CHAPTER 03: Arranged Marriage

DARREN’s P.O.V.

“Shit! Elijah! Please answer the phone!”

        Damn it! I throw my phone away as I heard the beeping sound, indicating that he doesn’t answer my call, as usual.

        Since the evening of the welcoming party, I cannot contact my bestfriend. I don’t know why. Maybe he change his mobile number or something. Shit. I badly needed his help.

        I was on my way down the stairs when I heard my father’s voice, calling my name as if he was looking for a missing thing.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Darren. Thank God you’re here. We have an emergency meeting, with Kate and her whole family. We’re gonna fix everything about your wedding.”

“Do I really need to be there, dad?”

“Of course, son! You’re the groom, by the way...”

“But I need to find Elijah. He’s not answering my calls.”

“You’re still talking to that guy?”

“What’s wrong with me talking to my bestfriend, Dad?”

“Bestfriend huh?” He chuckled mockingly. “We are Herrera, son. Always remember that. People shouldn’t see you talking to anyone below our level.”

        My brows arched as I heard those words coming from him. That’s one of the reason why I don’t like my father. He often overlook the person by their social status. Elijah was my friend ever since grade school, and I don’t know if I can survive my mother’s death if he’s not there. I treat him as my own brother. He’s always there by my side when my father doesn’t give a single damn about me.

“You already chose my future wife, dad. Now let me choose my friends. Elijah is a nice person.”

“Being nice doesn’t have a value to this world, son. Can’t you see? I’m preparing you to be the next CEO of our company. You should always know the things that you need to prioritized. Like now. You have to choose between the company and your friend.”

“Company, huh?”

“Yes. After your wedding vows with Kate, the company will be yours. So treat this meeting as a pathway for your success. I know you wanted to be the CEO that bad.”

        After that, he left. I gritted my teeth as I recall all of his words. If only I could find another way to get out of this trap. I swear I’ll grab any opportunity to escape this stupid marriage.

        I went inside of my shower room in order to cool down my head. As the water rushed down to my body, I could only think of one way to stop my Dad’s plan. A plan versus his. A plan that will surely take him down.

        After preparing myself, I got in our limousine, bored. My father sat beside me, an evil grin forming on his lips. As he turned his eyes on me, he saw how badly I glare at him. Suddenly, his expression became confused.

“What’s the matter, son? Don’t you want to see Kate? You’re lucky it is Armando’s daughter. I’m doubtful you can find another woman like her.”

“And what if I did find another woman like her?” I asked, as if I’m challenging him.

“Hmp. Then nothing will change. You still have to get married... To the gal you’ve met instead.”

        Now it’s my turn to flashed a devilish grin out of nowhere. While we’re on our way to one of those famous family restaurant, my mind was fully occupied by something else. I was cooking a plan that my Dad will surely bite, not now, but soon enough.

“We’re here, Mr. Herrera.”

        We stepped outside of our car and as expected, we can’t escape the stares and whispers from other people. My Dad just smile at them. I didn’t bother to be looked at, it’s just that I feel anxious whenever I heard people saying my first name like they can read what’s going on inside of my mind.

“Armando! You’re already here! Are we late?” my Dad asked, unconsciously.

“No, you’re not, Darrel. You’re just in time. I hope it doesn’t bother you that I already ordered our food.”

“That’s fine, Armando. I trust your taste.”

       My father greeted Kate and Mrs. Katheryn Frias, her mother. I also did the same. First, to Mr. and Mrs. Frias. And then, to Kate. I was surprised when she suddenly gave me a peck of kiss on my lips. I can see the surprised look on my Dad’s eyes too although he tried to hide it. Damn this woman. Does she really think that I’m in to this stupid game?

“Let’s sit, everyone. We have a lot of things to talk about. From their engagement party, to prenuptial, and up to their wedding day.”

“Are you looking forward to this, Darren?” Mrs. Frias smiled at me. I smiled back, not bothering to answer her obvious question.

“I can’t wait for our wedding day!” Kate exclaimed, looking excited at that thought.

        As if I will allowed that to happen. Wait until I talk to Elijah and this dream of yours will surely turn into a nightmare.

“How about if our children will have a beach wedding? Wouldn’t it be nice, Armando?” Again, it was Mrs. Frias.

        They talked almost about everything. From where the venue’s gonna be and what are the foods they’re gonna serve to the huge number of guest. I just nodded and laugh with them in order pretend that I’m listening even though I’m not. After our dinner, we decided to bid our goodbyes to each other and headed home.

        Kate tried to kiss me again, but this time, I was fully aware and alert to avoid it. As she tries to reach me, I averted my gaze towards the other direction. In that way, she wouldn’t think that I was doing it on purpose.

“Darren, why are you doing this?” 

        I looked at my father, confused. We are now here inside of our limousine.

“Doing what, Dad?”

“Do you honestly think that I didn’t saw what you’ve done earlier? You acted there as if you didn’t care about your own marriage!”

“Because that’s the truth, Dad! I don’t want to get married. You know that since day one. But still, you are forcing me to do it!”

“I’m only doing this for you, Darren.”

“No, Dad. You’re doing this for yourself.” I sent death raging glares to his direction. “Stop the car. I want to get out,” I added.

“Please continue driving,” my father contradicts me.

“Stop the fucking car!” I shouted.

        I was surprised when our driver did stop our car. Or maybe he just accidentally hit the breaks because of my angry voice. I immediately went outside and started to walk towards the different direction. 

“Darren! Come back here, son!” I heard my father’s voice yet I didn’t bother to look behind me.

        I promised to my late mother that I will have the biggest company on our country before she died. And I will do anything to fulfill that promise. Even if I need to put an act.

        As I was about to enter a coffee shop nearby, my cellphone rings. I looked at the caller’s number carefully. It was Elijah, at last.

“Elij...”

“Hey, bro! What’s up?” What a perfect timing.