Chapter 1- A beginning in the past

"Get the little one's princess, bigger ones are heavy and you might get hurt."

There was a mix of concern and amusement in my father, Jose Pollo's voice while reprimanding me to get more of the bigger rocks. I am helping him in gathering rocks used to build my mini house.

"It is not that heavy Daddy, and I don't like gathering little rocks, it is too much work."

Jose Pollo chuckled at my reasoning and decided to stop his work. He helped me in carrying my rocks and we both put them in the wheelbarrow.

"You know Princess, one of the values you should always remember from me, is to be patient. You can't finish your work by doing it all at once, it needs to be done separately. Well, it goes the same for the stones. If you always carry the heavy ones, you'd tire easily while if you choose to carry the small stones you can easily get and put it in the wheelbarrow without exerting so much effort."

At that time, I didn't understand my father. I wasn't able to grasp the idea he wanted to relay. It was too long and too adult-like to be said to a child. The words didn't mean anything to me until now.

To be able to watch and learn from my father's footsteps, I had set a justifiable standard for myself. That to have harmony, you have to be flexible. You need to be strong enough to bend and go with the flow no matter where that current is leading you to. That there are no hard decisions as long as you know what you prioritize.

However, I have a bad tendency to always want things to go my way and am mostly triggered by the knowledge that my Dad is capable of providing the impossible. Though not on a brat level, I am more of the controlled one.

Whilst, today is my awaited day. I had requested Dad to hold a grandiose party for my eighteenth birthday which usually doesn't happen on my previous birthdays.

We mostly celebrate intimately since time immemorial and I only have my cousins as my all-time guests.

The excitement of finally experiencing such an event is surreal. I can feel the happy energy flowing in my entire body, as well as the anxiety of seeing such a big crowd. It was worth the wait though. I just can't believe this day has finally come.

I glanced back at the mirror looking conscious if my dress was even appropriate, or if my hair was done perfectly. Ahh, these thoughts are freaking me out.

This is not one of the survival tips I had learned from Dad. Insecurities kill you and I don't want it to happen to me.

However, this night wouldn't just be like any other night.

This night I am officially eighteen which means that this will be the moment I will formally inform Lucian of my feelings.

I know it sounded aggressive but I don't want to stereotype guys as if they must make the first move. If you love someone, you will experience that need to make him/her happy.

As for me, I want to make my man the happiest. Seeing Lucian's smile brings contentment and satisfaction to my heart.

Because whenever he is happy, I feel happy too.

Lucian "Cian" Monteblanco, is a 3rd-year business management student. He came from a well-known family of Monteblanco who owns a chain of businesses. Lucian and I both met at the University. On top of that, he is my best friend. 

When I first knew about him, I was automatically drawn to his kindness, well it is given that he is already handsome.

Yet I don't know if Cian is just friendly but I salute his respect to women. I never met a man who doesn't act like a jerk to women. Cian was different and that makes me even prouder to have him in my life.

Well except for the time my heart started to recognize him.

That was the start of jealousy and being irrational. I had to question fate why he keeps messing around me.

Before, I kept on thinking that we are meant to be because of a lot of coincidences that were happening. Up until now, I am thinking the same way too. 

I giggled at my thoughts, succumbing to the unbelievable discussions in my head. 

This was making me crazy. I didn't know having this event would put me under a lot of pressure.

However, it was a great feeling when Dad was able to successfully invite the Monteblanco's. I know they are a busy family and a part of the High Society, but Daddy was able to convince them and share this unforgettable moment with me.

I never doubted my Dad's capability. He is a just man, and though sometimes I notice especially when I was starting to have a normal teenage life that he was being cautious, I still respect him.

At a young age, I learned to trust his decisions and understand those decisions.

I was home-schooled from kindergarten up to my senior years in high school. I was left envious of my cousins who could experience a normal school, but I chose to understand Dad.

Growing up, my Dad was my ultimate supporter. He provides me with everything. Material things, fatherly lectures, and tons of fatherly lectures. 

Well, I do understand him. He just wanted to shape me into someone who knows how to stand on my own feet and choose the safest choices possible.

A knock on the door distracted my thoughts and I heard Daddy's voice outside asking me if I was done.

Speaking of the devil, he made sure that I am not letting my emotions rule over me. That I am not failing myself today.

I quickly brush my long wavy hair and pose a quick smile in the mirror before going out of the room.

"You look, gorgeous Princess". Daddy kissed my forehead then hugged me. His eyes were shining with a glimpse of the wet streak of tears on the side.

"I can't believe my little one is now a lady, Happy Birthday Princess, I hope you liked your party". He added.

I laughed at his little charade and gave him a tight hug.

"You know I am always happy because you always make me happy Daddy. Thank you for this dream come true birthday." I replied with a huge smile on my face.

To be able to mingle with people out of my circle and expand my social access would be one of the outcomes of this event.

It is not a secret to everyone that I will be the heiress of our company so I need to gradually understand and know how business-minded people interact.

My happiness and anxiety mixed together were making me feel sick. I know a lot of the guests came from the High Society and I don't want to embarrass myself in front of them.

"So shall we? The guests are all waiting for you." He asked and extended his arms. I nodded in response and took his arm, feeling nervous and agitated as we made our way downstairs.

The silent chatters as the emcee were providing small information about me had me pressured. Goodness, I knew who is the culprit for such embarrassing details.

When we reached the ground floor, my eyes immediately scan onto the sea of crowds to find that specific man, the very important person in this night.

And it was not even hard to do. I found Cian at a table occupied by five other men with raging nordic DNAs. The Monteblanco brothers.

Their table is eye candy and the center of attention. Well except for the fact that their family was already well-established in the high society but because of the good qualities they possess.

All of them are gorgeous and equally handsome, except for the certain man in the middle. He looked rugged and sexy. His eyes bore unto mine as if he had been staring at me for a long time.

Wait, what am I thinking? I shrugged the thought off and focused my attention back on Lucian. He looks smart and neat as always.

Finally, his eyes darted unto mine and I gave him a knowing smile. He smiled playfully while shaking his head in amusement.

Ahh, why does it feel like it was just yesterday when I first met him?

That first meeting that had left an impact on my life.

Not because he looked like my knight in shining armor nor superman that day but because that was the time that I believed in love.