"WHAT? SERIOUSLY, Miles?" Andrea's reaction was shock and disbelief when I told her what happened before I got to the office.
"Shh! Don't be noisy," I immediately scolded him and turned to our coworkers who were busy with their work. I have just finished submitting the articles I edited and I will just wait for it to be returned to me for revision but I hope not.Andrea's face was still amazed at what she heard from me. "I just can't believe it will happen, Miles. The man your ex-boyfriend traded you for is the man who will marry you? Whoa! It's just like a TV drama. That's how destiny plays, Miles there's a lot of twists." She smiled."That's not my destiny!" My eyes rolled. "That's not destiny, it's called bad luck.""But, how does that gay—man look?" Andrea was curious as if she was excited about my answer.I thought. "Well, at first you wouldn't think that he's gay. He looks like a typical man. He's handsome. He has a broad body. He has thick eyebrows and those eyes that have a charm that when you look at them, you'll really stare," I described to that man who surprised me."Wow! Does that mean he's a handsome creature? Oy! You were struck by his handsomeness, right? Were you attracted by the charm of his eyes that made you stare?" She laughed teasingly at me.I frowned. "Of course not, Andrea. I hate him every time I remember how he and Roven used to kiss. Well, I'm not against or haters of gay people, it's just that Roven replaced me with that man.""Destiny can be playful as many say, Miles. Be prepared for more twists," she said with a wink."Then, I'll play with destiny, Andrea, and I will make sure that I will win for this," I challenged."Are you sure? You're going to play with fate?"I nodded. "Why not? If I have no choice, that's what I'll do, to play with destiny. But I hope that Zandy doesn't agree to the agreement that our families are preparing," I said with a frown."That Zandy might not agree but what if your parents force you? We know Uncle and Aunt who are left behind by time and believe too much in those curses, they are concerned about your future because you are their only daughter. They want you to get married and start a family," she said."I understand them in that part, Andrea, but I'm not ready for that state yet," I reasoned with a frown.Andrea shrugged. "Well, let's just wait and see what happens. Just pray that Zandy doesn't agree," Andrea said.I just frowned as my shoulders slumped. I feel that it will be difficult for me to refuse that marriage because I feel that even if I refuse, they will not allow me not to marry. Damn that curse!—My shoulders were heavy when I got out of the car when I got home from work. I frowned and felt even more heavy when I saw the familiar car outside. I sighed because I knew what I was going to get inside. I just have to prepare myself to face them.I didn't make any noise when I entered the house but what surprised me the most was when I saw that man sitting quietly on a sofa with his arms folded and sitting like a woman. He didn't even look at me like the other four who were waiting for me."It's good that you're here, we've been waiting for you for a while," mom greeted with a smile. She stood up from sitting and came to me. She led me to the sofa near that man. They didn't even let me change my clothes."Good evening, hija," greeted Aunt Mandy. That's what I should call them.I smiled even a few times and lost the desire to face them all because I already knew what was going to be discussed. "Good evening," I returned.Silence prevailed between everyone in the living room. It was as if they were waiting to see who would speak first. I kept looking at Zandy who was right next to me. He was quiet and he was holding his cellphone while he was typing, not caring about the surroundings.I heard Dad whisper. He looked at me. I was also silent while folding my arms. "Miles, Andrew, and Mandy are here to introduce you to their son," Dad said.I tried not to show any reaction on my face. Because I'm not interested in that man.Uncle Andrew smiled, and so did Aunt Mandy. "Miles, hija, I know you are also shocked by what is happening but you will also understand everything. I know you have met my son Zandy because I ordered him to come here but I still want to formally introduce my son to you." She looked at the man near me. "This is Zandy Saavedra, hija. Don't worry, he's good and kind," said Tita Mandy."He's stubborn and sometimes brat, but Zandy is kind and I know he won't do anything to harm you," said Tito Andrew.I want to frown and grin. Sometimes brat, but nice? Why are they also forcing their son on me? Maybe it's because they've noticed that their son is gay, so they're pushing him to marry me. I looked at Zandy and when I faced him, he was also looking at me. Suddenly, something clicked in my chest because of that. I immediately looked away from him."We have already discussed the plan for the two of you. Since we both agreed to marry you, you are the only ones we need to ask about it," Dad said which surprised me.I couldn't stop myself from speaking. "Was it discussed? Dad, why do you have to lead me in that matter? I will get married but not yet. I can choose a man for me. Even now I can marry, but I don't want to." I said, "I'm not ready to get married," I complained, raising my voice which surprised them all. "I'm already mature enough to decide on marriage and you don't need to interfere with that."I saw Dad close his eyes tightly but it was only for a moment. "Miles, we're not doing this for us, this is for you. We don't want you to grow old without someone in your life. We want you to live happily with your own family," Dad insisted."Your Dad is right, Miles. We are thinking of you. We are old and what if we lose? How about you? We also want to witness the family you will build," Mom seconded. "We are afraid that you will never get married and you will become an old woman."I sighed and sat up. I found my senses. "Until now, do you still believe in that curse? Mom, that's not true. If I grow old and don't get married, it's my choice and not because of that curse." I was silent for a while. "I don't want to marry a man that I don't love," I added."Are you only thinking about yourself, Miles? What about your Mom and me? I'm weak and I just want to see you have a family, can't you don't it for me? What if that curse is true? What will happen to you?" Dad's voice has also raised. I know he is angry. "Aren't you ashamed of them? A little respect.""I respect your decision, but please respect my decision too. I don't want to get married. I won't get married because of that curse," I said firmly."Wh—"My eyes widened when I saw Dad covering his chest and lying on the sofa. Mom attended to him quickly. I couldn't move right away."H-Honey, why?! W-what happened?" Mom asked nervously while holding Dad.When I recovered, I quickly approached Dad. "C-call an ambulance! Hurry!" I shouted.I saw Zandy come to us and immediately took Dad. "Let's bring him to the hospital," he said, then walked out of the house. We immediately followed him while Aunt Mandy supported Mom.I felt guilty like it was my fault what happened to Dad. I remembered that he had heart disease and his blood pressure could rise.My whole body was shaking as we were carried by car to the nearby hospital. Zandy was driving the car while Dad was next to me unconscious. Mom and Zandy's parents were riding in the other car."Hurry up, please! We have to take Dad to the hospital." I cried while looking at my Dad. "It's my fault! If I hadn't argued with him, maybe this wouldn't have happened to him. If only I had agreed to what he wanted!""So you will agree to marry me?""As long as Dad lives, I'll do what he wants! After all, it's my fault!" I don't know what I'm saying because I'm afraid of what could happen to Dad. I will do everything just to let him live.Did I say it right? Can I stand that? The important thing is that Dad will be saved.ARE THE words that came from my mouth right? I was relieved when my thoughts returned to normal and I remembered everything I said while we were on our way to the hospital. Dad is currently in the emergency room and he's being examined by doctors.I washed my palms over my face. To this day I still blame myself for what happened to Dad. If only I hadn't answered him like that, maybe everything wouldn't have led to this. My heart is full of anxiety and fear now because of what could happen to him and I will continue to blame myself if something bad happens to him.I felt Mom next to me. He gently patted my shoulder and hugged me. "Miles, what happened to your Dad is not your fault. Don't blame yourself," Mom said calmly.I faced her. "Mom, I can't help but blame myself. It's my fault, if I had only agreed to what Dad wanted, everything wouldn't have been fine now," I answered crying."Hija, it's not your fault what happened to Wesley," said Aunt Mandy. I felt her gentle tap on my shoul
ANDREA still can't believe that Zandy is gay because he's handsome. She expected a different character from him. Andrea also doubted if Zandy was really gay or not because of his very manly stance and voice that even I wouldn't believe if I didn't know who Zandy was."Are you serious about marrying me?"I was a little surprised when Zandy spoke next to me when I got out of the room where my family and his family were still talking about our marriage. They couldn't even wait for Dad to get out of the hospital to talk about it. They are excited for both of us, the opposite of how I feel.I closed my eyes for a moment. I tucked the hair blocking my face behind my ear, then faced him. He folded his arms while leaning against the wall near the door of the room. "Do you think I want to marry you? Do you think I would want to marry someone like you? I remembered what you've done to me, Zandy, and I will never forget that," I said with a hint of annoyance and anger because he is still the re
I STILL can't believe that in just a few days I'm going to marry Zandy, the man—that gay guy who stole my boyfriend. It seems like just yesterday that my life was quiet and in an instant, it was disrupted when Zandy came into my life. Is this a dream? I never thought that I would marry the person who stole my boyfriend. Great! Is this how fate plays out? Is this what Andrea is talking about, that game of insidious fate? Well! In that case, I'll play along. I've already started so I'll just finish the game that fate wants."Wow! You look so gorgeous, hija," Aunt Mandy complimented me when I measured the gown she had made at a well-known bridal boutique in Manila. If I'm the only one who can follow, it's okay with me to just marry us into a casual wedding. Less cost and another thing is that this is not a wedding of two people who truly love each other. It's just a marriage on paper.I tried to smile. I turned to Zandy who was on the sofa holding the magazine he had been looking at for
MY face was full of sadness and regret when I turned to the wedding gown that Aunt Mandy had chosen for me that was laying on my bed. The gay aunt Mandy sent to put makeup on me just came out. I don't know but I can't seem to wear the gown in front of me. If I could back out of the marriage, I would, but I was thinking about my father's condition. I'm sure he'll get mad if I do that.I slowly approached the bed and sat on the edge of it. I gently touched that beautiful dress that every girl dreams of wearing while walking down the aisle to the man they love. But me, how can I appreciate and enjoy this marriage if I don't love the man I'm going to marry?"Miles!" I heard Andrea call me. She knocked before opening the door of my room and coming to me. "What are you doing, Miles? Are you just going to look at that wedding gown? What, you woke up and thought about backing out of the wedding?" Andrea asked.I looked up at her. "I don't know if I'm going to do the right thing, Andrea. I'm s
MOM and Dad approached me to take me to the waiting groom who was ahead and was waiting for my arrival. Zandy's handsome face had no expression, I didn't even know if he was happy or he was also cursing this day.Maybe I should just think that the groom waiting for me is the person I love and not Zandy who stole my boyfriend."I'm happy for you, Miles. Finally, we're here in the dream scene of my life. To lead you to your groom," dad whispered but it was enough for me to hear."Your father and I are very happy because finally the curse on you will be broken and you will have a family," mom said, almost making me laugh. I also want to be happy for them but I don't know how.Until now, does mom still think it's a curse? I don't know what to think of them every time they mention that curse. That was one of the reasons why I was forced to do this thing. I'm annoyed and honestly, I have a grudge against them but it's because of dad that I try to accept what's happening.I turned to the two
I QUICKLY turned to the speaker, even Zandy and everyone in the church. All attention is on the woman who just arrived and was said to be against the marriage. Who is she? I don't even know that girl. I had little hope that the marriage would not go through."Who are you, Miss, and why are you against the marriage of these two?" asked the priest.The woman was speechless and turned around and her eyes fell on Zandy and me. I can see the shock and disappointment on the woman's face and her embarrassment."I-I-I'm sorry, I-I was wrong about the church I went to," said the woman, biting her lower lip. I lost hope that the marriage would not work. Wasteful! Someone was supposed to be against our marriage but it turned out to be a false alarm. "Go ahead with the wedding. S-sorry again. I'm sorry," the woman repeated, then turned and quickly left the church.Everyone inside, heaved a sigh of relief, even the priest who fell shocked with the woman who just entered to stop the wedding, and in
I SLOWLY opened my eyes. I winced slightly when I felt a slight pain in my head. I realized I was in my room. I can't still remember the last thing that happened but before I tried to move, I held my forehead when I felt the pain."Don't move, just be still."I turned to the owner of that voice and saw Zandy sitting on the chair near the bed where I was lying while he was already holding his cell phone and was busy staring at it."W-why are you here?" I asked in surprise."Don't you remember? I'm already your husband," Zandy said seriously. He put down the cell phone he was holding and looked up at me, his face devoid of emotion. "I've been your husband, Miles, since we got married, so don't wonder why I'm here," he added.My jaw dropped just looking at him. I suddenly remembered what happened. Zandy and I got married and it was the last thing that happened before I passed out. I closed my eyes and bowed. This is true! I quickly looked at my finger and my eyes widened when I saw the 2
AFTER that wedding or I guess I should say fake wedding, everything has changed. My quiet world is messed up. I don't know but I feel the weight of every movement of my body. I feel like I'm losing my energy for everything because of my frustration with what's happening. I can't get out of my mind about what could happen to Zandy and me. Just thinking about us living together under the same roof, makes me crazy.Some of my parents and the Saavedra family's guests just had a little party that I didn't attend because I passed out from exhaustion and stayed up late, which I was thankful for because I didn't have to face people and pretend that I'm happy with this wedding.I sighed after getting dressed. My leave is over and I'm starting work again but honestly, I don't feel like working. I would like to go for a walk first and at least calm my mind and get rid of everything that is stressing me out.I'm very thankful because even though Zandy and I are married, our parents still didn't f