CHAPTER 1

"Mayu, you girl! Why are you there? Go home now! If your Mom finds out that you went there for that engagement chuchu, she will scold you!" Alice shouted from the other line.

My eyes spontaneously rolled upwards at what she said. She couldn't stop her own mouth anymore.

"I can't disobey Dad—"

"What Dad are you talking about? You're crazy! He'll just use you for that! You know your Dad's business is going down! And then what? You're the one who's going to be sold to the old billionaire—"

"Shut up, Lice. There's nothing wrong with attending this event. Also, I'm not qualified to be a fiancée," my voice weakened at the end.

My chest tightened and squeezed even more after hearing her sigh on the other line.

Who's the man who would want to marry an illegitimate daughter of her parents? No one

"You don't need to squeeze yourself in there with them. I'm here. Misis Rosario is here too. Stay away from your unloving father and mother—"

I hung up the call voluntarily as my heart was filled with annoyance at what she said. No need to tell me that a few more times! I just want to be accepted, at least by one of them.

I took a deep breath before hiding the cellphone in my gold long pouch. My eyes fell on the silver glittery, one-slit gown I was wearing. I can also clearly see in the clear water of the fountain the good make-up on my face.

A smile appeared on my lips as I gently fixed a few strands of hair that fell on my cheek. I only get dressed like this on special occasions. It was even rented! Must be returned after nightfall.

I bit my own lip and slightly moved away from the Angel water fountain. I looked up at the sky filled with stars. Several times, I have asked to be recognized. It has never been fulfilled. Even looking for a job is still sloppy!

I can't help but think that my life has been so unlucky. I was just a few steps away from my parents, and yet, I was not allowed to hug them!

I snorted and angrily picked up a rock before throwing it loudly into the water fountain. Then I closed my eyes tightly and whised tirelessly.

"I hope, G, that my last name can be changed. I'm sick of being Selvestre! It almost sounded like vinegar! Please, Dear Lord, you can make my surname more classy—"

But I deliberately stopped reciting loudly after hearing footsteps and a few voices approaching.

"Apollo, swear! I'm going to ditch that f*cking engagement party at twelve midnight, and I'm gonna curse that grandfather of yours! Swear!"

I quickly sat down and hid at the bottom of the fountain when I heard the voice. I think I had goosebumps from his deep and irritated voice.

Instead of an answer, I heard low chuckles that made me bow.

"Easy, Bro. Grandpa Frederick wants the best for you. And just accept it. You're the eldest, which means you should take full responsibility," the man answered coolly.

"That grumpy old man! And where's that Alaric? Who's the girl he's banging with again? He should be the one in this arranged marriage and not me!"

I winced at the loudness of his voice. No brakes and I don't think he'll be shy if anyone hears him!

"I don't know, maybe at the nearest hotel? Loosen up, Bro. Don't stress too much. At least you're tying the knot at thirty." The man laughed, and I even heard the sound of him patting the other man on the shoulder.

"Don't mess with me, Apollo. This is not a joke! I was not even given a chance to choose who I would marry—"

"But you have lots of candidates inside. All beautiful women. Isn't that cool? That means your destiny is in the magic of that cute ring box. That's thrilling!" he teased.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Rich people! They are putting up a challenge just to get married! While I have barely even hugged my parents, here they are already plotting a marriage! Unfair!

I shook off the thought and slowly peered at the other side of the fountain. My eyes almost widen at the sight of God's two beautiful creations. The coats worn were as untangled as their hair. And their bodies will definitely be strong. There is no doubt about that!

Even with their sharp noses and beautiful lips, there is no shame in mine. Even the smoothness of the face is not missed! Really unfair!

I gently rubbed the side of my mouth in fear that some saliva would come out of it. My forehead was still wrinkled when I checked my palm. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that it wasn't wet, but I only caught my breath again when I looked back at the men and saw foreign eyes.

His gaze is deep and sharp. It seems that a smile did not fill his lips, and it looks like he could tighten his own jaw at any time. But it was the different colors of his eyes that drew my attention and filled me with fear. One is green, while the other appears to be silver.

I blinked a few times for fear that I might just be dreaming, but when I managed to pinch myself, I still saw the same thing. I can still see the color of his eyes as green and silvery.

"Aldo, it's so easy to settle down with whoever, unless, you have someone in particular in mind," I heard the other guy uttered.

The man didn't even look at the other guy, instead he kept his curious gaze on me. I couldn't avoid it anymore, especially when a devilish grin drew on his lips.

"Yes, I have. I think I prefer her to anyone else right now." He stopped and grinned even more.

"That girl!" He pointed at me, which made me quickly bow my head and widen my eyes.

My heart was pounding in fear. I closed my eyes even though I was half-running, feeling that the man was going to chase me.

"Lord, my G! I just want to look at a handsome creature! Why did you make them chase me?!"

I couldn't help but voice that, especially since I knew I was about to be caught. My chest is pounding and my palms are sweating for fear of being caught.

I don't want to be choked! I mean to get married!

But my heart almost skipped a beat after feeling the heavy palm that stopped my shoulder. I quickly raised my two hands.

"I'm Sorry! It's not my fault that I'm a slanderer! Promise, I know how to seal my mouth—"

I stopped after hearing loud laughter from a woman. I blinked and slowly lowered my two hands. My brow was furrowed as I looked back. I saw my sister Addison's face raising her eyebrow at me. She's trying to suppress her laughter even though she looks slightly pissed.

"Silly you, Mayu. Why would you act as if someone is after you? You don't even look interesting." She looked at me from head to toe, then raised her eyebrow even higher.

"Is that the gown your father rented? It looks cheap, as expected." She shook her head and snorted. Then she simply squeezed the small black box in my palm.

"What is this?"

"Shh. Aldo gave it to me, although I'm not that very fond of him. Alaric would have been better. You can have that, since you look... cheap." She glared before turning back but I stopped her arm.

"Addi—"

Before I even finished my word, she already widened her eyes at me and looked around.

"Don't call me that, Mayu! I don't have any illegitimate siblings. Please, keep your own garbage to yourself. Don't mess around," she ordered before finally entering the function hall while carrying the hem of the tube red dress she was wearing.

I could feel the small needles that pierced my heart, but I forced them away. In my twenty-two years of living, I have become used to such treatment. It hurts, but you can't be emotional.

I shook my head and tightened my grip on the small box before straightening my back. I looked around again, hoping to find the men from earlier, but there was no one there.

I still thought I was being chased. Couldn't it be that Addison is the one they're chasing?

I pouted and rolled my eyes. I even glanced at the box I was holding. I probably won't lose anything if I throw it away, but I don't know why I kept it in my palm. I forced myself to smile when I entered the function hall, which was completely black and only small crystals gave the venue a luxurious design.

Mommy's sharp eyes met mine. I even smiled widely at her even though I knew she was angry again.

"What the hell are you doing here, Mayu? Do you intend to embarrass me?" she murmured. Her lips didn't even open.

"Mom, no—"

"O please, stop that Mom calling, Mayu. This is a grand party. I don't want you roaming around with those choices of words," she whined and held my arm tightly.

I rolled my eyes again and tried to remove her grip, "Daddy invited me here—"

"I don't care! Go home. The media might even see you—"

"What's the matter, Darling?"

Mommy and I were both stunned after hearing her husband's voice. She stared at me before letting me go and quickly leaving.

"Nothing. Just some random stubborn, girl," she answered.

I bent down and looked down at my gray heels. The color of my skin suits the heels, but it seems that I don't really belong in this place.

Even if the occasion is said to have a black theme, it still stands out as an occasion for the rich. Every gleam of new decorations catches the eye.

"Mayu! You didn't say you were going, I wish I would have accompanied you. Daddy is waiting. Come, join us."

I was greeted by my sister Stella's gentle face and her light smile. She gently held my arm and pulled me towards their table.

"Stella, it's embarrassing for your mother. Maybe she and Daddy might fight," I murmured, stopping her.

She stopped and immediately shook her head, "Let them be. They can handle themselves anyway," her voice sounds mindless.

But as soon as we got close to the table, Daddy's gaze was fixed while her wife, Madam Cora, was raising her eyebrows at me. She frowned, then rolled her eyes before taking a sip of her own wine.

Right there, I already wanted to back off, but I couldn't after the surroundings got dark as the spotlight focused on the stage. In the end, I sat at Daddy's table even though I could feel his wife's dislike of me.

Just a moment, Mayu. You will go home too.

"To formally start the program, let's welcome Mister Frederick Castellanos for the opening remarks."

Strong but limited applause surrounded the surroundings, especially when the old man appeared on the stage.

I raised my eyebrow and really waited for him to speak.

"Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm happy that you made it all on time. I will not say anything more but rather be direct to this party's agenda. And that is, finally, my first grandson will tie the knot. This party will also serve as an engagement party after the bride-to-be has been chosen." He took a breath then looked around.

"And yes, beautiful Ladies, please do accept those small boxes as they will be your getaway to marry my first grandson."

The surroundings light up, and I can see the waiters walking around. They gave a box to each lady. I immediately shook my head at the waiter who was handing me the box after seeing that it was just like the one given by my sister Addison.

"It's good that you didn't accept it. You don't deserve to be happy. You are both the image and the fruit of every broken family. If your mother had not been flirtatious, she should not have remained with a married man, knowing that the man has his own wife too—"

"Stop, Cora. ​​There are many ears around," said Daddy.

My gaze fell to the floor again at the dagger I felt in my heart. Even if I keep quiet, It will not change the fact that I am a result of betrayal.

"You're depending her, Mateo?! Now what? You love your child outside more than your own family?!" she whined at Daddy.

"Not like that, Cora. ​​We are at a decent party! Be ashamed."

"Dad, Mom, stop it. Someone might hear it. This is my only chance to tie Aldo to me. Do not ruin my chance," Stella murmured.

I cleared my throat though it was hurting. I immediately stood up and bowed slightly.

"I'll just go away. Don't fight anymore."

I didn't wait for someone to answer from them. Instead, I walked away.

"Let's all welcome my grandson! Aldo Hendrix!"

Even though I want to look back at the old man's announcement, I don't want to draw any more attention. I eventually went out but never went away. I still want to hear what's happening inside.

"Let the game begin," the old man announced once again.

I saw the surroundings darkening again and becoming quiet. I impatiently danced my feet and played the box I was holding in my palm.

I will definitely go home after the announcement!

"Okay. Please hold on tightly to your boxes."

My grip on the box tightened. There's probably nothing to lose if I follow.

"And as the light will turn on, please, do open the boxes."

The surroundings did light up, and I heard all the gasps.

"It's a ring!"

"OMG, it's a ring!"

"I got a ring!"

Those are just a few of the things I heard that made me curious. I stared at the box for a few seconds before trying to open it little by little.

My eyes were still squinted without seeing anything inside. And my lips froze as I opened the box completely.

My shoulders slumped in frustration. The box was empty, it doesn't even have a silver ring. I stamped it a few times just to make sure, but it has nothing.

"You've seen what is inside. And now, please watch carefully and don't ever remove your eyes from the boxes because... the one... whose box is empty will be my grandson's fiancée!"

My eyes widened as my hand holding the box trembled, while I could hear a mess inside the hall.

"Why doesn't the ring come off?!"

"How to remove this f*cking ring inside?!"

"Get this ring out of this box!"

I even brought my eyes closer to the box, and it was really empty!

My lips parted in disbelief. My heart was beating fast and couldn't calm down.

I'm the one to marry?! I'm getting married?!

"Okay, please calm down, Ladies. The lucky lady is not present inside this function hall. Please, my bodyguard, be alarmed about the lady's whereabouts."

I blinked and wanted to scream that they were talking about me. I want to run inside and wave the box. But I didn't utter a single word after feeling the handkerchief covering my nose and mouth.

"We got her. Cleared. Mission accomplished."

That was the only thing I heard before being completely engulfed in darkness.