Patricia's POV
"Ouch!!"My morning dawned with a heavy and throbbing headache. I closed my eyes and held my head when it throbbed again when I sat on the bed. I don't know how I got home because I just remember that I’m with friends drinking at the bar.I removed the blanket wrapped around my body and saw that I was still wearing the black dress I was wearing last night. I quickly went to the bathroom and my eyes almost widened when I saw my face in the mirror. Messy hair, disheveled clothes and makeup that almost spread over my face. Hell, what happened to me! I was almost sick of smelling the alcohol on my dress."How did I get home last night?" I patted my face.Even though I was confused, I still took a half bath to get rid of the smell of alcohol from my body. After that, I immediately dressed in simple shorts and white shirt before leaving the room. I saw my brother Jordan in the living room, sitting and reading something."Good morning!" I greeted with a smile.My smile immediately disappeared as my brother looked up in anger. What? What have I done?"You were even able to smile after what you did last night?" he came to me before smelling me. "Thank god you don't smell alcohol anymore. You look trouble last night!"My lips parted. "How did you k-know? How did I get home-""Your friend brought you here. It's good that our parent were asleep last night and I didn't report you,"He walked to the kitchen so I followed him."Are you referring to Tyrone who took me home? Until to the bedroom?" I asked cautiously as he opened the fridge."Yeah, that friend of yours. He looks devastated because one of your friends puke on his car, hell!"My eyes widened. "It’s Jess!"Damn, I don't know how to deal with Tyrone. Shame!"I brought you to your room. Next time, don't drink too much if you can't handle it"I just scratched my head."Here, drink this for your head ache. I also cooked for you,"I smiled as I accepted the glass of water and medicine he gave along with a plate of food. He really knows how to comfort me. He's really the sweetest brother. I ate it while he’s watching me."Daddy went to the company,""Huh? Why? He's not good yet-""He's doing well, sister. He went there with mommy and he was ready to work again" he frowned. "I heard earlier that they were talking about having a meeting today with the Velasquez, I wonder what they are going to talk about,"I stopped for a moment. "Velasquez?" I repeated."Yeah, from Velasquez Industries. Aren't they currently the biggest company here in the Philippines?"I nodded and thought of something."That's pretty cool! They're so rich!" my brother sounds so amaze.I don't know but I suddenly got nervous. Why did I forget my problem?After I ate, I go back to my room to sleep again. My head still hurts. Since it's weekend again and we don't have upcoming exams, I'm free to sleep in bed in the afternoon.I just woke up because my phone kept vibrating on the side table. I saw that it was quite dark outside. I immediately looked at the time and saw that it was six o'clock in the evening! I slept that long?!I picked up my phone and saw Jess calling."Hello?" I answered."Have you read the new release magazine? Articles?!" I was almost deafened by Jess's loud voice. "Your marriage to the heir of Velasquez Industries was included in an article!""What?!"I immediately took my laptop and immediately searched online. Many articles appeared and my jaw almost dropped from what I read.The eldest son of Velasquez Industries owner, Callum Teo was about to get married to unknown woman who is also a daughter of a business man! To read more, here's the link..."Oh my gosh…" I stuttered in shock. Why is there something like this?"It's a good thing you didn't get recognized! Besides, why does it have to be released to the media?!""I-I don't know, Jess. Maybe I'll talk to mommy" I added before ending the call.My heart began to race, and I was astounded by the various articles. Perhaps since I wasn't really prepared, I felt anxious again.Tears began to flow down my cheeks. I can't stop crying. A soft sob escaped my mouth until I couldn't hold it in anymore and it got louder. I couldn't do anything but bury my face in the pillow and cried more. I can't help but feel this way. I'm going to get married soon since it appeared in the articles.Instead of going down and eating, I just didn't go out my room. I poured out the pains and tears on my pillow. At almost eight o'clock when I stopped crying, I looked at myself in the mirror and it was obvious that I had cried because my nose was red and my eyes were also swollen.I immediately fixed myself.It was quiet downstairs and I went straight to the kitchen to eat. I only took a few bites of food and immediately stood up because I really lost my appetite.A maid came to me. "Mam Patricia, your mommy wants you to go to the living room,"I replied with a nod before following. I saw mommy and daddy there, talking.“Patricia-what happened to you?" mommy held my face. "Are you okay?" she looks worried.I silently nodded before kissing him. I sat silently."I've seen the articles about that marriage" I said coldly."Huh? Uh-maybe...because we already talked to Velasquez about it and that would be next month"I didn't react. I know they will really rush the wedding."Sorry for the articles. It's also inevitable since the Velasquez’s are famous people, son. The spot light is always on them""I know""Mrs. Velasquez already set a dinner for tomorrow. To discuss the wedding with you and Callum," she spoke carefully. "I can request them to keep your wedding private to avoid controversy" she added."Yeah, I just don't like what I see online anymore" I remained emotionless."We're sorry for bragging you into this" daddy said. "We also found out that Raven is still…pursuing you?”"I don't entertain him, dad. Besides, Raven is a nice guy" I insisted because how did Raven get involved in this?"You still don't know him completely. I just want you to know that they are the Velasquez's most rival when it comes to business. They have many issues,""I'm getting married, aren't I, dad? I can no longer choose a man for me and let Raven alone. He's out of this" I said intently."I'm just saying that-""I'll go to sleep. I still had class tomorrow" I said before standing up.I stopped when mom spoke again."Don't forget our dinner-""Yeah, I'm going to that dinner, mom. Excuse me" I interrupted and left directly.I went to my room with a heavy chest and immediately laid down. I want to sleep but I can't help but over think. I think about my situation tomorrow in front of the Velasquez, I feel like I'm shrinking myself. They are a big family and it's a shame because I don't have anything to be proud of yet. I have yet to prove anything and it is depressing that my future husband has a lot of success in life. I just look ridiculous.I kept thinking about it till I didn't notice that I was falling asleep.Patricia's POVIt's monday morning again and it's also a tiring day for me. I felt so weak and drained. I didn't want to stay inside the house for a long time so I didn't bother to have breakfast and left immediately.I went straight to a café near the school, I will stay here since it’s too early. I ordered my favorite coffee and a slice of blue berry cheese cake, this will be my girlfriend.I consoled myself by stalking the Velasquez online and social media never failed me. How ironic that their family is so private but some people can even get access and information about them. It's also true that there's so many girls simping over Callum Velasquez. His pictures is all over online and it's crazy! I also checked their company background. I found out that they still had a lot of business. They owned a large and extensive farm and several hotels. Wow!While Callum is currently managing the Velasquez Industries and soo
Patricia's POV "You're all over the news!" I felt nothing but fear for the judgements that I'll receive and embarrassment because I know some people especially my schoolmates will think differently about why I would marry a rich man. Nervousness engulfed me when various issues about me came up at school. "Have you tried to check online? The students are talking about the picture of you and Callum Velasquez at the restaurant last night! It's spreading!" Jess's alarmed and slightly frightened voice rang in my ears. I was just at the entrance of the school when she reported me about that. I walked straight and looked around. The students spread out and I could feel the eyes of others following me, even if it was college or high school. "You are the topic of almost everyone in our department and almost the entire college building!" she said irritated. "Why is the media there? I thought
Patricia's POV "Maybe Callum Velasquez was just forced. He's single, and now he's getting married? The girl was just using her!" I rolled my eyes again by another hate comment that Jess read. She frowned while busy on her phone. "Stop it, Jess. They're not worth our time," I said before closing the book I was reading. We are here under the mahogany tree just near the field. It's still a few minutes before our next class starts so we went here for fresh air. "You know what? If I was seeing the girl who commented this, I might have slap her face!" Jess shouted angrily. "What's so bad about marrying Callum? Because he’s handsome? Duh, our friend is also beautiful and smart! Not bad for Callum!" Wow, what a confidence Jess. "You know what, you and Callum should go out together!" Jess' suggestion that I just struggled with. "It's for you to get to know each other better. Y
Patricia's POV "1, 2, 3! Smile!" I smiled sweetly at the camera while feeling the toga I was wearing. Today is our graduation pictorial and I feel so happy. I can already feel the juice of my sufferings. When I finished taking photos, it was Jess's turn. I retouched for a while and checked myself in the mirror. I am wearing a red off shoulder dress. Jess and Kelvin made me glam. All of my classmates are happy of course. We will be taking photos again for the creative shot so I sited in the corner of the classroom to wait. I read one of mommy's text messages. From: Mommy Callum will go to your school to pick you up. Good luck to your pictorial! My mood suddenly changed. I can go home alone! I doubt that Callum will come because of me. I haven't even talked to mommy about Callum and the girl he's with. It happened last week, but I haven't told her yet because they have doubled their busy schedule. I didn't reply because the picture taking started again. I'm sure Callum won't go
Patricia's POV Within weeks, a lot happened. I became even busier as well as my parents. My meeting with Callum was not followed up anymore because I knew he was also busy and was just forced to follow mommy's order. Until my graduation came. My hand was shaking as I received my diploma on stage. I didn't know what smile I would make in front of the camera because even my lips were trembling. I was so happy and my tears were welling up in my eyes but I tried not to cry because my makeup would be ruined. Finally! I watched how my parents proudly hung my medals on me when my name called as gaining a spot as Magna Cum Laude. The students applauded me loudly until I got off the stage. "Congrats!" "Congrats, Patricia! No doubt, you're really a beauty and brain!" I smiled when my classmates greeted me. The ceremony ended and we all took
Callum's POV I couldn't quite imagine that in just one thing...my life would change instantly to what it was before. I can no longer do what I used to do before because I already have a heavy responsibility. Not the responsibility of being eldest child, big brother or taking care of the company but the responsibility of marrying someone I don't even know. And today is the day I hate the most. Today, I seems to be drowning and hurting by fate and making me feel like this is the thing I deserve. Today is my wedding day. "Is she already here? She was already two minutes late!" I said impatiently to Austine, my friend who was standing next to me and wearing a gray suit like me. Patricia is still not here, I didn't even see her come here to the venue. Did she back out? Our last meeting was when we chose her wedding gown and after that, she seemed anxious and troubled. We didn't meet after tha
Callum's POV "Sir, you have a meeting later at 11 am" I just gave a nod to Sharlene, my secretary, before finally entering the office. I just sit in front of my table when I received a text message from mommy. She says that I need to pick up Patricia at their house and bring her here at the company since she's my wife now. I need to make her understand how I deal with the business industries. I massaged my temple with so much stress. My secretary entered the office and was holding folders. "Do I have errands before 9 am?" I asked before I glanced at my watch. "No, sir. Just need sign them" she laid the folders in front of me. "It's also necessary before 8" It's only seven o'clock now so I can still pick up Patricia. My secretary left and I immediately signed the folders and papers. "It's already signed. I'll be back at before 9" I told my secretary on the call.
Patricia's POV "You need to live with him..." My tongue stocked because of mom's words. I looked at her while holding my tears. "Why do I have to, mom? I did what you wanted! I married him!" she was surprised by my reaction. Maybe I have the right to complain. I married Callum for our company. I don't love him so why the hell do I have to live in the same house with him?! "I noticed that Mrs. Velasquez is a bit strict. You are both married and it's common for the both of you to live in the same house-" "Mom, this is not what you promised.." my voice shuttered as my tears began to rolled down. Very painful. Are they giving me away? Are they satisfied because our company is back to normal again? "P-Patricia, I know…but, Callum's parents was asking about it" her voice trembled, she was about to approach me but I avoided her. I wiped away my tear
Patricia's POV"It's you…"My eyes were still widened. I can’t believe it. I know that my face shows surprise but I don't see it in her. She looks confident. Zara crossed her arms while still raising a brow. I feel like she’s insulting me with the way she looks.I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. It can't be like this. I need to act normal and professional. Calm yourself, Patricia!"So, you're Patricia Clemente, huh?" she said sarcastically."Yes, w-who are you?" I asked.She smirked. "Stop acting like you don't know me!"She said that in such a bitchy voice that I was instantly irritated. I clenched my hand and walked normally towards her. She raised her eyebrows again when I placed my bag on the sofa."What do you need?" I asked patiently."I'm waiting for Callum to come h
Patricia's POVI want to continue my sleep but the sound of the alarm clock on the side table envelops my ears. I slowly opened my eyes before turning off the alarm."Gosh! It's morning again!" I murmured before getting up.I fixed myself before going out but I was just going down the stairs when I saw a woman standing there. She's turning her back on me, she’s holding a mop and sweeping the floor.I quickly frowned.When she heard my footsteps, she turned to me and that's when I saw her face. Who's this? She's not familiar with me. I stared at her from head to toe, she's just wearing a simple shirt and long pants.I think she is in her mid-40."Good morning, mam," she greeted."Who are you?" I asked cautiously."I’m your maid. Sir Callum let us in here just this morning. We've working with them f
Patricia's POV"I need us to talk,"I caught my breath and stared boldly at Callum. Is what I am doing is right?"About what?" he asked while drinking water.I looked for an opportunity to talk to him and when I saw him going here in the kitchen, I immediately followed him."About...us," I said and my mind was a bit occupied.When I actually talk to him, I lose my words. It feels like his presence always absorbs my courage."You mean about our marriage?" he turned to me. "What about that?"He didn't seem interested based on his reaction so I was irritated."We need to have an agreement," I said calmly. "I realized we haven't talked about it so I think it's about time,"He pursed his lips before raising a brow. "Yeah, I forgot about that too. I'm too busy with the company..."Good thing he knows! If I don't tell him rig
Patricia's POVI keep looking around to make sure no one else is looking and watching my movements. I sat quietly while Raven ordered our food.He brought me here to my favorite Japanese restaurant. At first I wondered why he knew that I like to eat here."Are you sure that’s all you want to eat?" Raven asked softly."Yes…" I smiled shortly before looking around again.I don’t know what I should say or react to what he's doing. I was not comfortable with his stare so I just continued to look around and gently clasped my hand over the table."So it's true..."I turned to him and caught him staring at my hand.Gradually, my eyes widened to realize what he was staring at my hand. He's specifically looking at my wedding ring!"Uh-what are you s-saying?" I'm pretending to be clueless. 
Patricia's POV"What's your plan?"Jess's question piqued my curiosity. We are here in the school field and getting some air because we just finished an activity we did in the laboratory earlier.It was awesome though."Plan about what, Jess?""Duh! I'm just like this silent type but I've been counting the days since you and Callum got married!" she said and showed her phone screen to me."Calendar? Yeah, it's July 14 today…" I said simply.He rolled his eyes and looked disgusted before pointing to today's date itself. I'm right, huh?"You dumb! You're really numb! It's July 14th and you got married on April 14th!" she almost rolled her eyes at me. "It means you've been married for 3 months now!"I just frowned and looked at her in wonder. "Oh, yeah...it's been three months,"I
Patricia's POV"Could you please inform me? Your mom told me that you weren't at their home so I was worried,"Callum's serious voice echoed in the living room.I didn't answer. I remained with my head lowered and fiddling with my fingers. I never thought he would talk to me in such a serious way."It’s just strange that I didn’t see you here. You had my number so I hope that you just called or texted me? So that I got informed?"I couldn't stop myself and answered him. "I'm safe, okay? I fell asleep at Jess' condo and didn't realize the time,"He's too talkative today, huh. I just got home late! But when he comes home at night, I don't say anything."But a guy answered my call earlier. Are you letting someone else hold your phone?" there was an accusation in his tone."Tyrone answered the call bec
Patricia's POVI was quietly reading a biology book here in the library when someone sat beside me."Hey! Tell me the tea!" Jess interrupted me. "What happened there at the party last time?! You haven't told me yet!"I was tormented by her noise. That's why I didn't take her here anymore because she would only complain. She really followed me."Hey!" she touched me. "I heard Zara was there? I even saw their pictures online-""There's nothing important there, Jess""You're so mean!" she laughed. "By the way, even I would be upset if that girl was like a snake to my husband!"“I'm not upset, Jess!" I firmly denied. I folded the book I was reading. I lost my concentration because of her."Tsk, really?" I stood up and left her. I know she will just tease me again.A few days have passed since Mr. Salvador's party but I still can't get off to my mind what happened that night. I was hunted by it. To Zara's desperation, tears and to their complicated situation. I feel like I’m responsible
Patricia's POV "Where have you been?" That was Callum's greeting when I returned to our table from the comfort room. He was in the usual blank expression unlike earlier who was smiling while talking to Zara. "Just in the comfort room," I answered. I just stared at the desserts in front of me and chose to just drink some water. I lost my appetite. I also saw mommy who was already at their table and eating. The noise around got louder because of the whispers and laughter of the guests. Callum is busy on his phone now and I'm just playing with the spoon in my hand while waiting for the party to end. "Are you okay?" I looked up to Callum. "Yeah..." "Do you want some-" "Nah, this will do" I said and showed him the desserts and drinks I hadn’t touched yet. I was silent and looking around but I could still feel Callum's gaze on me. That makes me more consciou
Patricia's POV The next day, I just woke up that Callum was no longer at home, maybe he was already at work. "What a playful morning again" I whispered. My eyes focused on the side table where the invitation Callum had given last night was placed. It will happen tonight. I can’t help but be nervous. While I was eating breakfast, a delivery arrived. A woman handed me a large white box. "Maybe you're mistaken. I didn't order anything-" "This is yours, Mam Patricia. It was sent by Mrs. Velasquez for you to wear to the party," the girl smiled sweetly. I accepted the box and she left immediately. Damn, why are they treating me so special? I opened the box out of confusion and almost dropped my jaw when I saw what inside. I picked up a champagne dress that included a pair of nude stilettos with a tiny crystal design around it. Gosh, it's so pretty! Clothes and