WE entered the study, one of the areas in the block used as my father's office when he's here. Now, my two cousins brought me in. I sat in my father's swivel chair while they stood in front of me, looking like predators.I frowned at both of them. Dio looked dark, with longer-than-usual wavy hair, wearing khaki pants, brown boots, and a white v-neck t-shirt. Nics, closer to the desk, had a clean haircut, probably for the wedding. He was still in black slacks and a white dress shirt, looking ready for work even on vacation."Happy now that your plans are working? Covering up all my scandals?" I said sarcastically."Why did you get involved in those scandals in the first place, Ysa?" Nics replied."And this is the best advice you can give my father?" They fell silent, looking at me."If you two were forced to marry someone you didn't know or like, could you handle it?" At first, I thought they understood what was happening. I thought they felt some remorse. But then, they shrugged it o
THE DAY went by really fast. We entertained more guests as the hours passed, and both Damon and I were busy.At one point, I almost forgot I was pretending because I was so engrossed in talking with the guests. As the sun set, the reality of what would happen tomorrow hit me.Damon's relatives wanted us to dine separately, as there's a superstition that the groom shouldn't see the bride the night before the wedding. I heard my mom say it was alright and that we wouldn't sleep together. But because Damon's older relatives insisted, my mom agreed.Now, I'm in another restaurant with my family, while Damon is with his family at another restaurant.I was happy to be with my family, but this made me feel the impending wedding more acutely. My mom came to my room when it was time for bed. I was a bit surprised that she came alone and didn't bring my dad. I hadn't talked to my dad all day, and I was starting to think he was avoiding me."I'm glad you're doing well," she said, sitting on the
MY FATHER stood strong and mighty at the door. It was still closed, and the sponsors and guests had just entered.Everything felt surreal to me, like it was all happening in slow motion. Even the white curtain and the delicate white roses adorning the door seemed to move in slow motion. The day was windy, and my veil fluttered in the breeze. I held onto my father's arm tightly, with his hand resting on mine. My mother stood beside me, smiling and reassuring me that everything would be okay.The door opened. It felt like a magical door leading us to a new world. Except, this world felt like it would be hell for me.I'm not a particularly religious person. I talk to God in my head occasionally, but this time, as I took my small steps down the red carpet, I confessed that I didn't like what was happening. But I would trust in it because it was already happening.The first time I saw Damon at the altar was when we entered the chapel. His eyes were fixed on me as I walked down the aisle.I
I GREW UP in a household with two younger siblings, and being the most dominant among us, including my Mommy and Daddy, I never thought this day would come. I looked at my face in the mirror, staring straight at me. I put on more powder under my eyes when I realized that concealer alone wasn't enough to hide my swollen eyes.I cried all night, begging Mommy and Daddy last night to stop their plan, which they only informed me about yesterday."I cannot believe them. I just can't. How can these people, my parents, who claim to love me do this to me?"We're just saying, Isabella, that this is for your own good," Mommy said, as if I should just accept that simple explanation."For my own good? No! You're not protecting me!"Daddy stood up and turned his back on me. His large desk separated us, and I was irritated that he wouldn't even look at me now after announcing my destined fate.I just got back from Singapore, and I'll admit, there was a bit of a scandal in Cebu. My friends and my bo
EMBARRASSMENT. That's one word that could describe that hot night with a stranger. It really was intense. But when he found out I didn't have any experience in sex yet, it was embarrassing. He found it difficult to continue what we were doing, but afterwards, he seemed disappointed in me. He didn't want a virgin, and he felt like it was too weird."I'm leaving," I said, even though I was still in pain and a bit dizzy.His face turned shocked as he looked at me."Don't you wanna cuddle? This is your first time. Aren't you a fan of aftercare?"I realized it's that. He didn't wanna cuddle. He didn't want any connection with his one night stands. That's why I hurried even more to fix my clothes."No. I don't want that."He chuckled. He was just lying on the hotel bed while I panicked trying to compose myself."Really? Won't you want to make it... a bit sentimental since it's your first time?" he said that playfully and with a hint of insult.Embarrassed by his teasing about my weakness, I
IT WAS ALREADY afternoon when I went downstairs to try to talk to Mom and Dad again.I will try to negotiate. In my head, I tried to enumerate the things that I will do so they will see my sincerity. I'll apologize for leaving last night, apologize for what I did in Cebu, admit that my friends can be a bad influence, and promise to try to work in the company. Hopefully, that's enough to change Dad's mind.”Isabella...” I heard Mommy's energetic voice as I descend on our grand staircase.I glanced at our open patio, where the voices were coming from, and saw Mom and Dad there, accompanied by some familiar faces, known to me as the elderly board of directors, and one younger person with their back turned to them.The younger man stood up. The two board members I greeted first were followed by. Mom approached me with a smile, which was unusual because whenever I did something wrong, you would see her raising hell, not greeting me. Daddy remained serious while talking to the younger hands
I UNDERSTAND. I understand why it has come to this. I've been involved in many controversies from high school until now. Recently, before the cocaine scandal, I got caught up in an ecstasy scandal because some of my college friends got into trouble!I understand where my brother is coming from when he expressed his concern for me. I was photographed dead drunk and in a very unbecoming state at an international party. It circulated with the tagline "Morata princess in ecstasy." After that, we were on a yacht with my friends, and while drunk and smoking, I was photographed again, kissing Luis wildly.Before all of this, my dad confronted me, and I chose to leave for Cebu after ordering a limited edition Bulgari. He was so angry at me that I used it as an excuse not to go home and to stay in Cebu. I only returned because of the scandal involving Luis and cocaine.They continued comforting, explaining, and persuading me until the secretary came in, indicating that my dad was needed in the
THE FOLLOWING days were filled with talks about the major preparations for the new Chief Executive Officer, Damon Montero, and the wedding of the "Morata princess," Ynah Andrea Morata. My father called me to his office at home, and now I am standing in front of him.It has been three days since I agreed to the marriage. I cut off my connections with my friends and realized that my life is about to take a complete 180-degree turn. Once I get out of this never-ending madness, I will disappear. My anger towards my parents is overwhelming.The door to his office opened. I didn't turn around, thinking it might just be my mother or a secretary, but I was wrong. I could feel him standing beside me, tall and proud."You called for me, Sir," Damon said.I glanced at him. He was wearing a casual coat and black pants, with his black shoes and a white button-down shirt underneath. He looked like a good catch, especially knowing he's a CEO. However, now that I know how ruthless he is, I'd rather n