3

Memorize poured in my head like a heavy rain as I cried out painfully.

"What do you want to do with your life, Nalya?! Your grades are disgraceful! I hired a goddamn tutor for you, right?! But why the hell is this still happening?!" my father, Lavino Monselorette exclaimed angrily. We were in the library. I was not even listening to him. I'm so tired of his unending lectures!

I saw how my class card crumpled in his hand. I avoided his blazing eyes. I feel like any minute now, he could lift his hand up and swing it across my face. My gaze dropped on my lap and unconsciously played with my fingers. I should not have shown him my grades. I had readied myself from whatever his reaction would be. It is always like this. I do not even know why he was still disappointed when in the first place, he should not be considering I have never shown him a better grades. And I, myself, never even expected to get a good grades!

My father should know that! His daughter is stupid!

I flinched in my seat when he slammed the table. I bit my lower lip before defending myself. 

"Dad, I'm sorry. I'm... I'm just stressed out," I mumbled in a small voice. 

His squinted his eyes behind his reading glasses. "Stressed out? You're not even studying! My goodness, Talianna! You've been telling me that you're going to study well! What? Is it stressful for you to choose what brand of shoes and clothes you will buy?! May I remind you, young lady, you've already spent a million pesos in just a month! Why don't you focus on your study so I could say that you deserve all of it?!" He sounded very disappointed and weary.

I pouted my lips, trying to look pitiful and cute so my Dad would forget about this.

I wish my mom was here. She wouldn't react this way unlike my Dad. She would surely cook for me to relieve my heart. She would not make me feel that I'm such a big disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I promise. I'll do better in college. I'll even try to graduate with a Latin Honor!" I said, a bit determined.

I know that it's quite impossible. But I can try! God knows I can! I just really need more time to focus. Reading and reviewing are not really my thing! Why would I even make an effort to have a 90 when 75 is a passing grade? 

You know what's wrong with people? They tend to do things that they think will make them better among others but they are not thinking about the possible consequences. Sure! You have an excellent grades but you're depriving yourself from sleeping just to study. In the end, you're the loser because you're neglecting your health just because you think people will praise you for having exceptional and superb grades!

My father laughed annoyingly.

"Don't bother. You're already having a hard time getting an 80. Now you're telling me that?" He snorted. 

I pouted and aggresively rested my back on the couch. Fine! Suit yourself, Dad. Then I won't try!

"I'll cut all your cards. I'll send you to Belleza Eterna. You will attend college there. I'm done with your bullshits, Talianna. This goddamn city is poisoning your mind!"

My jaw dropped. My mind was not almost able to process what my father just said. 

"Dad! You can't do that to me!" My voice was filled with violence. I walked over to his table. He just looked at me tiredly as though he didn't care about my feelings anymore!

"And why can't I?" he uttered in a challenging tone.

M world came crashing at my feet. No... I can't believe it! A sudden coldness invaded my stomach. This can't be!

"Daddy, no! Please! I hate that place! I do not even have friends there! That place is so boring and they don't even have mall!" I voice shook thinking that I will not be able to change his decision but he remained nonchalant. 

He just sighed and removed his eyeglasses. He massaged his temple as if I'm a big problem to him! 

"Talianna, please. Enough. You're overreacting. If mall is just your problem, I'll fucking construct a mall there just so you would stop being a brat!" he growled before he stood up from his swivel chair. 

"Then do it!" I challenged him.

"Enough, Talianna!" His voice thundered. "My decision is final! I've been thinking about sending you to Belleza Eterna and you're pushing me to do this!"

"No! I'm your only daughter! Would you be able to take it if your own daughter is miserable in that place?! It is being surrounded by the ocean! I don't even know how to swim, Dad! What if I'd get drown? Nobody will help me because I don't have friends in that freaking province!"

I came near him while continuesly begging.

He shook his head. 

"You have enough time to say goodbye to your friends here in Manila," he said coldly before walking out. 

Of course, I followed him! I won't stop until he changed his decision! We reached his room while I was still crying my heart out.

"Dad, you're being unfair now! I can't believe you're doing this to me! I'm your daughter!" I sobbed uncontrollably. This is hurting me too much. I can't believe he's doing this! I don't want to be in that place! I never wish to step on that place!

He put his hands on his hips and faced me. Finality was written in his eyes and it made me so afraid.

"And I'm your father. You should listen to me. Take a shower now and we'll gonna have our dinner," he said, dismissing me. 

I aggressively wiped my tears. I saw how his face softened but he didn't say anything.

"Fine! I hate you!" With a heavy heart, I stormed out his room. This is worse than I expected.

Last two years ago, I went on a vacation in Belleza Eterna with my cousins. But hell! It was not a vacation. That place is hell! The beautiful and crystal waters of it didn't even help to decrease my hate for it. I'm not the type of person who loves ocean! I don't know how to swim! And the heat of the sun makes my skin so red which I hate the most! I wish I was tanned! I hate my white creamy tone skin that reminds me of whipped milk. I really hate it!

"Do not worry, Talianna. We will visit you in Belleza Eterna every now and then." My best friend, Vicky, smiled sweetly at me. Her thick eyeglasses covered almost half of her face. I've told her so many times that she should just wear contact lens but she never listened to me. She prefers wearing her eyeglasses, she said. She's really weird. That's what she gets for all the books she's reading. 

I rolled my eyes at her sweet smile. I do not need them visiting me. They will leave after a few days then I'll be alone again in that hell! No! I do not want that!

"I just told Dad that I agree with him just so he won't cut my cards! But I'll never step my feet on that place. I swear to God. I'll rebel once he pushed that idea! I'll tell Davien to impregnate me!" I uttered with full of annoyance while watching the manicurist brushed the color nude nail polish in my nail. 

It's a Sunday and I really need this relaxation because I feel like the whole world is in my shoulders right now because of my father's decision which I do not know if it will ever change. He had already made up his mind regarding this matter. He will really throw me in that province! I just really couldn't believe it. I thought he loves me!

"W-What are you saying? It's your fault. I understand why Tito is sending you in that province. You always disappoint him with your grades. I told you to read your notes when your exam is approaching. You always relying on your so called stock knowledge which doesn't even exist! Being smart is not enough if you don't exert effort," she said in a soft voice.

Again, I rolled my eyes. I'm not smart so what the hell is she talking about that I should exert effort too? I don't even have any of the two!

"Are you going to avail our foot spa promo, Ma'am? Your feet are already so red," the staff commented who was attending to me.

I smiled and nodded my head. "Yes. It has been a while since I got a foot spa. I have a lot of problems right now so I really this extreme relaxation."

The staff laughed. My smile widened a bit. She looked really friendly. She has been telling me stories about her daughter and their life in province.

"Don't stress yourself too much. You're just 17, right? You should enjoy your life."

"I'm just a bit upset because of my Dad."

"And don't let yourself get pregnant! God, you don't know how hard it is to be a mother, let alone in that age! And raising a child is stressful and problematic!"

My cheeks reddened. Did she think that I'm serious with what I said awhile ago about letting Davien impregnate me? I can't even imagine myself with a round belly! 

They offered face treatment, body treatment, nail treatment and massage. I availed all of those because why not? After all the treatment, we decided to have our dinner inside the mall before we went home.

I rolled my eyes at the two bodyguards who were looking like a dog following me while holding the paper bags containing my clothes and shoes that I bought. Why did I even agree to bring these idiots? But I think it's a good idea because I have someone to bring the twenty paper bags for me.

Vicky only got two paper bags with her. If I didn't encourage her to buy something for herself which she seldomly does, she wouldn't buy anything. She is not into girly things. She would rather buy books. Weirdo. I don't even know why we became best friends considering we're the opposites.

I kissed Vicky's cheek before we parted ways. Her driver will fetch her so I left her at the restaurant where we had lunch. I offered her to send her home but she just refused politely.

When I got home, I rested my back on the couch. I peeled off my wedge then lifted my feet onto the center table. I'm still wearing my aviators. I was so extremely exhausted after walking almost two hours. 

I signaled our maids to bring the paper bags in my room. I took out my phone from my Marni red medium trunk bag. I remembered that it was ringing when I was on my way home but I didn't answer it because I was so lazy to entertain anyone. Tons of messages and some missed calls from Davien greeted me when I checked my phone.

"Hey, babe," I greeted him.

"Hey, what's up? Are you already home? You were not answering my calls and texts." His voice was deep and cold as usual. 

"Hmmm. I just got home. I'm sorry. I'm just so tired, babe. Where are you?"

"I'm on my way there. I bought you tteokbokki and gimbap. I also found a store that sells persian pavlova so I also got you one." I could say that he was smiling by the tone of his voice.

I can't help but smile also. God, he's really the best. 

"Really?" I whispered softly. 

"Yeah. Wait for me, babe. Just... I think ten minutes?"

"Okay..."

"Alright. I love you."

"I love you too." 

I remained on the couch until his arrival. Wearing a black polo shirt and dark denim jeans, he looked really handsome.

Davien De Loughrey is the perfect man for me. His hair is the colour of sun-bleached wood, very tall and mestizo. We get so along with a lot of things in life. He always makes effort for me and always listens to me. In one year of being in a relationship with him, he makes me feel nothing but love and care. He is the perfect man for me. I'm sure that he's the one that I'm gonna marry someday.

Our families is in the same industry of business. Real estate company. They own the De Luxre while we own the La Domus. Our core businesses are in strategic landbank management, residential development, shopping centers, corporate businesses, and hotels & resorts. It also focusing on high-rise and mid-rise residential condominium and mixed-use developments.

"I can talk to Tito Lavino if you want. I'll try to convince him. I won't let you stay in that place. What about us, Talianna? We won't see each other that much. I won't let that happen!" Frustration filled his voice.

I bit my lip as I put down the chopsticks.

"Davien..." 

He stood up and aggresively brushed his hair with his long fingers.

"Talianna, please. Don't let your father do this. Promise me..." He gently grabbed my hand. His eyes were filled with agony.

"Babe, I don't want that. Belleza Eterna is so damn far from here."

I squeezed his hand as I tried to smile. My heart was aching to see him almost losing his strength infront of me. 

"Don't worry. I'll talk to him. I got this, babe. I don't want to live there. I hate that place, Davien. You know that. And..." I sighed. "I know Dad can't resist me. I'm sure that he will change his mind eventually."

I smiled cheerfully when I saw my dad in our dining area in the next morning. I kissed his cheek and greeted him. 

"Good morning, Dad," I said cheerfully as I sit on my chair. 

"Good morning, princess," he greeted back and smiled at me.

I tried to examine if he woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. He sipped on his coffee while reading some documents. I pouted. I was watching him discreetly while putting some cream cheese on my bagel. Next week is our graduation. I wonder if he already bought the gift for me? I've been asking him to buy that.

"My graduation is approaching, Dad. You're coming, right?"

He put down the document and glanced at me with his furrowed brows. He fixed his reading glasses before nodding his head. 

"Yeah. Of course. Eat your breakfast now. I'm reading some important documents. There's something wrong that I cannot identify," he whispered the last sentence as if telling that to himself. I just smiled because I do not understand a thing when it comes to our company.

"Okay." I shrugged my shoulders and just continued eating.

The table went silent for awhile. My father's forehead was creased while burying his face on the document he has been reading since I went here. I bit my lip.

"Dad..." I trailed off after a moment of silence.

"Hmmm?" He responded, eyes still looking at the document.

"What's your gift for me?" I smiled widely.

"Gift?" It seemed that his attention was divided.

"Yes. Gift. What, Dad? Do I have to learn how to drive?" I giggled. 

He glanced at me in a split second. "I'm not going to buy that pink Cadillac, Talianna. You won't even be able to use that once you're in the province. What? You're going to drive that luxurious car in the ocean? And you're not 18 yet." Each word was emphasized. 

"Dad!" I looked at him, horrified. I've been waiting for that car! How could he be this so cruel! He was the one who told me that he will buy anything that I want as graduation gift!

And he is still really pushing the idea that he will send me in that place, huh?! 

"Talianna, can you stop it? I have a problem in the company. Stop being so childish."

"But, Dad! You just broke my heart! I expected a lot from you! Don't you love me anymore?"

He squeezed his eyes shut as he massaged his forehead. I felt the hot tears burning the sides of my eyes. I really hate it when he does that! As if I was a big problem to him! As if he was very tired of me!

"My goodness, Talianna! Don't you know anything other than wasting money?! Do you think I have forgotten what you did yesterday?! You went on a shopping again and wasted a hundred thousand! I do not even know what to do with you anymore!"

I swallowed hard. My throat was as though burning for trying so hard to suppress a sob. I know that the maids were watching us.

"You will never learn, Talianna. After your graduation, you're going straight to Belleza Eterna. And I do not want to hear any complain!" His voice was filled with finality. I remained silent when he stood up, leaving me in the dining area.

In my annoyance, I crashed the bagel using the fork and bread knife. I poured my anger on it. I hate him! I so hate him!

"Talianna, stop playing your food. You're not a kid. And just ignore your dad. It's your fault anyway," our maid, Fely commented. Her wrinkles were showing as her brows knitted.

"What?" I said lazily. 

"You spend money like there's no tomorrow! You don't know how important money is because you're not still working. You don't know how hard it is to earn a penny. I know that time will come, you will understand why your father always lectures you about spending money."

I put down the utensils and huffed in annoyance.

"Of course, I know that! But I'm his only daughter! Who would benefit from our money if not his own daughter! And I'm his daughter!  Besides, I never used money to buy those illegal drugs! I don't smoke! I'm not a rebellious daughter! I only spend our money on shopping! You can even consider it as an investment! What would we do in our billions if we won't use it? What? Are we just going to let the bank use it for their own benefit? Then why is he working so hard if I'm not even allowed to spend our money?" I rolled my eyes.

"Stop justifying your actions, Talianna. And stop rolling those eyes of yours, dear! I would pull those out if I ever catch you doing that again," she threatened but I just rolled my eyes again at her.

I can't believe my dad was serious when he said that after my graduation, we're going straight to Belleza Eterna. 

Using a chopper, we spent two hours in the air until I saw our mansion sitting on top of a hill. If we traveled by land, it would probably take eight hours.

And here I am now, staring at our own big mansion in Belleza Eterna. It's been two years already since the last time I went here. My father grew up here and I thank God that I did not. I can't just imagine what kind of childhood I could have possibly made in here. Surely, it would be very uneventful and worthless childhood if ever.

I let our maids bring my suitcases upstairs. I didn't bring my whole walk-in closet because it will surely take me forever to pack all of my clothes. But if I'm really going to stay here, which is really confirmed by my father, I think I'd need to move all of my things in here.

We got off the chopper by 5 pm already. The sun was slowly sinking in the ocean and the cold wind was kissing my skin so tenderly. I could smell the ocean. I walked on the shore while watching the kids playing not so far from where I am. Some fisherman were busy with their basins and buckets.

I wonder how they fish? Is it hard?

The wind softly blew my blue maxi dress, even my long hair. I watched as my feet sunk in the white sands. It felt so soft against my feet. I felt the seaside sand scratching under my feet and the water touching me tenderly. I removed my heels as it was making me uncomfortable to walk.

I stopped when my eyes caught something... or rather someone. The man was busy putting down the buckets. I got curious so I walked towards him. My steps became fast.

As I was able to look at him closely, I just realized how tall he was. He was well-built but not like a bodybuilder's body. His skin was tanned, probably because of fishing. He was wearing a white shirt and black jersey shorts. Each strand of his hair was being blown by the gentle wind. He was still busy with the buckets that he probably haven't noticed me.

He looked at my direction when I was almost near him. It was just a quick glance before he continued with his work.

"Hi! Do you mind if I look at those fishes?" My smile was big even if he was not looking at me. 

"No problem." His voice was cold. 

I bit my lower lip. 

"Are you the one who caught this?" I tried to sound friendly as much as I can.

"I was with someone," he answered in an uninterested tone.

"Do you fish everyday? I would love to try it. Can I go with you?" In that moment, he already turned his attention to me.

His brows furrowed. His tight jaw was an angular shape. I was taken aback for a moment when I saw his eyes. They were... green.

I thought for a moment that I was probably just imagining things but after staring at him, I realized that his eyes were real...

"We leave very early. And you can't just go with us," he replied as if I was crazy to say that.

My eyes were too focused on his green ones. I almost couldn't believe what I'm just seeing now.

I cleared my throat.

"I-I will pay you. Don't worry. I'm just really curious how you guys do it. I want to experience it." I shrugged. I looked at the fishes briefly before shifting my gaze to him. His eyes went on my shoes that I was holding.

"No. I'm sorry, Miss. And I'm sure you won't enjoy it," he said in a dismissive tone. He continued doing his work. 

I squinted my eyes, a bit annoyed.

"Fine! You don't have to be so grumpy. If you don't want, then I'll find another fisherman who will agree!" I rolled my eyes before I turned my back on him. 

I looked at him again over my shoulder. He was looking at me with knitted eyebrows. I rolled my eyes again.