Lizzie
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It's all over the internet. The company is facing bankruptcy, and the paparazzi are following Snow, asking questions about it. Snow kept her mouth shut. She poses, smiles perfectly, and acts as if not affected. My father's image was all over the media and the internet, including my stepmother's. They look good together, but she's an immature woman like her daughter, my stepsister, Snow.
"Are you sure about it, Liz? I don't think your stepmother will sit back and watch your father's kingdom fall. I can smell trouble. Just be prepared, okay?"
I blinked my eyes and sighed. Emma never liked Kristoff, my stepmom and my stepsister. After a heart-to-heart talk with my father, he finally gave up and gave way to my decision. And today, I will visit Kristoff to talk to him about the company. After that, it's time for us to settle down.
"I don't trust him, Liz. I have a bad feeling about Kristoff. He's the type of person who always takes advantage of your kindness. Can't you see that?" She turned her back on me, disappointed in my move.
I sighed in dismay. Emma is my only friend, and I love her. She's better than Snow, who's bitchy at times. I trust Emma more than my stepmother and Snow.
Kristoff became my boyfriend six months ago. We've been friends for more than a decade. He came from an excellent family background with a neat reputation. He was a consistent suitor of mine back then. Although I wasn't attracted to him initially, his loving and genuine personality melted my heart.
I sprayed my favorite perfume on my neck twice and flicked my hair. I am optimistic that everything will go smoothly according to my plan. I can't wait to see Kristoff. I'm excited.
"I'll see you later, Em! Love you!" I said with a flying kiss. She twisted her mouth but then smiled afterward.
I ARRIVED at Kristoff's place with so much confidence and excitement. I never sent him a message because I wanted to surprise him. I know the PIN code of his unit, so I entered it without trouble. It opened, and my smile widened. But it didn't last long because my heart sank when I saw a woman's brassiere on the floor closer to his bedroom door.
She got a familiar voice and repeatedly moaned, calling Kristoff's name. My heartbeat deafened my senses. I felt numb when I saw the two of them naked. She's on top of him, moaning. Their voices sounded like they were on the verge of climax.
"Fuck, that was good, baby. You're so good," Kristoff's panting voice.
"Oh, baby. I want more from you. Fuck me again," a woman's voice.
I know I should not be looking at the two of them, but my eyes have a mind on their own until her image becomes more apparent. . . it was Snow, my fucking stepsister!
"Liz?"
Kristoff's soft voice shattered my vision, and my tears fell. He pushes Snow out on top of him, and she instantly lands on the ground. She hit her head on the side of the bed.
"What the hell, Kristoff!?" she complained. Her eyes widened like she had seen a ghost in me.
I immediately turned around and stepped outside. I wiped my tears, and Kristoff held my wrist, stopping me from stepping outside his unit.
I turn around, and the guilt in his eyes makes me want to kill him.
"Liz, let me explain," in his heavy breathing.
A hard slap on his face from me was my answer. I didn't say a word. Perhaps I couldn't bring myself to talk to him anymore.
I DIDN'T BOTHER THE TIME when I walked into my father's office. I'm supposed to have two weeks before stepping inside his kingdom. But I came earlier than I expected.
It was dark inside, and his desk was full of unorganized paperwork. My father looked at me, shocked, as I came without notice.
I offered him a solution three days ago, but now, I have nothing. I need to learn how to run a big company like this. And as much as possible, I want to avoid being tied up to an arrangement he made to the El Del Real. However, I know there was this one more solution, and I hope this could save the company from going down.
"Put the company into the bidding, Dad. I will take full responsibility and accept the demands of whoever will win the bidding. But, do it in secret," I confidently ordered and pressed my lips. My tears are locked and loaded.
"Elizabeth, you don't. . ."
"I don't care anymore, Dad," I cut him off with a pleading look, "please, please just do it."
THAT WAS all I wanted to get over a heartbreak. So I asked for a month of vacation from my father and went far away with Emma, down to the countryside where she was born. I could have chosen my late mother's place at Alice Springs. But I choose not to. So, I have my reason: trying to avoid mental breakdowns.
Kristoff tried to reach out to me, but it was too late. I don't want to be fooled by him anymore. I also chose to ignore Snow and my stepmother and only my father, whom I talked to on the phone occasionally.
He always called me using Emma's number, as I deactivated mine for a reason. However, he never asked about what happened between Kristoff and me.
"The company is climbing back to the ladder," he said in the line.
I sighed deeply in relief. "That's good to hear, dad. I'm glad everything is slowly coming back."
"Thanks to you, my dearie. When are you coming back?"
"In a few days, dad."
"Are you having fun?"
"Yes, I am. Emma's family are wonderful. They're all kind and loving. Don't worry about me, dad. I'm a grown adult and not your baby anymore," I smiled.
To honestly describe everything when it comes to relationships and respect? Emma's family treated me much better, like I was part of their family than my stepmother and stepsister. I tried to like the two of them, but not anymore. Finally, I had enough of putting a fake smile on my face, especially in front of my stepmom.
"Who won the bidding?" I just remembered. I've heard from a good source that the bidding exceeded its value. It was unexpected.
"What are the demands?" I continued.
"I-It went all well," he stammered, clearing his throat, "The winning bid is the company that is one of the leading resort hotels in Asia. I have already met him. He wants to talk to you. It looks like the person knows you well."
My forehead furrowed. The El Del Real is the only one capable of helping my father's company.
"I hope it's not the El Deal Real, Dad?" I groaned, uneasy about it.
"No, no, it wasn't. I haven't seen my best friend, Direk, since you rejected his son three months ago," he sighed in the line, and I went quiet.
"I'm sorry, Dad. I promise to make it all up. I will work hard and pay back what we owe from the El Del Real."
It's embarrassing to face the El Del Real without the bidding because of the significant loss. My father's best friend is Mr. Direk El Del Real. He's got a son; Elizalde is the name, and I despise him.
"So what are demands, again?" I repeated the question because he didn't answer it.
"I don't know, my dear. Mr Donnatello Miranda wants to talk to you. They want you."
"Oh, is that so? No problem. Could you give them a date for us to meet, Dad? I will do my best to cater to all their demands for saving the company."
"Thank you, my dear, and you take care. I will see you when you get back," my father said in the line, ending the call.
I looked at the phone in my hand, feeling puzzled about the situation. There's something odd about it, and I feel uncomfortable.
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c.m. louden
Elizalde . "I'm so excited about this!" Mom exclaimed, "I want to meet her," she continued. I heaved countless times, and I couldn't figure out what I would wear. "Let me help you, son." She slightly pushed me away from the wardrobe, and there she went again. My hands are on my hips, and I shake my head as I look behind her. Who wouldn't love to see their mother looking lively like this? I love my mother. She's my ultimate supporter in business and love. She hated all the women I'd dated for years and only wanted Elizabeth for me. This tradition was an agreement they'd made with her best friend. . . Elizabeth's mom. I wouldn't say I don't like her because Elizabeth was a lovely woman. We had a good start back then. I got to know her likes and dislikes, her favorites and everything. We always had Sunday lunch on our farm, and we had fun. But those were the days of good memories. She's not a nice woman and not an ideal wife. But because my mother is sick, I have to do everything
Elizalde . Okay, let's start the real deal. I composed myself, and Donatello opened the door for me. He winked, and I swallowed hard. I've heard all their conversation. This room was built to have a secret room for hearing conversations on the other side. This is where most of my business deals happen whenever I want to do a background check before signing them into our business. When our eyes met, I immediately felt an electrifying feeling inside me. Dammit. Why do I feel this every time I see her? I want to get it out of my system. Our eyes locked. Her deep brown eyes met my blue ones. My jaw tightened as I stepped inside, and she blinked in astonishment when I stopped a meter in front of her. Donatello cleared his throat and introduced me to her. She didn't say a word. Not even a single smile on her face. She remains the same. When I sat down, she turned on her back and took a deep breath. I can feel her tense, which gives me a silver lining of hope. I smiled, but it was qui
Lizzie . I got home feeling defeated, but I will never give up. I will show him what I got. There's no way that he will win this. I have tried to escape all the means to marry him, yet here I am in this war again. It's not yet over, Elizalde! "I can't believe this, dad! Why did you lie?" I looked at my father, desperately looking for answers. "I-I didn't know what was happening. I swear." He raised his right hand, looking at me innocently. Okay, I believe my father. There's no way he will agree to this. "I didn't know what are you talking about, my dearie. Is there something wrong with your meeting with Mr Miranda? What are his demands?" I look at him suspiciously and grab his cold drink. I drink the whole bottle. I need to wake up from this dream. I hope this is just a dream, but it's not. It's a freaking nightmare! I swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and then faced him. "Dad, the owner of the winning bid was no other than Elizalde El Del Real." He blinked in astonishment
Elizalde . "So, are you ready to be tied up?" Faustino formally asked in the corner. All the boys looked at him. "You can't be that serious, Zalde. I thought it was Nestor's turn. But, unfortunately, it looks like your wedding will happen soon before his." Nathaniel chuckled. He looked at Nestor jokingly. "Everyone has its own time, you idiot!" Neo wrapped his arms around Nathaniel's neck, and the young idiot almost choked. Everyone laughs. It was evident Nathaniel was only acting, a character of him. "Cheers for you, bro!" Nestor raised his glass of wine formally, "Congratulations," he continued. "It's not yet final, and I don't want a celebration." I opposed. I have a terrible feeling that something will happen sooner or later. However, reading Lizzie's behavior yesterday, she cannot quickly agree. So, although I am confident with a fifty-fifty chance of winning, I still have to take precautions. It's too early for a celebration. "Who's the lucky girl?" Neo asked. He's the t
Lizzie . I hate him! My body slumps into the mattress, and my face touches the pillow. Why is it too hard to accept that I got defeated and have to accept his offer? I couldn't bring myself to give my answer in front of him. I can't swallow my pride. It's embarrassing. "Why does it have to be Lizzie, Dad? If I only had known that it was Elizalde El Del Real, I would have come forward for the deal." "You are not what Elizalde wants, Snow. He only wants Lizzie, and there's nothing I can do. I'm thankful that an El Del Real saved the company from going down." "Even so, dad. I can change Elizalde's decision regarding the woman he wants to marry. Ugh, he's got no class in choosing a bride. What did Lizzie say? Did she accept it?" "I don't know. I will talk to her tonight." "Don't force Lizzie if she doesn't want to, Dad. I'm here. I am willing to be a bride for Elizalde. I'm ready." My lips parted when I heard Snow's stupid suggestion. What a sly bitch, a boyfriend snatcher, a re
Lizzie . Seeing Elizalde's mother in a condition, I didn't expect this big blow. She lost a lot of weight. She's in a battle for something about her health. It's still the same personality as what I remembered. Full of life and inspiration. "You know what? I used to keep every recipe of your mother in my diary. So I told Elizalde that I'm keeping them for you. And if the two of you will have kids, I want to cook for them. I hope I am still alive if that happens." Her eyes twinkled as she smiled at me. I smiled back with sincerity. I adore and understand now why she was away for many years in America. It has something to do with her cancer treatment. "Thank you," I politely said when she gave me the lemon ginger tea she had made from scratch. I tasted it. The scent reminds me of my mother, and the warmth provides a beautiful feeling that reminds me of yesterday. We both look at the garden through the glass window of this kitchen. We were quiet. It was dark outside, but the lights
Lizzie . What a stunt! And what do I expect? Of course, he's an El Del Real, and everyone wants to know the lucky girl Elizalde will marry. I thought it was going to be simple, but I was wrong. When I signed the papers and stepped out of his car, all the cameras flashed, and my life turned into a fairytale. "Mr. Elizalde, is it true that Elizabeth Amantes will be your wife? When is the wedding? How did the two of you meet?" one of the reporters asked, and many more. Elizalde smiled and just nodded at them. He didn't say anything, but it was apparent. All the news reporters and showbiz paparazzi were following him. Even at the grand opening of his new hotel resort, they didn't stop. My face was all over the media, showbiz TV, and whatever social media. They're digging into my life. About what I was in the past, which school I've been to, what degree I had finished, and what kind of family I have. It was a disaster, worse than I expected. I didn't like this. I'm not into this. I d
Lizzie . For better, for worse. . . I do hope it's all for the better. Because here I am, facing my worst nightmare! For richer, for poorer. . . For richer, I guess. I agreed to this deal because my father's business needs Elizalde's wealth. And here I am, being a bitch gold digger like those nasty comments I read on the internet earlier, saying that if not for Elizalde's money, I wouldn't tie the knot with him this easy. Damn, that was harsh and absolutely the truth. In sickness and in health. . . Oh well, at least I can assure him I will care for him if he gets sick. I don't care about his health! Till death do us part. . . Yes, until hell do us part! "Elizalde El Del Real, you may now kiss your bride," Judge Suzanne speaks. Her lips pressed together, holding a simple smile while looking at the two of us. I looked at Elizalde, and my knees were shaking. Is he going to do the kiss like he did earlier? Damn him! His holding my hands and giving me a fake smile makes me want