Few weeks passed but they still didn't find out who was behind the shooting. Gabriel, Head of finance got sacked and was handed over to the police immediately. Asides this, all the money he had stolen were returned back to the country. As Rita thought about it, she knew that Gabriel would be behind bars for many years because the gravity of the offence he committed was great.
The only reason she was sympathetic about his case was because of his wife and his two year old daughter. Apparently, his wife didn't know about her husband's fraudulent activities.
"Senator Brabra is hosting a dinner for some of his close friends tomorrow evening. As usual, we've been invited. I see it as a way to tighten your bond with his son, Edmundo since you both would be getting married soon", Lawrence said.
They were in the dining room one evening when he announced this. Rita thought they had forgotten all about her supposed marriage with Edmundo but as it stands, they haven't. In fact, they were very much in line with it.
She sighed, putting her fork down. She didn't know what to do. She had begged and pleaded with her parents over this issue but they still paid dead ears to her pleas.
"I'm not going", she said.
Her father remained quiet, a trait she knew about him. Usually, when he was this quiet, she knew he was thinking and it usually wasn't a good thought.
"You will go and that's final. I can't have you disgracing me just because of your stubbornness to see what's right. We've been over this issue so many times and I really don't know why you're adamant to see reasons with us", he said.
"Dad, it's simple. I don't love Edmundo, it's final".
"Why can't you give him a chance. You keep saying you don't love him which is understandable but have you ever stopped to think if you give a chance for love, you might actually consider marrying him", May said.
"Mother I don't want to be rude but what do you know about love. I'm very sure you didn't love my father when you got married to him so why are you forcing it on me", Rita seethed.
"How dare you, how dare you compare your relationship with Edmundo with mine. Your father has given his final words, you're getting married to Edmundo and there's nothing you can do about it", May seethed.
"Yes, you are. Do you even know the importance and the benefits we would derive from you getting married to him?. I see you're ungrateful for all the things we've done for you and the only way you can pay us back is by getting married to him. It's final, in fact it's a done deal", Lawrence said.
He resumed eating, paying no attention to the rage that was evident in his daughter face. Rita sighed, knowing that this was a lost conversation. There was no way her parents would agree to all her pleadings. She resigned herself to faith, hoping that a miracle somehow, somewhere would occur.
*********************
"Girl, it's been ages since I saw you. We should really have a hangout, just me and you", Theresa said.
Rita was on the phone with her some days later. She couldn't help but smile at her friend's infectious laughter. True, Rita hadn't seen her for months and she desperately needed a girls night out.
"Okay, what do you say we hit the club tomorrow night", Rita smiled.
"You bet it. I'll tell Marco where I'm going though or he'll have his body guards trailing me in no time", Theresa laughed.
Marco was Theresa's husband and resident bad boy. He was one of the thoughest men in the whole of Spain, dealing with shipping of goods and general merchandise. Even though he was tough to others outside, he was the sweetest thing to his family. No one jokes around his family and they've learnt to steer clear from them.
"Okay, how is your body guard husband?", Rita smiled.
"He's fine. Dealing with business as usual. Sometimes, that man over works himself and even when I tell him to calm down, he wouldn't listen", Theresa sighed.
"I guess he's just working hard to take care of his family. You can't really blame him you know".
"He's given us more than enough care. We can boast of many properties scattered around Spain and he's even hoping to invest in other countries", Theresa said.
Rita could hear her child whining in the background, demanding for something. She smiled, feeling a pang of motherly affection for the child.
"If you ask me, I don't see anything wrong with that. At least, he's better than the man whore I have for a fiance", she sighed.
"Oh darling, don't worry. I'm sure something would happen soon that would change your parents mind against it".
"I hope so. All the more reason why we need this outing tomorrow, I need to talk to you", Rita said.
"Don't worry my dear, I'll be there tomorrow. What time though so I'll inform Marco. He'll probably baby sit tomorrow since he owes me a favour or two"Theresa chuckled.
"Okay, say by nine p.m. We'll go to one of the clubs in town, I don't want to go to my father's since most of his workers would recognize me easily. No doubt, they'll rat me out faster than I can say my name", Rita said.
"Perks of being a billionaire daughter"Theresa laughed.
The baby was finally quiet and Rita was quite sure that Theresa had put him to sleep.
"You are too but your parents doesn't stalk you like mine does".
"That's because we're different. You're a sweet, loving and polite daughter and me, you know I've always been rebellious. Imagine the joy when I finally introduced Marco to then as my husband", Theresa said.
"Oh gosh, I remember our days in highschool. You and your wild parties and me, just in a corner reading my books", Rita laughed.
A sense of nostalgia hit her as her mind flashed back to the memories of the past. She was always so quiet and obedient while Theresa was the rebellious one.
"Which made you come out tops during our graduation ceremony. You were always the brainy one and sometimes, I envied you for that".
"I guess that's just the way I am", she said.
"Yes, and you're special. So girl, don't mind what people say and love yourself for who you are", Theresa said.
"I will, thank you love".
"Anytime. I'll come pick you up by nine, wear something sexy cause we're going to have loads of fun", she whooped.
"I will but you, not so much or else Marco would pull the whole club down", Rita laughed.
"To be honest, I think he will. Okay, I'll just wear something less sexy", she chuckled.
"Okay, see you tomorrow love", Rita smiled.
"Ciao", Theresa laughed before cutting the call.
Rita relaxed, feeling happy she had talked to someone asides her parents. She looked forward to attending the party and nothing would stop her from doing so.