Prologue

Prologue

Everything was ordinary and normal in my life until this moment. It occurred to me many times what kind of sin I had committed for this to happen to me when all I wanted was to have a normal and simple life. My dream of having my own family would've become real if that tragedy hadn't happened.

"Close your eyes," the make-up artist commanded while putting powder on my face.

As I closed my eyes, I silently wished this was all a dream. A nightmare to be exact. And when I open my eyes the light will greet me. I silently hoped that as I opened my eyes, my reality would go back to how it all used to be.

"There, it's done."

But it was still the same. I couldn't feel my own body and everything around me. I can hear voices but I don't really understand the words.

How did I end up in this situation? Why do I have to go through this nightmare?

Ah, right. As payment for a debt. I wonder if my decision in doing this for the damn debt is all worth it?

"Okay, we're done! Now it's time to wear the gown. Assist her, please!”

"Yes ma'am."

I looked at my own reflection in the mirror, still dumbfounded and lightheaded. I gently ran my hands over the white gown I was wearing. I didn't mind the staff doing adjustments to the dress, putting sequins, and other things. I fixed my gaze on my reflection.

Is this really me? It all felt like a dream even until now. Everything would've been perfect. If only I was getting married to my real fiance.

“Beautiful! Perfect!” The make-up artist exclaimed. But I couldn't get myself to be happy and smile at the compliments.

I tried to pull myself together to do one last thing. Maybe this time, he'll let me go. I have to try one last time. Because my freedom depends on it.

"Are we done?" I asked when they finished fixing the gown.

The make-up artist nodded confusedly. The other staff inside the room also stared at me. I took that as a chance and walked towards the door but the wedding organizer looked at me in surprise.

"We'll take some pictures before the wedding starts Miss Villareal," she smiled.

I scoffed at the back of my mind. What's the use of a photo shoot when clearly there is no wedding happening today? All I have to do is convince him with everything I got.

"Can we do it later? I have to talk to him," I begged calmly even though inside I was itching to go out. I can't afford to waste more time.

She took a glance at her wristwatch and looked at me hesitantly. I looked at her, almost pleading. I know Lideon will be angry with what I'm doing but I don't care anymore. I have to talk to him!

When she didn't speak, I hurried out and went to the room where I knew Lideon was. I didn't mind the ladies following me and trying to stop me from walking in haste.

"Miss Villareal, Mr. Martin is quite busy at the moment. It's best if you meet him later-”

I violently walk passed Lideon's assistant and entered the hotel room. Even his men outside were dumbfounded that I only stared at them coldly.

I managed to get inside the room without being dragged by someone away. I caught up with Raul inside sitting on a single sofa while the asshole was sitting comfortably on the long sofa. His massive arms spread wide on the backrest as his dark and menacing eyes bore into mine.

I clenched my fist to stop myself from trembling. I know he's pissed with my presence. Well, the same goes for me. Did he think I was happy to see the look on his face after he pressed me on like this? And he doesn't have to worry about seeing me every damn time. Because after this, I'll make sure he won't see a single strand of my hair.

I breathed hard to calm myself. I directed my gaze toward him without blinking. His gaze traveled down my body which only made me angrier.

"Leave us alone, Raul.” He said coldly while looking at me.

Raul stood up without saying a word and gave me a worried look. I can't help but appreciate his kindness for the past month. I will never forget all that.

I let out a silent sigh when I heard the door close and both of us are left alone. I tried not to channel my own anger toward the man in front of me. I am here to beg. Right, beg. I would kneel if I had to, just to stop this madness.

"What do you want?" He asked nonchalantly.

Calm down, Almene. You have to beg, right? Just ignore this man's arrogance and indolence. The important thing is that you get out of this situation.

"I can't do this," I said with difficulty.

His gaze went even darker and angrier.

"What nonsense are you trying to say?"

I bravely stared at him even though my heart was struggling. I shouldn't have agreed to do this in the first place. I should have thought of this before. I should have thought of another solution first.

"I can't marry you," I said boldly. “I will pay my dad's debt in another way, not this. Please! I can pay for that, just give me time!” I closed my eyes and screamed.

"No," he said firmly.

I couldn't believe that he immediately answered me like that. I took a step back when he suddenly stood up and took a step closer to me. Anger and frustration never left his eyes. But instead of being afraid, I gathered all my courage and looked back at him.

“I clearly told you I won't accept anything as payment except this. And you agreed. So don't give me this bullshit and go back to your room.”

"Why, huh? It's not as if you won't get a woman who's more than willing to marry you. Just choose from those. I-If you want I will help you find a wife. I-I won't run away from Dad's debt to you, I promise. J-just please...”

I didn't realize I was sobbing so hard until I almost ran out of breath. I just bowed down in despair. If I have to kneel, I will. I know this man doesn't have a heart in him. But I bet he has at least a little mercy left in him and will let me pay in some other way.

I held onto his sleeve and looked up at him. And I have never seen him this angry in the past month, just now. He looked insulted and extremely angry. So I concluded with my last resort. I'm throwing away my pride for doing this. I wouldn't mind throwing my dignity away. To think I could actually attain my freedom through doing this comforted me.

“Please...”

But even before I could completely kneel down, he promptly grabbed me. His expression remains hard and angry. I stared at him in shock, hoping that he would give in.

"Kneeling in front of me is of no use. You will be my wife before this day ends. And don't even try thinking of doing something funny again because I'll have your every move guarded," he whispered firmly. "Don't even think of running away. You clearly know what's at stake here. Now go back to your fucking room and wait 'til the ceremony starts."

Silly of me to forget how much of a demon this man is. I wanted to laugh because of anger. How could I have thought there was any mercy left in him? I must have been out of my mind for a moment to think that he actually has a heart. No, he doesn't. He's handsome and rich but his heart is dark and evil.

I pushed his arm away from me and stood properly. I violently wiped away the tears and gave him an evil look. I smiled sarcastically despite the tears.

"For a moment I actually forgot that you're eviler than a monster. You're a total asshole," I said firmly.

His anger intensified. The fire of anger in his eyes burned even more. But I don't care anymore. And it's funny that I don't even feel the slightest bit of fear.

"Oh? Are you angry? Come on, it's not like it's the first time someone labeled you as a despicable monster-”

He pulled me violently and held me firmly by both arms. His grip was so tight I'm sure it'll leave a mark. However, I did not show any pain. I smirked at him even more to insult him. At least this way I can get even for his shamelessness.

He glared at me even more and his grip tightened even more. I cried and looked away while feeling the pain. He let go after a few moments and looked away.

"Raul!" His loud growl almost made me jump.

I heard the door flung open and Raul's familiar footsteps behind me.

"Lock her in her room and make sure she doesn't go anywhere until the wedding!"

I stared at Lideon in shock. What the hell?! Am I a prisoner?!

"What?!"

"You heard me right. Annoy me once more and I will do more than that.”

"What the hell!" My eyes widened in disagreement.

Before I knew it. I was escorted back to my room. The only thing that consoled me was that the staff didn't drag me back to the room even when I was struggling.

I can't believe him! What a jerk!

My tears just won't stop falling no matter how many times I try to console myself. As if it will be alright. Oh god! What am I gonna do?

I was pacing back and forth panicking when the door opened. I was about to ask for help when I saw that it was my father. He greeted me with a big smile while I started crying out of spite.

"Almene," his smile faded when he saw my disposition.

I immediately looked away and took deep breaths again and again to stop the tears. I still blame him, I can't deny that. I should be living my life the way I want it to be but because of him...

I shook my head. I should stop myself from blaming him. It's no use if I continue to blame him.

"I'm sorry," he said in a raspy voice.

"Leave me alone. I want to be alone."

It hurts me to hear his voice asking for forgiveness. And I still can't find it in my heart to forgive him. I sat on the cold floor as I cried some more. Just for now, I want to cry and let it all out. Just now...

I fought the urge to cover my ears when the soft sound of the orchestra filled the hall. All eyes were on me as I walked to the pulpit. Flashes of cameras blinded me as I strode my way toward the altar. My grip tightened as I tried to walk straight toward the monster who was waiting for me.

I slowly looked around the entire venue. The red carpet is decorated with fresh flowers. The whole place is filled with white roses lined up beautifully toward the altar. The huge chandelier illuminated the hall, and the smell of the candles stung my nose along with the fragrance of the flowers. Everything about it speaks of elegance and wealth.

All I could see were unfamiliar faces. I bet most of them are Lideon's business partners. His parents welcomed me with warm smiles that I didn't know how to reciprocate them. They have no idea about this madness so I should treat them well.

"You're stunning, dear." Danice Martin, Lideon's mother smiled sweetly and hugged me.

If only you knew the truth, you wouldn't smile so sweetly, in my mind.

Her husband, Ysmael Martin, hugged me too. I hugged both of them and thanked them. I can't figure out where Lideon got his bad attitude since his parents were so good. Danice Martin is stunning and beautiful even with her age. The elegance and good bearing of her husband are also the same.

"Thank you, ma'am, sir."

"It's Mom and Dad now, Almene." They both smiled.

I faked a smile and nodded lightly. I wonder when all of these would end.

I wanted to take my hand back when Lideon reached for it. I couldn't look at him because I might explode with anger. I would rather get this shit over with and go home.

The whole ceremony bore me. I could've drifted off to sleep if it weren't for Lideon's intense glares every time I attempt to yawn. I just woke up when we were about to exchange vows. No matter how much I try to set aside the memory, it always gets to me.

On that day, I was also supposed to get married to the person I love. I made a promise that he is the only one I will love forever. I have been looking forward to this moment at our wedding. When we would exchange our vows and wear the rings which signify our promises.

I looked away and cleared my throat. No matter how hard I tried to ignore it, this scene kept reminding me of the pain I felt that day. It should've been him who's supposed to be with me right now, not this man.

"Do you, Althea Menesis Villareal, take Lideon Ambrose Martin to be your lawfully wedded husband, from this day onward, 'til death do you part?"

I lifted my gaze to Lideon. He has that warning look in his eyes. I slowly looked around at all the people there. My heart almost came out of my rib cage when it pounded hard. I looked at Lideon again when he squeezed my hand.

"I do,” I closed my eyes and whispered, holding back sobs.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride, Mr. Martin.”

The hall was filled with applause. Everyone seems happy and encouraging. Well, not me. I've been wanting to explode with anger and pain. Here I am getting married to another man when my fiance is lying in a hospital bed, comatose and with no assurance of waking up!

I glared at Lideon. He held my waist tight and pulled me closer to him. I held onto his chest to not get too close, but he wasn’t bothered by my resistance.

He lowered his face and I immediately averted my face. His lips landed on the side of mine. I felt him smirk then he lifted my chin up which made me look at him. His eyes are unreadable and mysteriously deep. My insides churned when his lips claimed mine, softly and slowly. All I could hear was the loud applause of the visitors as I slowly closed my eyes.

To be continued...