#1

Nathalie's point of view

Is it all worth it? To do what makes me happy despite the fact that my life is already tied up with someone I haven’t even met... For several times, I had to ask myself about it.

I used to dream of having a great life which includes the freedom and career that I will be proud of. I have dreamed of having a life without the need to please anyone, without having the fear to fail.

I used to dream of having a normal life wherein people aren’t befriending me just because of my family’s worth.

I’ve been dreaming of being someone else. What if I was not born as Risha Nathalie Saavedra? However, I came to realize that it didn’t make any sense at all.

My parents have opened my eyes at my young age. They made me aware about my purpose in our business and that is to be a wife of someone whom I barely know. I didn’t mind it at first as my only goal is to please them reason why I wanted to do everything they would say.

“I already talked to them and they liked my proposal,” Daddy brought up, one evening during our family dinner at home. “I am confident that our company will grow fast once Nathalie and Evan Zendejas gets married!”

My father, Frank Saavedra, is truly happy as he explained the details of his meeting with the Zendejas family. He totally likes the idea of merging businesses, which is why he’s doing his best to be part of it. He looked at me with a wide smile on his face.

I only smiled back.

“That’s wonderful!” My mom, Michelle Saavedra, exclaimed in glee. “I’ll make sure to talk to Evan’s mother so we can set up a dinner date for you two.” she said while looking at me.

“Nathalie, I hope you can clear your schedules for that dinner date.” Dad said with a pleading tone.

“Ofcourse, Dad...” I nodded. He’s my father. I don’t see any reason to disobey him.

I wanted to please them and this is my purposes. I won’t do anything against their will for I know they won’t do anything that would harm me. I always live in comfort and money, thanks to them. At my young age, I have all the luxuries in this world. My parents gave me a life without any suffering. I am grateful for the life they have given me and in return, I want to fulfill their dreams.

I was only trying to be fair. I didn’t have any issue with following their rules. I didn’t see anything wrong with it as long as it will make them happy. However, deep within my heart I knew that I wanted to have a freedom. I wanted to live a normal life without any rules and following requests. I wanted to be just someone who can decide for my own life.

How I wish it is easy to escape.

No... It’s never easy. I am Risha Nathalie Saavedra, the only daughter of Frank and Michelle Saavedra. Thus, I should fulfill their dreams.

_______________

“No fucking way, Nathalie! Are you serious? Fixed marriage? With whom?” Chandria was really surprised that she had to stop walking when I told her everything.

We were walking at the park near my house. The sky is blue and the cold wind blew through my curly hair. The sun is about to set in a few minutes and I know I need to go home soon as my mom would scold me if I don’t.

“Yes, I am serious. He’s a business tycoon as far as I know. Evan Zendejas,” I replied.

My best friend stared at me with her squinted eyes. She didn’t like the idea, I am sure of it. I chuckled as I really like her reaction. Well, given this modern generation, who would still want to marry for convenience, right?

“Wow! You agreed to it? Are you out of your mind?” Now her tone is more like upset.

I only nodded. I looked up at the sky and closed my eyes. I felt the cold wind blowing through my hair again. I breathed in and let out a heavy sigh.

“Are you worried? I think it’s going to be just fine...” I uttered.

“You’re really out of your mind! I can’t believe you just agreed to your parents’ plan. Have you ever realized that you’d lose your freedom all because you want to be a good daughter? It doesn’t even make sense!” she added.

I laughed and glanced back at her. She’s too concerned and I love her for being like this but I know it’s all set and done. My feeling has nothing to do with our business. This is the least thing I can do to help my parents.

I wanted to have a freedom, that's for sure. But if fighting for it will hurt my parents then I won’t even give it a try. I don’t want to break their plans and destroy their dreams.

“Zendejas, right? I’ll check him on the internet. What if he’s ugly, right? My goodness, Nathalie! This is crazy!”

“Oh, that’s a good idea!” I said playfully. “I will reconsider backing out once we find out that he’s not a good looking guy!”

“Damn it!” she rolled her eyes. “Why are you so calm about this? Am I the only person who wants you to claim your freedom?”

I let out a heavy sigh. “I already accepted my fate, Chandria. Besides, it does not going to happen anytime soon. I still have a little bit of freedom, I guess. I want to maximize it for God knows how.”

“Alright...” She pouted her lips. “I’m just worried you’d turn into a battered wife in the future...”

I laughed out loud. This silly girl! She also laughed a bit and then clung her arms on mine.

“So... Risha Nathalie Zendejas, shall we go?” she teased me.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. But I guess, that’s how people will address me in the future. Damn it!