BEGINNING

“But Uncle!” Lilliane protested. “Mr. Fuentes is fifty years old, isn’t he?” Her eyes began to show anxiety. “Why—”

“Mr. Fuentes is sixty years old, Lilliane!” Richard said impatiently and irritably. It seemed the niece was still opposing their wishes.

Lilliane looked up and met her uncle’s angry gaze.

“Mr. Fuentes is very rich. You won’t go hungry or suffer with him! He might even save our family and business! That consideration is so important that you should just engrave it into your mind right now!”

Lilliane stood up violently, unable to hold back, drawing the full attention of the two. She was sure that the two could also see how red her face was from a mix of anger and frustration.

She admitted that even though she was hesitant about marrying someone she didn’t know, she was ready to accept it—for the sake of her late parents’ company. But the thought of marrying an old man—almost like her grandfather—was unbearable!

Disgusting!

Just thinking about spending the wedding day with him and afterward—or even just facing him now—made her want to vomit!

“And what about me? What about my own life and happiness? Do I not have a right to my own life?”

Richard’s lips formed a tight line, and Mathilda, like her husband, furrowed her brows in irritation.

“I thought we had made this clear. Didn’t you agree to the arranged marriage? Why are you resisting now?”

Tears began to fall from Lilliane’s eyes.

“But why that old man!”

Richard Amante sank back into his chair.

“Happiness has no place in these times, and your happiness won’t save us. We’re on the brink of bankruptcy and you’re still thinking about your happiness! Your life! Your sacrifice is crucial for our survival and the business! You’re still thinking only of yourself!”

Lilliane’s voice broke as she spoke again, a mix of pain and disbelief evident.

“Sacrifice? Is that how you see me? You talk as if I’m just an object. You have no care for me? For what I feel and the outcome of this because of your wishes!”

“Our priority is the family’s future.” Mathilda’s voice was as cold as ice when she spoke again, her brow raised. “Your feelings have no place in our family right now. They won’t save us. If Mr. Fuentes is willing to marry you and offer his support, then you must accept.”

Lilliane’s tears flowed even more from her aunt’s words, like a waterfall cascading down her cheeks, non-stop. She swallowed while also trying to suppress the sound rising from her throat.

What they conveyed was painful for her. It felt like she was being treated not as a relative but as a mere tool.

“You expect me to marry a man old enough to be my grandfather? I’m supposed to sacrifice my own happiness just to save the business. You’re only thinking of yourselves!”

Mathilda slapped Lilliane’s face, making her stagger. The impact of the slap was so strong she almost felt her head fly off.

Richard’s patience with his niece was wearing thin, and his expression was even harder than before.

“The decision is final, Lilliane. You cannot change it even if you present your rights to us!” Mathilda said through gritted teeth.

“You can’t do this! You can’t dictate my future based on your desires! You won’t make me submit like this! I’m not a robot to follow your wishes!”

Mathilda took a step forward, causing Lilliane to retreat slightly, her teeth clenched and her face stern.

“We can and we have,” Mathilda’s voice was firm. “This is a matter of survival. You should be grateful for the opportunity.”

“Isn’t there any other way?” the girl pleaded, her voice trembling again. “Can’t you find another alternative? I am begging you to reconsider.”

Richard Amante shook his head.

“There are no viable alternatives. The bankruptcy is imminent, and Mr. Fuentes’s support is crucial. You must fulfill your part in this arrangement.” The man’s statement was final.

“And what if I refuse?” Lilliane asked in a low but determined voice, almost like a whisper.

She was shocked and stepped back when her aunt grabbed her jaw. Her aunt’s sharp nails dug into her cheeks.

“You have no right to refuse,” Mathilda said through gritted teeth, her eyes blazing with anger. “Don’t think your tears will change anything! They’re useless and won’t help!” She then forcefully let go of Lilliane’s face.

Lilliane sobbed, almost choking from crying. The sharpness of her aunt’s nails seemed to linger, embedded in her skin.

Richard smirked derisively, as even he could hear the girl’s words.

“Once you refuse, we lose everything. Your refusal will signify the loss of our assets, this mansion, our social status, and perhaps even our happiness. Is it too much to ask for such a small sacrifice? Can’t you even do that? It’s such a simple request we’re making of you, Lilliane!”

She wanted to argue further but was running out of strength. Even if she disagreed with what was said, it would change nothing. They would just keep going in circles.

Lilliane sank back into her chair, weakened, her shoulders slumped.

“So, this is really it. There’s no way out.” She said, more to herself.

Richard Amante sighed deeply, and his previously stern expression softened slightly.

“I understand this is a heavy burden for you, Lilliane. But sometimes, we must make sacrifices for the greater good of everyone.”

Lilliane glanced at the two with deep despair.

“When you talk about what’s good, it’s as if you know anything about it. You don’t even see my suffering. I can’t believe you’re doing this to me as if I’m not family.”

“We are only acting on what we believe is best for our family’s interest,” Mathilda Amante said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “So, you should trust our judgment on what is best and necessary beyond what you know.”

Lilliane’s tears flowed again.

“I don’t know how I’ll move forward from this. How will I face him?”

Mr. Amante stood up. His voice was firm but soft as he spoke.

“You will face Mr. Fuentes as appropriate. We have an appointment with him tomorrow, so you need to prepare.”

“Rest now, Lilliane, you will need it.”

“Rest? How can I do that when my whole world is falling apart?”

“We’re doing this for a reason, Lilliane.” Richard’s voice softened slightly but remained determined. “I hope that, in time, you will understand.”

Mathilda began to walk toward the door.

“Come on, darling,” she said to her husband, “We have much to prepare for tomorrow.”

The man sighed deeply and left the room in silence.

Lilliane was left alone, sitting. Her body felt withered from despair until she couldn’t hold back a loud wail from the outcome of her life at that moment.

When she composed herself, she wiped her tears.

She took a deep breath, hardened her face, and decided.

She left the room and went to her unit to get ready. She wasn’t sure if she was still sane.

If she couldn’t offer her virginity to the man she truly loved, she would give it to someone else. She couldn’t bear the thought of that old man benefiting from her body!

Lilliane went to a high-end club after getting herself ready. She wore a red cowl neck silk dress that hugged her curvy body, exposing her smooth back and shapely thighs.

She had been trembling earlier while staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror, applying red lipstick. She wasn’t used to such a sexy dress that would be seen by many, as it felt like she was exposed even though the smooth fabric embraced her body. But she had to do what was on her mind. She would give herself to any man in the club as long as it wasn’t that old man!

Lilliane grimaced at the thought of Mr. Fuentes. She couldn’t help but feel nauseated, especially thinking that he would possess her young body.

How disgusting!

Lilliane downed yet another shot glass.

That old man was probably fantasizing about her, which was why he asked for her through her uncle, using their company’s downfall as an excuse!

Disgusting! She was disgusted!

She wanted to cry but had probably exhausted all her tears. She also felt numb.

She downed the contents of another shot glass.

She couldn’t stand what her uncle and aunt had done to her. They treated her like she wasn’t their family!

She knew she was making a sacrifice for the company her parents left her, but she just couldn’t stomach marrying Fuentes.

After downing several more glasses of alcohol, she stumbled onto the dance floor. Her vision was spinning, but she didn’t care. Her true intention for the night was fading from her mind. Anger and hatred took over, even though she felt she had no tears left. She would drown every moment in the glow of neon lights and the pounding music.

She raised her hands and started swaying her hips with her eyes closed. She even slid her hands from her neck down.

It seemed she was truly losing her sanity.

Lilliane didn’t notice a man behind her dancing. For someone as drunk as she was, especially when she remembered her real purpose for being there, it didn’t matter.

She flinched when she felt warm hands wrap around her waist, followed by the heat of a body pressing against her exposed back.

She continued dancing, completely indifferent to whatever the man behind her wanted to do. He matched her every movement.

The bar grew even louder as the DJ switched the music. She felt dizzy from the images of dancing people and the playful neon lights, so she kept her eyes closed, still aware of the man’s body moving in sync with hers.

Lilliane’s lips parted when she felt his hand gently caress her stomach. His palm was so warm, and she didn’t understand why it brought her a strange sense of comfort.

She couldn’t help but gasp when something soft and moist landed on the junction of her neck and shoulder. Her hair stood on end. The sensation sent an unfamiliar feeling through her, and she couldn’t help but feel desire for more.

She turned around to face the man. The first thing she noticed through her blurred vision was his clenched jaw, his firm, pink lips that looked soft and... delicious, especially the bottom one. He had a sharp nose. Her gaze traveled upward, meeting his dark, night-like eyes framed by thick brows and long hair.

The man was tall and very manly.

He seemed to have just come from work, judging by the white long-sleeved shirt he was wearing. The first button of his shirt was undone, giving her a glimpse of fine hair on his chest.

Lilliane felt his grip tighten on her waist, and she couldn’t help but gasp and look back up at his face.

Their eyes met, and she couldn’t resist biting her lower lip. She also noticed his gaze drop as she continued dancing, while he remained still. She wasn’t aware of it, but she felt like she was seducing him with her movements.

He smelled so good. His scent wasn’t overpowering but was enticing.

The strength of his shoulders and arms became evident when he held her tighter as she lost her balance, mindlessly swaying in front of him. She saw the corner of his lips twitch a smirk, and it seemed to sober her up a bit.

She had never seen such a handsome man before. This was probably the most strikingly attractive man she had ever encountered in her entire life. None of her past suitors, not even her crushes or famous actors in the Philippines or abroad, could compare. And she couldn’t believe she was meeting someone this good-looking in a bar tonight.

Earlier, only one of his hands rested on her waist, but now both were caressing and squeezing. She started to feel warmth spread through her body, especially when one hand slid down to her butt, giving it a gentle squeeze, making her gasp.

Their bodies pressed closer together as they danced. She was beginning to feel breathless, though she didn’t know why. It felt like she was yearning for something she couldn’t quite grasp.

“You wanna go somewhere else?” he asked, his voice raspy. His hot breath brushed against her ear.

Lilliane felt intoxicated by his voice, almost as if it had the same effect as the alcohol she had consumed.

She turned to face him quickly. Their eyes met, and she could see the heat in his gaze, reflecting her own.

His eyes drifted down to her parted lips as they remained in that position.

“Somewhere... else,” she repeated, her voice almost a whisper. She was breathless.

“Yeah,”

Before Lilliane could speak, his lips claimed hers. Her mouth opened in surprise, but she responded to his kiss, despite her lack of experience.

His lips were warm and soft, almost addictive, leaving her craving for more.

She felt him smile against her lips.

He nipped at her lower lip, sucking on it afterward, and she couldn’t help but moan, responding more fervently to his kisses. It sent waves of electricity coursing through her entire body.

Lilliane felt like her mind was soaring. She found herself gasping with every kiss and touch he bestowed on her.

“Come with me,” he whispered after breaking the kiss. Like her, he was also breathless.

He lifted her chin so their eyes could meet. Lilliane saw the burning desire and intensity in his gaze.

Suddenly, someone bumped into her from behind, causing her to stumble into the man’s warm, firm chest.

She gasped sharply when she felt something hard pressing between his legs. Her eyes widened, and she saw the smirk tug at the corner of his lips.

“I-I’ll go with you,” she stammered, swallowing hard. She couldn’t help but grip his collar and pull him closer. She tugged so hard that he had to lean down toward her. “Anywhere! I don’t have any worth tomorrow anyway!”

She would treat this night as her bachelorette party. If it wasn’t going to be with the man she loved, she’d rather give her virginity to this stranger than to that old man, Fuentes! He wouldn’t get to benefit from her body! Just the thought of it made her skin crawl.

Lilliane didn’t notice the flicker of confusion on the man’s face at her words. But he still welcomed her response to his earlier question.

“Let's go!” he said in a deep voice.