DESPITE MY pep talk this morning that gave me much needed courage, a tremor shoots down my limbs as I watch Derek approach the table. A few customers swiveled their heads in his direction, eyes filled with appreciation. There's no denying Derek is handsome - classic features. Tall. High cheekbones. Full lips. Any girl in town, would be delighted to marry him. But I'm not. In fact, it's my worst nightmare.

Although he'd raised a lot of red flags when I'd first met him, I was hoping I could talk some sense into him. Explain to him my side of why this union can never happen and perhaps he can talk to his parents. Or my father. I didn't care if Derek breaking off the engagement would make me the laughing stock of the town, a bride reject no less. I just need to get out of this engagement.

"I have to say, I was surprised about this invite." Derek says as he slid inside the booth across from me.

I cleared my throat, "Yeah, about that—"

"What would you like to eat?" he snapped his fingers, signaling the waiter to come over.

I gave Derek what I hoped was a friendly smile. "Just a milkshake for me."

He shakes his head, smirking. "You already look skinny. I'm sure some snacks won't hurt."

I was taken aback by his comment and I bit my lip hard to suppress the nasty comeback. A waiter comes up with two glasses of water and Derek rattled off the orders including the chips and bread I hadn't asked for. I watch as the waiter head out front towards the counter. I feel the heat of his eyes watching me before I even turn to face him and I barely suppress the shudder this time.

"It's about the engagement." I said after a few moment.

He leans back against his chair and I can't read his expression. Can't tell what he's thinking.

"Yeah, I saw the news yesterday. I take it your father didn't tell you about it first?"

I shake my head. I take slow breaths to ease the nervousness forming in my stomach, "No, he didn't. That's why I asked you to meet. To discuss about this,"

He nods solemnly, expression all seriousness. "You're right. It was a bit sudden."

Our waiter comes back and brings the small plates and drinks, sets them down on the table, and clears his throat. "Is there anything else you two need?"

"No, we're fine, thank you," I answers, and I watch as he nods and left.

We sat in silence for a few seconds. His gaze was unwavering as he stared at me, and the type of discomfort I felt had me shifting on my seat slightly.

"Look, I can't marry you." I said, finding the words I needed to say at last. "No matter what my father says or your parents, this is not how I saw my future going."

Columbia is just around the corner and there's no way in hell I'm letting anything take it away from me, especially a marriage I hadn't asked for.

He frown's ever so slightly, looking at me with a curious expression, "You don't want to go through with the marriage?"

"Yes. I was hoping you can talk to my father as well. I'm not a good match for you Derek," I swallowed roughly, fully expecting he's gonna flip but he remained silent.

One of his dark eyebrows lifted up and he brought his drink to his lips to take a long drink. He didn't say anything for so long that I started to fidget with the napkin on my lap.

"Okay, I'll talk to him and discuss about this matter." he replies simply, boosting my hopes with that simple little words.

"Really?"

He nods, and smile. "Of course. Don't worry about it." His voice was easygoing, a little too calm for my comfort.

A tiny prickly feeling started down my spine but I pushed it down. I slouched in my chair and offered a smile. "Thank you for understanding."

When I left this morning, I wasn't sure how this meeting would go. My father obviously had no idea I was going to convince Derek to cancel the engagement. Part of me had expected resistance on his part, but I'm happy that he respects my decision and is willing to help me work this out. It seemed too good to be true, but I held on to that hope.

He shrugged, and a strange expression appears on his face. "Columbia, right?"

I was surprised at the question. "Yeah. How did you know?"

"Your sister mentioned it last time." Oh. Of course.

He didn't say anything after that, just gave me a smile before he finished off his drink in one gulp and stood, gesturing for us to leave. I followed him out of the restaurant, that strange feeling that this was too easy settled over me.

"Let me give you a ride." he said as we exit the cafe and make our way down the gravel pathway.

"No. It's fine. I already booked a cab." I lied. I might be glad to know that he's willing to help me but I'm still uncomfortable around him and I just can't imagine the ten minute ride alone with him.

Derek studies me, but nodded. "Oh by the way, I actually brought you a gift on my way here that I forgot to bring earlier. It's in my car, let me give it to you first." he said, gesturing towards his black Jeep parked at the end of the parking lot beside the alleyway.

I eyed the empty area warily, and back to the cafe where a few people are milling outside.

"Come on. We're at least friends, right? Take it as a parting gift." Derek chuckle, nudging me playfully.

I step back to an arm's length as I bite back the discomfort and the freaking cold shiver. "Um, okay."

We made our way towards his car and I heard him whistling under his breath, which I found oddly annoying. The moment we got to his vehicle, I stop and turn to face him but a strong hand clamps around my mouth. I try to lift my head and look at him, but he smashes my cheek back down against the hood.

Derek grabs a fistful of my hair harshly. "I had enough of your fucking goody ass."

I whimper around the pain ripping at my skull and the uncomfortable position he's forcing me into. The car's cold metal digs into my stomach the more I try to move.

"You think you can fucking play me?" he spat the words and a dark, claustrophobic sensation grips the centre of my chest when his hands began roaming on my body.

I screamed against his hands, and bowed my body trying to buck Derek's body weight off of me but I know it's useless. My vision blurring with tears as I felt one of his hand snaking down between my thighs then up to grab my right breast. It took all my strength to squirm against his other hand that was clamped against my mouth, and when I felt enough space I bite down hard until I could taste his blood. I locked my jaw and didn't let go until he has no choice but to ripped himself away from me.

"You fucking bitch!" He pulls me up by my hair and turn me around so I'm staring at his dark eyes.

This is Derek's true form. The soulless, unfeeling psycho. I should've known. I open my mouth and was about to scream when suddenly a loud horn rang behind him. I look over his shoulder and saw a car pulling up beside us.

Distracted, Derek start to turn and I took it as an opportunity to knee his groin hard before pushing him away with all my strength. Grabbing my bag from the ground, I tore down the street and didn't risk a glance back.

"Taxi! Taxi! Taxi!" I frantically waved my arms in the air as I screamed for a taxi.

As one pulled over to the curb, I shouldered a couple who were approaching it out of the way and wrenched the back passenger door open before hopping in.

"Hurry, please!" I shouted at the confused cab driver. My heavy breathing fogged up the glass as the cab pulled away. Twisting at the waist, I stared out through the grimy rear window, I could see him but there wasn't a doubt in my mind he will still pursued me...

"You ok, Miss?"

I met the driver's gaze through the rear view mirror but I can't see his face clearly. Tears blurred my vision and it was then I only realized my body was trembling violently.

No, I'm not okay. I don't think I will ever be.