Chapter 8

We eventually went back to normal after we went back home. A day before my classes resumed, Mommy went to me. She was crossing her arms on her chest as she sat down beside me on the bed.

"What do you need, Mom?" My brows are knitted while looking at her.

"I'm proud of you lately, Katriel. I can see that ever since you started it with Kadmiel, people have come to like you."

My face contorted. I know this is the plan and goal but I still can't help it to feel bad everytime I get reminded that I've only been liked by people because of Kadmiel. It's like saying that I can't clean my name without associating it with a successful, worthy man.

"That's our goal and it happened," I replied icily.

"Ah-huh. And in no time, people will know that you two are already married. It was private but I made someone take a few pictures of it to reveal to the media. So people would think you two are really in love and wanted a low-key married life."

I gasped. My mom could be a writer or a director!

"Okay, why are you telling me this now? I don't care anymore about your plan mom, just as long as it will clear my name as you wanted then I'm good."

"We have another plan that needs your cooperation, Katriel." Mom moved a bit to face me completely.

"What is it again this time?"

"You will move to Kadmiel's penthouse."

"I will what?!" I moved out of the bed and gasped at what I just heard. "You're basically telling me to live with him! Then next, what? Force me to bear a child with him? Form a family? To make me lose a choice but to be with him forever?!"

"Katriel, no! You imagined too much." Mom's eyes widened, not liking the words I said. "I'm just saying that you can live in his penthouse. You can have a separate room. Kadmiel isn't there 24/7 like you. What do you think the media and people will think after hearing about your wedding? Of course they'd eventually think that you two will live together."

"This is too much!"

"I know but… Katriel, you will just sleep there and eat."

"No, Mom. You don't understand. Ugh!" I stomped my feet and turned my back at her, trying to calm down and digest what she's just asking me to do.

"I already told Kadmiel about this. He told me that it's fine for him but it's still up to you and your decision," Mom added.

Could I possibly reach the end of this show without getting pregnant?

Dumbass, Katriel. You're thinking of something else again!

But knowing Kadmiel and I… Well, I can take pills and he can start practicing using condoms. I heard that the pull-out method isn't really safe. Good thing I just had my period earlier.

I sighed heavily. Mom's right. I can have a separate room. Kadmiel and I wouldn't see each other always because we're both busy with our own lives. And doing this would really help to make the show we put up more realistic.

"Fine!" I turned around to look at mom. "I'll live with him. But please mom, this will be the last request. I won't take anything anymore. I'm serious."

Mom gave me a subtle smile.

"Yes, Katriel. This is the last."

I started packing my things after that. Not only my clothes are the things I need to bring but also my school stuff. I already estimated that it would be a lot of luggage and boxes to fit everything and I'm right. 

"You're still going to visit us here and sleep in your room. Why are you bringing your whole life there, Katriel?"

Dad was leaning on the door while watching me pack. I grimaced and sighed.

"Believe me, Dad. I still left a lot here," I answered.

"You could start a business with your things," Mom intervened this time.

I ignored her and just continued packing. It was around 2 PM when I'm finally done with everything. I took a shower immediately because I received a message from Kadmiel, he told me he'd be here in no time. I'm sure Mom was the one who told him about my decision.

I slipped into a white sundress and white slides. I also tied my hair into a high ponytail after blow-drying it.

As I went down the stairs, I saw my parents talking to Kadmiel in the living area. They all have serious faces while talking. Kadmiel found me while his mouth was saying something. He bluntly checked me out before he announced his presence to my parents.

Mom and Dad looked at me. I didn't show any emotion and just walked straight to them.

"I'm done," I announced.

"Your things are already inside the car we paid for. They won't fit inside Kadmiel's car," Dad said.

I nodded. "Okay."

"Take care there, Katriel. Don't be so bossy to Kamdiel's maids. Don't also act childish and mean to Kamdiel, please."

"I know Mom," I rolled my eyes.

"Kad… just have some patience for my daughter. She's also good, she's just really mean most of the time but she's good." Mom still continued.

"Mom!"

Kadmiel chuckled. "I will, Tita. Don't worry."

"Take care. Drive safely." That's the only thing Dad said before Kadmiel and I finally left the house.

I was just looking outside the car as I let things sink in. I can't believe the first time I will live out of my parents' roof is also living with a man. This is not the moving out scenario I have imagined!

"What are you thinking?"

My thoughts halted when Kadmiel talked. He glanced at me sideways while he's busy driving. I just shook my head as an answer.

His condominium is not super far from my parents' house. As expected, it's a very high-end condominium tower that only rich people could afford. I can't imagine the money Kadmiel spends every month given that what he has is not only a simple unit but a penthouse.

Kadmiel and I arrived first before my things. He smoothly slid his fingers around mine as we took the elevator. No one's talking between us, I'm also just looking at my sleepers, never looking at him.

I felt him pinch my hand that caught my attention. I looked at him with a confused expression.

"You're silent," he said.

"I'm just…" I sighed. "I don't have anything to say."

"You can still… back out. Tell your parents that you don't really want this. I know this is also too much, Katriel. You don't have to—"

"We're already here, Kad. I'm okay," I cut him off. "As long as you won't hurt me or get me starved, I'll be fine with you."

"Why would I do that?" His hold on my hand tightened as he looked at me with furrowed eyebrows. 

"Who knows what you're capable of doing. I've only known you for a short period of time." I shrugged.

He sighed. "I will never do that."

I smiled. I know he won't. He's a good person. And he won't taint his name for doing that. Besides, he wouldn't wanna get strangled by my father— or worse, get shot dead.

As we arrived at his place, he let me choose a room where I could stay. He has four in total but I chose the one beside his room. He arched his brow and gave me a teasing look. 

"Don't think of anything. I just want to be near you in case something happens!" I reasoned.

"But I'm not saying anything?"

"Your eyes do!"

He chuckled and held my elbow. He was nearly laughing while we're both heading inside the room I chose. I tsked and walked away from him, checking every corner of the room. It's just as huge as my room in the house. But the interior is too dull, well of course because it's just an extra room.

"I will renovate the interior design of this," I said and faced Kadmiel. "May I?"

Kadmiel is a few meters away from me. He's just standing there, arms crossed, while watching me wander around the whole room.

"Of course, Katriel. This room is already yours." He nodded with pursed lips.

"Thanks!" I beamed.

Few minutes later, my things finally arrived. I started putting my clothes in the cabinet and arranged them the way I did in my closet before. Kadmiel also left me here because he answered a call. It took me more than an hour to finish everything. Despite the turned on aircon, there are still some bullets of sweat on my neck and forehead.

I climbed on the bed and slowly rested my body there. I stared at the white ceiling as I felt my emotions turn upside down.

I don't know where this is going but one thing's for sure that I want to happen is… not catching any feelings for Kadmiel. I'm scared of love. I'm scared of what it could do to me. I don't want myself to get ruined by it. I spent years building myself despite being judged by people. What really matters to me is my own happiness and contentment.

And I don't want to lose everything just because I let myself fall into the trap of the scary concept of love.