Chapter 1

Lieve's mind is in turmoil. During the day or night, she has trouble focusing and there are times that she can't sleep.

Their debt is piling, and notice of bankruptcy just arrived that day. The day she has been waiting for, her last year in college, her graduation ceremony. She wasn't able to taste or witness that joyous day, because on that day she had to stay by his father's side.

He had been crying all day and all night, she couldn't sleep a wink enduring his whining. He's a good father to her and her siblings, even though they're not related by blood, but he treated them like one. He is a good person, seeing him in a dire situation makes her heart teared-up.

Who would want to see a good person suffer like that if she can do something to help him? But choosing that route will make her sacrifice even greater, which is why she thinks it thoroughly, with no avail she lets go of her pride and walks into the lion's den.

"You came," his voice was cold and low. The way he stares is always sharp and dominant, as if a hunter is eyeing for its prey.

"I agreed to your condition, so please save my father's company." With enough courage, she met his eyes that she always avoided whenever their path crossed. But this time, she wants to change that behavior of hers, she will be his wife soon anyway.

"What happened to the high and mighty woman just a week ago?" There's mockery in his voice, and remnants of insult along with it.

She tried posing an innocent smile, that's the only thing she's good at.

"I guess that woman just died, and now's dragging herself to her grave." The pressure of meeting the man always takes a large toll on her body, and she could already feel the trembling of her hand.

He scoffed, and a faint smile plastered on his lips. "Welcome to the world of dead then, I am Aiden Echavez, your grim reaper."

She wants to laugh at his sarcasm, but controlling herself is the best course of action in her current situation.

"It's my honor to serve you," her voice is empty. Putting up an act of obedience is hard, especially if you know that the person you're trying to please will only bring misfortune to your life.

He stared at her for quite a long time, he didn't say anything or did he make an expression. As if he's trying to read her, suddenly he shifted his gaze to somewhere else. He grabbed the intercom in his office and called his secretary.

"Sit down," he commanded.

She didn't bother refusing, as soon as her ass met the soft fabric of the chair, the door opened. A middle-aged man emerged and walked directly to Aiden's side. She stayed in one place, observing the unfolding scene before her. She can tell that Aiden is giving his secretary instructions, the man's frequent change of expressions are noticeable. There are times that their eyes will cross against each other, but he'll pulled out instantly.

"Miss Marquessa," the old-man coughed awkwardly as he tried to catch her attention. She tried making a good impression, but the situation is so overwhelming that giving him a genuine is impossible for her.

"Yes?" Instead she just talked to her politely, he looked like a good guy, she's guessing that making him a friend will benefit her.

"Please, follow me." She stood up as soon as she heard his words, she glanced down at Aiden's whose silently watching them. When he noticed that she's staring at him, his forehead furrowed and lips twitched.

What is his problem? She ponder, but abruptly discarded the idea.

"I will teach you the ways of this company, and your responsibilities from now on." Aiden secretary's words startled her, not because of his sudden interruption but to what he just said.

"Excuse me?"

The middle-aged man stopped, and turned to face her.

"You will be sticking to Mr. Echavez side from now on, as his wife and personal assistant. I don't know what his plan was, but I am aware of the situation. Please, let's finish this orientation quickly, we will be seeing and talking a lot from this day forward. And it will be exhausting for me since I have to do my original job plus this added task alone."

She gulped, she can tell that the man didn't't like her. For whatever reason, she's not interested to know. She only has one principle when mingling with people, not to please anyone whether they like you or not. Asking him about his opinion will only make the matters worst, and she had enough problems, another complications will only drag her deeper.

They dropped by all departments available in the company, she was introduced as Mr. Echavez personal assistant. Not his wife, but an assistant. She memorized each and every detail of information that was given to her, she actually planned on applying for a job after graduation but then everything grew into a total mess making all his plans crumble in vain.

But achieving one of her dreams even though not the way she expected, filled her with quite an excitement.

"That's it for today, you can go back to Mr. Echavez for now."

After their round, she received an order to go back to the man she never wishes to be with. She walked into Aiden's office, only to see him in a disarray position. His hair was disheveled and messy, clothes were wrinkled and breathing was ragged.

She couldn't move in a bit for what she just witnessed, his eyes somehow turned to her side. He rolled his eyes in annoyance, and groaned in displeasure.

"Sign the papers over there," as if nothing happened, he pointed out the papers scattered on the table on the right corner of the room.

There's no room for hesitation, she reminded herself. Whatever she saw at that moment is none of her business, she just wishes that it won't put her into a real danger. Once she reached the table where the papers lie, she proceeded on reviewing each document's content. When everything met her condition, she started signing everything.

"When will the wedding be? And how will it unfold?" She asked, and turned to look at the man she was talking to. Unlike earlier, he's now back to his normal state.

"The wedding will take place tomorrow, just a simple event for formality is fine. I invited a few of my friends, and you decide who you want to be by your side on that day."

She nodded, "I'll get going then."

She didn't wait for his answer, she took a step forward to the exit. But before her arms could hit the doorknob, he stopped her.

"I almost forgot. You have to break up with my niece, alright?" Her grip on the door tightened, but she managed to pull herself together. She doesn't need personal feelings involved, and lets her emotions have control over her.

"I understand," she answered. And walked out of his office, that's the only time she can finally let go of her stress. She screamed until her throat burned out, her life will be a proper mess soon.