CHAPTER 2

“Callum Travis Villanueva,” he handed me his hand while looking so intimidating in front of me.

I gulp before shaking his hand firmly, “H-Hailey Avery de Guzman.” I introduced while withdrawing my hand from him and looking away.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. de Guzman.” his husky voice sent shivers down my spine.

“L-Likewise. And uh... Just call me Avery or Avery, whatever you please. It’s too formal if you’ll call me Ms. de Guzman every time.” I said while looking away from his intense eyes.

He chuckled, “I prefer to call you Avery. I like it more.” he said seductively.

I frowned and look at him straight in his eyes. “Okay,”

“You can call me Callum or Travis.” he said without taking his eyes off me.

“Callum,” I seemed to be very used to pronouncing his name when my mouth utter his precious name.

It feels like a deja vu.

He was my crush... When I was in College. He’s my senior that time and I was a freshman. Way back the time when I was new to school because that was my first time in a real and prestigious school. Because I was homeschooled. I don’t know his name, it’s just his face. It was too embarrassing to ask my classmates about his name.

And when I first laid my eyes on him, I felt my heart throbbed so hard as I look at him with so much adoration. But he never laid an eye on me. He never look at me because I’m just a mere freshman that time. He won’t look at me how hard I tried.

“Let’s have a sit now,” said Daddy who woke up my spirit.

I slowly sat back in my seat while looking at Mr. Villanueva sitting on the couch opposite me.

He’s dashingly handsome. Nothing has changed in his good looks. Only that he aged and matured. His bodybuilt matured. His hair isa disheveled that made him more attractive. His serious light brown eyes still looks distant and mysterious. He really can pass as a GQ model if he wants. But I know he wouldn’t like it. He’d like to have his own privacy and far from those medias. Kahit naman noong college.

He’s I think 3 or 4 years ahead of me. Because when I was a freshman, he’s already graduating. It's a pity that I didn't even talk to him or I didn't even have the chance to talk to him. Because I'm not friendly either.

“Let’s order first, shall we?” said Mommy because Daddy and Mr. Villanueva were already talking to each other.

And I was just sitting there like a puppet — a statue. The waiter came in and took our order. When we all ordered, it left immediately.

“She’s my second daughter and she’s intelligent, Mr. Villanueva. You will definitely like being with hef because she is adorable and kind.” Daddy's voice sounded like he was pimping me out with the man he was talking to.

When I looked up to who’s in front of me, I caught him looking at me intently. I couldn't stand the intensity of his gaze, so I immediately avoided looking at him and swallowed hard.

They continued to talk about me as if I wasn't here. If they're asking me, that's when I will talk. But when not, I'm quiet and just listen while checking who's talking. But when Mr. Villanueva is talking I couldn’t stay still, then he will suddenly turn his gaze to me I will immediately look away.

Our order arrived and was placed on our table one by one. I just felt hungry now because I didn't eat at home before leaving. When the waiter left, they continued what they were talking about.

“So when you gonna marry her?” There was a hint of excitement in Daddy's voice.

I feel like he’s excited that I will leave the house sooner or later, huh?

“When do you want?” Mr. Villanueva asked.

At first I thought he was talking to Daddy and Mommy but when I looked up at them they were all looking at me as if they were waiting for my answer. Only then did I realize that Mr. Villanueva was asking me.

“Uh...” Daddy raised an eyebrow at me, urging me to answer immediately. "W-Whenever you want," I said softly. Don't know if they heard.

“That’s settled, then. I’ll marry her the day after tomorrow.” he said with so much finality.

I caught my breath because of what he said. I was stunned and could hardly believe that he was serious. The day after tomorrow? How fast is it? Is he that eager to have a wife?

His hawk-like eyes never left mine. He’s looking at me intently, satisfied with my reaction.

“I-It seems to be fast, isn't it, Mr. Villanueva. We still need to set everything—” said Daddy who was immediately cut off by Mr. Villanueva.

“We don’t need a grand wedding, Mr. de Guzman. You know me. I like my life in private.” he said, then his eyes settled on my father in his left side.

Dad laughed awkwardly before speaking again. “I think your idea is brilliant. But how about our investors–” Daddy still tried to insist.

“They will know eventually,” his firmness made my Dad shut up.

“So... You two will have a... civil wedding?” Mommy asked hesitantly.

“Definitely yes.”

Mommy and Daddy couldn't speak anymore and just looked at each other. I know they don't agree with what Mr. Villanueva but they didn't speak because they really wanted this man to be their son-in-law.

He’s a good catch after all.

After we finished eating, Daddy and Mr. Villanueva about the company. Daddy is just bragging, while Mr. Villanueva listens. Until they called it a night. Mommy and Daddy shook hands with Mr. Villanueva, I followed. Mommy went out first so I was a little late.

I was about to leave the VIP room when he grabbed my wrist lightly. I was shocked with his hand’s gentleness. I looked at him and arched a brow, urging him to talk.

“Did you enjoyed the dinner?” Huh? Did i enjoy it? It doesn't seem like it is because they're the only ones talking.

“Yeah,” I said with a small smile.

“We’re getting married, so I do hope you’ll get comfortable with me.” he says that without showing any emotion.

It's like giving orders.

“I do hope so,” I said and awkwardly smiled at him.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make you comfortable.” he said frowning at me.

"Hailey," Mommy called me outside.

“Mommy and Daddy called me. It's nice to finally meet you, Callum. I hope we'll get along well soon." I promised and withdrew my hand.

I turned my back on him and walked away from there. I caught a glimpse of his dark and cold gaze on me, which is why I turned my gaze back to what I was passing by. I had a strange pounding in my chest until we got out of that restaurant.

Mommy and Daddy made some calls on their cellphones maybe to some their investors or some stuffs. while I just kept quiet looking out the window and looking at the paved road.

I hope I can be comfortable while in Callum's room. I hope that our relationship will be smooth after marriage.

I guess I need to learn to cook the dishes he usually serves. Or his favorite foods. I'm not good at house chores, more so at cooking. That's why I really should learn how to cook. Maybe he doesn't have a maid to join us.

But where will we live? Are we in the same bed next to each other?

Just thinking the latter, I cringe. I can't sleep with a man next to me in the bed. But then, he will be my husband days from now. We will be one soon. We will marry each other the day after tomorrow.

Hours and day passed by. It's like when I was thinking about what job I could get, now I'm getting married.

“Hailey,” I look at the doorway of my room when I heard my sister.

I smiled at her, “Kiana, why?” her eyes held sympathy for me.

“Are you okay?” I frowned then realized what she’s up to.

“Of course, Ate.” I said with conviction.

“I know you’re just doing this to pleased our parents. But you really don’t have to. If you don’t want to marry him, you can backout... you can run... As far as you could.” I immediately shook my head.

You don’t know what I’m up to, Kiana. It’s all because of your freedom to live. To have a better life that I never experienced. For you to be free to choose a man on your own. Ayaw kong magaya ka sa akin. It’s fine for me to suffer, kasi sanay na ako. That’s how much I love you... And our parents.

I would do everything for your happiness.

“I'm fine, Kiana. I'm getting married. I will not back down.” Mommy and Daddy will be angry. I don't want to embarrass our family.

Her facial expression did not change. The concern did not go away. I just smiled assuring at her. She didn't smile, though.

My smile faded when I heard a knock in my room. It opened and the maid came out.

“Ma’am Hailey, your Dad's calling you downstairs. They said you are off to leave.” I bit my lower lip and nod at her.

“Alright, I'll go downstairs now.”

Today is my wedding day. Even if it's not a fancy wedding like I've been dreaming of since then, it's okay. I'm nervous, yes. But it's not like the ones in my imagination that I was nervous about getting married because I would finally married to the man I love. The reason I'm so nervous right now is because I'm literally nervous about facing the man who will marry me later.

When I went down the fancy stairs, I saw Mommy and Daddy also arranged. Daddy was talking on his cell phone while Mommy stood up from the couch and came to me with a smile.

“You look so stunning, my daughter.” she smiled at me lovingly.

Daughter...

She called me hee daughter. I felt the sides of my eyes wet because of the sudden tears. How I love to hear them call me ‘daughter’. But they only call me daughter when I do something right or when I'm playing with their business colleagues.

I smiled at her, “Thank you, Mommy.” she hugged me tight and rubbed my back lightly.

“Let’s go,” Daddy said.

We nodded and followed them. Ate held my hand and I knew she could feel the cold, so she looked at me.

“You’re sweating bullets,” she said then shook her head, disappointed.

“It’s natural for me, I’m nervous but I’m fine, Kiana.”

She just shook his head and we got into the car. Until we got to the municipality, where our wedding will be held, I was speechless. Kiana is the same, thinking deeply.

“If you want to ditch the wedding, just tell me so.” she whispered to me when we got out of the car.

I looked at him with a scrutinizing look. “I won’t, Kiana.” she heave a heavy sigh before shaking her head again.

We went inside and immediately started the wedding ceremony. I gulp seeing the marriage contract in front of me. Callum is now signing the paper without any emotion, like he was forced to do it.

When it was my turn to sign, he first looked at my expression. He handed me the pen, urging me to sign the contract. I took a deep breath before taking the pen from his hand before bending down to sign the paper in front of me. When I finished, I stared at my signature on the paper.

“You’re now husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” said the attorney.

I could barely breathe because of what he said. I looked at Callum with skeptical eyes. He arched a brow and stepped forward and crouched a little to level my eyesight. He smiled before holding my chin tenderly.

“Is this your first kiss?” he asked emotionless.

I swallowed hard and nod slightly.

“That’s good to know.” he said before lowering his face completely to kiss my lips.

It was gentle and I hardly felt it. It feels like a feather touched my lips gently. His features were rough, his hands were rough, his gaze were also rough, but his lips says otherwise. It’s too soft like a cotton. And sweet like candy. It feels like it’s not his lips I’m kissing.

I just woke up and was still shocked because of the banging of my chest when he kissed me. He walked away from me as the people there applauded. Those are few. My family and a few investors invited by Daddy and Callum.

After that, we left the office. I'm still dumbfounded and in disbelief to this day.

I am married now.

It still feels so surreal. I didn’t know that it happened. It’s too fast to cherish it all.

“Hailey,” I looked at my sister with tears in my eyes.

“Kiana...”

“You will visit at home, ah. Or I will visit you at your house. I will miss you.” she hugged me tight as she cry on my shoulder.

“Sister, come on. Don't worry and I will visit us often so that you will not be sad. Besides, you'll get used to it. You know... You are the next one to get married.” I teased.

“Tse! We have no plans yet.” her voice was lowered as if he was afraid someone would hear.

We talked there until Daddy and Mommy called him because they said they were going home. Mommy and Daddy hugged me and reminded me about being a husband. I almost don't remember that anymore because I've been stuck everywhere.

I was startled when someone suddenly grabbed my waist gently. I looked at who is it and was even more surprised to see that it was Callum. His expression still didn't change, still serious and not smiling.

“Take care of our daughter, Mr. Villanueva.” Daddy said in a low voice.

“I will, Sir.”

“You can now call us Mom and Dad,” I saw the anger in Callum's eyes when Daddy said that so I frowned.

What is his problem?

“Okay, Mom, Dad. You can also call me Callum now.” I saw how disgust pass by in his mysterious eyes. Mommy and Daddy nodded. Kiana, on the other hand, was quiet on the side and just listened to us.

“If you don't take good care of my brother, you can fight me." My eyes widened at Kiana's threat.

“Kiana...”

“I will take care of your sister. Don’t worry about her. She’s safe with me.” Kiana nodded at us curtly.

When Mommy and Daddy left, my sister hugged me for the last time. I was about to follow them when Callum's tug on my waist made me spring back to where I was.

I looked at him and raised an eyebrow while looking at his hand on my waist.

“You will not follow them,” he said authoritative is visible in his voice.

“Huh?” My brain is still preoccupied because I've been looking at nothing for a while.

“You will come home to me." he said that sent shock waves through my system.

You're coming home to me...

I was suddenly horrified by what he said and I felt like I was out of breath.