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Chapter 17
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Kaugnay na kabanata
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 18
I ran when the elevator was about to close. “I’m sorry!” I said as I entered the elevator. When I look at who I am inside with, my lips form a smile. “Hi,” I greeted.“Katherine,” He greeted. Tiredness was evident on my face, but it lit up when our eyes met. He smiled as he opened his arms and welcomed me, but he was just… asking for a hug. I shook my head and smiled as I moved towards him and hugged him. It feels like home. Him. His hug. I am… finally home. He held my hand as we both went out in the elevator. “I’m going to stay in your place.” He said. “I’ll just take a shower, and I’ll be back.” He gave me a small smile before he went to his place. “What’s the matter, Mark?” I asked as I handed him a can of beer. He was sitting on the couch while watching the news. His hair was still messy and wet from the shower, and he wore a pair of pajamas. He looks so comfy. I sat beside him as I dried my hair using a towel. “Nothing. I just want to stay here with you.” He said. He stood u
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 1
“Why didn’t you call me so that I could fetch you at the airport?” My older brother, Kieffer Andres, asked as soon as I arrived at our house. “I know you're busy plus I am an adult now, I can manage,” I said to him as I looked around. Nothing’s changed in our house. It was still the same since I left. Kieffer got my luggage on Nikki, my personal bodyguard. “I know you’re an adult now, but Kathy-” “I just arrived here, don’t ruin the mood, brother.” I cut him off. He looked at me with empathy. I smiled at him before I got my bag on top of one of my luggage. “Where’s my room?” I asked to change the topic. I don’t want to talk about it on my first day here. “Still in the same room,” Kieffer answered. “We only changed the interior designs,” he informed me while we were going upstairs. I left when I was 8 years old. My room was a princess theme and had a lot of dolls. Kieffer opened the door for me. As soon as I saw my room, I smiled in satisfaction when I saw the designs of it. Th
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 2
After we ate dinner, I went straight to my room even though Kieffer told me to stay downstairs for a while so we could talk more but I just said to him that I wanted to rest more so he let me go upstairs. I know that he was trying his best to fill up the emptiness and loneliness that I am feeling until now. Mom and Dad both weren’t at home to welcome me. I only have Kieffer and the maids to welcome me. Kieffer visited me in America last year and that was the time when I shared with him my plan about finally coming back. Then, he told our parents about it. Since we were kids, our parents have been busy with the company so they barely see us. Because of that, we have this gap between us. Our parent-children relationship wasn’t that strong. It was just like a normal and casual relationship between two people. Kieffer grew up being independent while I also grew up independent but also feels like not. I spent my childhood and youth in America. My parents visit me just two to three times
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 3
After our transaction, I decided to go to the mall to go shopping. I wanted to buy clothes, bags, and shoes for my closet at my new condo. I also look for something that I think I will need. I turned around and looked at Nikki. “I don’t have anything in the kitchen, right?” she asked. “Yes, Ma’am.” He answered. I nodded at him and decided to go to the kitchen department of the mall. Nikki got me a pushcart. I get everything I need. Utensils, plates, glasses, and other kitchenware. I also get a rice cooker, blender, and coffee maker. “I’ll just buy the other stuff later. That’s it for now.” I said before I went to the cashier. Niki fell in line for me. I just gave him my card. “I forgot something,” I uttered. I looked at Nikki, “I’ll be back. Don’t worry. No one will happen to me here.” I said before I left him there. I went to the supermarket to look for some snacks to eat. I got some gummy bears, potato chips and chocolates. I also got some noodles. When I was about to get t
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 4
The next day, I went to my condo to organize the stuff I bought yesterday. When I got there, the old woman on the first floor, who was Lily, told me that I had deliveries arrived earlier and they put them in front of my door. Nikki helped me put the boxes inside. I also texted Kieffer to inform him that I am going to stay in my condo today. “Nikki, you can go home now. I’ll be staying here for today.” I said after I got out of the kitchen and I am still holding a glass that I washed and now I am drying it. I am wearing a cute pink apron with flowery designs. “You don’t need any help, Ma’am?” he asked as he put the boxes aside. “I think I can do it by myself. Thank you,” she said. Nikki nodded at her before he decided to leave. “Leave the boxes there. I’ll just throw it away later.” I said when I saw that he was about to bring the boxes with him. After he left, I continued organizing the kitchen. I also put the groceries I bought before we went here in the refrigerator while the c
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 5
I remained glaring in irritation for a minute in his direction even though he was already inside his place. I was still in disbelief. Then, I scoffed after I realized that I looked like a damn crazy person standing in an empty hallway while staring, like any minute I would explode, in that door. I angrily went inside my place and slammed the door behind me. “I am not short! He… He is just tall! Damn!” I hate that guy. I marched into my room and just decided to take a shower so my nerves about that guy could chill. Why is he like that? First in the supermarket and then now, in this condominium building? He should be thankful that I softened when I saw his pitiful face that obviously lacked of sleep when he stole my ramen! How could he call me shorty!? After I surrendered my ramen to him, he called me that! Was that the only thing he remembered about me?! He’s such a jerk! After I finished taking a shower, I went out in the bathroom only wearing a towel that wrapped around my body. I
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 6
The next morning, I got ready to go to the gym. I didn’t need to go out of the building because there was a small gym downstairs, on the first floor. I was wearing leggings and a sports bra underneath my jacket. I also tied my hair in a ponytail and brought my tumbler. As soon as I locked my door, the guy in the last room came out. My brow raised when I saw his look. He was always handsome but now, he looked so neat and presentable. I also noticed the uniform he was wearing inside his jacket. He has a black backpack on his back. When he looked at me, I rolled my eyes and went to the elevator first. I crossed my arms on my chest as I waited for him to enter and pressed the button for us since we were both going to the first floor. He glanced at me after he entered and pressed the button. He was wearing an earphone and both of his hands were inside the pockets of his jacket. So, he was working at the Pyeha Hotel. The uniform he was wearing was the uniform of the hoteliers of the Pyeh
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 7
“Is it okay if I ask you a question?” I sat down beside Lanie. I moved closer to her so my brother and Tyler won’t hear our conversation. She looked at me with curious eyes as she also moved closer to me. “Is there someone, I mean, a guy who is working at the hotel who is, uhm…. How can I say this…” I was biting my nails as I found the right words that would describe him. “He is tall, snobbish, and handsome. He is always wearing a hoodie.” I said. When I saw how her eyes changed, I knew that she knew who the guy I am talking about was. “Oh, I think you are talking about Mark?” she answered. “Why? What about him?” My mouth slightly parted after I heard and knew his name. So he is Mark, huh? “Nothing. I just got my condo and he’s my neighbor.” I said to her and she only nodded at me and smiled. I wanted to ask her about Mark, anything about him, but I am so shy to do that, like why do I have the guts to ask her about him when she only met me today? After that, I joined my bro
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Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 18
I ran when the elevator was about to close. “I’m sorry!” I said as I entered the elevator. When I look at who I am inside with, my lips form a smile. “Hi,” I greeted.“Katherine,” He greeted. Tiredness was evident on my face, but it lit up when our eyes met. He smiled as he opened his arms and welcomed me, but he was just… asking for a hug. I shook my head and smiled as I moved towards him and hugged him. It feels like home. Him. His hug. I am… finally home. He held my hand as we both went out in the elevator. “I’m going to stay in your place.” He said. “I’ll just take a shower, and I’ll be back.” He gave me a small smile before he went to his place. “What’s the matter, Mark?” I asked as I handed him a can of beer. He was sitting on the couch while watching the news. His hair was still messy and wet from the shower, and he wore a pair of pajamas. He looks so comfy. I sat beside him as I dried my hair using a towel. “Nothing. I just want to stay here with you.” He said. He stood u
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 17
Then, he sighed. “Okay, then. I’ll tell them to cancel the dinner.” With that, I immediately looked at him. “What?” “I’ll cancel the dinner, Katherine. We both know that it is not just a dinner. We- no, They are planning our wedding.” He smiled a little after he said those. Yeah, we are both aware that it is not just a regular dinner. “Don’t do what you don’t want to do. Please do what you want to do without caring about what they will say about your decisions. That is your life, Katherine.” He stood up. I remained sitting as I looked at him. Then, he smiled at me, put his hand above my head, and caressed my hair gently. “After all, we are all just people who want freedom, not a chain, right?” I felt a hot liquid forming in the corner of my eyes. He kneeled in front of me as he continued caressing my hair. He is tall, so when he kneeled, our gazes were just equal. “I know you went here to get your freedom. I don’t want to be the reason, and my family, why can’t you get that?
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 16
I went back to my senses when my phone rang. Mom’s calling. When I answered it and listened to my Mom, my brows furrowed as I went to my room and looked at my calendar. “What? Really, Mom?” I sarcastically said because I can’t believe what I am hearing now. “Mom, my birthday is coming… why…” I sighed heavily and closed my eyes for a second. My head is aching because of this sudden news. “You should at least ask me, Mom,” I said. Then, she explained so many things that I couldn’t understand because I can’t still process everything. After the call, I remained staring at the floor. And then I realized that reality started to hit me. “Wow… just wow,” I uttered. I looked at my phone when I received a text from my mother. From: Mom I’m sorry, darling. They wanted to have your wedding as soon as possible. Then, another message came. Both of you can still prepare. Your wedding is two months away from your birthday. It is a private wedding anyway. I didn’t text back after I r
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 15
It was like visiting and entering that orphanage will make the wall Mark built collapse. In the following days, I remained in my place. Since the majority of my friends are abroad, I don’t have any friends to hang out with except Lanie. But she was busy with her life so I decided not to bother her. I entertained myself by watching series and sometimes, reading the files that Nikki sent me about Mark. I looked at the door when I heard the doorbell ring. I am not expecting any visitors right now. When I opened the door, my lips parted when I saw who was standing in front of me. He was wearing a plain white shirt, black shorts, and white shoes. In his right hand, he was holding a paper bag. He looked at me casually. I tilted my head as I looked at him again from head to toe. “Glad to see you alive,” Mark said. “What?” “You’re not going out for the past few days. I’m just checking if you are still breathing there.” He said before he stole a glance inside my place and then, looked a
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 14
I went inside my room, jumped in my bed, and buried my face in the pillow, as I felt embarrassed about how I acted in front of him. Did I make it too obvious that I was worried about him? Oh, gosh! Minutes later, my phone beeped. When I checked it, my eyes widened and I almost threw my phone. Mark replied! To: Mark Nextdoor I’m fine. “Shit!” I cursed. Just two words and I am already losing it. I didn’t reply. I just stared at his message. Even though he said he’s fine, why do I feel like he is not? His eyes… When I stared at those eyes, I saw sadness lurking in those mysterious eyes. Or am I the only one who sees that? I sighed before I decided to call my mother. “Hey, Mom.” I greeted. “Hello, darling! Why did you call?” I bit my lower lip. “Uhm, Mom, about Mark…” I stood up and went near the window. “What about him?” Mom’s voice became serious now. I sighed again before I said what I wanted to say. “Don’t touch him. I’ll handle him.” I said. There was a long pa
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 13
“You knew about that? My arranged marriage?” I asked my brother after I sat on the couch. Just by looking at his guilty face, he knew it. “I’m sorry. It’s already late when I found out about it.” He answered. I nodded. “And what’s more amusing about it was you chose their adopted son instead of Yael and Henry, huh.” There’s sarcasm and interest in his tone. I shrugged, “Though he is adopted, Wang faked the paper, so Mark is not their family. It’s interesting, right?” I said to him as I wiggle my eyebrows. Kieffer shook his head at me as if he was proud at the same time thinking that I was crazy. “Why do you think they faked his adoption? Do you think Mark knew about it also, his friends?” I asked again. “I don’t think so. His friends knew that he was adopted because Mark said it himself to them. I could not imagine how Mark would react if he knew that.” Kieffer said. “That poor guy,” I whispered as I sighed. I became silent for a few minutes when I didn’t notice that my brot
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 12
I don’t want to marry a guy that I didn't love. I looked at Mark who was playing with his wine. He looked uninterested in this drama. I will make him interested, then. “I..” They all looked at me except him. “I will marry your son,” I said before I looked at Mrs. Wang, who smiled widely, and was satisfied with my answer. I ignored Mom’s reaction. If they can’t fucking stop this situation, I will. I will do all I can just not to have my family bond with the Wang Family. “I will marry one of your sons.” I continued. They wanted me to marry Yael and I will not let that happen. "Oh! That's good then, both of them were single anyways. So, who will you choose-" Rude as it is, I stopped Mrs. Wang from speaking when I looked at Mark seriously. “I want him,” I said with a serious and final tone while looking at Mark. I heard their gaps. I knew this would be their reaction. Who would not be shocked if I wanted to marry an adopted son of theirs? A man without Wang's blood. Mark and I’
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 11
After we all sat together, my parents were having a chitchat with Wang while I was playing with my phone under the table. I know it’s rude but I am uncomfortable, especially when Yael and Henry are staring at me. "Good evening. Sorry, I'm late." I immediately raised my head when I heard that familiar voice coming from our back. He’s here. Looking at the time, I guess he just came from his work. I noticed that Mr. and Mrs. Wang didn’t even glance at him while Yael and Henry only glanced at him. "And who is this handsome man?" Mom asked after Mark sat in front of me. Just by looking at his face, he didn’t notice that I was there. He might be thinking that this was a coincidence but it was not. He didn’t know me- the real me so I will assume for now that he also didn’t know my family… personally. "Oh! He's Mark. The boy we adopted at that orphanage." Mrs. Wang said like he was nothing. I didn’t feel that they cared for him but why? Why adopt him if they are going to treat him li
Arrange Marriage: Chain and Freedom Chapter 10
"What? Did I do something? What's with his gaze?" I asked in confusion. We watched him until he entered the elevator. "That guy is so weird sometimes," I commented before entering my condo and inviting Nikki inside. "If appropriate, can I ask why you ask me to run a background check on him?" Nikki asked after he put the groceries on the counter table. "Hmmm, because I found him interesting?" I answered. That was true. I found Mark interesting and I wanted to know him more. "I hope you don't put yourself into trouble." Nikki seriously said. I chuckled. Yeah, I hope so too. But for me, the existence of Mark itself already screams trouble. And I don't understand why I have this feeling that I will embrace that trouble soon. "You don't have to worry, Nikki. I know what I am doing." I told him even though I am not confident with what I said. "Ma'am, I don't know if I am appropriate to say this but I'll say it for your safety. You know that the Wang-" "Let's stop there, Nikki,"
