"WHAT? SERIOUSLY, Miles?" Andrea's reaction was shock and disbelief when I told her what happened before I got to the office.
"Shh! Don't be noisy," I immediately scolded him and turned to our coworkers who were busy with their work. I have just finished submitting the articles I edited and I will just wait for it to be returned to me for revision but I hope not.Andrea's face was still amazed at what she heard from me. "I just can't believe it will happen, Miles. The man your ex-boyfriend traded you for is the man who will marry you? Whoa! It's just like a TV drama. That's how destiny plays, Miles there's a lot of twists." She smiled."That's not my destiny!" My eyes rolled. "That's not destiny, it's called bad luck.""But, how does that gay—man look?" Andrea was curious as if she was excited about my answer.I thought. "Well, at first you wouldn't think that he's gay. He looks like a typical man. He's handsome. He has a broad body. He has thick eyebrows and those eyes that have a charm that when you look at them, you'll really stare," I described to that man who surprised me."Wow! Does that mean he's a handsome creature? Oy! You were struck by his handsomeness, right? Were you attracted by the charm of his eyes that made you stare?" She laughed teasingly at me.I frowned. "Of course not, Andrea. I hate him every time I remember how he and Roven used to kiss. Well, I'm not against or haters of gay people, it's just that Roven replaced me with that man.""Destiny can be playful as many say, Miles. Be prepared for more twists," she said with a wink."Then, I'll play with destiny, Andrea, and I will make sure that I will win for this," I challenged."Are you sure? You're going to play with fate?"I nodded. "Why not? If I have no choice, that's what I'll do, to play with destiny. But I hope that Zandy doesn't agree to the agreement that our families are preparing," I said with a frown."That Zandy might not agree but what if your parents force you? We know Uncle and Aunt who are left behind by time and believe too much in those curses, they are concerned about your future because you are their only daughter. They want you to get married and start a family," she said."I understand them in that part, Andrea, but I'm not ready for that state yet," I reasoned with a frown.Andrea shrugged. "Well, let's just wait and see what happens. Just pray that Zandy doesn't agree," Andrea said.I just frowned as my shoulders slumped. I feel that it will be difficult for me to refuse that marriage because I feel that even if I refuse, they will not allow me not to marry. Damn that curse!—My shoulders were heavy when I got out of the car when I got home from work. I frowned and felt even more heavy when I saw the familiar car outside. I sighed because I knew what I was going to get inside. I just have to prepare myself to face them.I didn't make any noise when I entered the house but what surprised me the most was when I saw that man sitting quietly on a sofa with his arms folded and sitting like a woman. He didn't even look at me like the other four who were waiting for me."It's good that you're here, we've been waiting for you for a while," mom greeted with a smile. She stood up from sitting and came to me. She led me to the sofa near that man. They didn't even let me change my clothes."Good evening, hija," greeted Aunt Mandy. That's what I should call them.I smiled even a few times and lost the desire to face them all because I already knew what was going to be discussed. "Good evening," I returned.Silence prevailed between everyone in the living room. It was as if they were waiting to see who would speak first. I kept looking at Zandy who was right next to me. He was quiet and he was holding his cellphone while he was typing, not caring about the surroundings.I heard Dad whisper. He looked at me. I was also silent while folding my arms. "Miles, Andrew, and Mandy are here to introduce you to their son," Dad said.I tried not to show any reaction on my face. Because I'm not interested in that man.Uncle Andrew smiled, and so did Aunt Mandy. "Miles, hija, I know you are also shocked by what is happening but you will also understand everything. I know you have met my son Zandy because I ordered him to come here but I still want to formally introduce my son to you." She looked at the man near me. "This is Zandy Saavedra, hija. Don't worry, he's good and kind," said Tita Mandy."He's stubborn and sometimes brat, but Zandy is kind and I know he won't do anything to harm you," said Tito Andrew.I want to frown and grin. Sometimes brat, but nice? Why are they also forcing their son on me? Maybe it's because they've noticed that their son is gay, so they're pushing him to marry me. I looked at Zandy and when I faced him, he was also looking at me. Suddenly, something clicked in my chest because of that. I immediately looked away from him."We have already discussed the plan for the two of you. Since we both agreed to marry you, you are the only ones we need to ask about it," Dad said which surprised me.I couldn't stop myself from speaking. "Was it discussed? Dad, why do you have to lead me in that matter? I will get married but not yet. I can choose a man for me. Even now I can marry, but I don't want to." I said, "I'm not ready to get married," I complained, raising my voice which surprised them all. "I'm already mature enough to decide on marriage and you don't need to interfere with that."I saw Dad close his eyes tightly but it was only for a moment. "Miles, we're not doing this for us, this is for you. We don't want you to grow old without someone in your life. We want you to live happily with your own family," Dad insisted."Your Dad is right, Miles. We are thinking of you. We are old and what if we lose? How about you? We also want to witness the family you will build," Mom seconded. "We are afraid that you will never get married and you will become an old woman."I sighed and sat up. I found my senses. "Until now, do you still believe in that curse? Mom, that's not true. If I grow old and don't get married, it's my choice and not because of that curse." I was silent for a while. "I don't want to marry a man that I don't love," I added."Are you only thinking about yourself, Miles? What about your Mom and me? I'm weak and I just want to see you have a family, can't you don't it for me? What if that curse is true? What will happen to you?" Dad's voice has also raised. I know he is angry. "Aren't you ashamed of them? A little respect.""I respect your decision, but please respect my decision too. I don't want to get married. I won't get married because of that curse," I said firmly."Wh—"My eyes widened when I saw Dad covering his chest and lying on the sofa. Mom attended to him quickly. I couldn't move right away."H-Honey, why?! W-what happened?" Mom asked nervously while holding Dad.When I recovered, I quickly approached Dad. "C-call an ambulance! Hurry!" I shouted.I saw Zandy come to us and immediately took Dad. "Let's bring him to the hospital," he said, then walked out of the house. We immediately followed him while Aunt Mandy supported Mom.I felt guilty like it was my fault what happened to Dad. I remembered that he had heart disease and his blood pressure could rise.My whole body was shaking as we were carried by car to the nearby hospital. Zandy was driving the car while Dad was next to me unconscious. Mom and Zandy's parents were riding in the other car."Hurry up, please! We have to take Dad to the hospital." I cried while looking at my Dad. "It's my fault! If I hadn't argued with him, maybe this wouldn't have happened to him. If only I had agreed to what he wanted!""So you will agree to marry me?""As long as Dad lives, I'll do what he wants! After all, it's my fault!" I don't know what I'm saying because I'm afraid of what could happen to Dad. I will do everything just to let him live.Did I say it right? Can I stand that? The important thing is that Dad will be saved.ARE THE words that came from my mouth right? I was relieved when my thoughts returned to normal and I remembered everything I said while we were on our way to the hospital. Dad is currently in the emergency room and he's being examined by doctors.I washed my palms over my face. To this day I still blame myself for what happened to Dad. If only I hadn't answered him like that, maybe everything wouldn't have led to this. My heart is full of anxiety and fear now because of what could happen to him and I will continue to blame myself if something bad happens to him.I felt Mom next to me. He gently patted my shoulder and hugged me. "Miles, what happened to your Dad is not your fault. Don't blame yourself," Mom said calmly.I faced her. "Mom, I can't help but blame myself. It's my fault, if I had only agreed to what Dad wanted, everything wouldn't have been fine now," I answered crying."Hija, it's not your fault what happened to Wesley," said Aunt Mandy. I felt her gentle tap on my shoul
ANDREA still can't believe that Zandy is gay because he's handsome. She expected a different character from him. Andrea also doubted if Zandy was really gay or not because of his very manly stance and voice that even I wouldn't believe if I didn't know who Zandy was."Are you serious about marrying me?"I was a little surprised when Zandy spoke next to me when I got out of the room where my family and his family were still talking about our marriage. They couldn't even wait for Dad to get out of the hospital to talk about it. They are excited for both of us, the opposite of how I feel.I closed my eyes for a moment. I tucked the hair blocking my face behind my ear, then faced him. He folded his arms while leaning against the wall near the door of the room. "Do you think I want to marry you? Do you think I would want to marry someone like you? I remembered what you've done to me, Zandy, and I will never forget that," I said with a hint of annoyance and anger because he is still the re
I STILL can't believe that in just a few days I'm going to marry Zandy, the man—that gay guy who stole my boyfriend. It seems like just yesterday that my life was quiet and in an instant, it was disrupted when Zandy came into my life. Is this a dream? I never thought that I would marry the person who stole my boyfriend. Great! Is this how fate plays out? Is this what Andrea is talking about, that game of insidious fate? Well! In that case, I'll play along. I've already started so I'll just finish the game that fate wants."Wow! You look so gorgeous, hija," Aunt Mandy complimented me when I measured the gown she had made at a well-known bridal boutique in Manila. If I'm the only one who can follow, it's okay with me to just marry us into a casual wedding. Less cost and another thing is that this is not a wedding of two people who truly love each other. It's just a marriage on paper.I tried to smile. I turned to Zandy who was on the sofa holding the magazine he had been looking at for
MY face was full of sadness and regret when I turned to the wedding gown that Aunt Mandy had chosen for me that was laying on my bed. The gay aunt Mandy sent to put makeup on me just came out. I don't know but I can't seem to wear the gown in front of me. If I could back out of the marriage, I would, but I was thinking about my father's condition. I'm sure he'll get mad if I do that.I slowly approached the bed and sat on the edge of it. I gently touched that beautiful dress that every girl dreams of wearing while walking down the aisle to the man they love. But me, how can I appreciate and enjoy this marriage if I don't love the man I'm going to marry?"Miles!" I heard Andrea call me. She knocked before opening the door of my room and coming to me. "What are you doing, Miles? Are you just going to look at that wedding gown? What, you woke up and thought about backing out of the wedding?" Andrea asked.I looked up at her. "I don't know if I'm going to do the right thing, Andrea. I'm s
MOM and Dad approached me to take me to the waiting groom who was ahead and was waiting for my arrival. Zandy's handsome face had no expression, I didn't even know if he was happy or he was also cursing this day.Maybe I should just think that the groom waiting for me is the person I love and not Zandy who stole my boyfriend."I'm happy for you, Miles. Finally, we're here in the dream scene of my life. To lead you to your groom," dad whispered but it was enough for me to hear."Your father and I are very happy because finally the curse on you will be broken and you will have a family," mom said, almost making me laugh. I also want to be happy for them but I don't know how.Until now, does mom still think it's a curse? I don't know what to think of them every time they mention that curse. That was one of the reasons why I was forced to do this thing. I'm annoyed and honestly, I have a grudge against them but it's because of dad that I try to accept what's happening.I turned to the two
I QUICKLY turned to the speaker, even Zandy and everyone in the church. All attention is on the woman who just arrived and was said to be against the marriage. Who is she? I don't even know that girl. I had little hope that the marriage would not go through."Who are you, Miss, and why are you against the marriage of these two?" asked the priest.The woman was speechless and turned around and her eyes fell on Zandy and me. I can see the shock and disappointment on the woman's face and her embarrassment."I-I-I'm sorry, I-I was wrong about the church I went to," said the woman, biting her lower lip. I lost hope that the marriage would not work. Wasteful! Someone was supposed to be against our marriage but it turned out to be a false alarm. "Go ahead with the wedding. S-sorry again. I'm sorry," the woman repeated, then turned and quickly left the church.Everyone inside, heaved a sigh of relief, even the priest who fell shocked with the woman who just entered to stop the wedding, and in
I SLOWLY opened my eyes. I winced slightly when I felt a slight pain in my head. I realized I was in my room. I can't still remember the last thing that happened but before I tried to move, I held my forehead when I felt the pain."Don't move, just be still."I turned to the owner of that voice and saw Zandy sitting on the chair near the bed where I was lying while he was already holding his cell phone and was busy staring at it."W-why are you here?" I asked in surprise."Don't you remember? I'm already your husband," Zandy said seriously. He put down the cell phone he was holding and looked up at me, his face devoid of emotion. "I've been your husband, Miles, since we got married, so don't wonder why I'm here," he added.My jaw dropped just looking at him. I suddenly remembered what happened. Zandy and I got married and it was the last thing that happened before I passed out. I closed my eyes and bowed. This is true! I quickly looked at my finger and my eyes widened when I saw the 2
AFTER that wedding or I guess I should say fake wedding, everything has changed. My quiet world is messed up. I don't know but I feel the weight of every movement of my body. I feel like I'm losing my energy for everything because of my frustration with what's happening. I can't get out of my mind about what could happen to Zandy and me. Just thinking about us living together under the same roof, makes me crazy.Some of my parents and the Saavedra family's guests just had a little party that I didn't attend because I passed out from exhaustion and stayed up late, which I was thankful for because I didn't have to face people and pretend that I'm happy with this wedding.I sighed after getting dressed. My leave is over and I'm starting work again but honestly, I don't feel like working. I would like to go for a walk first and at least calm my mind and get rid of everything that is stressing me out.I'm very thankful because even though Zandy and I are married, our parents still didn't f
This morning, I went to work early because of the pile of work. I was also thinking about how I would do my work with Beverly. The deadline for that is near but until now I still don't know how to interview her."Oh? Looks like you came early, Miles?" Chad commented when I met him there with some of our colleagues in the department while I couldn't see Melissa and Andrea who probably arrived later."I have a lot of work to do, Chad, so I have to come in early," I answered, then placed my bag and some of my things on my table.I turned on the monitor in front of me. Chad didn't say a word either. I started typing to start the articles that have been in my file for a long time. I had only said a few words when I heard Shai's voice."Miles, you have to go to Sir Troy's office," she said to me seriously. I faced Shai asking. "If you ask me why, I don't know," she smiled as if she could read my mind. "Just go there."I just frowned and was left thinking. Sir Troy always calls me. I am not
"THANK YOU, Ton for coming," I said seriously when he arrived at the restaurant where we would meet. I took his number from Zandy and called him to talk about the restaurant that he and Zandy will build.Like I said to Zandy, I want to help him in whatever way I can. I don't know what I can do to help either, but I will try to make his long-time dream come true and I want to be with him in that success.Ton smiled at me, then sat down in the opposite seat from where I was sitting. "I didn't expect you to call me, Miles. So, what are we going to talk about?" Ton asked directly. "It's probably not about your relationship with Zandy, is it?" He laughed and bowed for a moment.I suddenly felt ashamed and embarrassed because of Ton's last words. I was ashamed because I thought about Ton and Zandy such things. Zandy didn't explain either.I awkwardly smiled and looked at Ton shyly. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Ton if I thought badly of you." I avoided looking at him because of the shame I felt.
Zandy immediately pulled me closer to him when we got to his room. It seems that he was missing me so much because when we got out of the car, he immediately grabbed my arm and pulled me towards his room. I just hung on because I knew that I wanted the same thing to happen."What the hell, Zandy?" I was still weak when he kissed my neck. "I'm tickled," I said. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up because of what he did."What did you say? Zandy? Didn't I tell you that if you call me Zandy, I'll kiss you," he said when he stopped kissing my neck. "Call me Honey, anywhere and anytime, ok?""Ok, fine, I'm sorry," I said laughing."And as a punishment. I'll kiss you 'till the night ends," he threatened as his eyes seemed to sparkle. He pulled me even closer and I could feel his arm around my waist."That's the punishment I want from you, Honey," I said. I raised my arms and wrapped them around his neck as I looked up at him. I simply smiled. "I'm willing to take the punishment
"WHAT'S the plan, Miles? Next week would be your birthday, right?" Andrea said excitedly as we left the building. We just finished our work and we are all stressed from the amount of work. I want to rest my brain because I've used it all day.My eyes narrowed but my mouth parted and eventually smiled as I shook my head. I remembered that it's my birthday next week and that will be my thirtieth year in the world and just like they expected, the curse will be broken because I'm married."I forgot, Andrea," I confessed. "With so much happening, being so busy at work, I forgot that my birthday is next week," I said sadly."You're just distracted, Miles. Is that because of Beverly?" Melissa was curious. Just this morning, they bombarded me with a lot of questions about Zandy and me and Beverly's return. I didn't have a choice and because they were my friends, I admitted my real relationship with Zandy and about Beverly. Well, I'm not surprised by their reaction. I was almost deaf to their
67This morning, I woke up early for an unknown reason. The sun was barely rising but my eyes were wide open. I stretched as I yawned. I looked at the ceiling for a moment and couldn't help but smile when I remembered what Zandy said to Beverly the other day.My heart overflowed with joy and happiness because Zandy just proved that he would choose me even though Beverly was in front of him. Because of that, I'm sure of Zandy's feelings for me and I feel the same way. I have no more reason to doubt him and distrust him.I hugged the pillow tightly and screamed because of the thrill I feel every time I remember what Zandy said. That stuck in my mind and I will never forget it and I hope Beverly understands that.A few more moments, I decided to get up from my bed. I left the room. I was about to step down when I noticed Zandy standing on the terrace with his arm focused on the steel that acts as a terrace barrier. I frowned. I saw outside that it was still a little dark and the light wa
AFTER I got home from work, I immediately went up to the top of the house but I immediately stopped when I saw Zandy on the terrace looking seriously at the wide sky, obviously thinking deeply. I snorted and tilted my head slightly. I want to approach him and talk to him because I know he is thinking about what Uncle Andrew said to him this morning. He was speechless even before I went to work.I decided to change my clothes before I approached Zandy. I changed into a pajama suit and a t-shirt before leaving my room and approaching Zandy.I stopped for a moment and looked at his broad back. He didn't notice me because maybe he was deep in thought. I mustered up my courage and put aside my shyness. I approached him and slowly brought my hand closer until I could hug him from his back. I immediately smelled his sweet scent that I always wanted to smell.I felt his shock because of his slight flinch but he let me do what I was doing."You look so stressed, Honey," I said sadly. "You didn
I wasn't surprised when I woke up with a smile on my face. How light I feel and the surroundings. I stretched with a sweet smile on my lips, then excitedly hugged the pillow and rolled on the soft bed. Even in my dreams, the memory of Zandy never left me.I still can't get over what Zandy did and said to me last night to make Roven look like he already owns me. That keeps coming back to my mind and every time I think about it, I can't help but smile and thrill. Will I still doubt him when Zandy has proven that he deserves to be believed and trusted? But until now, I also think about Roven's situation but I know it is the best for both of us.I stared at the ceiling for a few more minutes. I was going crazy that even on the ceiling I could see Zandy's handsome face looking at me and smiling. My lips just smiled with excitement.There is no doubt that I feel for Zandy. I know I love him and I admit that to myself. I am ready to face the consequences.A few more moments, I blinked. I got
Zandy's POVI still can't avoid arguing with my parents about what they want me to do and what I want to do for myself. They are forcing me to work in a company where I know I am not meant for it. But because I'm an only child, I know I will come to a point where I have to enter the company but this time, I want to do what I want for myself first before I spend myself in the company and that's what they don't understand.But because of dad's decision, I can't do anything anymore. When the five months he gave me are up, I have to enter the company and put aside the restaurant first.The other day, mom and I argued again when she came to our house with Miles. I couldn't avoid not answering to defend my dream for myself which for them is meaningless but to me, it is very important because that makes me happy.I sighed while sitting on the sofa and holding my cellphone while playing with it. I don't know if I can build the restaurant in five months. Even with everything planned out, it's
"You know, Melissa, if you have feelings for someone, don't hide it. You too might be taken away," Andrea continued, teasing Melissa that perhaps Andrea was referring to Melissa's alleged feelings for Chad. Melissa's face couldn't be painted and her cheeks were red from embarrassment while Chad was silent.We are currently walking out of the building. It's past nine o'clock in the evening because we have just finished the articles that are close to the deadline.I smiled but then, I thought about what Melissa said that seemed to hit me too even though that was not her intention."Andrea, stop me! I'm going to charge you for what you ate earlier. He said I don't like Chad, ok? W-we're just friends, that's it," Melissa returned to Andrea with an obviously embarrassed face."Ouch! That hurts Melissa, you didn't even wait for me to leave before you said you didn't love me," Chad snapped. He closed his eyes and felt his chest as if it was painful. But it cannot be hidden from me that Chad