Chapter 2

Blakely's POV

“I always remind you of how to be a good wife, Blakely, and I am very disappointed that for the first time, you came in late.”

I looked down. Mama was combing my long hair that reached my waist. Its length always pleases her and her favorite thing to do was to comb it. However, I know she's not enjoying combing my hair right now because she's right, I came late.

Today is the schedule of my engagement party with Stan and the memories I had with Nik last night still haunted my mind.

Meeting him again like this wasn't what I expected. For the past years, I’ve been dreaming of seeing him again, but now that he's back, I felt scared. The incident last night was as vivid as the memories of what happened five years ago. It's as if impossible to forget and I have no choice but to live with it forever.

I couldn't forget the kiss. The dream of tasting his lips and memorizing the taste of it turned into reality and it was vividly etched into my mind, corrupting my sensibility.

Once again, I’m weak. Nik, my adoptive brother has always been the one who can shake me, both inside and outside. He can even ruin me and it so stupid of me to allow this to happen when it should be forbidden.

“You know how important this marriage is, Blakely. I don't want anything to ruin this, not especially your incompetence.” Mama continued to nag me like I made a grave mistake. I could not answer or reason out because I knew she would hate it.

She stopped combing my hair and looked at me through the reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were sharp and strict and her lips were in a grim line. Her elegance didn't hide the strictness of her rules. She's like the female alpha in this family and I won’t dare disobey her because I know she can be very heartless when mad.

“Why were you late anyway? Was it your job?” Disgust was visible in her eyes as she asked. I know she dislikes my job so much but she's just letting it slide.

I shook my head and met her strict eyes through the reflection in the mirror. “No, mama. I…overslept.”

She gasped in disbelief. “It's not even reasonable and acceptable. Your reason is ridiculous, Blakely! You know the event tonight. You should've slept early because it's the day of your engagement today.”

And just like that, the disappointment in her eyes flickered again. I overslept. That's more acceptable than telling her that I didn't get a proper sleep because of Nik. Because of…the kiss. It would not only bring her horror, but would enrage her to the point that she might cast me away.

“I’m sorry, mama. I’ll make sure it will never happen again.” The calmness of my voice was opposite of the rebellious beating of my heart. I don't wanna disappoint her, and now that I unintentionally did, I felt so guilty.

She hissed. “As you should! It would be embarrassing if Stan came earlier than you. You know how  important this marriage is to our family, right? I don’t want this to happen again. Definitely not on your wedding day.”

I nodded and gave her a smile. “It will not happen again, mama.”

Reassuring her that something like this won’t happen again won’t guarantee that she’ll forget this day, but I should at least try. I know mama. She could let it slide, disappointing her once, but the second time would be like a grave sin.

“It really shouldn’t happen again. You know your responsibilities as a future wife, so you should know what to put in your top list of priorities. Stan’s family is not just a simple family. We need them!”

A knock interrupted us. Mama immediately opened the door and a maid informed us about Stan’s arrival. I was relieved because I really felt like mama won’t stop nagging me. She immediately caressed the pearl necklace on my neck as she looked at my reflection with contentment.

Stan was waiting at the edge of the staircase. He immediately flashed a sweet smile after seeing me and offered his hand which I gladly accepted.

“You are so beautiful,” Stan said as he gently landed a kiss on the back of my hand. I smiled at him and looked at mama. She looked so pleased seeing us together.

“We’ll be following you after a few minutes, Stan. Take care of our lovely Blakely.”

“I will, madame.”

Mama chuckled and caressed Stan’s arm. “Come on, Stan! Call me aunt Nichole or better yet mama since you will be married to Blakely.”

Stan chuckled and nodded. “I was actually waiting for your permission…mama.”

They laughed again and I just stood there like a doll. Honestly, my mind was still clouded by what happened last night. I woke up in Nik’s penthouse and because of fear, I ran away without looking back. I had to steal clothes from his closet while he’s nowhere to be found because my clothes were wet. I didn’t know what to do. Shame was over me as I remembered his words and his exact words five years ago when I stripped naked in his room.

It makes me frustrated. I feel like I just recreated my mistake five years ago and I fear he won’t let this slide now.

“What a lovely couple! Congratulations, Nichole! You’re a good judge of character. You managed to find a kind young man suitable for your lovely daughter.”

Mama chuckled and sipped on her wine. She looked regal as the elegant wives of businessmen flocks around her.

“Who knows they will actually work? We just set them up on a blind date.”

I smiled at Stan’s mother, across from me. Stan and my family are here on the same table, talking about the engagement. There are other businessmen in our circle and I admit that I’m tired of forcing a sweet smile. I just want to sleep and rest now.

Stan chuckled and looked at me while caressing my hand on the table. “Who wouldn’t like Blakely? She’s sweet and kind. Only a stupid man would refuse her.”

Stan’s praises made me smile. “Stan is very kind too. No woman could ignore a caring man.”

Mama looked so pleased. She sipped on her wine glass and smiled softly. “Blakely is a very obedient girl. You see, she never disobeyed me.”

“Oh! I really envy you, Nichole, for having such an obedient daughter. Unlike my daughter. Gosh! We fought last week because I found out that she’s been hanging out in a bar with some cheap people. I really hate it so I grounded her.”

Everyone was so pleased. Everyone was greeting us. Stan won’t let go of my hand while the party’s going on but I was constantly glancing at the huge door of the hall. I don’t know if I’m wishing he won’t come or I’m actually waiting for him. It’s sickening! I feel like I suddenly lost control of my own life and emotions when I grew up calculating everything because of mama’s strict rules.

“How’s your son, Nichole?” One of mama’s friends suddenly asked.

I saw how Mama’s expression slightly changed. Nik is a rebel and she can’t really control him. He’s like an ocean who's always experiencing a storm—wild and cannot be tamed.

“Oh, Nik?” Mama chuckled without humor. “He’s good. He’s currently in another country.”

“My daughter said she saw her last month in Maldives, going to different parties. I guess he’s still a wild kid.”

Papa cleared his throat as if the conversation was starting to bother him. He tilted his head. “Well, I think he just needs a decent woman. Men change when they find the woman they’d want to spend the rest of their lives with.”

Everyone nodded, agreeing to what Papa said. The sudden turn of the topic to Nik made me feel uneasy. His parents didn’t know that he’s back. Did he not inform them?

I chewed my bottom lip as I remembered how he saved me last night. I was drugged but he came to my rescue. He saved me even when he hated me for what I did five years ago and yet I did it again last night. I threw myself at him, like a slut, as he claimed and it hurts me so much.

“I’ll just go to the powder room,” I whispered to Stan and since he was talking to some businessmen with papa, he just nodded and smiled at me.

I grabbed my pouch. “Excuse me…”

I was smiling at the guests who were greeting me while I’m walking towards the restroom. However, I stopped when a woman stood in front of me, blocking my way. Her sharp eyes watched me and I could see disgust in it.

“Excuse me…” I said softly.

She laughed sarcastically. “Acting like a rich heiress when you’re nothing but a fake!”

Her words were heard by the people nearby and I heard someone whispering who’s the girl in front of the Velasquez’s daughter. Everyone sees me as a Velasquez and there are only two people who don’t. Nik and this woman I don’t even know.

I took a deep sigh and stared at her blankly. “Please! I don’t want trouble.”

I walked past her but she suddenly gasped so loud. “Oh my God! I was just trying to greet you.”

I looked back and saw the wine in her hand spilled on her arm. My lips parted in disbelief. What a cheap move!

My eyes immediately fled to the table where my foster parents were. They’re already walking towards us.

“Blakely!” Mama’s low but stern voice caught me off guard. She glanced at the woman in front of me and was about to say something again when a man suddenly put his suit on my shoulders.

“Blakely! Are you okay, love? Were you hurt?” Stan’s angry and worried voice interrupted us. He held my waist so gently as he looked at me worriedly.

“I’m…okay,” I whispered as I stared at him. They’re right! Mama is a good judge of character. Stan is kind and I started to believe that this loveless marriage will still work.

Stan’s jaw ticked as he slowly turned to the woman, glaring at her. Stan moved closer to the woman and said something. I didn’t hear it, but when he stepped back, he spoke. “Just please leave. This is my engagement party and I don’t want it ruined in any way. This is a special night for me, Miss.”

I stared at Stan’s broad shoulders. He stood up for me without doubt. He protected me without question. Yes! We might be able to build a strong and peaceful marriage together. Although I threw myself again at Nik last night, I’m glad nothing happened more than kissing and touching.

The woman looked defenseless as she looked at us before she turned her back and walked away. People are looking at her, probably judging her but I didn’t have time to think about it because I’m worried mama would still blame me. However, Stan must’ve felt the tension in me because he didn’t leave me after that. He accompanied me to the powder room and we went back to the table together. He’s not letting go of my hand.

The party ended after midnight. Stan remained on my side as we went to the hotel.

“Madame, sir. I prepared a presidential suite for me and Blakely. I hope you won’t mind if I invited her to spend the night there,” Stan said while we’re entering the hotel.

Mama nodded. “Of course, Stan. And please! Call me mama.”

Stan chuckled and nodded before he looked at papa. The latter glanced at me and smiled before he nodded at Stan, giving him his permission.

We’re standing in front of the elevator, waiting for it to open when I caught a familiar figure entering the hotel. My breathing became uneven as I saw how handsome he was as he graced the lobby with his rugged look. Piercing on his left ear and messy hair. His muscles were almost ripping the sleeves of his white button down polo while the first two buttons were open.

The lobby of the hotel looked different now that he’s there. Nik walked stoically towards us, like a model on a catwalk, a smile on his face, but only I could see the shade in his eyes. My brain immediately felt dizzy. He’s here. He didn’t attend the party but he’s here. Is he gonna tell on me? Fear suddenly consumed me because of the possibility.

“Nik!” Mom's voice was drowned out by my violent heartbeat.

What's he doing here...I wish he'd go away, but he doesn't change his direction and my blood freezes again. Oh no!

“Nikandreo! When did you come back to town?!” Mom screamed as her eyes widened in shock. “Oh my God! We should’ve picked you up from the airport!”

He stopped in front of us and replied, “Yesterday.” Then he looked over at me with a mischievous grin. “Blakely knows, she didn't tell you?”

Damn it! Is he trying to set me up because of what I did last night? I looked at him in horror and he slowly flashed a smile. I got a glimpse of his tongue and I was shocked to see a piercing in it. Was that what I felt last night? He has a tongue piercing and why do I find it hot?

My cheeks suddenly felt hot and I hid it by caressing them.

My foster mom gave me a decidedly disgruntled look, and I was just about to explain when our father stepped in, looking at Nik with displeasure. “Now that you're back in town, you should give your sister your blessing.”

“Of course.” Nik said and then immediately pulled me into his arms, the memory of his touch on me last night swept over me again and my legs immediately turned to jelly. Oh God! Just a mere touch from him can make me this weak. This is driving me insane!

His left hand was on my waist while the other was on my elbow. He was so close that my breathing stopped and my heart skipped a beat while I’m looking up at his face. He leaned closer, bringing more tension in me as I felt his breath against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

Oh shit!

I just hoped that he wasn’t thinking of reporting me tonight. But his next words once again stopped my heart. “We can still be good, Blakely. What you did, I can let it slide just like five years ago. Well…only if you beg the same way as you did last night. Beg desperately.”