Jayden had barely stepped into the living room when her father's voice cut through the air .
"Will you get your pretty self over here now, or should I break your leg and carry you myself, you old spinster?"
Mr. Cole's brows were already drawn tight, his voice rising with each word. "Your mates are in their husbands' homes with children already, enjoying marriage, and you your age you want to play single forever?"
Jayden froze for a brief second.
Old spinster.
It always landed the same way, no matter how many times she heard it.
She adjusted her handbag strap, forcing calm into her expression.
"Dad…" she started lightly. "I really can't accept this marriage. I'm still in my prime independent, hardworking. I don't need an arranged marriage to prove anything. We're not struggling socially or financially, so why rush this?"
Her father's jaw tightened.
"So you've started again," he snapped. "Who told you this is about social status? Do you think I'm doing this for fun? You want to wait until you're thirty, then start crying about being alone?"
He stepped closer, voice rising again.
"Do you want people to laugh at me? After everything I've done for you education, upbringing, opportunities you're standing here arguing over marriage like it's a joke!"
Jayden inhaled sharply.
"Dad, it's not that"
"It is that!" he cut in. "You just don't want to listen!"
His voice wavered slightly, but not in weakness more like frustration built over time.
"I'm asking you for one thing, Jayden. Just one thing. Can't you marry in peace?"
That sentence made her pause.
When he spoke again, his tone softened but it carried something heavier.
A finality.
"This is for your own good. You'll understand later."
Jayden stepped forward slightly.
"Dad, I just need time. I'm not against marriage ii just don't want it forced. Times have changed. Why are we still doing this like it's the old days?"
He shook his head.
"Excuses."
Her breath tightened.
"I'm serious, Dad. At least tell me who he is. Why would someone agree to marry me without even meeting me properly? Doesn't that bother you?"
That made him stop.
For a second.
Just a second.
Then his expression hardened again.
"You'll know him when the time comes," he said firmly.
"No more arguments."
He turned away and walked toward the stairs.
Halfway up, he paused.
Without looking back, he added,
"Pick a date. We're preparing for the engagement and traditional rites."
Then he continued upstairs.
"Enjoy the rest of your day."
The door upstairs shut.
Silence followed.
Then Jayden laughed but it was empty.
"Enjoy the rest of my day…" she muttered. "After that?"
She sank onto the couch, her chest rising unevenly.
Something felt wrong.
Not just stubborn-father wrong.
But intentional.
Her fingers tightened.
Why is he so determined…?
Her mind refused to settle.
Either someone is influencing him…
Or he's hiding something.
And for the first time
Jayden wasn't just angry.
She was uneasy.