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Twenty Three
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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
Marriage Bargain Twenty Eight
I slipped out of the room and into the hallway, my heart still pounding from the close call. Thank goodness Mikaella called me at that moment. I didn't want to be there when Isabella and Zach woke up; they might start asking me questions about high school that I didn't know the answers to. I answered Mikaella's call, relieved to hear her voice. "Why do you call, Mika?" I asked. "Did you go to Paris last week?" she asked. "No, why?" I replied, curious. "I just thought I saw you," Mikaella explained. "I called out to you, but you didn't turn around. Maybe it was someone who looks like you," she chuckled. I grinned in response. "I'm sure that's what it was," I said. "Although I feel sorry for the poor woman you called by my name. She must have been so confused." Mikaella laughed, and for a moment, I forgot about the awkward situation back in the room. It was good to have a friend who could always make me smile. ‘I do feel embarrassed now. Anyway, I had some dresses that suit you, R
Marriage Bargain Twenty Nine
As the taxi approached my house, I let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Zach had decided to stay at the hospital. If he had died due to complications from his broken leg, caused by his stubbornness, I would have had to marry Giovanni for the sake of the Verdan family. The thought of being stuck in a loveless marriage with Giovanni made my stomach churn. I couldn't let that happen, so I prayed that Zach would listen to his doctor and get better soon. My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and saw that it was my mother calling. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should answer or just let it go to voicemail. Finally, I decided to answer. "Hello, Mom?" I said. "Who is the guest? My friend? What foreign visitor? I'm almost home." My mother's response only confused me more. She spoke in her usual cryptic way, asking about a foreign visitor without mentioning any names. I furrowed my brow, trying to figure out which of my friends might have come to visit
Marriage Bargain Thirty
After giving careful consideration to his locked apartment door, I pressed the doorbell firmly. What are you thinking, Zach? I clamped my jaw tight. How did he get the doctor's okay for an early discharge? I can't believe he went home.The door opened just as I was about to press another ring. I first assumed Zach would open the door with his crutches. If Zach can able to use his crutches. But it was Aldridge, the one who opened the door.He appeared to have recently showered, dressed in a white T-shirt and shorts with a towel draped over his neck. When he saw me outside, he looked utterly taken aback.His honey-brown eyes swept from me to Zach, who was watching TV with his fractured leg propped up on three pillows on the couch."Hi!" Aldridge said it with worry in his voice. He took my presence here by surprise.I walked in without saying a word to him. After I made eye contact with Aldridge, he stepped aside so I could get inside. He saw that my mood was not good just now. Perhaps he
Marriage Bargain Thirty One
I glance at Zach. Maybe he knew why we were having this conversation, and I thought it was about the marriage.It just felt right. I hope I'm wrong, but I'm not sure why I'm not feeling well. Zach looked intently at his grandfather. He was probably waiting to hear what he had to say."Miss Verdan," his grandfather said, and I turned to face him. "I know you're wondering why we need to talk right now. It is about the marriage between you two."That's exactly how I feel!"I paid Elise a visit and spoke with her three days ago. We had not explained the marriage exchange to any of you," he continued. "In the settlement, I had provided. This marriage freed Verdan from the debt of Anthony, your grandfather, Miss Verdan. This will include the family lands and estate owned by your grandfather's family. It will be given back to your family. This marriage should not have fallen on the two of you, but because Sebastian, your father, Miss Verdan, did not commit to the settlement and married your m
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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.
