JC: I had the ideas laid out in my head and I was in the mood when I was writing the first half of this story. Then my mood went downhill for the second half because of some annoyances at home. Anyway, I'm pleased to present Chapter 08 of White Vow. Eight chapters, wow, and I have so many awesome reviews. I'd like to thank all the readers and reviewers for the inspirations. I'm surprised some people asked me about Yubel. She did make her first appearance in Chapter 3, though within Jaden's inner consciousness. She'll make a brief appearance here too. I'm pretty sure you're gonna hate the father here. He's going to give Alexis a hard time. Do read and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, people, or its characters, but the plot is mine. All rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.

White Vow

Turn 08: Feelings can't be bought

A horrifyingly bitter rage swept through Alexis as she narrowed her gaze on her father. She was not going to elude him this time. She was going to face him straight on. As her father started toward her, she clenched her hands, standing firm. Her eyes showed resistance. The heavy silence that fell upon them was so thick. The tension was building up more and more.

Finally, the father cleared his throat. "Do you have anything to say for yourself, Alexis?" he asked, impeccably cold.

Jaden swallowed. The man certainly carried an air of authority, the type that one should not mess with. He figured he should greet the man and introduce himself, just for manner's sake, but Alexis spoke up first before he could open his mouth.

"Maybe a greeting would have been nice," Alexis said, "but you don't fancy meager things like that. You like getting straight to the point. I know you're tired of hearing this, but nothing's going to change my mind. You have no right to force me into doing what you want."

"It is for the family's best interest, Alexis," her father said.

"For the family? Don't joke around, dad," Alexis said with a shrug. "I'm just going to marry that guy for business reasons, right? You never change, dad. It's business first before family."

"I believe we had an agreement before I sent you off to Duel Academy."

A vivid memory of her talk with her father flashed before her mind's eye. The way she'd dispassionately agreed to his deal left a rotten taste in her mouth. "To find a suitable guy before I graduate? How could I forget? After all, it was the only way to stop you from matchmaking me with some spoiled rich guys."

Alexis had it tough, Jaden thought as he watched her standing up to her father with fire in her eyes. Now he realized why Alexis was rebelling against her father. And the very idea of Alexis getting engaged to another guy simply did not sit with him well. Alexis was never going to let her father decide her fate, and he was glad about that fact.

"Alexis, up until now I've given you everything a girl could ever ask for, whether it be jewels or expensive designer clothes. But it doesn't matter how many times you refuse. You are my daughter. The person I chose to be your husband suits you the most."

"Then it doesn't matter if the person you chose makes me unhappy?" Alexis set her lips in a firm line and turned her head to Jaden. "Dad, I'm sorry, but I can't marry him."

"Is it because of him then?"

Jaden met the man's eyes and cracked a small, shy smile. "Um…Hi there! My name's Jaden Yuki. I'm your daughter's frie—"

"He's my fiancé!" Alexis declared, grabbing his hand, as she faced her father, whose cold façade faded to an expression of puzzled disbelief.

Jaden flushed red. He was surprised as well. "A-Alexis?"

"Fiancé? Surely you jest, Alexis," her father said.

"Jaden and I have been going out long before we graduated, and he already asked me to marry him," Alexis explained with a straight face. Jaden was just awed that she could make up such a lie and say it without any hesitation.

Mr. Rhodes' mood grew darker. "I refuse to believe this." He shot a piercing glare at Jaden. "This boy cannot possibly be—"

"Don't make a fuss, dad," Atticus cut in, joining his father's side. He had heard the exchange of words between his father and Alexis and knew that this was the right moment to speak up. "Their relationship's the real deal. Besides, Jaden won the right to become her fiancé from Harrington Rosewood, and Alexis doesn't have a problem with that."

"Harrington Rosewood? As in Rosewood Sporting Goods?" Mr. Rhodes turned his attention back to Jaden and Alexis. "You won against him?"

"In a duel, of course," Alexis added, gently squeezing his hand. "Jaden's the only guy for me…" Her expression softened as she said those words. Her heart raced, but she willed herself to stay composed. "I love him, dad." That was the utmost truth.

Jaden's heart got set into high gear. He knew that his face was covered in a warm shade of red. Those words were like music to his ears. Unfortunately, he knew Alexis merely said that to deceive her father.

"This is absurd," Mr. Rhodes said. His daughter being in love with some middle-class guy was simply appalling to him. "Don't expect me to accept this boy into the family."

"Come on, dad, be reasonable here," Atticus said. "Alexis loves Jaden. She's way better off with him than the guy you wanted her to marry. Think of her happiness, why don't you?"

Mr. Rhodes locked gazes with his son. "Nothing you say will change my mind." He then turned to look at Alexis. "You've made a terrible mistake, Alexis."

Alexis turned her back at her father, slightly leaning on Jaden. "No…This is my choice, dad. I only want Jaden…"

Jaden lifted Alexis's hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss her fingertips. That sweet gesture made her blush, and her reaction made him smile. "Sir, I love your daughter, and I promise you I'll make her happy," he said. True enough, he desired to make Alexis his one and only, to give her happiness and love, even though Alexis may think that he was just playing along.

Mr. Rhodes remained silent, though it was clear that he was infuriated. With a shrug, he turned on his heel and walked toward the door. The instant he was out of the room, Atticus, Jaden and Alexis heaved a big sigh of relief.

"Man, that was intense." Atticus was the first one to break the silence.

"You said it! He was scary as hell," Jaden said with a nervous chuckle.

"Sorry for putting you in this situation," Alexis said, staring down at the floor. She felt embarrassed for involving Jaden in her game of deceit.

"No sweat, Lex! I totally understand," Jaden assured her.

"J, my man, I have to say that I was impressed with your acting," Atticus said, giving Jaden a hearty slap on the back. "I didn't know you had it in you."

Getting the sudden flashback of how Jaden kissed her hand, Alexis turned her head away. "Even I was convinced…" she muttered under her breath. Too bad it was all an act. All an act…

"Um…Yeah, thanks…I guess…" Jaden replied meekly. Deep down in his heart, he yearned to tell Alexis what he really felt.

"It was real smooth, J," Atticus added. "By the way, how long are you guys planning on holding hands?" His lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Not that I mind though…"

Both Jaden and Alexis simultaneously stared at the entwined hands before looking at each other. Blushing mad, they separated their hands and turned away.

"Awww…" Atticus teased. "You guys are so cute."

"It seems to me that I'm in danger around your father," Jaden said, sighing, as he sunk down in the couch. He was a little astonished at his declaration about his love for Alexis, but he knew Alexis thought of it as nothing more than an act.

Alexis was staring down on her tea, swirling the liquid round and round absentmindedly. "I'm sorry about my father, Jaden," she said, sighing, as she set down the teacup on the center table.

"Hey, don't sweat it, Lex. And have I ever told you that your mom's real nice?" He gave her a big, cheerful smile.

She giggled. "Yes, she is, and she practically adores you, Jaden." She paused for a moment. "I, uh, want to thank you again for playing along." They had been role-playing in front of her father, but she didn't ignore the fact that she wanted it to be real.

"Well, I am technically your fiancé, right?" He said it as a joke, simply to enlighten her, but he wished it were really true. The unbidden desire for her love flashed through him. "But I am curious about your would-be fiancé that your father chose." He was sure the guy was a rich son, probably good-looking, and had the skills to run a big company—something that didn't sit with him well.

"No clue…"

"What if he turns out to be a really nice guy? What if he's your type?"

"Don't know, nor do I care. And I am not about to let my dad get the best of me. Growing up with my dad, I already saw my whole life as if I'd already lived it. "

"I guess we'll have to keep up the charade."

Alexis' face lit up. "That's the plan."

Jaden scratched the back of his head. "I, uh, I'm not really sure how the couple-thing works. We have to make it look convincing, right? I have to set an appointment with your brother then."

Alexis dreaded the idea of letting Atticus advice Jaden about being sweet and romantic. Her brother's eccentricities can be a little too much for her to handle. "Holding hands is a good start," she said, though the memory of their brief hand connection made her cheeks slightly pink.

"Hmmm…I was thinking something more like…" Jaden thought about one of Atticus' tips of how to woo a lady and decided to give it a try. He spread his arm, cupping the round of her shoulder, and lessened the gap between them. "This…"

Jaden's smile had become tantalizing and soft, Alexis noted, and only her sheer willpower kept her senses intact. "Jaden…"

In dueling, he has loads of confidence and charisma, but it was quite different in terms of wooing a lady. He had absolutely no idea if he was doing it correctly. He should have taken down notes during Atticus' lecture, he mused silently. "And you know what? I think we should practice some of those cheesy lines we hear in the movies."

"Do you know one?"

Yeah…Thanks to your brother! He also taught me to do this. Lightly, he tilted her chin with one finger, lifting it up until her hazel eyes met his. His heart seemed to stop and then start again with a thud. "Alexis…" He paused and cleared his throat. It sounded easy when Atticus explained it but way difficult when one was doing the actual thing. "I…I'm attracted to you. I like having you around. I want to see you everyday…" And those words were no lie. He spoke out his heart's desire.

Alexis flushed. She was flattered, even though she knew that he was simply acting out some lines from a movie. I wish he really meant it… She graced him a smile and moved back. "Okay, that's enough for today. Let's go back to being friends," she said.

Jaden chuckled. "Was that good enough? Or am I totally out of character?"

"A bit convincing and out of character," she teased. She stood up, reaching for the empty teacups on the table. She was going to bring them back to the kitchen. But before she could touch a cup, Jaden grabbed her hand and made her sit on his lap. "J-Jaden?" She could have sworn that her heart skipped a beat.

"How about this then?" Jaden remembered Atticus saying about how some girls liking aggressive men. This was just a few of those moves that Atticus showed him.

Jaden was much too close and much too inviting, even though she wasn't too susceptible. She could recite all the reasons why she shouldn't confess her feelings to Jaden, but suddenly they didn't seem to matter that much. She loved him, but she valued their friendship too. She couldn't afford to ruin it.

"Why the frown, Lex?" Jaden murmured, shifting her on his lap.

"I was just thinking about—" she began, but he quickly cut her off, placing two fingers on her lips.

"About your pops? It's better if you don't think about him right now. Lighten up!"

She wanted to tell him that she was thinking about their relationship, their friendship, but decided not to. She carefully removed his hand from her lips. "You're absolutely right. We came to this island for some R&R and that's exactly what we're gonna do."

"I'm always up for fun and adventure too!" Jaden added.

"And what I'm expecting for is the thrill and excitement of a deep emotional involvement and love between the two of you," Atticus, who suddenly popped up from behind the couch, interrupted them with a jolly, mischievous smile.

Surprised, Alexis and Jaden separated from each other instantly. Jaden's expression turned comically embarrassed, while Alexis' was a bit ill at ease.

"Oh, so sorry about the interruption. Were you guys gonna kiss?" Atticus said, and got a pillow thrown at his face, whipping his head back.

"Sneak up on us again and I'll throw you out the window," she threatened, crossing her arms.

Recovering from the hit, Atticus crawled to the couch and peeked at Jaden. "She's a real keeper, right, J?" he said.

Jaden looked at Atticus with an awkward smile, and then both guys threw a fit of giggles.

Jaden was at his room, late that night, watching TV. He had dined with Alexis, Atticus, and Mrs. Rhodes earlier, and it was the bomb. It was fine dining. The food was totally delicious. He found it easy to warm up to Mrs. Rhodes. She was like Atticus. In addition to that, she loved hearing his stories of adventure. It was too bad that Mr. Rhodes didn't come join them for dinner. He knew he was the reason for his absence. Alexis couldn't care less if her father was there or not.

He was on his second bottle of cola when a tall, stern man entered his bedroom and approached him.

"On your feet," the man demanded.

Jaden looked up at him and stood up. "M-Mr. Rhodes…" He swallowed. "What brings you here?" He couldn't help but get nervous in his presence. The man's eyes were cold and as hard as steel.

"Don't pretend that you don't know why I'm here," Mr. Rhodes said. "Spare me the act. I'm not going to beat around the much?"

Jaden paused, wondering what the man meant. "Um…Excuse me?"

"How much money will it take for you to stay away from my daughter?" Mr. Rhodes said bluntly.

A frown greased Jaden's lips. "Sir, are you—"

"I don't approve of you as my daughter's fiancé," Mr. Rhodes interrupted coldly. "I got one of my men to do a little research on you. Information says that you graduated as one of the top students in the academy. I do wonder how a Slifer Slacker such as yourself was able to rise up the ranks. Putting that little mundane thought aside, let me say this to you. I want my daughter to have a good life and I don't think you'll be able to give her everything she needs, considering your family status."

Jaden opened his mouth to protest, then abruptly closed it. He wasn't rich. He wasn't a business tycoon. He was not a high-class celebrity either. He was just Jaden Yuki. But had he ever cared about things like that? The answer was a big fat no.

"I've already chosen her future husband and I will make her marry for you, well, you are merely a nuisance." Mr. Rhodes reached inside his suit pocket and pulled out a check. It was a check for 5 million dollars. "I'm sure this is enough to keep you away from her."

Jaden gaped at him. "Please say this is a joke. Let the girl marry for love!" he exclaimed, clenching his hands. "Make her marry the guy you want? Wow, you really are a controlling parent, aren't you? Lex knows more than you do. And if you don't believe that, believe this! It's her life! Let her make her own choices."

"How dare you—"

"And this check!" Jaden cut him off, taking the check. "You really think you can bribe me? I'm in love with a totally amazing girl for the first time and I won't let you ruin our relationship." He then tore the check into pieces, feeling proud of what he said.

"Jaden Yuki, mark my words," Mr. Rhodes said in a menacing voice. "I will do everything within my power to separate you two."

"Good morning, my dear sweet Lexi!" Atticus greeted as he entered her bedroom. Alexis threw a pillow at him, and Atticus simply ducked his head. "Hey, don't I get a greeting?" he teased, seeing how annoyed she was.

Alexis leaned against the headboard of her bed and crossed her arms. "What's with the early morning wake-up call?" she asked.

The brother sat down at the foot of her bed and smiled up at her. "Oh, nothing…Just wanted to tell you about our old man and Jaden."

Her expression showed concern. "Did something happen between them?"

"Our dad himself came to Jaden's room last night to buy you out of your 'make-believe' relationship."

"He tried to bribe Jaden?" Her stomach churned as her heart sunk. "I can't believe him."

"He tried but failed…" Atticus recalled how he accidentally overheard their conversation. It just so happened that he went out to get a drink when he saw Jaden's bedroom door slightly opened. He was a bit surprised to hear his father's voice. He had almost barged into the room to stop his father. However, Atticus had decided to stay quiet and listen. "Dad gave Jaden a check and told him to break up with you."

Alexis closed her eyes, willing her emotions to stay calm. Of course, she had anticipated her father doing something like bribery. "Seriously…dad…" She heaved a deep sigh.

"Jaden took the check and tore it to pieces," Atticus said, moving closer to her side. As Alexis gazed up at him, the brother placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "And you know what he said to dad?"

"You really think you can bribe me? I'm in love with a totally amazing girl for the first time and I won't let you ruin our relationship."

A soft, sad smile graced her lips. "He really said that…?" She lowered her gaze to her lap as she brought a hand to her heart. But he was only acting for my sake…

"I don't think he was acting though…" Atticus said, as if he had read her mind. "He really meant it."

Alexis shook her head. "Atticus, don't start…I'm in no mood for this." Jaden couldn't have meant it, she told herself. Jaden wasn't interested in her. He was only helping her out as a friend, nothing more, nothing less.

It was thirty minutes before breakfast time when Alexis had finished showering. She slipped into white halter top with a sky blue spaghetti-strapped skirt dress on top with a pair of white flip-flops. Alexis then spent the remaining minutes with her eyes closed and resting on her bed, though her mind was anything but at ease. She recalled what her brother told her about Jaden. Atticus had insisted that Jaden meant every word he said to their dad, but she knew better than to keep her hopes up. It was Jaden after all.

Just then, someone knocked on her door, disturbing her thoughts. "Morning, Lex!" the visitor greeted cheerfully.

Her heart skipped a beat. It was Jaden. "Come in," she replied him. Her eyes went over his form as he stepped inside. He was wearing a white shirt with blue sleeves and khaki shorts. "Had a good sleep?" It was a silly question to ask, considering how her father treated him last night.

"I have never slept on such a comfy bed," Jaden said, sitting down beside her on the bed. "What's the agenda for today, Lex? Are we going to the beach? Hiking through the forest perhaps?"

"You're really excited to get this vacation started, huh?"

"Sure am!"

"You really think you can bribe me? I'm in love with a totally amazing girl for the first time and I won't let you ruin our relationship."

She cleared her throat, stopping herself from blushing. Those words seemed to playback automatically in her head. Jaden's words had a weird yet wonderful effect on her. She didn't like to admit it, but the fluttering sensations in her heart made it difficult to discount. It was silly really, that his words and gestures of lingering look or the mere touch of his hand should incite peculiar assumptions. But they did. She released a faint sigh, careful not to attract his attention.

"Jaden, we're going to keep up the charade until dad leaves," she said, trying to focus on their current problem. "Mom and Atticus are going to help out as well."

"Good! We need all the help we could get. I just hope I won't mess up."

"You'll do fine. I'm sure of it." Alexis rose. "Shall we go and have breakfast?"

"Yeah, I'm starving!" he said.

As soon as they were out of Alexis' room and moving down the hallway, Jaden's cell phone suddenly rang. The loud catchy tune of 'Precious Heart, Glory Days' was playing as his ringtone. Jaden pulled out his phone from his pocket and looked at the caller ID. Alexis noted the change of expression on his face. He seemed anxious somehow, making Alexis curious about the caller.

"Um…Alexis, you go on ahead. I'll have to take this call first," he told her.

"Who's calling?" she asked.

"It's, uh, my mom!" Jaden said with a nervous chuckle.

"Oh…Okay then…" Alexis could somehow sense that it wasn't his mother calling. Nevertheless, she decided not to press the issue.

"Her father is a stubborn man. As for you, Jaden Yuki, are you doing everything you can to win her over? Or are you just slacking off?" The MAN's voice was cold and harsh as usual.

Jaden couldn't help but sigh. "Give me a break here," he said. "It's pressuring enough to face her old man. He tried to bribe me last night, you know."

"Don't let your guard down. That man can be cunning. Of course, he's got a lot to learn before he'll be able to match up to me."

"Now that you mentioned it… Aren't you doing the same thing as her dad does? You're manipulating us as if we're your pawns."

The MAN let out a sardonic laugh. "You were the one who lost. Have you forgotten? And tell me, slacker, do you still see her as a friend?"

"I…I do lo—"

"Then what's the problem?" the man interjected sternly. "I may be the one who forced you to date her, but you fell for her on your own accord. It doesn't matter anymore if it was part of my plan."

Jaden delved deep into his troubled thoughts. His nerves were on edge because of the feelings of anxiety and guilt that had stirred within him. Lids heavy with shame, he closed his eyes as he leaned against the wall. After taking that call from that MAN, he had asked himself if it was all right to keep lying to Alexis. The MAN already knew that he had told Atticus about their little bet and HE wasn't happy about it at all, even though Jaden had assured him that Atticus promised to keep it secret. The MAN did not want Alexis to get hurt, and so did deserved better.

I'll make sure she never finds out, he pledged, for both our sakes.

"What if she does? What will you then, Jaden?" The spirit residing in him had questioned, and it was something he couldn't answer. If Alexis were to find out, then it would be a disaster.

I don't want to hurt her…

"You're not doing any better by lying to her."

I know, Yubel… I know…

Pushing his troubled thoughts aside, Jaden headed toward the stairs when he stopped at the sound of a man yelling "Impudent child!" He peered over the railing to find Alexis confronting his father. She really seemed pissed off. It's about the marriage thing again…

"He is the man I chose to be your future husband," Mr. Rhodes said, his eyes full of vigor and indifference. "He is handsome and one of the most sought after bachelors today. I'm sure you are aware of his wealth and power."

Jaden wanted to explode. The tension and anger building up in him was growing and growing. It was like Mr. Rhodes was selling his own daughter, and he wanted to give him a piece of his mind.

"I don't think I can bring myself to love him, dad," Alexis retorted in a controlled voice. "He's not the man I want. I only see him as a—"

"And you prefer that Jaden Yuki over him?"

Jaden's heart thumped hard.

"That's because I love him," Alexis said in a profound tone, and Jaden couldn't help but blush. Her eyes burned with truth and passion. "I only want Jaden and no one else. Hope you get it straight in that thick head of y—"

SLAP!

Jaden winced at the sight. Mr. Rhodes had just slapped his daughter across the face.

To be continued…

JC: The father really doesn't understand Alexis' feelings at all. Well, some rich parents can be so controlling. They may sound practical, but they're stripping off their child's freedom to choose who they want to love. I don't approve of arranged marriages either, but they're still practiced in some places. Anyway, I really enjoyed writing the parts with Atticus in it. He's just to fun to write. I believe that I'm emotionally torturing Jaden and Alexis. They have feelings for each other, but they're oblivious to it. They're convinced that one is just acting for the sake of the other. Complicated, right? Prepare for some sweet moments in the next chapter. Please review and no flaming!