200 Hari Menjerat Pebinor

THIRD PERSON:

"No!!! Mom! You can't do this to me! I will not marry that woman!" Marco shouted angrily. This was the first time she had seen her son seething with such fury. She had already expected that this would be Marco’s reaction after her sudden decision, so she took a deep breath before responding.

"Enough, Marco. The wedding is next month, and that’s final."

"What?!" he exclaimed in disbelief. "Is it really that easy for you to marry me off to someone I don’t even love?"

"What?!" he exclaimed in disbelief.

"Is it really that easy for you to marry me off to someone I don’t even love?"

"Son, you'll learn to love Lexien once you start living together."

"No! That will never happen! I don’t even know her, and I won’t go along with this, Mom!"

"And why not?!" she asked, genuinely confused.

"Because I’m planning to propose to Natalie when she comes back from New York! So why did you decide this for me?!"

"What?! Are you insane, Son?!" she snapped.

"You're still not over Natalie? You’ve told me this plan before, but nothing ever happens! She always chooses her career over you! Our family is being humiliated again and again because of her!"

"But Mom, we love each other!"

Esmeralda sighed.

"Marco, let her go. She’s left you more times than I can count. Don’t you think I know how you two always argue every time you don’t allow her to leave for work? And then you drown yourself in alcohol and come home to your condo drunk—what if something bad happens to you?"

"Mom, please!" he pleaded.

"Son, how long will you let yourself be a fool for her? If she truly loved you, she would’ve accepted your first proposal. But she chose to fly to the U.S. for her modeling career. Do you know how embarrassing that was for us?"

Marco fell silent, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

"She leaves, you suffer, and then she comes back like nothing happened. That’s not love, son. That’s a pattern. One you need to break."

“But it’s different now, Mom. We’ve made plans—we even talked about our future. She promised me she wouldn’t take another contract.” Marco stepped closer, gently taking her hand.

"Mom, I know you love me. I know you're just trying to protect me. But please, give Natalie one more chance—just like I did. I love her so much.

“That’s why I’ve decided—I’ll propose again as soon as she’s home.” He embraced her, holding her like a promise.

"Please, Mom… hmm?" He hugged her tighter.

"You’re the only one in love, Marco. You’re holding on too tightly. You need to let her go." She gently pulled away from his embrace.

“No! What do you expect me to do after that?!” he snapped, shaking his head sharply. “You think you can just force me into a marriage with someone I don’t love?”

“She truly loves you, and she’s someone worth loving. Sometimes, love grows in the quiet moments—once you’re with her, it might just happen.”

"No!!! I can’t!!! This is a ridiculous idea, Mom!" he cried.

"Natalie is the only one I want to marry, not—"

"Son... I'm sick."

This was it—her last resort. Even though it wasn’t true, she finally said what she had planned all along.

Marco released her from the hug.

"W-what do you mean?" he asked, brows furrowed, visibly shaken.

"I don’t have much time left, Son. That’s why I decided to have you marry Lexien. So, you won’t be alone when I’m gone. But if you really plan to propose to Natalie again—go. I’ll give you two another chance. But if she fails you again, then you’ll have no choice but to marry Lexien, whether you like it or not."

"S-since when? What kind of illness?! Why are you only telling me this now?!" Marco bombarded her with questions, panic rising.

She sighed again.

"Look, Son, you don’t need to—"

"No! I need to know!" he yelled.

Esmeralda flinched, startled.

"Marco! Calm down!" Now she could clearly see the whirlwind of emotions in her son's face.

"Mom, with everything that’s happening, how do you expect me to calm down?!"

She didn’t reply. She just stared at him in silence, her heart aching as she saw tears threatening to fall from his eyes.

"Mom, please!"

"Let’s talk about this another time—when you’ve calmed down, Marco."

"W-what?!" he cried out, stunned.

"This conversation won’t go well if you keep acting like this."

"M-Mom, p-please..." he reached for her hand, but she gently pulled away.

"Son, I have to go. I still have a meeting."

He spoke again, but she didn’t even spare him a glance. She turned her back and walked away.

The only sound left in the room was the click of the closing door.

***

Doña Esmeralda's POV:

Yes, let them call me the villainous mother. The truth is—I’m not sick. I only told him that so I could get my way. I knew convincing Marco would be impossible otherwise, especially since he still hasn’t let go of that Natalie.

I just can’t bear seeing my son hurting and making a fool of himself, waiting around for someone like her. I lost all affection for that girl the moment she rejected Marco’s proposal to pursue her modeling career. I also found out how they always argue whenever Marco stops her from traveling abroad for work.

Yes, she’s rich, famous, and beautiful—she has everything. But my son can provide for her just as well. What she’s showing me is that she can easily leave him behind, anytime she pleases. That’s why I’ve made up my mind: Marco will marry Lexien. Maybe then, he’ll learn to love her and find happiness with her.

Lexien’s been my secretary for years, and she's never let me down. She’s the kind of woman anyone would be lucky to have around—hardworking, modest, and sweet. We've become more than colleagues; she’s like a daughter to me. And lately... I’ve seen it in her eyes. Every time Marco enters the room, her whole face lights up, and she blushes like a schoolgirl. It’s sweet. That kind of love—it’s rare and pure

And really, who wouldn’t fall for my handsome son? Only someone blind wouldn’t see how attractive he is. But unfortunately, he’s the one blinded by Natalie.

I honestly thought they had already broken up—but I guess not. Then again, love can’t be dictated. People will always fight for the ones they truly love.

Still, I stand by my decision: Marco will marry Lexien. At the very least, he’ll finally feel what it’s like to be truly loved—because I know, deep in my heart, that Lexien loves him. And that’s why I chose her for my son.