Via looked around as soon as she arrived at the coffee shop. Her eyes immediately landed on Cassie, who was casually seated in the corner. Her feet trod towards her friend while her heart beat faster as if it was about to jump out of her body.
She sat settled on the edge of the chair, her fingers trembling as she put her phone down on the table. She took a deep breath as she felt Cassie's curious gaze upon her."Are you sure you're okay?" Cassie asked with worry in her eyes.Via forced a smile and nodded. "I was just a little nervous, I guess."She wanted to laugh at her remark. A little nervous? How could she be a little nervous when she knew she messed up big time?"So, what are you going to tell me to make you this nervous?" Cassie leaned in closer before she continued, "This is so not you, Vi."Via covered her face with her hands. "I think I messed up."Cassie chuckled. "Well, you really did last night. I've never seen you that wasted for the past 15 years that I have known you."Via let out a heavy sigh as she shook her head."No." She could feel the tears welling up from her eyes. "I think I just did something unforgivable.""Hey," Cassie's voice became softer when she noticed that her best friend was about to cry. "I know you really hold a high standard, but drinking and sleeping away at home is not that big of a crime. You can consider it as a part of growing up.""This is not just about getting drunk, Cass." Tears started to stream down her face as she finally realized the weight of her misdeed. She wanted to tell her what she did, but she did not know how to do it. Only the sound of her sobbing came out, and her worried best friend moved closer to hug her."It's okay, Vi. You can tell me when you're ready." Cassie caressed Via's hair as the latter continued crying on her shoulder. "You don't need to force yourself to tell me anything.""I made a really big mistake last night." Slowly, with her friend's empathy, she mustered the courage to confess what she did. It was indeed a mistake, but she could not deny the fact that it was her decision that caused it to happen. If she had not been impulsive last night, she would not have been in such a dilemma."We all make mistakes, Vi. No matter what happens, I'll be here for you."Via hugged Cassie tighter, afraid that her friend would change once she heard what happened. "I slept with a stranger last night."She recounted the things she remembered with a trembling voice. Her tone was filled with regret, and even when she wanted to blame it all on the alcohol, she knew better. In the end, the blame was on her. It was all due to her wrong decisions that stemmed from her following her emotions."Vi..." Cassie was at a loss for words. She had known Via for more than half of their lives, and she knew how careful she was. Somehow, Cassie wanted to blame herself for what happened. She should have insisted that Via stay in her place. She should have gone with her to the hotel. She should not have left her to check in on her own when she knew that she was too drunk to take care of herself."I'm sorry..." That was all she could tell her. Via's head was already filled with guilt and regret. She would not want her guilt to add to whatever stack of worries her best friend was already having."I'm scared that my Dad will find out about what happened," Via said in between her sobs. "He might really kill me this time.""No, don't think that way," Cassie interjected. "Should we make this our little secret? I'm the first one to know about this, right? I'll keep it a secret, so you better forget that it happened.""Can I really?" Via asked. She seemed like a lost child asking for reassurance."You should." Cassie's voice was firm. "You still have a problem that you need to solve. The reason why you drank last night."Via let out an exasperated sigh. Her problems stack one after another. Cassie was right; though her misdeed last night was a big mistake that might anger her father, nothing would happen if he did not know. Unless someone would tell him, she should not worry about it."Now, will you tell me what happened during that meeting?"Via told her best friend everything. As she recalled what happened that day, she could not help but feel the anger swell within her once more. If her dad had been disappointed, so she was. How could he manage to sell her daughter just for the sake of the family's reputation and wealth?"I think you should talk this out with Collin," Cassie suggested. "He's the only one who could help you convince your father."But Collin didn't seem to want to help her.Though she wanted to tell Cassie that, she couldn't. She knew how close Cassie was to her brother. Though they were closer, Collin was also Cassie's friend. She did not want Cassie to change her mind about her brother just because of her problems."I'll try." That was all she could say. Since Collin wanted to talk it out with her, she should try without expecting anything.After a few more words with Cassie, Via finally went home. Though her heart was heavy as she stepped, she found her way, walking towards the door of her home. She did not know what to expect.What could be waiting on the other side of the door? Was it the worried Collin? Would it be her angry father? Or maybe she would see all her things being packed in a piece of luggage because her dad would be kicking her out?She shook her head at the final thought. Collin assured her that he did not tell their dad about what happened last night, but that did not mean that their dad did not know. There were other means to know if he really wanted to.She knew she should be wishing that her dad did not notice her disappearance, but why was her heart aching with the thought that her dad did not even look for her?She opened the door, and Collin's smiling face welcomed her. "I've been waiting for you, Vi. Have you eaten yet?""Did Dad look for me?" Via asked, ignoring her brother's words. She looked down and bit her lips when she realized the words she uttered."Don't worry, he did not. "Collin patted her head and messed her hair. "You should rest first. I'll go to your room later so that we can talk."She felt her exhaustion when Collin mentioned the word rest. She nodded her head and went to her room without a sound.She was back at home, and the feelings she tried to forget were all back at once. She wanted to believe that her brother would somehow help her, but she also knew that it was a vain hope. Her brother could never influence their father's decision, no matter how he favored him.With a heavy heart, she proceeded to clean herself up. It was right before she went to sleep when her brother finally knocked on their door."How are you feeling right now?" Collin asked as he sat down on the couch."Feeling about?" With all the things running through her mind, Via could not tell what her brother was referring to. Was it about the cheating scandal or the marriage? Did he have an idea about last night?"About everything, I guess?" Collin chuckled as he clasped his hands. "I know it was surprising, but this is our fate. We were given almost everything since birth so we must contribute through this.""Is marriage supposed to be my only worth?" Via could not help but express her anger. "Was I raised to be someone's bride?"The thought was so old-fashioned, but that was how she perceived the situation. She wanted to let it all out, or else she might end up doing something she might regret again. She could at least tell her brother how devastated she was by the sudden arrangement. It never even crossed her mind that she would be subject to such an arrangement. She believed she had so much worth than that."Vi, you know it's not like that. Dad just believed that it was the best choice.""So that he could save face before the cheating scandal breaks out? Am I supposed to be saved by a prince charming in these kinds of situations?" Via bit her lips. "I could prove my innocence, but you don't even believe that I am!""No, Vi." Collin held her hand. "Even if the scandal did not happen, your engagement will still push through. Father had been eyeing Troye for a while now, and he believed that he would be the best man for you. You deserve only the best, Vi.""I think I could decide who would be the best myself. After all, it would be me who would be living in the same house as him for the rest of my life." Via glared at her brother. Their conversation was not making her feel any better. "You should leave, Collin. I don't think it's good to continue talking to me at this moment."Collin sighed. "You should start sorting out your feelings and start to look at the situation objectively, Vi. You know I wouldn't approve of something that would harm you in the end. I just went along with Dad's plans because I know it's for the best.""Goodnight, Collin." That was all she could say. She was so tired of the recent events in her life that she no longer wanted to argue with him. She locked her door as soon as her brother was out then she dropped herself on the bed.So, what now?"Are you done with your tantrums?" Via's dad asked her as soon as she entered the dining room.So, he knew. Via resisted the urge to laugh bitterly. Her father knew about her absence the other night, but he did not even bother to look for her. Was her way of resistance just a simple tantrum to him?"I'm sorry for being emotional, Dad."That was right. Via might admit to being emotional, but she would not apologize for what she felt. All her life she had been an obedient daughter, but it seemed like she would not be able to keep that image anymore."If you're done with being immature, you should go and meet with Troye," her father uttered nonchalantly as if her opinion in the situation did not matter. "The young man had been looking forward to know you better. You should show the same enthusiasm as him."Via's brows met when she heard her father's statement. She was about to express her thoughts, but her brother cut her off."Troye is a nice guy, Vi. You should at least give him a chanc
"You prefer Mocha Espresso Right?"Via nodded. She watched Troye talk to the intercom about their order and smiled. He even brought her to her favorite coffee shop to buy her usual drink. That meeting was not made on a whim. To her, Troye prepared everything in advance and made sure that she would enjoy her time with him.Was it what they call a date? Her cheeks felt warm at the thought. Why would they go on a date? For sure, Troye never considered having a date with her since they were already having marriage talks between them. Trying to ease her mind from the sudden unnecessary thoughts, she tried to focus her attention on the view outside the car. She enjoyed the silence between them as Troye continued to drive towards their destination."We're here."The car stopped at the entrance of the Park. Troye was about to remove his seatbelt, but Via stopped him."I can go out of the car on my own. No need to always open the door for me." Since she already knew what Troye was up to, she ha
“This is just like I imagined it to be...” Via mumbled as they entered the gates of the amusement park. She looked around, her eyes sparkling like a child’s her sight fell into the colorful paradise around her.“I didn’t expect you to be this happy with just this.” Troye chuckled. He was hesitant at first, but he was relieved that he tried bringing her to that place.He thought that Via would be more uncomfortable and forced since the outing happened out of a sudden. That was why it was really unfortunate that Via seemed to like the idea of going to an amusement park. He should thank his little sister for the idea she gave him.“Well, it’s my first time going to places like this. It’s normal that I would be amazed, right?” Via looked away, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment.“Of course, it’s normal.” Troye chuckled as he led the way.Though he was glad to see that Via was having fun, he could not stop feeling bad for her. He knew that they all got different circumstances, but how c
“This is just like I imagined it to be...” Via mumbled as they entered the gates of the amusement park. She looked around, her eyes sparkling like a child’s. Her sight fell into the colorful paradise around her.“I didn’t expect you to be this happy with just this.” Troye chuckled. He was hesitant at first, but he was relieved that he tried bringing her to that place.He thought that Via would be more uncomfortable and forced since the outing happened out of a sudden. That was why it was really unfortunate that Via seemed to like the idea of going to an amusement park. He should thank his little sister for the idea she gave him.“Well, it’s my first time going to places like this. It’s normal that I would be amazed, right?” Via looked away, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment.“Of course, it’s normal.” Troye chuckled as he led the way. Though he was glad to see that Via was having fun, he could not stop feeling bad for her. He knew that they all had different circumstances, but how
“How was it?” Odin asked as soon as Collin entered his office.“They were getting along well for the past few days.” Collin let out a smile. “I knew he would be a good match for Via, but he exceeded expectations.”“That’s for the better. As long as the two were getting along with each other, the bond between the two families will grow stronger.”Collin’s smile faded. Though Odin was their father, he still felt like a stranger at times like that. He could have just wished the two well; how could he emphasize the mergers that would happen once the two were married?For him, Via was his precious sister. There was nothing more important for him than her. But he was still powerless against their father. All he could do for her was to make sure that she would marry a decent guy. They were lucky that their father chose Troye. Though he did not like him at first, he conducted a background investigation about him and found out that he was the best match for her. He was kind, polite, thoughtful
“He’s here to pick you up again.” Cassie rolled her eyes.It had been weeks since the announcement of her engagement with Troye, and it had been a usual thing for Troye to pick her up after her classes. He was really serious about getting to know each other more and they were hitting it off pretty well.“Do you want to come with us, Cassie?” Troye offered as soon as he saw Cassie’s pouting face.“Why would I be third-wheeling for the two of you?” Cassie said in an annoyed tone.“Why not? Via and I are just hanging out so we could bring another person with us if we want to.”Via smiled. Troye was indeed considerate. He was not just trying to win her over; he was also trying to get along with her best friend.“Can I invite my sister, Vi? Tricia wants to see you again.”Via nodded her head before she looked at Cassie. “You won’t be third-wheeling if we include Troye’s sister, right?”Cassie sighed in defeat. “I guess I can’t do anything if you wanted me that much.”Troye opened the backse
“Are you okay, Vi? It’s rare for you to sleep in.” Collin opened the door to Via’s room to check on her. He saw his sister still asleep, but her forehead was creased. Was she not feeling well?He checked her temperature through her forehead and was relieved that she was not having a fever. He shook his sister lightly to wake her up.“You’re going to school today, right?” Collin asked as soon as Via opened her eyes.“What time is it?” Via, who was still sleepy, asked as she covered herself with her blanket.“It’s already eight in the morning. We’re done with our breakfast,” Collin informed her. “Should I ask the maids to bring your breakfast here if you’re not feeling well?”“Yes, please.” Her lazy tone made Collin laugh.“It’s very rare for you to act all lazy like this, Vi.” Collin stood up and walked towards the door. “I’ll have your breakfast sent here so make sure you eat, okay?”“I will.” Via closed her eyes again, and she could feel her head throbbing early in the morning. The he
“How was it?” Cassie asked as soon as she was out.“We’ve done some tests and I need to wait for the results to know my condition,” Via explained as she tried to appear calm even when deep inside her whole being was shaken.“I hope it wasn’t anything serious,” Cassie mumbled as she clasped her hands in worry.As Via sat in the waiting room, her fingers fidget nervously in her lap. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to her like a heavy cloak. The ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to echo in her ears, each passing second only serving to heighten her anxiety.Beside her, Cassie sat with a reassuring hand placed gently on her shoulder, her presence a welcome comfort in the midst of Via's turmoil. "Hang in there, Via," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm to Via's frayed nerves. "You're strong, I believe you can handle whatever the result would be. Remember that I’m always here for you."Via managed a weak smile, though it did little to dispel the knot of tension t
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office. Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug. Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years. With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office. Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug. Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years. With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office. Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug. Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years. With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office. Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug. Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years. With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office. Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug. Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years. With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her eye
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office.Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug.Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years.With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her eyes fr
“Dad…” Via’s lips trembled as she called for the familiar man before her. He was still the same. She would always find him seated in his working area whenever she went to his office.Her father's head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and there was a stunned silence for a moment. Then, in a move that took her completely by surprise, he stood up and hurried over to her, enveloping her in a tight hug.Via froze, her body stiff with shock. She couldn't remember the last time her father had hugged her like this, with such raw emotion. "I'm sorry, my child," her father whispered, his voice thick with regret. The tears threatening to spill finally broke free, streaming down her cheeks. She had never expected to hear those words from him, words she had longed for all these years.With just those words, all the fear and the pain that she thought she had forgotten was completely washed away. Something heavy was lifted from her chest, and she could not stop herself from bawling her eyes fr
“Did you wait long?” Cassie asked when she saw Via waiting near the entrance of the subdivision.“No. I just arrived here.” Via entered her best friend’s car, and Cassie started maneuvering towards the main house.“I’m not really sure if this is a good thing, but I want you to know that I’ll always take your side,” Cassie assured her when she noticed her unusual silence.“How were the kids?” Via asked. Truth be told, she was not anxious about meeting her dad again. She was just worried about the kid; they were all she could think of now.“They were fine. Though they haven’t met Dad because Collin insisted that you needed to be there for him to meet them.”Via let out a sigh of relief. It was a good thing Collin was able to have their dad compromise, even just a little. She would have gone mad if the kids had ended up being hurt and she was not there.As the scenery became more familiar, nostalgia washed over her. It had been years since she last stepped foot in that subdivision, but i
As Via stepped into the office, she couldn't contain her excitement. Today would be a half-day at work, and she was eager to wrap up her tasks and head home to spend time with her children. But that didn't mean she would slack off—far from it. If anything, Via felt even more driven to make the most of her time at the office.Via dove into her work, tackling each task with precision and determination. She was focused, efficient, and a little competitive, pushing herself to exceed her expectations. She lost track of time as she immersed herself in her projects, the hours flying by in a blur of productivity.As the clock ticked closer to the end of her shift, Via's phone rang, jolting her out of her concentration. She glanced at the caller ID and saw her brother's name flashing on the screen. Curious, she answered the call."Hey, Collin. What's up?" Via greeted him, trying to mask the hint of anxiety in her voice."Hey, Via. I need you to come to the main house after work," Collin said,