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Nineteen
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Marriage Bargain Twenty
I stared blankly at my phone while my thoughts flew at what Giovanni told me. I was unsettled. What if he finds out I am not Cairen? I felt cold and winded. My chest was pounding and I was breathing fast. No! I am not letting it happen, and I must do something. But how? I screamed inside my head. Will he hire an investigator? I should have told Grandma about this. "Are you all right?" I was startled when Zach suddenly appeared next to me and looked at my off-screen phone. He sat at my side, and said with concern, "I thought you were watching something. You look terrified. Are you alright?” "Just thinking about something," was my answer to him. "Something..." One of his brows arched upwards. He was in his uniform and pinned me with questioning eyes. "What?" I wondered why he was looking that way. "Are you in trouble?" he inquired in a sure tone. I am tempted to tell him that yes, I am troubled by your brother's words. "No just something I thought, well, what is the exchang
Marriage Bargain Twenty One
The party was grandiose, and everyone wore black—expensive things Grandmother loves to wear but not my type. Zach did not clear up things about why I needed to wear black. And he meant this. Scentsy perfumes mixed in the hall of the mansion that was not strong but all were fine to the nostrils, and the soft chatters of his families and relatives around us. We were the last one to come, and all eyes were on us. That made me a bit sick because It was my second time being in the center of an attraction. But Zach loves being attention, and he was smiling, displaying his even teeth that brought his handsomeness to everyone's eyes. Especially those iffin dimples I want to poke. Then came whispers, and my gaze moved to Zach's parents sitting at the table near the stage ahead. At the back was a grand staircase. They were not happy seeing their son and just looked anywhere but at him. Was Zach being rebellious against his family that much because why don't they care about him at all? I can'
Marriage Bargain Twenty Two
I called his name but he continued walking as though he didn't hear me. I was a few meters away from him, and luckily Marilyn didn't follow me when I excused myself from her cousins. Before Hannah came to me and insisted again the proposal she was offering.If only I hadn't worn heels, I would have caught up with him earlier. He opened the door and it closed.Does he intend to leave me here? I walked even faster until I reached the door and opened it. It was a veranda and ahead was the view of the garden. No one was there. I looked around walking down the stairs and walked down the brick pathway to the center of the garden.I feel the heat of the sun on my skin, and somehow the breeze cools my skin. I am nearing the fountain when I see Zach sitting on the bench shaded by the canopy tree. His side facing in my direction and he was glaring at the fountain. His hand clenched, and his jaws tensed.What happened?"Zach," I called his name."Why are you here?" he asked me, annoyed but he did
Marriage Bargain Twenty Three
Not everyone seemed happy with what Zach's grandfather said on stage, and I noticed some questioning glances. They were expecting Giovanni to be there, not Zach. Moreover, Zach's parents appeared to be in disbelief, especially their mother, who was murmuring something to Giovanni with a displeased expression.Meanwhile, Zach remained quiet and stoic at my side, seated at his grandfather's table near the stage."As expected," the older man next to Zach said, although Zach didn't introduce him to me. "Most people are not happy with Alexander's decision to choose you. Is it because of your...?""We don't need to discuss something personal, Aldridge. My relatives aren't aware of it," Zach interrupted. "They hold my brother in high regard, which makes their reaction purely biased.""Giovanni is always the good shot for the position, but Sir Alexander is being fair here, as it is much according to the family legacy. The child of the first wife should always be the heir of the Del Fiore famil
Marriage Bargain Twenty Four
I am running down the stairs towards the door when I see Grace sitting comfortably on the couch of Zach's living room.I just woke up and hadn't gotten ready yet when I saw the time on my phone and it was already nine in the morning. I didn't expect to wake up so late as I expected Grace to go to Zach's apartment.And I thought Grace was outside waiting for me for two hours. "Good morning you!" Grace smiled as she looked at me as though she was going to laugh. "You seem to have had a very good night's sleep, Ren.""Forgive me, it looks that way," I said shyly and took a deep breath. "Have you been waiting here for a while?""Not that long. I did not expect you to be staying at his apartment. I thought it was your apartment,” Grace remarked, grinning.I just remembered that I didn't say that I live in Zach's apartment and I facepalmed. "I forgot to tell you. Zach is the only person I know living here after five years. And we became friends.”"Become friends, I thought before you dislik
Marriage Bargain Twenty Five
I stared at Zach's message, and I didn't know why his grandfather wanted to see me.I am hoping it's not about marriage. And his message was left unanswered for a day. But there was no new message from him. And I am still determining what excuse I will make to Grace if I can't go with her this Monday. A good excuse. I leaned back on my study table chair and gazed at the window.The Big Hit Five was coming this afternoon, and I needed to talk with Blake; this would be the best time to face the past. My hands were shaking, and I took a deep breath. I am still deciding whether to meet him or talk with him. Because I know I'll be the worse one. I can't control not being emotional.I wish I could be like Cairen, who can hide her emotions well. But I am not her. I am doing everything because I care so much for her.I went to my inbox and sent a message to Zach that I am available this Tuesday. And I expected his response after, but my phone remained silent.Grace said that the Big Hit five t
Marriage Bargain Twenty Six
I am clutching the cup tightly while Grace was singing along the line of the song of the Big Hit Five, as well as the people around me. The red and blue lights create a pattern around us along with the rhythm of the song. I was surprised when a young girl's swaying hand accidentally bumped my cup and it went through the ground."I am sorry," said the young lady and took my empty cup."It's all right." I gave her a smile telling her it was nothing and took the cup. Although I wanted to leave the plaza, and I don't want Blake to see me here after our talk yesterday. I was wrong and I hurt him. Remembering Zach's words of his cousin, 'Hannah did everything to dump his girlfriend.' Blake did not dump me but I left and ended everything through that. That bitch! If ever our paths cross, I let her feel what pain she had done to me."Thank you," the young lady responded shyly and the guy with her whispered something, and she whispered at him, glancing apologetically in my direction. Maybe her
Marriage Bargain Twenty Seven
The words that kept going back and forth in my mind were what happened? The man who called did not say what the reason was, just that I needed to be there.I am expecting Zach in a critical condition and was lying in an ICU bed. I was walking hastily to the room where Zach was told by the nurse at the counter with my pounding heart and clammy hand. I knocked on the door, and I heard Zach's voice."Cairen? Is that you?" he asked, making sure it was me."It's me, Zach," I answered."Good you are here," he said with relief, and I opened the door. I saw him sitting on the bed, eating an orange with his left leg in a plaster cast and some bruises on his face and arms."What happened?" I closed the door and looked around the room and settled on his broken leg."Accident happened," he simply said as though it was a normal circumstance for him. He ate three pieces of orange. "Want some? Carter gave me some fruits, even Keron and Salver.”I stepped closer to him and moved his broken leg. He cur
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Marriage Bargain Ninety Five
Zach and I stood there in the crowded room, surrounded by the people we loved, when Grandfather Alexander made the announcement, we had all been waiting for. "I'm cancer-free," he said with a small smile, his eyes flickering with relief and gratitude.Tears prickled in my eyes as I watched him, unable to believe that after more than a year of confinement in the hospital, he had finally overcome the disease that had plagued him for so long. Although he still struggled to stand properly, his physical tests were gradually improving, thanks to the tireless work of his therapists.But then, the room erupted with another shout, and I turned to see Haze leaping onto the table, a wild grin spread across his face. "It's a boy!" he screamed; his arms flung wide in jubilation. "I'm having a son!"Zach's hand tightened around mine, pulling me closer to him as we shared in the joy of the moment. He beamed at Haze; his pride evident in his every movement. He kissed my forehead, his joy overflowing.
Marriage Bargain Ninety Four
I couldn't help but wonder what was preventing him from advancing. Was he getting increasingly irked with the current ambiance in the hallway, now that I was present? He approached me, causing me to feel a flutter of nerves. I wasn't sure if I should flee or stand my ground and watch him come closer. "Casslie, it's been a long time," he said, speaking slowly as I cautiously met his gaze. "I had no idea you were here in the Philippines too." "I've been here for over a week now," I responded succinctly, and he studied me intently. Of course, Casslie! Iffin you! He's probably just visiting his grandfather! What else would he be doing here? "I was on my way there now," he answered, and I gazed at him thoughtfully. I informed him that I would be heading back to Grandpa Alexander's room to say farewell. We made our way to his room in silence, with my mind focused on the jumbled thoughts swirling in my head, and Zach simply observing the flowers he had placed on Grandpa Alexander's tabl
Marriage Bargain Ninety Three
I couldn't help but inhale deeply as I listened to her words. My heart felt heavy as I struggled to process everything she was saying. "H-how is he doing, Bella?" I finally asked, my voice filled with concern. "He's okay... I think," she said with a shrug as she leaned back into her chair. "He never opens up to me about his problems. He keeps everything to himself and refuses to share what's going on in his head. Every time I ask him, he just says that he's got it under control. I know deep down he's still struggling with what happened to our grandfather, especially now that his condition has worsened." "I heard about it from our grandmother," I said softly. She smiled at me and I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. "No matter what mistakes our grandfather may have made, Casslie, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him. You have no idea how long he's been waiting for you to come back and visit him. He's been beating himself up for causing you and your brother pain. He
Marriage Bargain Ninety Two
Due to my question, she gasped. It wasn't just her who was surprised because even Grandma was startled by my question. "Che-Cheska?" "Just answer, Cairen," I said without hesitation, swallowing her fear. Based on her face, it seemed she didn't know how to answer my question. "Is that result yours or were you blackmailed by Cheska before?" "It's mine," she replied confidently, taking a deep breath. "The baby died when I gave birth to her. I wasn't even able to hold or see her before they took her away to Grandma." I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at Grandma who was now silent. She looked at me when she noticed my gaze on her. "I wasn't able to show her to Cairen because the doctors on duty then forbade me to," Grandma answered, looking down. I know Cairen didn't want to remember the death of her first child, so she didn't question it anymore. Sadness and tears were also evident on her face, so instead of asking questions, she just remained quiet. We continued to wander around th
Marriage Bargain Ninety One
As I sat at the dinner table with my parents, Papa posed the question that caught me off guard, "Do you want to visit him, daughter?" The mere mention of Zach sent my mind spiraling and a warm flush rose to my cheeks. "I don't want to see him anymore, Pa," I answered, unable to hide the bitterness in my voice. Mama and Papa exchanged a concerned look, aware of the tension between Zach and I. "God knows how much I hate him..." "His grandfather, daughter," Papa corrected me gently, a hint of amusement in his voice as Mama let out a small laugh. "We were asking if you wanted to visit him in the hospital, daughter." My words had made me feel ashamed, and I struggled to meet my parents' gaze. "There's no reason for me to visit him anymore," I replied softly, before returning to my meal in silence. The thought of Zach lingered in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder about his whereabouts. But I didn't dare bring him up in conversation, as it seemed to be the only topic my parents wan
Marriage Bargain Ninety
After much contemplation for two weeks, I finally made the decision to return to the Philippines. The thought of it weighed heavily on my mind, but once the decision was made, I felt confident in it. Blake had promised to visit me whenever he had a vacation or gigs in the country, and Alice and Katana had also pledged to accompany me. With their support, I felt motivated to search for a suitable place for us to stay, just like we had in the past. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was greeted with a loud, joyful cry of "Casslie, my child!" from Mama, who then enveloped me in a warm, tight embrace. We held each other tightly as we reunited at the terminal. Grace, Lucia, and Evan were also there to greet me, but Aldridge was nowhere in sight. Despite this, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. "I told you, it's you that I saw at Forçe last time," Grace said before she smiled at me and hugged me, which I returned. Even though our relationship wasn't good the las
Marriage Bargain Eighty Nine
The desire for silence was overwhelming. All I wanted was to escape to a tranquil place with Blake, where we could just be together without any distractions. But ever since Zach reappeared in my life, something had shifted. My decision to retreat from the world was no longer so simple. Despite everything that had happened, I still loved Zach. The guilt I felt towards Blake was overwhelming, as if I had been using him to forget the past. Had I really been so callous as to use him as a distraction? Lost in thought, I looked up to see a familiar face not far from me. Grace. She was beaming with happiness, chatting animatedly with the man beside her - Aldridge. It was hard not to feel a twinge of envy as I watched them from afar. As I watched the couple, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing mixed with regret. It was evident from their smiles and the way they looked at each other that they were genuinely happy together. But the happiness that I felt radiating from them only served
Marriage Bargain Eighty Eight
To be truthful, I was uncertain. For the past few months, Zach had become an integral part of my life. I had learned countless valuable lessons from him, and whether I acknowledged it or not, my feelings for him still lingered. I tried to conceal my emotions, but it seemed like my actions always betrayed me and revealed my true feelings towards him. I had spent two consecutive days with my parents in my condo unit. We passed the time by binge-watching N*****x shows and honing our cooking skills. Despite my slow progress, my mother never gave up on teaching me. "It's not bad anymore," my mother praised as she took a bite of my dish. questions about Blake from my parents had finally ceased. I was at ease, not having to worry about what to say if they were to inquire about him again. However, this also left me with a sense of unease as I wasn't sure how to answer them should they ever bring him up again. Days passed, and my life resumed its normal routine. But with each passing day, the
Marriage Bargain Eighty Seven
After the nurse in the nearest hospital treated my wound, we left. I was walking side by side with Zach towards the parking lot. I didn't say anything when he told me that he missed me. He hates me, why should he say that? "Thank you. But you don't have to take me," I said and looked at my phone with the cab to see when it would arrive. "We need to talk," he said, and looked at my bloodied shirt. "And you need to change your shirt." I looked at him seriously. "What are we going to talk about? Oh, you are planning to ruin my reputation after what I have done." He sighed wearily. "Not about that. Let's talk in a quieter place, not here. In the restaurant.” Even if I am stubborn with him although he was more stubborn than me and he was good at persistent. "Okay," I agreed. I didn't know which restaurant we were going to but it was far away from the mall. Until he stopped at a restaurant I had never been to. He didn't come out and stayed where he was sitting which made me wonder.
