most likely the plans for the weddings. "Both of you must marry into those families for us to remain rooted tightly with them. It is a huge benefit for all four of our companies and families. We were all already connected, both of your marriages with strengthen it. The daughters from the other families are marrying to the others' sons. It is your duty to marry and bear the children of Connor and continue your's and the Knight's family line."

"If you want me to marry into an important family, why not the Morinozuka's and Jacque can marry into the Ootori's?" I question, just thinking of that on the spot.

I have spoken to Takashi about us marrying, and we decided that we would spend a few years together first then think about that.

I also know Jacque and Kyoya care for each other, and I doubt either one would mind too much to marry. Kyoya's family probably wouldn't turn down that proposal; they would be gaining a powerful company through that marriage.

I break out of my thoughts to see Father considering my proposition. "That could be possible with the Ootori's, but what about the Morinozuka's? I know that they are a very traditional Japanese family they haven't had a marriage that was from a different culture." He says thoughtfully, referring to my Scottish origin.

I speak up again, "Father, I have already won over the eldest son's parents, the heads of the family, after visiting the estate a few times. They love me and have left some hints over the times I've visited that they greatly approve of their son's and my relationship." Father does look like he is seriously considering this and he glances at 'Mother' for approval.

"What do you think?" He asks her and she frowns as she goes over to stand next to him and they both face me each with different expressions on their faces.

"I'm not sure…" She trails off in a slightly irritated tone. I barely keep myself from sneering at her from her tone towards me. She's acting like I'm a thorn in her side.

I give them both a hard look, "Do you really think I'll cooperate anyway if you make me go through with this marriage to Connor? Neither of us in even the slightest bit like each other, and I will do everything I can to make the marriage go downhill. Even if it goes to publicly humiliating both of our families to the point where we can't show our places in Japan until my sister's grandchildren take over our companies." I state coldly and Father's eyes flashes dangerously.

"You wouldn't dare do that." He growls but I face him dead on.

"Oh but I would. Even if you disown me, I can live as a commoner and get my own job and support myself. I can live like that. You will be the one who is ruined." I state firmly and he glares at me. "You know I'm right on that at least." I add.

Father takes off his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and pointer finger on his right hand. "You would really do all of that just to get out of this marriage that would benefit you as well?"

I cross my arms under my chest and stand tall, "It would only benefit me financially. I don't care about that. I'd rather be happy with a husband I want and love than with a man that I will detest for the rest of my life."

Father meets my eyes, "Fine, if you can get the first Morinozuka son to agree to marry you, and Jacquelyn can get the third Oortori son to agree to marry her, then neither of you have to go through the arranged marriages." I nod respectfully in thanks and excuse myself from the study.

I exit the study calmly, but the second I'm out of the room and the door is shut, I squeal happily and race down the hallways to the outside front.

When I get outside, all of my siblings, Haruhi, and the guys are getting out of a couple of limos and they all look immensely nervous, more so Jacque, Takashi, and Kyoya.

Takashi spots me first and bounds over to meet me, "What happened?" A huge smile makes its way on my face.

"Neither of us have to marry them!" I cry joyously. Takashi immediately picks me up and crushes my lips with his.

I block everything else out as our lips move together as one. My fingers fist themselves into his hair and his hands are securely placed on my back. After a minute, we have to break apart and catch our breaths. Takashi leans his forehead against mine and our hot breathes mix as we stare deeply into each other's eyes.

Suddenly, I'm yanked out of his grasp and Jacque pulls me into a bone-crushing hug, "I can't believe you did it!" Her voice is beyond happy. When she pulls away, I see the hot tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, Carmen!" She cries and quickly wipes the tears from her face as fast as they came.

My smile won't leave my face, "I've told you guys before, I have great persuasion skills!" I bounce up and down cheerfully like a little kid, but right now I don't care and I don't think anyone else around us does either. All of us are giddy with relief and excitement at this newfound knowledge.

Haruhi glances at me through her smile then it disappears, "There is a condition to all of this, isn't there?" She questions and everyone stares at me with the same expression as her.

I sigh and nod my head, "You're gonna be an excellent lawyer, Haruhi." I chuckle and run a hand through my hair then begin to play with it nervously. I turn my gaze onto Jacque, "Before I say anything else, I need to talk to you, Jac."

Her gaze back at me is suspicious, "What is it? Can't you say it in front of everyone else?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose just like Father did only a few minutes ago, "I'm sorry, but I have to clear this with you first." I step away from them and share a glance with Takashi. He looks a bit uncertain, but I send him a weak smile of reassurance and he nods just enough so I notice.

"I'll give you a minute." I tell Jacque and walk into the gardens.

I stare at a patch of roses until I hear light footsteps walk up behind me. "What can't you say in front of all of them?" Jacque questions but I don't turn around to look at her. I continue to stare at the beautiful flowers surrounding us.

I open my mouth to speak, "For the two of us to not have to marry our intended that Father and Mother set out for us; there is a major condition." I close my eyes and the wind blows my hair past my face. "We have to get our boyfriends to marry us."

Jacque sucks in a sharp breath, "How long do we have?"

"From how Father worded it, and his tone implied that we only have a little bit. I don't think you'll have much of a problem. My only concern is how I'm going to approach the subject with Takashi." I stare off into the distance; the sunset is beautiful tonight and the last rays of sunlight are gleaming on my skin and illuminating my dark green eyes.

"That's probably true with my case, but everyone can tell you and Takashi love each other deeply. So, what's the problem?" I turn around to meet her eyes.

"It would've been a issue had I married Connor, too. Well, more than an issue." The emotions crossing my cousin/adopted sister's eyes are confusion and uncertainty.

"I cannot bear any children."

Please keep reading and review!

Shocker? I know I left the last chapter off as a sort of a cliffhanger too, but I liked that idea so I decided to use it. Tell me if you like!