MATTHEW
Hearing the news from David made me uneasy the whole day. After the last business meeting that I attended, I rushed home immediately to confront my father about it.
But when I reached home, I was surprised to see a car parked in our garage that was not ours. My heart began to pound heavily, and my instinct told me that something was going on inside our house. Something fishy.
I even thought of running away but not this time, and I think facing this could end my misery, so with my head held high, I went to the living room.
"Matt?" What the heck! I saw the smiling face of Nathalie coming on my way. "Hi! Good evening." Acting calm and modest as if I do not know her true colors. A certified spoiled brat.
"Good evening!" I replied and walked to the kitchen, and there, I saw my father and Nathalie's parents on the dining table. Maybe discussing something. Probably, our engagement.
"Oh! My son is here already. Come on, son, join us." I sat in the chair beside my father, ready to listen to what they were about to say. I've already mastered my line because I have foreseen that this time will come.
"Of course, I really should because you have something to explain to me. Dad, who scattered that engagement news?"I asked.
Dad stood up." Excuse us, everyone. I need to talk to him in private." He walked past me. "Matthew, come with me for a moment." I followed him until we reached his study area.
Feeling tired of the whole day from work, I immediately sat on the sofa and waited for him to talk.
"What was that?" he asked with his furrowed eyebrows.
"Why? What's wrong? I just asked you if who made it published? Anyway, why are they here?"
"It's me who made it published, and they are here to talk about it, "he answered firmly.
I chuckled." So it was really true? Who told you that I'm going to do what you want this time, dad? Nathalie is not my girlfriend, and there is no reason for me to tie the knot with her."
"No worries! It's her request to be engaged and to settle down with you, "dad said, smiling.
What's funny? Is marriage just a joke to him?
"She is desperate," I said, referring to Nathalie. For a woman who would do that, she must have lost her mind.
Dad stayed silent for a minute. "Look, son. Marrying Nathalie would open many opportunities for KTI to enter the European market. Her dad promised to do everything we want in exchange for you marrying his daughter."
I stood up. "Nonsense! And you did agree without even consulting me? I looked like a fool. Dad, I'm your son, why are you selling me off?"I felt so down after knowing my worth.
My happiness and my freedom are at risk. I can't imagine living life with someone I am not emotionally attached to. "Dad, all this time I did nothing but do what you want. Can you spare me this one? Just this one, dad. Please!" If I need to kneel and beg to get rid of this freaking engagement, then I will be glad to do it.
"Sorry, Matt, but we have set the schedule already. We have already talked about every detail while waiting for you. Son, you'll eventually learn to love her."
I clenched my fist in extreme frustration. My breathing is getting heavier as if I want to cry. I haven't asked for anything else, since I was a child. Only now would I ask something for myself. Unfortunately, my dad couldn't give it to me because the only thing on his mind was to get rich. The person I have devoted my whole life to cannot afford to grant his son's only request. It was all for money, fame, and power.
It would have been better if my mother had been here. I know she will defend me and fight for my rights. But all I had was a stepmother younger than my father, who knew nothing but to extort money from our family. I will be the one to sacrifice while other people will rely on what I have worked for. They are fortunate, then. I will never allow it to happen.
Dad walked away from me, but he stopped while he was about to open the door. "Come, join us for dinner. Our visitors are already waiting for us. It is rude to make them wait."
"Dad, please cancel the engagement or else," I said with my eyes on the floor.
"Or else what?" he asked, not even turning his back on me. I guess you have finally decided, dad. I'm sorry for not doing it. Not ever!
I stood and walked near him. I faked a smile. "Common, let's eat. I'm hungry." I walked ahead of him to where our visitors were waiting.
"Sorry for making you wait. Matt and I have discussed something. But it's all settled now, I think." Dad was looking at me while saying those as if he was asking for confirmation. But I did not say anything. I'll make them guess my next move. Good for them if they can guess what I am thinking right now.
We started eating, and I noticed Nathalie's secret glances at me. I could see how happy she was while I was forcing myself to blend with them for the sake of business. She was sitting beside me and its obvious that she is enjoying the moment.
"You feel like winning the lottery, aren't you?" I said in a whisper. She smiled cunningly and played the fork with her mouth.
"You still don't know me, Matt. What I want is what I get. I know that your father can't say no to my family if we offer bundles of money. Besides, I've been fantasizing about you for so long. It's not new to you."
"Tss! You are a pitiful bitch. Desperate!"I stood up and walked away from them.
"Matthew!" dad shouted." Where are you going?"
I turned my back at them. "Somewhere far away."
I left and went to my room. I slumped down my body on the soft bed and let my imagination travel. In a distant place where no one knew me, and I could start a new life. In a place where I can find true love and find someone who will accept me even if I have nothing to give but myself. Is there such a place like that?
I got up and tried to find that kind of place on the internet. A beautiful picture of an island opened up to me. The island is already recognized as a tourist destination, but it is not yet entirely civilized. I don't know, but it's like someone tells me to go there as if someone is waiting for me. Until I dozed off to sleep thinking about that beautiful island.
It was four in the morning when I woke up and started to pack my things. I only brought what I needed, a cellphone, some essential cards, and a laptop to connect with Yana and David. I was reluctant to leave because I didn't want to leave KTI. But sometimes we need to choose ourselves in order not to have regrets in the future.
I decided to call Yana before I headed off to where I was going. It took a few rings before she answered it.
"Hello!" I said, feeling sad.
"Sir Matt? Why are you calling this early? Did something urgent come up?" she replied in her bedroom voice.
"Yana, I'm leaving for the meantime, and nobody knows it except you for now. I'll call you when I get there. Just tell them that I'm on a business trip for the time being."
She was silent for a few seconds. "Sir, is it about your engagement with Nathalie?" She did know me like a family.
"Mmm. Yana, please take care of our business. If anything happens, call me immediately. We can't afford to lose it."
"Okay, sir. No problem. Please take care of yourself. We will wait for you."
"Bye." After I ended the call, I also sent a message to David telling him that I'd be leaving somewhere far away from the city, so he must seduce Nathalie while I'm out. I grabbed my bag and headed off to somewhere that I'd never been before.
This is the first time I'm going to an island alone, to Isla del Fuego as the runaway CE0.
ALEIAIt was seven in the morning when I finished the delivery. I only have one hour left to prepare for school. I increased my speed in driving when suddenly someone crossed the road, so I slowed down again and stopped later. I was about to confront him for his carelessness when I noticed that he was busy dialing his phone. He is a tourist, maybe. "Sir, excuse me! There is no stable connection on this island," I said, trying to get his attention. But I was so shocked when he looked at me. I was speechless for a moment, and my heart was beating so fast. How can I not recognize him? He was the man I had been dreaming of since I was ten. His eye that hid thousands of stories. I can stare in his eyes all day long and get mezmerized by them. I tried to remain in composure. Why is he here? What is he doing here? He is supposed to be busy preparing for his engagement. "I really can't find any signal. I need to contact someone," he said in despair. "Are there no areas where we can find
MATTHEW As I was staring outside, watching the crashing of the waves, I couldn't help but think of my family. Dad must be so mad right now, if only he listened to me, but the aspiration of getting more wealth blinded him.Yana and David must be so worried too, especially that I could not reach them. I hope that when I come back, everything is still in the right place, and Nathalie will give up on her obsession with me. But how long should I hide here, and can I even survive their way of living? That woman who drove me here looked familiar, but I couldn't remember when and where I met her. It was impossible to meet her in the business world; she looked plain and rugged with her plain shirt paired with ripped jeans and a sneaker. But one thing that made me confused was her motorbike. How can someone as plain as her afford to buy that kind? Though it's not the most expensive one, it still costs a million.But as I was looking at her now as she is talking with that bubbly little girl.
Aleia(Aged 4)I was excited to let mommy and daddy see my five stars after reciting in class. I got the highest mark. We were asked to describe our family, and later we were asked what we wanted someday. I told them that I wanted to be someone like my dad, who helped many people. How can I not get a high mark when I have a perfect family? My mom is one of the best. She used to bake some cookies for dad and me. Dad, on the other hand, is a businessman, and he has a lot of people around him. According to mom, Dad is their boss, and he gave them jobs. That was why I wanted to be like him. For me, he is a hero without a cape. He can't fly, but he can still help others in his way.I was standing near the gate of the school, waiting for mom to fetch me up. She used to fetch me every after class. But it was getting late, and mom was still out of reach. My classmates went home one by one until I was left alone. I felt tired and hungry. I scanned to look for foods in my bag. And I saw a cand
Aleia( Aged 10)Years had passed, but still, there were no signs of daddy. He broke his promise to us. Mommy said that he was just so busy, maybe he could not visit us anymore. Though, I knew he was supporting us financially. Granny died due to a heart attack two years ago, leaving mommy and me on the island since mommy is her only daughter. Since Granny died, mom was so silent and lonely. She was in deep thought most of the time. During those times, I sat with her to make her feel that she was not alone. I'm with her. Though, she tried to hide it away from me, it still reflected in her eyes. I also noticed that she was weaker than before. She even went to the doctor for checkups, but still, she did not tell me. Until one day, I have read her hospital record. I did not understand what it meant. The terms were profound, but my attention was caught by one word that gave me goosebumps and butterflies in my stomach. It ignited my biggest fear. And that is losing mom. I happened to rea
Aleia(Aged 10)The day that I feared most eventually came. Months later, after I discovered mom was sick, she became worst. She was bedridden already and refused to get any medical help.She would say the medication could not save her. She'd rather spend her remaining days watching her favorite scenery; the sunset. She would like to listen to the crashing of waves now and then near the shore. Seeing her in that heartbreaking situation tore my heart, but what else can I possibly do? I was praying for miracles, but there were none. I cried every night. I may be young, but I'm not dumb. I knew what was happening. Mom is seriously ill.It was late after dinner when Aunt Cristy and I were cleaning up, when the doorbell rang. I looked at her, and we both looked at the door. "Ale, please open it," she said as she went to the kitchen sink to bring the utensils we used. I slowly walked to the door. When I opened it, someone I never expected came into view. I was stuck to where I stood. I f
ALEIA (Aged 10)The inevitable did happen. A few days after dad came, mom passed away peacefully. She spent the last day of her life reminiscing how much she loved dad. Dad took care of her and brought her to the beach. They spent hours talking and being with each other. Only then did I know that it was mom who asked for a divorce when she was diagnosed with cancer. Dad did not agree at first, but mom was persistent. She wanted him to move on and get away from the pain while she was still alive. At first, I didn't get it. But who am I to question their decision. I was so broken after losing mom. Few days after her funeral, Dad brought me home. To our old home. The home where everything started. It was still the old house that we had. Though, some parts were renovated. But to my dismay, a woman who I thought was younger than mom for a few years welcomed us. Beside her is a little girl, maybe five or six years old. She was petite and tall, and she looked so cute and pretty in her pi
Aleia ( Present Time) "Teacher!" A voice from one of my pupils made me go back to the present. Two years ago, I volunteered to teach pre-schoolers because I saw their need to be nurtured. I saw myself in them when I was their age. They crave attention and love. And I love being with them. It gives me the feeling that I was needed and have a purpose in this life of mine. When I looked at them, they looked at me with such worried faces until they came to me one by one. "Teacher Ale, Are you okay?" Vienna said. I tapped her head and nodded. I smiled at them, assuring them that I was okay. Viena is one of my most intelligent and well-mannered pupils. "I'm fine. I just remembered something. Are you done with your seatwork?""Yes, teacher." They answered in chorus and handed their papers to me. "Okay, see you tomorrow then." They left the room one by one. I fixed my things and headed to go. But I was nailed to where I was standing as I was watching Zach near the door. He was leaning o
MATTHEW'S POVI thought I was struck with lightning after kissing Aleia. Her lips is soft as cotton balls, it tastes like grape wine that can take anyone's sanity. I would like to make it deeper but the waitress was there and I was hesitant about how would Aleia would react after. We just met this morning but it seems that I have known her a long time ago. I wanted more. I am just a man with needs but I can't just take advantage of her. She's the only one I knew on this island. Without her, I'll become a lost soul roaming around. She was looking away from me after the kiss. Silence covered us making our coffee cold already. Twilight has started to dominate and the sun was out completely. "Aleia."It's me who decided to break the silence. After all, I need to take charge of my action. But I almost lost my sane when she looked at me. She looked bothered and confused. Though she tried to smile "Mmm...about the kiss. I'm-" I was about to say sorry but she interrupted.She raised her ha