Chapter 04

"Good evening, sir and madam." Dante congratulated the business couple and owner of the large hacienda where they stand today.

Currently celebrating the twenty-fifth birthday of their unica hija, Hera Marcaida. Known to be beautiful, sexy body, intelligent, sole heir of Marcaida and a great ballerina.

But despite his perfect nature, he has the opposite attitude. She is rude, arrogant, cursing, sharp-tongued and looks down on men who want to claim her heart. He believes that they only want wealth or money from him. So until now, he still has no one to choose to marry even though there are many courting and queuing up for him.

The Marcaida couple is voluntarily looking for a man to stay with them. They are just worried that she might not be able to marry again because she is very sensitive, especially with men. But no matter how hard they try to push it to others, he always refuses, avoids or doesn't show up to the blind dates reserved for him.

"Thank you and accept our invitation to you, hijo." Mrs. Marcaida said to the young man while holding one of his hands.

"Nothing at all, Ma'am. I am glad to attend this wonderful occasion.” He promised with a smile.

"I heard you are busy running your business right now? that's why I'm still grateful and you spared us a little time for this special occasion." Mr. Marcaida happily informed Adante.

"No problem, sir." He politely responded to the old man.

"Don't call us ma'am or sir anymore. have you forgotten we will soon become a family.” After the lady said that, she bowed for a moment and smiled.

"My husband is right. In just a few days, you will be our child too." The gentleman said to the young man. He couldn't speak anymore and just smiled on his lips.

He seemed to have forgotten that Hera's parents and his parents had an agreement, that they would both be united in the church of their choice. Even though the girl has not seen or met him yet, their decision is complete. Whether he likes it or not, he has no choice but to marry her.

Adante Kier Bautista, thirty years old. A CEO in the company that their entire clan maintains. They also have several factories of tissues, perfumes and so on. He owns many businesses so the future of their company depends on him.

The Marcaidas are also a big company, but they think it would be better if they join forces so they can further develop it and build other branches in different countries. So by the time he marries Hera, he will be the new manager of their company.

That is one of the biggest advantages to all men who want to be close to a virgin. It's just a bonus that she can stay, especially since she's beautiful, smart, and very classy to look at.

That is why when he learned about the agreement, he did not refuse or even protest, but he accepted it with joy.

What else would he look for in a Marcaida? The girl already has almost all the qualities he will need. Even the wealth that will one day go to him.

"He's here." The gentleman taught his son. Slow motion, Adante turned to the girl. He was amazed and stunned by its beauty.

Even the guests in attendance followed her gaze. It was like a star shining with great brilliance.

He looked at her from head to toe. The shape of his body fit the clothes he was wearing. Its cleavage is also exposed which is more attractive to the eyes of men.

"Happy birthday, hija." His mother greeted him and together they kissed each other on the cheek.

"Just greetings? no gift?" said the girl to her parents.

“Well, what else do you expect to receive from us? you have almost everything you need, hija.” His father said and he briefly glanced at Adante who was right next to his father.

"By the way, he's the-" interrupted the gentleman when he suddenly turned his back on them and ignored them.

"Be patient with my son. That's just how he is when it comes to handsome men like you." He just joked with the young man.

"No, it's fine. Let me introduce him." He said as he approached Hera. He led her on a walk and stopped in front of her causing her to stop and look at him.

"So, what's your deal?" he said raising an eyebrow.

"By the way, I will soon be your groom, Adante Bautista." He introduced himself with one hand but she just looked at him and then grinned.

“How much are you worth? a million? two million? ten million? or more than that?" said the girl while observing him from head to toe with judgment in her eyes.

Adante just smiled and didn't seem to like the insult done to him. That's why, he folded his hands and stepped closer to her which surprised the girl.

"Do you believe in 'love at first sight?" he said, looking directly into Hera's eyes. His eyes widened in shock and he suddenly felt a nervousness in his chest, especially when he saw the young man so close.

"So, do you want to show me your love at first sight?" and you think i will believe you? well, i'll just make it clear to you that you're wrong about who you're fooling. You can't take me with your flowery words." It was a weak but firm response to the young man. Adante took three steps back and took off his black tuxedo. He then placed it on the girl's shoulders to cover the smooth and white shoulders it's been looked at by other men.

"It's okay if you don't believe now. Because I will make sure you fall for me and not for anyone else." After he said that he turned and left. Hera frowned and followed the young man. Very annoyed, he removed the tuxedo from his shoulders and threw it on the floor.

When a waiter passed by he immediately took a glass of wine and drank quickly. He turned and headed to the parking lot.

He walked there alone, until he saw Bon. Personal bodyguard and right hand of his father. It approached him and stopped in front of him.

"Happy birthday, Ms. Hera." He greeted the girl with a gift.

“Thank you. It's good that you took the trouble to give me a gift." He said, while accepting what she gave him.

"Wait, what's going on here? gun? pomegranate? handcuffs?” he joked while shaking his gift. Bon just smiled and bowed.

"Oh? you know how to smile!" said the girl, but Bon immediately took the smile back and returned to his serious face.

"I can leave you Ms. Hera." He said goodbye to her and immediately left. Hera just followed her gaze, but it was only for a moment and she continued walking.

A wide smile drew on the girl's lips as she slowly opened the gift. But despite his walking, he suddenly heard familiar voices and it seemed like they were talking about something deep. That's why he immediately hid on the side of the black van and listened quietly.

He just frowned because the voice he heard was familiar. He peeked a little and realized that his suspicions were correct. His father was there and he was talking to a man who was quite old.

“When will the wedding take place? Have you told your son about their arranged marriage?" the man asked his father.

Arranged marriage? Hera whispered in her mind.

"Actually, we haven't told him what we agreed on yet. I'm planning to announce today to everyone about the marriage of the two of them with Adante. Hera is also at the right age and it's time for her to have her own family. My wife and I are old and if I don't do this, our company might just be neglected and she'll be an old lady. After all, he has no intention of taking over our company, so it's better for me to entrust the management of the company to your son." His father replied to his interlocutor.

"You do not have to worry. You can trust my son, Mr. Marcaida. Besides, he will soon be your son-in-law and I am sure he will take care and love your son very much.” After Hera heard what the two were talking about, she just covered her mouth and carefully left the place.

Tears welled up in his eyes and his mind wandered somewhere.

In that case, all this time I've been with them, they're just hiding from me the secret that they intend to marry me to a man I don't even know? he said to himself.