CHAPTER 01

[ CHAPTER 01: UNLUCKY DAY ]

I woke up because of the loud and resounding sound of my alarm clock and the sunlight from the window opening hitting my skin.

I groaned. "So noisy!" I hissed.

I rummaged on my bedside table to find the noisy alarm clock. I pressed the button to close it but it won't stop ringing.

Annoyed, I sat up in bed and threw the loud alarm clock on the floor.

I groaned. "I want to sleep more," I whispered.

I rubbed my palms on my face and lightly combed my messy hair with my fingers.

I removed the comforter from my body and went to the bathroom.

It's five thirty in the morning already and I planned on going out for an early jogging. I want to be able to maintain my routine so I won't lose to my drowsiness.

I slept late last night, trying to sketch my dream house. I didn’t realize the time so I fell asleep late.

Never mind, I just won’t adjust the water temperature. I will definitely wake up because of the cold.

I checked first if I was carrying my bathrobe knowing that I often forget it and I had to use the intercom to ask our maids for help.

Gladly, it just hangs here inside.

I stepped inside the shower room and started removing my clothes. As soon as I stepped on the tiles, I immediately felt the cold and it got worse when there was no clothes left on my body.

I sighed. 

I turned on the shower. I squealed when the water poured into my body. 

"Fuck! It's cold!" 

I kept on cursing and immediately turned the shower off. And, yep, I was right. Because of the cold, my mind was wide awake.

I gave up and adjusted the temperature. I hurried to take a shower because I plan to go jogging at six o'clock so that there won't be too many people in the park.

I chose to wear a simple black tight leggings and a long sleeve black croptop paired with a white sneakers.

I picked up my cellphone and put my airpods in my ears.

I went down to eat some bread and bring water that I put in my small bag along with the face towel and my wallet.

I was humming as I made my way towards the kitchen.

"Are you sure about this, honey?"

I stopped on my tracks. 

It's mommy! 

"Did they wake up early? "I whispered to myself in surprise but I just shrugged my shoulders.

I continued walking towards the kitchen so that I could greet them as well.It's been so long since we had breakfast together.

I was about to enter smiling when I was stopped by daddy's answer.

"Yes, honey. Besides, she's in the right age to get married," I heard him said that made me confused.

What? Right age to get married?

Mommy buried her face in the palm of her hand and combed her hair with her fingers afterwards. "But, honey, you know Ely won't allow it, don't you?" she asked lightly.

They're talking about me!

I decided not to go in first and hide behind the wall while listening to what they were talking about.

"Yes, I'm aware of that, Liza," he answered seriously.

"Our daughter values her freedom so much, Kael. We can't just take it away from her. We can find a way, can't we? You won't affect our child here," mommy asked almost in tears.

I don't understand. What are they talking about? Are they planning to marry me to someone? To whom? As far as I remember, I don’t have a boyfriend.

I sighed and walked out of the house. I'll just buy an energy drink outside. It's too early for a bad mood.

I went to the garage and got in my car. I quickly drive out of the gate. 

"Good morning, Ely! Take care."

I smiled and waved my hands. It was our bodyguard, Mr. Lari. He was used to me leaving early to go jogging.

I drive to the park and while I’m on my way there, I saw people jogging as well. Some are with their pets and children.

When I arrived I parked my car on the side where other cars were also parked there.

"Good morning, dear!" said the middle aged lady who sells energy drink and snacks at the park.

I smiled. "Good morning!"

I approached her. "Is there a cold energy drink there?" I asked.

"Oh, there is! But, dear, it's too early for a cold drink. Just have coffee or tea first," she suggested.

I nodded and just agreed because she was right.

"Uhm, do you have canned coffee?"

"Wait, wait a minute, I'll take a look." She searched as I stood by her side and looked around.

Suddenly a black sports car passed by. People turned around, including me, there.

I scoffed. That's over speeding. Maybe he was thinking that it was still early and there were no police on guard. He has a nice car. It's a pity if it's swept away.

I just shook my head.

"Here, Ely dear."

My attention moved to Ate Gina — the seller. I smiled when I saw her.holding canned coffee.

She scratched the back of her neck. "I'm sorry, I forgot my husband put canned coffee here."

She e handed it to me and I raised my two eyebrows when it felt hot. "It's still hot, dear. My husband made it hot because he said coffee isn't good if it's not hot," she said with a laugh.

I chuckled. "You're right. Uhm, thank you for this. This is my payment. You can keep the change, "I said as I reached for the payment.

He shook his head and opened the small arinola in which she kept the money.

Seriously, why arinola, though? I'll keep in mind that I need to research about it.

"Not anymore, dear. You always don't accept change," she said while counting the change.

"It's okay po. You can keep it." I smiled and waved my hands at her.

I began jogging away from her. I could still hear her calling my name but I ignored her.

I’m one of their customers because I often leave home without eating breakfast because I don’t want to ruin my routine schedule. Good thing, ate Gina is selling drinks and snacks. For me, she's a life-saver.

I’ve been running since earlier so I feel tired.

I was panting so hard. I stopped for a moment and sat on the bench I saw.

I took out my face towel and wiped the dripping sweat from my forehead to my neck.

I'm feeling thirsty but I forgot I only bought coffee before.

I breathe out. "I'm tired," I whispered to myself.

I swallowed first before estimating the distance I had reached and where Ate Gina was.

I sighed. I'm far away. I can no longer get there.

I just stood up and forced myself to go back there even though my throat was dry.

I was continuously wiping my sweats while I cross the street to get to the other side because there are trees there and I can't get much hot sunlight.

I suddenly stopped and almost lost my breath as a fast car approached where I was standing.

My eyes widened because it was only a few meters away from me and the driver didn't even bother to turn away!

I gasped loudly. "Oh my god, stop!" I shouted.

It didn’t even stop. I closed my eyes and tried to run to the other side but I don't think I can make it.

Shit, is it? I haven't bought the new bag from my favorite brand yet. I haven't even talked to daddy yet!

I cried out when the car suddenly rolled over a bit before leaving quickly and straight away. I lost my balanced and suddenly I rolled slightly.

"You reckless driver!" I shouted loudly as I stumbled.

I was waiting for it to stop to help me but it didn't happen. What a jerk! 

Black sports car with white linings. I'll do my best to remember that car. I'll have my revenge, just so you wait!

"It hurts, bullshit," I complained irritatingly.

I slowly stood up and slowly walked to the bench. I sat there and looked at my palm.

It had a scratch and was almost bleeding. I hissed and stood up.

"Ouch. ”My knee suddenly ached when I suddenly stood up straight.

I checked it and saw that my jeans was ripped a little. I have a small wound on my knee and it is bleeding.

I shouted frustratedly. "So annoying!" 

My day is ruined. Unlucky!

I was almost crying. Luckily, someone happened to have a family jogging. They helped me until we reached the park. 

"Are you okay here, dear? Do you want us to take you to the clinic?" the lady asked worriedly.

I shook my head. "I'm fine. I have my car with me. I'll just go home. Thank you again, ma'am, sir."

The two couples smiled at me and their two children waved at me before walking away.

"My God, Ely! What happened to you, you child? "Ate Gina exclaimed worriedly.

She left my side for a while and came back with water.

"Oh, here, water. How are you, dear?" she asked again.

I pouted. "A jerk passed by and I almost got ran over by his car. But, I'm fine, I'll just go home first."

"Are you sure you can, Ely?" Gina asked.

I smiled and nodded at her. "Yes. Thank you for your concern and for the free water," I said with a laugh.

She raised an eyebrow at me. "Huh, what do you mean by free?" she asked in astonishment.

I made a face and was about to take my wallet from the bag when she suddenly stopped me.

"Hey! It's not free and you don't have to pay. You paid me too much so it's already paid," she explained.

I just laughed and didn't complain. I bid goodbye and went straight to my car.

I have already started driving home. When I got close to the gate, Lari immediately opened it for me.

I sighed when I reached the garage. I slowly descended and was forced to walk normally into the house.

"Ma'am Ely, are you all right?" one of our housemates asked worriedly.

I smiled and motioned her to come near me which she gladly obliged.

"What is it, ma'am?"

"Get the first aid kit and go to my room. Don't show it to mommy or daddy. Got it?" I instructed.

She nodded and left without asking and took the first aid kit while I went up to my room first.

I sat on the end of my bed and sighed. I left the door unlocked so that the maid I had ordered could get in quickly.

"Why am I so unlucky today?" I whispered softly to myself.

I looked at the door when there was a sudden knock. A second after, the door suddenly opened and Mitch, our housemate, came in.

She closed it first before approaching me.

"What's the problem, ma'am?" she asked.

"There was just a jerk that ruined my day. I almost died earlier. The driver was so reckless! And he didn't even help me!" I complained.

Her eyes widened when she asked. "Oh no, did you get his plate number? You can trace it, right?"

I sighed. "No, I forgot. I was too mad. My sight darkened because of him. But, I remember how his car looked like. "

"But, ma'am, aren't there many similar colors and types of cars?"

I nodded. "Yes, but I would know if it's the one who almost killed me."

I showed her my knees and she started cleaning it before putting a band-aid there.

"My leggings," I complained tearfully.

The knee part was ripped open. My poor leggings. 

I changed my clothes first and when I finished there was a knock on my door and I immediately opened it.

"Ma'am Ely, your daddy is calling you."

My eyebrows furrowed. "Why is it?"

I saw our maid scratching her forehead before answering. "I don't know, son, eh. But he said you should just go straight to his office downstairs. He said you have something to talk about."

I nodded and smiled. "Thank you. I'll be going now."

I got off and frantically walked to daddy's office.

Are we gonna talk about the marriage thing? I hope I was wrong. I don't want to get married yet. Especially with someone I don’t know. I am not a fan of arrange marriage and they both know it.

I twisted the door knob. I barely tilted my head to peek him inside. "Daddy?" 

I was surprised to see that daddy wasn't the only one there. Mom was sitting in front of his desk, worried. While, daddy was looking at me seriously.

He motioned me to step inside. I almost threw up because I was so nervous.

"What's wrong, mom, dad?" I started.

Daddy coughed so I gave him my full attention.

"Listen, Ely, honey. We love you and everything we do is for your own good."

My eyebrows met. "I know that, daddy. But, what's really going on? You're confusing me. Can we just go straight to the point? I'm really hungry and I haven't eaten breakfast yet."

Mommy sighed and reached for my hand. She squeezed it.

"Mom?"

"Honey, you need to marry your Tito Warren's eldest son, Cadell."

I was silent for a minute because I was still processing what she said.

I stood up suddenly the moment I understood what he said. So, wait, shit, I was right? 

"What?!" I cry out in shock.

Daddy also stood up. "Eletheria, calm down," he said seriously.

I know he's being serious whenever he calls me by my full name. But, this is absurd!

"You will marry me off to someone I don't know? To Mr. Alfonzo's son? But, I don't even know him, mommy!" I shouted angrily.

"Don't you raise your voice at your mom! I already told you. We are doing this for your own good. You are going to marry Cadell and that is final."

I looked at him in disbelief. "I don't want to, daddy. And that is final."

That was the last thing I said before I ran to my room to get my car key, my wallet and my handbag.

I saw daddy waiting downstairs. "Eletheria! Don't you walk out on us, you spoiled brat!" he shouted angrily as I passed him.

The housemates were silent and heads are down, afraid that daddy would also scold them.

"What?" I asked while chuckling sarcastically.

Mommy gently massages daddy's arm to calm him down. "Kael, stop it."

"Stop being a fucking brat and get back here!" he shouted.

Tears started forming on the side of my eyes. "No fucking way," I answered emphatically before turning around and running to the garage to get my car.

I drove quickly out of the gate.

"Lari, don't let that woman out!" I heard daddy shout. But it was too late because I was already out.

I drove it fast until I was far from home. I reached for my phone and turned it off so daddy wouldn't track me.

I restrained myself from crying.

"What an unlucky day for me."