CHAPTER 1.1

"Sage," I whispered as I finished my signature name on the canvas.

I can't help but smile while admiring the bouquet of white roses that I painted.

Someday, on my wedding day, I'm going to hold this bouquet of white roses with an attached peach color.

My smile widened with that thought. I even glanced at the painted off-shoulder wedding gown, as well as an elegant white-gold stiletto.

"Good job, Sage," I praised myself before running to the windows and taking a secret glance at Andres, who was busy pulling weeds.

I pouted a little and stared at him, who looked savagely handsome under the hot sun. And even if he stood too far, I can imagine how his sinful sweat traveled from his forehead down to his sexy neck.

My lips formed a smirk with his image in my mind. But then, my reverie faded as I parted my lips upon seeing the entrace of the grey Montero sport into our white high gate.

I swallowed an invisible lump, and I don't know why I am suddenly nervous. I automatically hid behind the curtain when Attorney Santiago stepped out of the car.

I had already forgotten about Andres' sweat and hurriedly removed my apron that had paint stains. I immediately ran to the bathroom sink and washed my hands and cleansed my face. That was exactly on time when Yaya Nenita entered my room

"Ma'am Sage, you're Mommy and Daddy are asking you to go downstairs."

I closed my eyes and felt my nervousness. My hands were even shaking when I tried to finger-comb my shoulder-length hair.

I tried to breathe normally and immediately picked up my pink lipstick and colored my lips with it before going down the stairs. My every step was heavy, while my heart didn't stop beating erratically.

"This is the most applicable way, Misis Selma. And Sage is already at her right age and even graduated with a degree in business. You know that your case has no chance of winning since they have enough evidence. But if we can negotiate with Attorney Carancho, there is a possibility to keep your freedom."

My forehead knotted. I could not understand their conversation and it was unclear to my ears.

"Can't we just pay them? You know Sage, she will not easily agree with this. Maybe we can pay their Attorney to dismiss the case?" that was Mom's voice.

"You do know that Attorney Carancho is a big fish as well, right? He doesn't get lured by money. This is what he wants. Let him marry your daughter in exchange for your freedom. You will not go behind bars, but let him marry your only daughter."

I was stunned a little with what I heard and even alarmed after hearing my Mom's protest. I walked hurriedly into the living room and faced Attorney Santiago with knotted brows.

"What did you mean, Attorney? Why would my parents go to jail?"

My nervousness overpowered me again. My parents have been strict all my life. That's why it's impossible for them to commit a crime.

"Miss Sage, your parents-"

"Don't, Attorney. It's not necessary to inform Sage about it."

"Dad! Your life is in danger, and you don't want me to get involved? Perhaps I can help with the solution."

My father looked at me sharply but stood still. I bravely looked at the attorney, waiting for his explanation. 

"As I was saying, your parents were accused of the murder of Amelia and Herman. And now, their son, Daxton Sullivan, has filed a case against your parents."

My lips parted and I had a hard time processing the information. Did I hear it right? When did my parents become murderers? Just today? 

"Attorney, I think you are wrong-"

"Don't worry, Miss Sage. If you agree to marry their attorney, we can still prevent the case."

"Huh? Marriage? I am not for sale-"

"You can decline, but that would only mean your parents would go behind bars. And if you agree, you will not be left with nothing. You are marrying Delton Carancho, who is a big catch."

He opened the attaché case in his hand, took out a single sheet of photo paper, and placed it on the glass table.

My eyes darted to that, and I was stunned by the picture of that man. 

That is Delton Carancho?

He has those ravishingly dark eyes, a dramatic nose, and those one-line lips that appear so delicious. His sinfully gorgeous back-combed jet black hair is no exception. It's a dazzling but perilous demon.

I held the hem of my shorts absentmindedly, afraid it would fall because of his mouth-watering appearance. Not bad.

He could be a tool for my escape. If I marry him, I can freely escape and go to a lot of art exhibits. 

"Sage, think about it thoroughly. We need your help. We need your help. What will happen to my social life and friends if I go to jail? My gosh! There's no sossy chitchat inside the jail," Mom uttered that made me blinked my eyes.

That's when I realized what was really the situation.

"Mommy, did you really k-illed them?"

"Of course not, Sage! We cannot do that! It's just that their attorney is so clever that he can reverse the situation. This is the safest solution we can consider, and I hope you'll help us with this."

I pursed my lips and didn't dare to speak. My forehead was still knotted when I picked up the photo paper, turned my back on them, and walked upstairs.

If we consider his looks, he is really dangerously handsome, but what about when it comes to his personality? I don't think so. I doubt every attractive man. If Andres can't even notice my little crush on him, how much more this attorney who resembles a mythical God from Mount Olympus?

And yeah, it just took me a few minutes to delve into the internet and search for his name. And damn! I can't even focus on the results. There are a lot! He has no background information other than the fact that he is an attorney. What I can see are his pictures with different women.

Is this the man whom they want me to marry? A man who doesn't mind if a girl is lurking around him? I even saw one picture of him where the girl was proudly and maliciously caressing his chest. Disgusting!

How come they want me to marry this man? A man whore.

And my hate for him leads me to paint his face. I spent the whole night sketching and painting his whole face. I did even plan on burning it the next day, but instead of getting the matchstick, I ended up getting a cloth. I was evilly smirking as I covered the canvas.

"R.I.P, Delton, because you'll be single no more. Say bye bye to your bachelor title."