06: Claiming What's His Pt.2I was left frozen in my position. I could clearly hear my heart thumping erratically, making it feel like I was having a hard time breathing. I wanted to shout at him and throw all the hardships I experienced when Papa kicked me out to New Zealand. I wanted him to know how much I despised him. But right now, I couldn't do anything other than watch him casually walking back to his car. His words left me scared of the possibilities. I spent the whole day feeling out of sorts because Wesley's words kept running through my mind. I knew he meant what he had said earlier. But I just didn't understand. Why did he suddenly become interested in my daughter? Why is he still bothering me even now?"Are you okay, dear?" I regained my composure when Mama held my hand.We're currently at their house because Mama said Papa wouldn't be coming home. Melody has been bugging me for a while now, wanting to come here, so I gave in."Y-Yes, Ma. I'm okay." I forced a smile, but
07: The Deal Pt.1My lips trembled as I looked at my father. My mind struggled to process what he had just said. "This is... i-impossible," were the only words I managed to utter."Impossible as it may seem, but that's my condition, Symphony. You have to marry Wesley. Your mother mentioned that Wesley is now pursuing your child. If that's true, then you can use that as an advantage to marry him."He spoke as if he were negotiating a business deal, as if his condition wouldn't affect my entire life. As if he didn't know what kind of person Wesley was."And what if I don't agree to your condition?"He raised an eyebrow. "Then you should start packing your things. I'll send you back to New Zealand, whether you like it or not. If possible, I'll drag you out of here."Another set of fresh tears streamed down my face. I couldn't believe how casually he said those words, as if he couldn't feel the pain with each word that came out of his mouth."H-How could you do this to me, Pa? Why do you
07: The Deal Pt.2Wesley was looking straight at our daughter, completely ignoring my presence."What are you doing here, Mister Wesley?" Melody asked, surprised.I remained looking at Wesley, unsure of what I was feeling. Everything was a mix-up. I felt dizzy, and at any moment, I might suddenly throw up."You're looking for your Daddy, right? That's why I'm here," Wesley replied in a sweet tone to the child."I-I don't understand... Mommy..." I was brought back to my senses when I felt Melody's hand slightly shaking my arm. I turned to her. "Am I allowed to talk to Mister Wesley? You told me to stay away from him.""U-Uhm--""You said what?" Wesley interrupted, capturing my attention once again. "What were you telling Autumn, Symphony?" His face darkened. He was almost frowning, but when his eyes shifted to Melody, it softened."Mommy told me not to talk to strangers, Mister.""But I already told you my name, Autumn."I sensed that Melody was about to ask another question, so I stoo
07: The Deal Pt.3WESLEY"Can we still talk about this, Mr. Corpuz? You see, I can still find ways to solve the problem. Just... Just spare me some time to fix this."I was waiting for his reply. I knew this was going nowhere, but I still had to try my luck. I couldn't afford to lose another investor! I couldn't disappoint my parents!"I'm sorry, Mr. Borromeo. I know how important your company is to you, but it's also important for me to save my money. Almost everyone here knows your company's current situation. I don't want to go down with your company."I took a deep breath, trying hard to calm my nerves."I'm so sorry, Mr. Borromeo. I have to leave now." He gently tapped my shoulder before leaving the office."Fuck!" I frustratedly exclaimed, both hands clenched into fists. "Fuck this!" I threw the first thing I grabbed, causing a loud crash.It really frustrates me how people like Mr. Corpuz think that I could never save our company! Hell! I would do anything to save this damn com
08: The Unwanted Marriage Pt.1SYMPHONY"Oh my gosh! I really can't believe this! You're marrying Wesley! Are you out of your mind, Symphony?" Jovy exclaimed in annoyance.I sighed. I've sighed multiple times as I was fitting my wedding gown. My friends were with me. Jovy, in particular, couldn't stop expressing her disgust and disapproval when she found out that I was getting married."I already told you the reason, didn't I? I'm doing this for Melody," I replied, pursing my lips as Soffi asked me.That's also the question I have for myself. What will happen to me once I marry Wesley?"I'll be fine," I simply said, reassuring them.Whenever I remember how furious Wesley was when I saw him leaving my father's office, I can’t stop worrying for myself once I marry him. The way he looked at me at that time, it was as if he was truly capable of killing me. But I couldn't understand why he was so angry with me on that day. I had no idea about their conversation with Papa."Maybe you can st
08: The Unwanted Marriage Pt.2The ceremony continued, but I never looked at him again. I don't want to. Because if I see his eyes again, I might just run away from this place for good."Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands and declare your consent before God and his Church," the priest continued. He then told us to repeat after him. My mind wandered elsewhere as I uttered the words. No matter how hard I tried to divert my thoughts from him, his face kept flashing in my head like a broken record meant to shatter my heart."Symphony, do you take Wesley to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and honor him all the days of your life?"I wanted this ceremony to end. I wanted to be alone and let out all the emotions I was feeling right now. Knowing that Red was just sitting on one of the benches behind me, watching me tie the knots with his cousin, mad
09: Life After the Wedding Pt.1"You should finish your food, Melody. Eat more vegetables," I quickly said, and Melody immediately shook her head. She pouted and look at me like she was about to cry."Melody is already full, Mommy. I don't want to eat anymore," she said still pouting."But you didn't touch the vegetables, honey. You only ate chicken nuggets and bacon." I brought the spoon closer to her, filled with vegetables."M-Mommy...""Don't force the child if she doesn't want to," Wesley's voice interrupted as he entered the dining area. He was fixing his tie, his gaze fixed on me."She needs to eat vegetables to get proper nutrients. She can't just rely on vitamins all the time," I reasoned."Daddy..." Wesley shifted his gaze to Melody, who now had a pleading look on her face. "I don't like vegetables," she added, her tears starting to flow.I heard him sigh. He approached Melody and gave her some water. "Okay, no more vegetables for you, Autumn. Stop crying, hmm?"I just stood
09: Life After the Wedding Pt.2I was awake the whole night. I struggled to fight off sleep, fearing that Wesley might suddenly enter my room and hurt me.I spent the rest of the night crying. I was starting to regret marrying him. If I didn't agree to marry him, I wouldn't feel this kind of fear. If I didn't marry a devil like him, I would have been sleeping soundly, with my mind and heart at ease.Do I have to continue living a life like this? What if he hurts me again? Seeing the intense anger in his eyes earlier, it's highly likely that he would hurt me again. Or worse... he might kill me.I sobbed again. My sobs echoed in the silent corners of my dark room. I held onto the wet pillow tightly, drenched in my tears, as if it could save my life from the danger that awaits outside my room.I have never been this scared before. I'm terrified to the point that I can't even breathe without trembling. That was the first time someone looked at me with so much hatred. I despise myself for