“Callum Travis Villanueva,” he handed me his hand while looking so intimidating in front of me.
I gulp before shaking his hand firmly, “H-Hailey Avery de Guzman.” I introduced while withdrawing my hand from him and looking away.“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. de Guzman.” his husky voice sent shivers down my spine.“L-Likewise. And uh... Just call me Avery or Avery, whatever you please. It’s too formal if you’ll call me Ms. de Guzman every time.” I said while looking away from his intense eyes.He chuckled, “I prefer to call you Avery. I like it more.” he said seductively.I frowned and look at him straight in his eyes. “Okay,”“You can call me Callum or Travis.” he said without taking his eyes off me.“Callum,” I seemed to be very used to pronouncing his name when my mouth utter his precious name.It feels like a deja vu.He was my crush... When I was in College. He’s my senior that time and I was a freshman. Way back the time when I was new to school because that was my first time in a real and prestigious school. Because I was homeschooled. I don’t know his name, it’s just his face. It was too embarrassing to ask my classmates about his name.And when I first laid my eyes on him, I felt my heart throbbed so hard as I look at him with so much adoration. But he never laid an eye on me. He never look at me because I’m just a mere freshman that time. He won’t look at me how hard I tried.“Let’s have a sit now,” said Daddy who woke up my spirit.I slowly sat back in my seat while looking at Mr. Villanueva sitting on the couch opposite me.He’s dashingly handsome. Nothing has changed in his good looks. Only that he aged and matured. His bodybuilt matured. His hair isa disheveled that made him more attractive. His serious light brown eyes still looks distant and mysterious. He really can pass as a GQ model if he wants. But I know he wouldn’t like it. He’d like to have his own privacy and far from those medias. Kahit naman noong college.He’s I think 3 or 4 years ahead of me. Because when I was a freshman, he’s already graduating. It's a pity that I didn't even talk to him or I didn't even have the chance to talk to him. Because I'm not friendly either.“Let’s order first, shall we?” said Mommy because Daddy and Mr. Villanueva were already talking to each other.And I was just sitting there like a puppet — a statue. The waiter came in and took our order. When we all ordered, it left immediately.“She’s my second daughter and she’s intelligent, Mr. Villanueva. You will definitely like being with hef because she is adorable and kind.” Daddy's voice sounded like he was pimping me out with the man he was talking to.When I looked up to who’s in front of me, I caught him looking at me intently. I couldn't stand the intensity of his gaze, so I immediately avoided looking at him and swallowed hard.They continued to talk about me as if I wasn't here. If they're asking me, that's when I will talk. But when not, I'm quiet and just listen while checking who's talking. But when Mr. Villanueva is talking I couldn’t stay still, then he will suddenly turn his gaze to me I will immediately look away.Our order arrived and was placed on our table one by one. I just felt hungry now because I didn't eat at home before leaving. When the waiter left, they continued what they were talking about.“So when you gonna marry her?” There was a hint of excitement in Daddy's voice.I feel like he’s excited that I will leave the house sooner or later, huh?“When do you want?” Mr. Villanueva asked. At first I thought he was talking to Daddy and Mommy but when I looked up at them they were all looking at me as if they were waiting for my answer. Only then did I realize that Mr. Villanueva was asking me.“Uh...” Daddy raised an eyebrow at me, urging me to answer immediately. "W-Whenever you want," I said softly. Don't know if they heard.“That’s settled, then. I’ll marry her the day after tomorrow.” he said with so much finality.I caught my breath because of what he said. I was stunned and could hardly believe that he was serious. The day after tomorrow? How fast is it? Is he that eager to have a wife?His hawk-like eyes never left mine. He’s looking at me intently, satisfied with my reaction.“I-It seems to be fast, isn't it, Mr. Villanueva. We still need to set everything—” said Daddy who was immediately cut off by Mr. Villanueva.“We don’t need a grand wedding, Mr. de Guzman. You know me. I like my life in private.” he said, then his eyes settled on my father in his left side.Dad laughed awkwardly before speaking again. “I think your idea is brilliant. But how about our investors–” Daddy still tried to insist.“They will know eventually,” his firmness made my Dad shut up.“So... You two will have a... civil wedding?” Mommy asked hesitantly.“Definitely yes.”Mommy and Daddy couldn't speak anymore and just looked at each other. I know they don't agree with what Mr. Villanueva but they didn't speak because they really wanted this man to be their son-in-law.He’s a good catch after all.After we finished eating, Daddy and Mr. Villanueva about the company. Daddy is just bragging, while Mr. Villanueva listens. Until they called it a night. Mommy and Daddy shook hands with Mr. Villanueva, I followed. Mommy went out first so I was a little late.I was about to leave the VIP room when he grabbed my wrist lightly. I was shocked with his hand’s gentleness. I looked at him and arched a brow, urging him to talk.“Did you enjoyed the dinner?” Huh? Did i enjoy it? It doesn't seem like it is because they're the only ones talking.“Yeah,” I said with a small smile.“We’re getting married, so I do hope you’ll get comfortable with me.” he says that without showing any emotion.It's like giving orders.“I do hope so,” I said and awkwardly smiled at him.“Don’t worry, I’ll make you comfortable.” he said frowning at me."Hailey," Mommy called me outside.“Mommy and Daddy called me. It's nice to finally meet you, Callum. I hope we'll get along well soon." I promised and withdrew my hand.I turned my back on him and walked away from there. I caught a glimpse of his dark and cold gaze on me, which is why I turned my gaze back to what I was passing by. I had a strange pounding in my chest until we got out of that restaurant.Mommy and Daddy made some calls on their cellphones maybe to some their investors or some stuffs. while I just kept quiet looking out the window and looking at the paved road.I hope I can be comfortable while in Callum's room. I hope that our relationship will be smooth after marriage.I guess I need to learn to cook the dishes he usually serves. Or his favorite foods. I'm not good at house chores, more so at cooking. That's why I really should learn how to cook. Maybe he doesn't have a maid to join us.But where will we live? Are we in the same bed next to each other?Just thinking the latter, I cringe. I can't sleep with a man next to me in the bed. But then, he will be my husband days from now. We will be one soon. We will marry each other the day after tomorrow.Hours and day passed by. It's like when I was thinking about what job I could get, now I'm getting married.“Hailey,” I look at the doorway of my room when I heard my sister.I smiled at her, “Kiana, why?” her eyes held sympathy for me.“Are you okay?” I frowned then realized what she’s up to.“Of course, Ate.” I said with conviction.“I know you’re just doing this to pleased our parents. But you really don’t have to. If you don’t want to marry him, you can backout... you can run... As far as you could.” I immediately shook my head.You don’t know what I’m up to, Kiana. It’s all because of your freedom to live. To have a better life that I never experienced. For you to be free to choose a man on your own. Ayaw kong magaya ka sa akin. It’s fine for me to suffer, kasi sanay na ako. That’s how much I love you... And our parents.I would do everything for your happiness.“I'm fine, Kiana. I'm getting married. I will not back down.” Mommy and Daddy will be angry. I don't want to embarrass our family.Her facial expression did not change. The concern did not go away. I just smiled assuring at her. She didn't smile, though.My smile faded when I heard a knock in my room. It opened and the maid came out.“Ma’am Hailey, your Dad's calling you downstairs. They said you are off to leave.” I bit my lower lip and nod at her.“Alright, I'll go downstairs now.”Today is my wedding day. Even if it's not a fancy wedding like I've been dreaming of since then, it's okay. I'm nervous, yes. But it's not like the ones in my imagination that I was nervous about getting married because I would finally married to the man I love. The reason I'm so nervous right now is because I'm literally nervous about facing the man who will marry me later.When I went down the fancy stairs, I saw Mommy and Daddy also arranged. Daddy was talking on his cell phone while Mommy stood up from the couch and came to me with a smile.“You look so stunning, my daughter.” she smiled at me lovingly.Daughter...She called me hee daughter. I felt the sides of my eyes wet because of the sudden tears. How I love to hear them call me ‘daughter’. But they only call me daughter when I do something right or when I'm playing with their business colleagues.I smiled at her, “Thank you, Mommy.” she hugged me tight and rubbed my back lightly.“Let’s go,” Daddy said.We nodded and followed them. Ate held my hand and I knew she could feel the cold, so she looked at me.“You’re sweating bullets,” she said then shook her head, disappointed.“It’s natural for me, I’m nervous but I’m fine, Kiana.”She just shook his head and we got into the car. Until we got to the municipality, where our wedding will be held, I was speechless. Kiana is the same, thinking deeply.“If you want to ditch the wedding, just tell me so.” she whispered to me when we got out of the car.I looked at him with a scrutinizing look. “I won’t, Kiana.” she heave a heavy sigh before shaking her head again.We went inside and immediately started the wedding ceremony. I gulp seeing the marriage contract in front of me. Callum is now signing the paper without any emotion, like he was forced to do it.When it was my turn to sign, he first looked at my expression. He handed me the pen, urging me to sign the contract. I took a deep breath before taking the pen from his hand before bending down to sign the paper in front of me. When I finished, I stared at my signature on the paper.“You’re now husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” said the attorney.I could barely breathe because of what he said. I looked at Callum with skeptical eyes. He arched a brow and stepped forward and crouched a little to level my eyesight. He smiled before holding my chin tenderly.“Is this your first kiss?” he asked emotionless.I swallowed hard and nod slightly.“That’s good to know.” he said before lowering his face completely to kiss my lips.It was gentle and I hardly felt it. It feels like a feather touched my lips gently. His features were rough, his hands were rough, his gaze were also rough, but his lips says otherwise. It’s too soft like a cotton. And sweet like candy. It feels like it’s not his lips I’m kissing.I just woke up and was still shocked because of the banging of my chest when he kissed me. He walked away from me as the people there applauded. Those are few. My family and a few investors invited by Daddy and Callum.After that, we left the office. I'm still dumbfounded and in disbelief to this day.I am married now.It still feels so surreal. I didn’t know that it happened. It’s too fast to cherish it all.“Hailey,” I looked at my sister with tears in my eyes.“Kiana...”“You will visit at home, ah. Or I will visit you at your house. I will miss you.” she hugged me tight as she cry on my shoulder.“Sister, come on. Don't worry and I will visit us often so that you will not be sad. Besides, you'll get used to it. You know... You are the next one to get married.” I teased.“Tse! We have no plans yet.” her voice was lowered as if he was afraid someone would hear.We talked there until Daddy and Mommy called him because they said they were going home. Mommy and Daddy hugged me and reminded me about being a husband. I almost don't remember that anymore because I've been stuck everywhere.I was startled when someone suddenly grabbed my waist gently. I looked at who is it and was even more surprised to see that it was Callum. His expression still didn't change, still serious and not smiling.“Take care of our daughter, Mr. Villanueva.” Daddy said in a low voice.“I will, Sir.”“You can now call us Mom and Dad,” I saw the anger in Callum's eyes when Daddy said that so I frowned.What is his problem?“Okay, Mom, Dad. You can also call me Callum now.” I saw how disgust pass by in his mysterious eyes. Mommy and Daddy nodded. Kiana, on the other hand, was quiet on the side and just listened to us.“If you don't take good care of my brother, you can fight me." My eyes widened at Kiana's threat.“Kiana...”“I will take care of your sister. Don’t worry about her. She’s safe with me.” Kiana nodded at us curtly.When Mommy and Daddy left, my sister hugged me for the last time. I was about to follow them when Callum's tug on my waist made me spring back to where I was.I looked at him and raised an eyebrow while looking at his hand on my waist.“You will not follow them,” he said authoritative is visible in his voice.“Huh?” My brain is still preoccupied because I've been looking at nothing for a while.“You will come home to me." he said that sent shock waves through my system.You're coming home to me...I was suddenly horrified by what he said and I felt like I was out of breath.When he pulled me gently I just let go. I was just dumbfounded until we got in front of his car.I looked at him when he opened his car door for me. I slowly got in there and put on my seatbelt. He turned around in his car to get to the driver's seat. I sit there like a statue, not wanting to move nor talk. I just look outside and refused to look at him.“Your things are already in my house,” I just turned to him when he spoke.I nodded and just covered my mouth before looking away from him. He started the engine of his car before speaking again.“You don’t have to worry about household chores, I have enough house helpers in my house. They can also help you if you want to learn some things. Just asked them away.” I shut up when he finished speaking before looking at him.“Uhm... I also have a work. But... I'll try to cook you breakfast... That's only if you want. But if you don't want it, you can't do it." I took it back because it looked like he didn't expect what I said, my offer.H
“You really should. Because the moment I found out you had a man or flirting a man, I will make sure that your life with me will be a living hell.” I swallowed hard at what he said and didn't move.A strange fear crept into my system causing my body to stiffen. I didn't immediately move and process what he said.His words and menacing voice still lingers my mind even if it’s now evening. His words were still stuck in my mind like a lecture I should memorize.“So you should behave like a faithful wife does.”So does he. Why would I be just the one to behave and be faithful if we’re both in this marriage? I really should know him more. I really should think always that I married a man like him. He’s not as kind as I thought because from the very start he never showed me softness. He’s always rough and shows no emotions at all. I should be careful because I don’t know what would happen next if I did something wrong.Maybe he's just like Mommy and Daddy. He will be rough on me, too. He wi
That's what really happened. After we ate breakfast, he had his car taken by a caretaker at the garage. Before he led me out of the mansion.“Are you really not going to bring your lunch, Ma'am Hailey?” asked Mrs. Juliet. A while ago she was asking me if I was going to bury the food because he said he was not sure if the company’s food was cooked properly.“Not anymore, Mrs. Juliet. Uh, I’ve been working there for a long time so I’m sure their food is good and delicious. But... Uhh... If you will insist, you can pack me a lunch tomorrow?” I promise even though it’s not really necessary.I have money for my food purchases and buy my personal items and necessities. I'm working, so even if you say I want to save money, it's embarrassing. But then... Callum is now my husband. I have all the rights to— No. I can work for my own, though. I can’t just rely on Callum for all that even though I have money and work.“Oh he's fine, tomorrow I'll prepare your lunch for work. I will remember that
I looked up at the ceiling while thinking about the design my client wants. I'm at the study table here in the room and my head is leaning on the backrest of the swivel chair while thinking. The client wants more contemporary theme but with some mixed of modern. It’s possible but hard. That's why I'm having a hard time thinking of what to put there now. I also have a copy of the blueprint of their entire mansion and they let me do what needs to be done.It’s still new and still under construction that's why I still have time to work on the interiors that will be placed in the mansion.“You’re still not sleeping yet?” I was startled when I heard that baritone voice so I looked at where it was coming from.There, I saw Callum standing in the doorway while looking at me.“Uh . . . I am still doing something here.” He nodded before walking towards the walk in closet. When he came out, he had a towel hanging over his shoulder and the clothes he was wearing earlier were now gone. I kept loo
When I saw that he was asleep, I sighed before standing up to get a small basin downstairs and a face towel as well. I will wipe him and change his clothes because he smells like alcohol. I can't sleep because he smells like that. Or maybe I'll just sleep on the sofa. I also removed his clothes and shoes.“Mrs. Juliet, can you please hand me a basin, even a small one, and a clean face towel. I'm just going to wipe Callum," I said when I got down to the kitchen.“Alright wait for me,” she immediately rushed to get what I needed.When she got it, she gave it to me with a frown.“Eat before you wipe your husband, Hailey. What time is it? It’s already late and you haven't eaten yet." she said while looking at the wall clock in the kitchen.“Just send it to the room. I'll just eat there after I wipe Callum.”She nodded at what I said, so I left and went straight to my room with Callum. When I entered there, I saw that he was still in the same condition and seemed to be sleeping soundly. I
My tears flowed continuously as I got into the car and drove down the road to my work. Earlier, Benjie kept asking me if I was okay but I didn't answer him and just kept shaking my head. He looked worriedly at me in the rearview mirror while driving.I just looked out the window while wiping my tears.Am I really that quick to hurt? Am I really worthless to others? I know that Callum doesn't like or love me because maybe he was forced to marry me. Maybe just because of his company. So I can't blame him if . . . he will look for warmth in another woman."We're here, ma'am." I blinked and quickly straightened myself up before getting out of the car.I didn't even thank Benjie for taking me here, I just got out and walked straight into the building. The guard even greeted me but I couldn't greet him back because I was feeling so many emotions right now.I took a deep breath as I entered the elevator to stop the emotions I am feeling right now. When the elevator door opened, I immediately
“I only put up with it because you are pitiful.”Callum's last words to me have been replaying in my brain for a while now. I don't know why he suddenly got angry with me. I don't know why he suddenly left and that's what he told me.Does he really despise me so much?“What did I do to you, Callum? Why did you just treat me like that?" I whispered to myself while looking at the ring that he himself put on me on our wedding day.We've only been together for two weeks but this is already happening to both of us. We don't get along anymore.“Romance him . . .”And my father’s voice still lingers in my mind. How can I do that if he’s this cold to me right now? How can I romance him if he despise me so much?“How fucked up my life is, really.” I shook my head while leaning on the backrest of my swivel chair.After I watched Callum walk away from me I didn't talk to Dustin. He tried to talk to me but I just can’t talk to him yet when I felt so down. And for the second time, he witnessed how
“He can’t be here. He’s mad at me. My husband is mad at me.” then a single tear fell from my eye.“Hey, wife . . . don’t cry.” His soothing voice filled my ears.I teared up even more when I heard that. I feel a lot of emotions, especially when I hear his cold soothing voice again.“No . . . my husband, Callum, is mad at me.” Para na akong batang umiiyak pero wala pa ring pakialam.“Hush now, baby. I’m sorry, I was just pissed. I’m not mad at you.” He comforted me before hugging me.I cried in his chest, not minding if I everybody’s looking at us now. I just want to cry like a baby here.“My sister is a mess, Callum. You should get her home now.” I heard Kiana said to my husband.“Thank you for calling me,” Callum answered as he gently stroked my back. "Let's go home now, wife." he said while trying to make me sit on the couch properly.“No.” I said firmly and finally before walking away from him. I can see the shock on his face as well as the anger. "Kiana, take me home. Callum is ma