All Chapters of FORCED MARRIAGE: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

MARA Since my shift started, I've been running back and forth, taking orders, serving food, and cleaning the table. We were five servers during this shift from twelve noon to eight in the evening, the busiest hours of the day in the diner, but our boss needed to hire another server during these hours. We couldn't even sit for a minute except during our break, and my legs were killing me. "Mara, table seven. Move faster. Can't you see there's a lot of customers waiting for their order?" Our manager said, glaring at me. Sometimes, our manager is so mean, but I endure it. It was hard to find a job here in the city, and It took me a few weeks to get this job; if ever I was fired here, I would need a few weeks again before I could find another job, and I don't have any savings left. "Coming." I moved to the city three months ago to find a better job after finishing my studies. I don't have any relatives, and I don't know anyone here, only Jared, my boyfriend, but I don't want him to kno

MARA It's been a week since I saw Grandpa. I missed him despite the fact he only stayed with me for three weeks. I missed the funny thing he did whenever he couldn't remember me. Every time I stepped inside the door, he would ask who I was, and then he would stay in the corner, his eyes following me as if I would attack him any chance. I would chuckle, stealing glances at him occasionally, and, at the same time, sad because I knew why he was acting like that. It was the woman that beat him. He was traumatized and scared that he thought I would hurt him like that woman did. That's why he stayed in one corner for over an hour until he remembered me. I wondered if he was like this in his home whenever that woman was around—just imagining him crying while the woman beating and pulling his hair angered me. I always let him be and waited until he remembered who I was, and once he did, he would rush to me, hug me, and say welcome home. Pretty good lady. I'm sorry I don't remember you so

MARA "About a few weeks ago, when I was away. Is there something that happened?" Jay Jay asked casually, leaning on the couch with Grandpa beside him while I just stood behind Grandpa. Everyone looked nervous instantly, and their eyes darted everywhere but him. "Babe! A woman's voice said, and I looked up to see a beautiful woman wearing a black dress that showcased her stunning body figure. I'm sorry for not informing you, babe. I also told the helpers not to tell you because I know you have an important business, and I'm sure you'll come back as soon as you find out that Grandpa ran away again. I searched him silently. I told the authorities not to report it but asked them to keep searching for Grandpa." "But still, you should tell me. What if something happened to Grandpa? What if bad people got him, recognized him, and asked for money, like what happened a year ago?" He angrily said. "Sorry, babe, it didn't cross my mind. I thought he would come back soon or we could find him

MARA I went out of Grandpa's room and into mine and bathed. I had sweated when we had walked into the garden earlier, and I wanted to bathe again. After bathing and dressing up, I went back to Grandpa's room, and I saw him already dressed up, but his hair was still dripping. "Sit down, Grandpa. Your hair is still dripping wet." He settled on the edge of his bed without arguing, and I quickly took the hairdryer and blew dry his hair. "Grandpa, tomorrow I'll cut your hair, okay? It's already long." "You know how to cut hair?" "Yes, I had a part-time job in a salon before. I also know about manicures and pedicures. I'll clean your nails tomorrow as well." "Okay." He said, grinning. When his hair is dry, I brush it and return the hairdryer to the drawer. "Where is your shoe, Grandpa?" "In there." He pointed to a door on our right side. I quickly went to it and slid the door open, and my eyes widened to see a vast collection of different brands and kinds of shoes. "Grandpa, you

MARA Ma'am Loren went beside him, but he pushed her harshly. Throwing her a few feet away, the syringe she was holding dropped on the floor, broken. "Stay away from me!!! He screamed, and at that moment, Grandpa looked scary. Sir Jayson rushed to help her up. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine." We are all surprised. Although I've known Grandpa for only a month, I had never seen him so angry or look so scary. "Grandpa!!! Why did you do that? Loren just wanted to help you?" Sir Jayson screamed. I gasped when Grandpa quickly crawled away, dived under the bed, and hid there. My palm covers my trembling lips. I'm sure he didn't do this for the first time. I think he crawled under the bed whenever that heartless woman beat him. It broke my heart, and a sob left my lips. My tears streamed down my face. Sir Jayson instantly looks so guilty, with regret on his face. His tears also rolled down his face. Nana also cries while standing behind us. "Don't give him any shot for tonight. Y