"I'm sorry for the delay," Ares apologized.
"Did you wait long? I didn't even notice you..." Kia wondered.
"It's windy outside, and I don't want you to catch a cold. Come on, let's go inside," Ares suggested.
Kia was left speechless, simply gazing at Ares.
Why didn't I find him this attractive this morning... I didn't expect him to be this handsome... Wait, why am I blushing?! Kia pondered silently.
Ares approached her slowly, and when he was close enough, he gently took hold of her waist, pulling her closer. "Honey, promise me you won't leave my side. Mhm?... Let's... get married!" he softly uttered, sending shivers down Kia's spine.
So, this is the marriage certificate. I can't believe I got married like this... It feels like a dream... Kia thought as she held the paper certifying her and Ares' marriage.
Ares parked his car in front of a modest house. He quickly got out and helped Kia out.
"I'm sorry it took so long... The traffic was terrible earlier. Let's go home," Ares said.
Kia didn't respond immediately, seemingly lost in her thoughts. He's going to be my husband now... Seriously, he's so good-looking... Kianna Myst Saavedra, did you forget you just got married on a whim!
"What's wrong?... Mhm... I bought this car on a loan, I hope you like it," Ares said, a bit uneasily.
Why is she hesitating? Damn it! Isn't this car affordable enough... Doesn't she think I'm just a secretary or an office worker? Ares voiced his thoughts.
"Well, I'd like to properly introduce myself to you. I work for a major corporation, and as I mentioned earlier, I'm an assistant to the customer manager. Our company offers great benefits, and we can get interest-free loans, which is how I bought this car and this house on a loan... I hope you don't mind me being just a regular office worker..." Ares confessed shyly.
"Hey, that's more than fine... It's actually impressive... I took up a lot of your time today, so maybe come in after lunch; otherwise, your employer might scold you..." Kia expressed concern.
Seeing that he had reassured Kia, Ares smiled. "Don't worry... I requested a day off today; let's go pick up your luggage."
Kia agreed with Ares and nodded. They got in the car and drove to Kia's former residence, the Saavedra family home.
Ares noticed Kia's melancholy as they approached her place. He became concerned when her facial expression suddenly changed. Ares asked, "Is this your home?"
"It used to be... But I can't call that place home anymore... I-I'll go get my things," Kia replied as she exited the car.
Is she on bad terms with her family? No, it doesn't seem so. It's complicated. Ares muttered to himself. "Do you need my help? Let's go together," he offered to Kia.
"No... Please wait for me here. I can handle it on my own. I'll be right back." Kia smiled and left the car to enter her family's house.
As she entered the Saavedra family home, Ares stood there, observing her. This woman is quite complex. Is she trying to hide her emotions? I really can't figure out what she's up to.
…
I decided to take a detour around the back of the house to avoid running into anyone I knew. Fortunately, my room was nearby, and I had already prepared my luggage. I quickly packed it with my belongings and clothes.
Finally, I can say goodbye to the place I've called home for the past two decades. I wiped the sweat from my forehead once I finished packing.
It's finally done. I need to learn how to live independently and support myself from now on. I know it won't be easy, but hasn't life always been that way? You have to work hard before you can achieve success. I promise myself that I won't give up until I can shoulder all my responsibilities on my own. The timid me from the past is gone!
"Hey, Kianna Myst," a voice called out from behind me as I was about to leave the house.
It was my stepmother, the person I despised the most in the world. "Where are you going with your luggage? You're really pushing your father's buttons, aren't you? Not only are you upsetting him, but now you want to run away from home," she said with a smirk.
To add to my irritation, my step-sister, Asteria, chimed in, "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Mom, where does she think she can go now? Find a man to rely on?" Asteria was the woman who had flirted with my boyfriend, Vincent Rivera.
"Is meddling in my life the only thing you two can do? What's your talent, aside from stealing other people's boyfriends?! Those smug looks on your faces are disgusting!" I grumbled.
My words immediately infuriated Asteria, and it seemed like a wake-up call for her. "Don't act so high and mighty, Kianna! You're getting on my nerves! You're no longer part of this household; you're nothing but a beggar!" Asteria yelled.
"Boring! Talking to you is a waste of time," I remarked as I turned away from them.
I was about to leave when Asteria suddenly grabbed my arm. "You're not going anywhere!"
"Let go!" I exclaimed angrily. "I'll smack you in the face with this luggage if you don't release me," I threatened.
She quickly let go and scurried back to her mother's side. She was easily intimidated. It was a complete waste of time. I heard her say something as I was leaving the house.
"I'm telling you, Kianna, I'm not afraid of you no matter what. Just remember, this is my home, not yours. Got it? I won't say it again!" Her voice was so loud it felt like it might burst my eardrums.
I continued heading out the door, ignoring her. I took out my phone to check the time... darn it! It's been half an hour...
…
I had practically become a human statue while waiting outside. This is the first time I've ever had to wait like this as a president. Tsk, Kianna, you owe me for this...
As soon as I heard the squeaky wheels of her suitcase, I looked ahead. She's finally coming out! She seems a bit down.
"I'm ready. Let's go," she said in a cold tone.
Is something bothering her? She doesn't seem to be in a good mood.
"It's freezing outside; get in the car; I'll handle the luggage."
"Alright," she replied and got into the car.
She didn't say a word about what happened inside her house. Well, I'm a patient person. One day, she'll open up to me... but for now, I need to understand what she's been through all these years.
As I got into the car, I suggested, "By the way, Kianna, since it's getting late, why don't we grab dinner before heading home?"
When I glanced at her, she was sound asleep. She must be exhausted... Alright, get some rest.
I moved closer to her and gently placed my hand on her cheek. I was surprised when she suddenly started crying...
"Don't worry, honey, we're married now. I promise I'll protect you forever, and no one can harm or bully you from now on... Trust me," I whispered before kissing her lips.
Kia woke up slowly, the sound around her feeling strangely familiar. Hmmm... What's that noise? When she opened her eyes, she realized she was in a small room. How did I end up here? I was in the car before I fell asleep... Still a bit groggy, she rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up in bed. "Is this Ares' house?" she wondered. "Oh, you're awake? I'm sorry if my typing noise disturbed you. I'm just finishing up a report for work. And yes, this is my home. Once I'm done, we can go out for dinner," Ares smiled as he continued typing. "Um... You can wake me up, actually. It seems like it's already evening. I must have been asleep for a while. I'm sorry for making you wait," Kia scratched her head in embarrassment. How long was I out? I didn't expect to sleep this much. It's embarrassing, especially since Ares had to carry me into the house. "I didn't wake you up because I figured you might be tired from all the packing earlier, and you brought quite a bit of stuff," Ares explained, fla
KIA "Oh, you're here! Ah, ah—" When someone spoke from behind her, Kia turned her head abruptly, almost slipping. She shut her eyes, bracing for impact, but Ares caught her by the waist. "Are you okay?" Ares asked, concern in his voice. Kia was too shaken to respond at first. Ares gently released his hold on her waist and helped her regain her balance. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize the floor was wet. Don't worry, I'll clean it up." "Ahh, I'll just be more careful next time. Thanks." Why does he have to make it so dramatic when he catches me? It's like something out of a soap opera with a bossy President. You're being ridiculous, Kianna Myst Saavedra! I've been replaying that moment in my head for what feels like hours. Am I losing my mind? I've tried to sleep, but fatigue seems to have abandoned me completely. Despite the comfortable bed in Ares' room, sleep eludes me. Maybe I won't be able to sleep if I keep ruminating on things like this. "Sh*t! I have class in the morning! What
"What did you just say, Kianna? You're calling me a mad dog?!" Vera's anger was almost palpable, and a few classmates stepped in to restrain her. "Wow! I didn't expect the 'mad dog' to react so quickly. How amusing!" Kia grinned, her expression as if she had just encountered an adorable kitten. Clearly irritated, Vera picked up her tumbler as if to throw it at Kia. "You!" Classmates rushed to her side, trying to prevent her from doing anything rash. "Calm down, Vera! Ma'am Ramos is on her way, and if you do that, you might get into trouble." Vera reluctantly released her grip on the tumbler and took a deep breath. She sat down in her chair, seething, and muttered, "Fine! Stop touching me! Let's see if the previous professors don't reprimand you for being late..." She said this in a low voice. "What are you talking about? Don't expect me to be scolded because I talked to our teachers and requested a leave of absence due to my unexpected marriage," Kia explained, defending herself.
The hotel room was bathed in the gentle morning light, with the sun's rays warming their faces as they woke up. They rubbed their sleepy eyes, greeted by a serene and sunny morning. Fluffy white clouds floated across the sky. "You know, I've spent a lot on Kia, but she won't even let me touch her hand. Not once. She's so reserved," Vincent remarked. He turned to Asteria and continued, "You, on the other hand, are much more accommodating, even allowing me to be intimate in my office." "You know me well, honey. Does that mean I'm the only one you're involved with?" Asteria asked, her curiosity piqued. Vincent was taken aback by the question. He hadn't expected Asteria to inquire about this. "Right, Vincent?" Asteria pressed, repeating her question. "Yeah, honey, you're the only one," he replied, although it wasn't entirely truthful. "In that case, I have something to ask you," she said. There was a moment of silence, during which Vincent tried to mask his nervousness with a smile.
"Kianna, I finally found you! You didn't answer my calls or texts, so I had to come here. Tell me the truth, are you married? I'm your boyfriend, your fiancé! You can't treat me like this!" He looked upset and tried to approach Kianna, but the guards stopped him. "Shut up!" Kianna shouted angrily, silencing the crowd. "Kia, what's wrong with you?" he asked nervously, wondering why Kianna was acting so arrogantly. "Don't tell me... she knows about Asteria and me. No, that's impossible! I've been keeping it a secret from her!" Vincent thought to himself. "Don't call me that! You disgust me! I blame myself for not realizing what kind of person you are," Kia said, feeling repulsed by her ex-fiancé. "You can't treat me like this! We've been together for five years! I can't believe you'd be so heartless and marry someone else soon!" he stammered, struggling to maintain eye contact with Kia. Kianna was furious. She never expected to see the person she had loved for years behave like thi
KIAThe bell rang loudly, a sign that the class was over. I grab my things and put them in my bag. Most of my classmates were rushing to go home while some were just talking and laughing, minding their own business. I was about to get up when suddenly Miaree approached me, “Kia! Wait! Are you free today? I wanted to see your new house and also your husband. Can we come over to your house?” Miaree said, twinkling her small eyes. I saw Marcy rushing towards us. Look who has an ear like wolves, “Can I come too? I’m very curious about your new home. Is it big? More extensive than your dad’s house?” he excitedly said. “Uhm— I’m sorry, but I can’t… We are too busy today to clean the house. We have a lot of things to do so maybe next time, and maybe it’s better if I let him know first before inviting you guys since it’s his house in the first place… I’m sorry…” I murmured and a fake smile formed on my lips.Their lip corners were pulled down, and misery was written all over their faces. T
KiaI'm now laying in my bed. Trying to make myself fall to sleep. But I can't stop thinking about the fact that there should be many women who have a crush on a man with an excellent appearance like Ares. I don't want to owe him, let alone to be obsessed with… besides… to fulfill the duty of a wife. We were not born yesterday, we clearly know the real duty of a wife. Gosh! I can't sleep! Suddenly I heard someone opening the door. He seems back from work. I got up and went into the living room. Seeing him sitting on the couch. It seems like he is really tired."Good…Good evening," I said, greeting him."It's getting late… Why are you still awake?""I can't sleep…" I suddenly noticed that there were pillows and blankets beside him, "Did you sleep on the sofa these last two days? Why don't you sleep in the guest room?"He scratched his head and smiled politely, "The room hasn't been occupied for a long time, and I don't have time to clean it up.""The sofa is too small for you, it mus
"How did you look like an angel even when you're sleeping?" Ares mumble while closely staring at Kia. She is sleeping peacefully.He blinked as his eyes adjusted and his eyes felt scratchy. The sun was beaming through their blinds causing Kia to stir. She slowly opened her eyes and took a glimpse of her surroundings. At that point, she saw Ares seriously staring at her. She wasn't sure about what she saw so she took a glimpse for the second time.He is really staring at me… I thought it was just a dream…She closed her eyes once again and let her sleepiness lead her body. Usually, waking up was a simple task for Kia; she was a morning person after all. She groaned when the first beam of sunlight hit her face.A minute later the clock started ringing. Ares picked up the alarm clock on their nightstand and looked at the time. "What is the time?" Kia innocently asked her husband."Hmm? Oh— it's already eight in the morning—""What?!" Kia hysterically asked and began to sit up. She put h