The lights are dim but vivid with color, and there's somber music playing in the background. Eryx, Ryker, and I are seated facing the counter, each of us drinking wine from our own glass. We were all staring at the wall with the wine bottles on each cube, and nobody wanted to disturb the silence.
"While you guys are having a good time, I was busy keeping things together here. Is this world so selfish?” Lyall clutched a bottle of whiskey and muttered. The bar is closed because we reserved it for these kinds of hours, so he is acting as the bartender for the three of us.
Hearing Lyall's grievances, Ryker scoffed. He inhaled and exhaled while shaking his head.
"You would really rather be at your place right now than here," Ryker remarked.
The three of us sighed in frustration. Lyall just kept staring at us, seemingly bewildered.
“What happened?” Lyall asked.
I poured another glass of wine after emptying mine.
I smiled and said, "I am a married man now." However, I feel as though someone has dumped a bucket of ice on me.
“What? How?” Lyall's mouth opened and his eyes grew wide as he exclaimed.
“Who knows?” I grinned.
Confused, the three of them turned to face me. Their expressions are brimming with questions, but none is brave enough to ask anything.
Who is the unfortunate girl, then?” Breaking the icy barrier that had formed between the four of us, Lyall questioned.
“Rowan's girlfriend,” Eryx remarked. Although Eryx is a one-word man, all that comes out of his mouth when he talks is the truth. He is the man of his own words; thus, it doesn't matter if you'll get hurt in the process.
"What?! Are you serious? Aiden?” Lyall shook his head and gave me a dubious gaze.
"I didn't know; had I looked further, I should have known, but I didn't." I answered, "It was a very unsettling event, and I found out too late."
I was even eager to steal her, so I didn't bother to find out more about her romance life. If I had been more careful, none of this would have happened, and I should have realized it was Rowan. It started in the library. Until then, we kept on running to each other, which led to unexpected encounters and deeper attraction. She doesn't know this, but ever since I saw her, I've planned each maneuver. I wanted to regret everything since I planned everything up but I couldn’t, now that I'm with her — why is she crying and no longer smiling?
“You love her, do you?” asked Lyall.
“No, it was only a playful jab. She's different, therefore it's exciting to see her feel frustrated and upset. But, love?” I answered, "No, not beyond that.”
"Dude, marriage is not a child's play. You got married just because it was fun? You fool, and you even crossed a seat that you shouldn't have," Lyall remarked.
Lyall seems the most sensible and logical to the four of us. He views the world in a different light. How do our differences lead to friendship? It's because we grew up together, our families are business partners and close friends, so we end up getting attached to each other unknowingly.
“I know. Now, I made an enemy out of my niece,” I retorted.
I even caused a girl to cry out through the night and lock herself in our room. Even though it's my house and I have control over my room, watching her in such hopelessness keeps me from getting a good night's sleep. Leaving her to mourn, I drove here with these idiots. I only hope that I won't be the cause of her smile going away; I want to see that faint, filmsy smile of hers once again.
"An enemy?” Lyall remarked, "I don't think Rowan would go that far; he'll be upset, for sure, but Rowan treats you like his father and has great regard for you. He will never betray you."
Rowan is my niece, and because of my sister's negligence, I feel obligated to watch over him as he grows up. I had no idea that I had taken on the role of a father figure.
“Have you ever thought of getting a divorce, Aiden?” asked Ryker.
I glared at him to get him to stop talking. He held up both of his arms in a surrendering gesture. I drained my drink once more and shook my head.
"Now, what are your plans?” Lyall enquired.
"I'm not sure.” I replied, "I'll just go with the flow for the time being and deal with the consequences later.”
Together, we heave a sigh. I wonder if these three are trying to relate to me or if they are dealing with personal issues. I believe the latter is true; even though we are friends, we never interfered in each other's issues; instead, we would offer counsel and support as needed when it comes to our troubles. We manage our own affairs; therefore, it makes perfect sense that I'm not the only one having a rough day today.
“I'll go first, a married man shouldn't stay late,” I tried to lighten the mood by cracking a joke, and it worked.
We parted ways after humiliating and insulting one another. I arrived home at midnight. I immediately go to my room, which was locked when I left but is now unlocked. When I opened the door, I saw a peacefully dozing angelic face on my bed. She's already asleep, I was considering sleeping in a different room but now that she's sound asleep in my bed I don't think that's possible.
I took off my necktie and tux before heading into the bed. I perched on the edge carefully and fixed my gaze on her. When she's awake, her eyes are filled with an abundance of emotions, yet when she's asleep, she looks calm. That's what drew me to her, I simply know. Her eyes never lie, even when her words and actions speak and act the part, her eyes always tell the truth about who she really is. Her eyes are closed now, though, and she appears peaceful. Perhaps because she cried through the night and went to sleep when she was exhausted, her eyes are swollen.
"Why would you agree under such unfair conditions? Why did you give up your happiness to make someone else happy? When you have the option to be happy, why choose suffering?"
Even though I know she won't be able to respond to my questions since she is asleep, it feels good to ask all the things that have been bothering me ever since she accepted my proposals. But there's a question I couldn't let out loud, and I want to keep it to myself until the end of the line.
Now that I have someone at my side, will I be able to sleep? Will the nightmare persist as it is?
It's a calm, lengthy night. But unlike the calm night, I don't have much time.
I'm running out of time, and I'm sorry for making you my escape plan.
I felt warm and secure when I woke up. The blanket is warm, the cushions are silky and fluffy, the bed is comfy, and there's an inviting smell. A soft hug around my waist, a soft touch on my head, and a relaxing manly scent. The feeling was pleasant, with a slow and calm breathing atop my head, and a weak snore.Hmm. Wait what?I jumped out of bed when realization hit me, and just as I thought I was sleeping with a man. It was Aiden; it's not like he was crossing a line here because he is now my husband, but he should have slept in a different room. But who am I to complain? This is part of the arrangement, to live in his world as his devoted wife. I'd heard a lot about arranged marriages, but I never imagined that such an arrangement could have a lovely and affectionate side to it; I assumed it was all about papers and legal terms with no strings connected, but Aiden's agreement has a hole that may pull me in if I'm not cautious. Who would have thought of making an agreement to exhib
This is just another awful day to survive; it's nothing special. Even though I didn't want to go when Aiden called to invite me to breakfast, I always made sure to do what was expected of me as his wife. That includes going to breakfast with him today. I was deep in thoughts while paving my way to the kitchen, I only snapped back to reality when I heard gentle greetings from the staff. The entire estate is guarded by big men, and maids are everywhere, going about doing their job. I can only greet them with a weak smile because I feel a little under the weather from crying all night. My throat hurts, and I'm scared if I try to speak I'll come across as a snob.When I reached the kitchen I was welcomed with festive foods on the table, and Aiden was sitting in the corner. He was staring intently at the food that he failed to notice my arrival, I needed to call out his name before he snapped back to reality.His eyes widened in shock but didn't last long, “You're here. Sorry, I am think
I was staring blankly at the small lake near our veranda, I tightened my grip in the railing when I heard approaching footsteps. A manly fragrance envelopes the air, I knew who my visitor is. I was expecting him actually.“Mr. Echavez,” he said in a rather calm and composed voice.“Kane,” I replied.Kane is our family lawyer and my grandfather's bestfriend. He is our final resort when it comes to things that involves legal actions, therefore, we are required to consult all our decision makings to him before proceeding.“I heard you just made a rash decision recently, and you didn't inform me beforehand.”I stood up straight and turned to face the middle-aged man, he's in his 50's but he is still well-built. I leaned against the cold railings and put my arms in my pockets. “I heard that you made a rash decision recently,” he repeated not withdrawing his stares which I wholeheartedly returned.“I guess. What are you going to do now?” I asked, he has the right to rip me off now since I v
It's already six in the evening. I was walking back and forth in the space near our room's bed, I'm thinking about the stupid things I did earlier. I was taken aback when I heard a knock on the door, although hesitant but I forced myself to do the right thing. Aiden's serious face welcomed me when I opened the door.“Dinner is ready,” he said.“Okay. You go first, I'll follow.”Just then I saw a glimpse of his reaction through his piercing blue eyes, there was a moment of hesitation. He massages his neck before letting out a deep breath.“Let's go together. I'll wait for you,” he stated.I'd like to push him away and oblige him to go first but seeing his determined demeanor, I just said 'okay.'Because I know Aiden is waiting for me, I tried to move as fast as I could. I fixed my wavy hair and tied it in a messy bun. And I changed my dress into a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. And then I made my way out of the room.“Did I keep you long?” I asked.I saw Aiden's face lit up when he he
I woke up the next morning without Aiden by my side, it's sunday and I have an early commitment. I wasn't able to check his whereabouts because I'm busy fixing myself, I took a warm bath and wore a knitted floral dress. I also put some light makeup on to highlight my features. When I feel like I have enough, I decided to come out. In the living room, I saw Aiden reading some entertainment magazines, and he gazes up to welcome my presence. Bewilderment plastered on his face for a minute before he was able to grasp his words.“You're going somewhere?” he asked.I don't know how to describe his expression, it seems to me like he is complementing my looks but at the same time puzzled. He closed the magazine and gave me his full attention.“Yes, I'm going to church.”His expression lightened upon hearing my answer. He stood up and put the magazine on the table where piles of documents are on top of it.“I'll drive you there,” he said.I was shocked for a moment and I had to absorb his word
Although I anticipated the results of my actions, I never thought it would come around to haunt me so quickly. Upon reaching our house, Rowan was already settled on the couch, anticipating our return. His eyes never left mine as he recognized us and got to his feet. His eyes show me a hint of desperation and contempt, and it feels like he's intentionally allowing me to look right into his feelings.When he broached a topic that I had no idea about, I felt as though a cold bucket had suddenly hit me. I felt his insistence on moving with us was unexpected enough, but now that I'm hearing what he said behind these walls, it feels like someone whacked me in the chest with a long, sharp sword.“It's good to see you again, hon.”I didn't expect to overhear anything, but that's what I heard as I was going to come back to the living room after taking some time to answer a call.“Rowan, what's wrong with you?” Lieve stated. Her high-pitched voice resonated in my ears, carrying a note of shock
This world gave me too much privilege— fame, power, and wealth. I live in a world where these three things reign supreme, and with that I can get everything I want. And when I say everything, it means no exceptions.Is there anything that money can't buy?And what am I doing with these privileges? I abuse them, doing all the things that can satisfy me.So, I find myself pulled to this girl and drawn to her for no apparent reason when she stands proudly in front of me. Especially her beauty is beyond all comparison, and her physique is to die for.“She's five years younger than you, Aiden.”Ryker moved to his seat, tapping my shoulder along the way. I was compelled to gaze at the deceitful sight, standing tall and self-assured as she discussed their company's proposal to our firm.“That's why it is more thrilling,” I chuckled.Her name is Lieve, she introduced herself earlier. He seemed to not mind what Ryker and I were doing, as long as she was able to discuss what she needed to conve
Just recently I met this heinous man, and all of a sudden here I am, about to sign a contract to become his wife. Why am I in this kind of situation? I hope this sacrifice will be worthwhile or else I'll die in vain."I never really thought you would agree to marry me," Aiden teased. He smiled and arched his cherry-red lips, as if he were enticing me to do something sinful. But all I feel is frustration and hatred, why did I get here?Undoubtedly, I oppose the idea, and my father did not coerce me. However, I cannot stand to see the man who gave me a second chance at life in anguish. He completely gave us everything, despite the fact that we weren't linked by blood. He gave us a home, a family, food, a reputable school, and his last penny. Despite Aiden Echavez's offer, he never said anything, but I voluntarily gave myself over. If it means preserving the final possession this father figure of mine has ever had.“All the conditions are met, I hope you'll never back down on your words,