CHAPTER 3

I JUST left Diana's building when I felt pairs of eyes staring at me again. I can't take it anymore! I'm going to see Daddy at home now. I will talk to him so that they will stop following me everywhere. They have been watching me too much. I'm not happy about it. I violently took my wallet and almost slapped my forehead when I remembered it was empty. It's embarrassing to go back to Diana's condo to borrow money for my fare. I pedaled in frustration and remembered another person I could bother now.

I immediately took my cellphone from my blazer pocket and called my capable cousin. There's no way he'll refuse to take me home. After all, I know that he's not busy with his life. Why doesn't he get married so our family can be happy with him?

"Hey, what's up Krystel Ann-"

"One more Krystel Ann, Rusty, and I'll disown you as my cousin," I snapped, but the jerk just laughed. I let it go because I'm the one who needs something here. I need to be kind, or he might not agree to pick me up here and take me home.

"Chill! You're not in the mood for jokes. So what are you up to, my dear cousin?"

I took a deep breath before answering his question.

"Pick me up outside Diana's condo, then take me home-"

"Oh wait-wait! Slow down. That's a lot of orders," he said, laughing on the other line. As if he were tickled in his balls. "...you're going home-"

"I just need a ride. I need to talk to my dad. They're not leaving me alone," I said, gritting my teeth.

I quickly looked around, and my annoyance grew when I saw a man in a jacket quickly looked away when I looked at him. It must be the person my dad sent. It's annoying.

"Is it still about the stalker slash bodyguards-"

"What bodyguards?! Am I the president's daughter that I need to be watched twenty-four seven? Tell Daddy they're too overprotective and still following me-"

"That is because they cared about you, Krys. You're their only daughter after all. And you're a girl-"

"Of course! A daughter means their child is obviously a girl and not a boy!You're stupid, Rusty. Were you lacking vaccines when you were a kid?" I snapped.

I was surprised when I didn't hear him speak for a few seconds. I quickly moved my cellphone away from my ear and checked if I accidentally hung up. I frowned when I saw that I was still talking to Rusty.

"Hey, are you still there, Rusty? Why aren't you talking-"

"Of course, you're asking me. That's because you're always cutting me off by just saying stupid things, Krys! You can deal with it on your own. I'm not taking you anymore-"

I stood up and quickly turned around, even though I knew my capable cousin couldn't see me.

"Hey, come on. You're not funny. By the way, you're always handsome. Pick me up here, please..." I said, trying to sound sweet.

I'll be sweet to you, Rusty the monkey! You're lucky I need something from you right now. If not, I would have disowned you as my cousin.

"I know I'm handsome, Krys. No need to say that..."

"Come pick me up-"

"Even if I want to, I can't Krystel Ann. I have an important meeting that will be happening five minutes after this. I'll just have your family driver pick you up-"

"No need! You're so ugly!" I shouted loudly before ending the call. I was so frustrated that I plopped down on one of the steps outside the building.

I didn't know what to do. I wanted to go home, but I didn't want to tell my dad. I know their minds. If they find out, they might suddenly become kind and then I'll wake up in another country.

That's what they did to me before I went to the States alone. They just said that maybe I wasn't ready to live alone yet so they'll try it out first. Do they think my life decisions are just a trial card?

Sometimes I just think that my parents' screws are loose. They are the living proof of human exaggeration.

"Hey Krys, what are you still doing here? I thought you had somewhere to go?"

I quickly stood up from my seat and raised an eyebrow at the person speaking. It was Diana.

"Where are you going? Why are you so dressed up?" I asked her, raising an eyebrow. She smiled sweetly at me before approaching.

"To the bar-"

"This early?! It's only two in the afternoon, Diana Jane! No bar is open-"

"But there is! That's where I'm going," she said before giggling. What's so funny about what she said?

I looked at my friend's entire outfit. She's wearing a tight and revealing sexy dress. Is this normal for this hot weather? Is she serious that there's an open bar this early?

"Hey, stop eye-feasting me okay? I'm really going to the bar..."

"Why? What's going on in your life? I thought you were going to spend the whole day thinking about where to find your future husband? What happened that you suddenly decided to go to a bar this early?" I asked, full of curiosity.

I quickly slapped her thigh as she was about to sit beside me. For fuck's sake! She's wearing a tight dress, is she planning to flaunt and show off her eastern pearls?

So instead of staying seated, I quickly stood up.

"Oh yeah, I found out that Diether, my future husband, is at the bar. That's why I'm going there now..."

"You're doing your first move today and yet you're not telling me about this?! Oh geez, Diana Jane. I'm so hurt. I feel like my heart suddenly broke," I pretended to be dramatic before quickly turning away. I was pretending to walk away but my friend caught up with me and held my arm.

"Hey! No, I was about to text you and then I suddenly saw you here. It's a good thing you're still here," she said with a smile that seemed unsure of what she just said.

I didn't know whether to believe her or not, but what else could I do? She had already decided to chase after that poor guy, so I might as well support my friend.

"You're not lying, aren't you?" I asked with a twinkle in my eye. Diana just nervously laughed.

"You know, Krys, why don't you come with me? After all, I know you don't have anything to do today. Come with me so you can see the face of your best friend's future husband."

"Future husband my ass. You'll get tired of him too!" I retorted, but still gave in to my friend's insistence.

"That's why it's better if you see him now. I'll listen to your side comments. If he's not good enough for you, he's not good enough for me," she said as she got into her car.

I quickly walked and got in beside her.

"Tell me, is he cute? Handsome? Does he smell good? Is he tall-"

"You tell me, Krys. I don't know either..."

"What?! Oh geez, Diana Jane, don't tell me that this will also be the first time you're seeing this prospective guy for your parents' arranged marriage for you?" I asked incredulously.

All I got in response was a loud laugh. I was right. This was also the first time she was going to see him. This girl really is crazy.

"For a change, Krys! And besides, isn't it exciting?" she asked, seeming pleased with herself. I shook my head slowly.

"You're unbelievable, Diana. I hope you won't come running to me crying because of this nonsense."

Another smile from my friend and she maneuvered her car to go somewhere else. I was left quietly looking out the window beside me.

Diana was lucky that she knew what she wanted to do now, even if it was foolish. But I couldn't help but wonder, what will happen to my life?