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Chapter 1: Marriage

Find your purpose. Regardless of how big or tiny. Find something you'd like to wake up to every day with the conviction that you'll be able to accomplish it. Something that feels like an extension of who you are as a person. You would be working toward something considerably more worthwhile in your life if you had a goal to work towards.

Unlike dreams, your purpose is not something you have to chase, it is not a race. Purposes are not competition. Let your purpose transform your perspective of yourself and the world around you.

After reading the essay, I savored each word and grinned a little. It's invigorating to discover just how important your life's purpose is.

"Ms. Cassandra, your friend is looking for you."

I turned to see where the voice was coming from. It came from our maid, who was beaming from ear to ear. I'm quite sure she's referring to Adrian. Adrian possesses a magnetic charisma that causes the ladies to flush and smile in response to his presence.

"Who?" I asked, despite the fact that I already knew who it was.

"Do you have any other friends who are currently residing in the Philippines except Adrian?" A baritone voice cut in.

"Calvin!" I exclaimed with delight when I saw my brother standing at the doorway. Yna, our maid, promptly lowered her head and excused herself.

It came as a complete surprise when he showed up because he is already living in his own condo. I was on the verge of losing my balance because I was rushing to get up and hug him.

"Be careful, my princess," he murmured quietly before wrapping his arms around me tightly.

"Why are you here? You didn't tell me that you were coming to visit," I mumbled, pretending to be unhappy even though I wasn't.

I'm overjoyed to see him here now because he rarely comes to our house because he's so preoccupied with our enterprises and, of course, with the girls. Usually, if he's intending to come here, he'll notify me in advance.

"Why? You don't want me here, do you?" he inquired, his brows knit together.

"I'm only kidding, of course! Where is Caden?"

"It appears that the princess is on the lookout for me as well." When I heard a voice approaching from behind me, I turned to see.

"Caden!" I was thrilled when I embraced him. Oh my God, how I miss my brothers. They're both on their own and haven't asked for any help from my parents. I don't remember how many times I told them that they should simply remain here since our house is so large that they could easily accommodate their own future family in it.

"I missed you, Cass," Caden said gently as he wrapped his arms around me and held me back.

"I've been missing you both. What exactly is the reason for this unexpected visit? Is there going to be any sort of celebration?" I asked, a little befuddled.

They were both looking at each other as though they were waiting for someone to say something. Both of them had a concerned look on their faces.

"Hello? What is going on with the two of you that you're simply looking at each other?"

They were both aware of it, so they avoided looking at each other and instead glanced at me, "There is nothing, princess. We're just paying you a visit since we've been missing you. I have several books for you to read. I'm sure you'll enjoy it." Caden was the one who came up with the answer.

True to what he claimed, two of our drivers are bringing a stack of books that I expect I will read in months because there are so many of them.

"Are you serious? That's a lot of work!"

“Let me spoil you, Cass, since I know how much you like reading," he said, his smile broadening as he spoke.

"Cassandra, please go downstairs. Adrian had already been waiting for so long." Calvin mentioned as soon as he realized we'd been conversing for a long time.

I didn't say anything but smiled and nodded before following his instructions. Adrian was waiting for me outside in our yard, his face a picture of patience. He's dressed simply in a white shirt and khaki shorts, which gives him a clean and fresh appearance.

Upon seeing me, he instantly broke into a smile before giving me a warm embrace.

“Adrian! You haven't told me that you are returning home from the United States. "Did you get a chance to pay a visit to Sasha?" I had wondered out loud.

Sasha and Adrian have been the only genuine friends I've had since then. They were the only ones who were familiar with my parents. However, because Sasha is presently in the United States pursuing her dreams, Adrian and I have become closer. She is now pursuing her degree in fashion design in New York. Since then, she's been open about her desire to attend the university and study there.

I grinned when I thought about her. I've heard that she's doing really well out there. I hope I will be able to accomplish the same as she did.... I'm hoping to be able to follow my own dreams as well.

Adrian, on the other hand, was a boyhood acquaintance of mine. However, because my parents and brother had known Adrian since we were children, they did not intervene and instead simply allowed us to be together and be friends.

"Yes, she's thinking about you. She said she missed you."

"I missed her as well!"

"I've missed you, too. I have something for you," he said as he held up the paper bag.

What is it with people that they are giving me gifts today? I am so happy and grateful!

He handed it to me, and just by looking at it, I didn't want to take it. It was from a well-known designer brand, so I'm sure it was expensive.

"Adrian, I d-don't think I can take that," I said to him. "I'm sure that's expensive," I said hesitantly, trying not to hurt his feelings by pointing out the cost of the item. Even the mere idea that he took the time to go to the store and pick out something special for me is something that fills me with such gratitude that it's hard to put into words. On the other hand, I believe that this is way beyond what is appropriate. I have no doubt that he put a significant amount of money into just this one gift.

"Hey, don't make such a big deal out of it. Sasha received something from me as well. You are both aware that you are my friends, and I hold both of you in such high regard. The exchange of gifts is merely a humble way for us to express our gratitude to one another for the friendship we share." He once more raised the paper bag in front of me. 

That provoked some thought in me. I have no doubt that the Smith family has the financial means to acquire any opulent items that they so desire due to their abundance of wealth. I am fully aware that he finds this to be nothing more than a minor thing, and the thought that he may also have given something to Sasha caused me to take a deep breath. You do realize that this isn't really that big of a deal, don't you?

Cassandra, all you have to do is offer something in exchange for it. Perhaps a present to say "welcome back"?

"Thank you, Adrian. However, the next time we meet, there is no necessity for you to give me anything, all right? Especially things of a luxurious nature! Simply the fact that you are safe is a gift in and of itself for us." I meant it completely when I said that.

I noticed that his cheeks were red, but I didn't mind it at all. It's already summer, so perhaps the warm weather had something to do with it.

When I opened the paper bag he had given me, I found a box inside of it. On the very top of it, in gold lettering, was the name of the luxurious brand. I removed it from the paper bag and subsequently opened it. I was greeted by the sight of a gold bracelet with daisies on it. It was simple and stunning all at the same time. It would undoubtedly attract the attention of anyone who came across it.

"Wow! This is such a lovely thing! I don't even know where to begin or what to say. It was wonderful in every way! Can I start wearing it?" I queried with such giddy enthusiasm.

"Of course you can, Cassandra." He flashed a dazzling grin.

He took it away from me in a gentle manner just as I was about to wrap it around my wrist.

"Let me be the one to put it on your wrist."

As he was putting it on me, I couldn't help but break into a wide grin. It was a wonderful match for my fair complexion. As soon as he finished putting it on me, I raised my arm. The sun's rays streaming in through the windows cause the bracelet to gleam when they strike it.

"Thank you, Adrian. I am going to see to it that this gets taken care of." I responded while maintaining a friendly smile.

"No worries, Cass. I have to leave right now because I have to meet Abuela for lunch."

I was on the verge of inviting him for lunch when he mentioned that he will be meeting Abuela, so I quickly changed the subject and didn't bother inviting him.

"Please greet Abuela on my behalf!" I said while he was giving me a hug.

"I will. Good bye!"

"It seems like you were getting closer to that Smith guy, huh." Someone spoke to me from behind. Her sophisticated voice echoed throughout the vast living room of our mansion. I turned around to face her.

"Mom? You are here?

"Yes, honey," she replied. "Is it something that should really surprise people?"

Yes, Mom, it certainly is! I thought they were going to be on a business trip in Italy for the next week. It was only yesterday that they left. Why did we have to completely rearrange everything so quickly? Given that she is present, is Dad also here?

"Why don't you just give me a hug and fix your facial expression because it looks like you're seeing a ghost? You're giving me the creeps."

I went closer to her and gave her a tight hug. Cora Acosta is still as beautiful as ever. She was a model back in her days but when she married my father, Flavian Acosta, she just focused on business. 

According to her stories, my mom isn't really into businesses. She became a model because she was rebelling against her parents who wanted her to inherit the business. My mom doesn't want that so she did everything she could just so she can show my grandparents that she's not deserving. 

But my father, who's extremely focused on their family businesses, came into her life. Being together, I believe my father just influenced her so here they are now, managing the family businesses together. 

While I was hugging her, she gave me a light tap on the back. Following the tight embrace that we both gave one another, we gradually pulled apart while maintaining a pleasant expression. 

"I missed you, Mom," I said with all sincerity.

"I missed you, too, honey."

"What's up with the sudden arrival, Mom? You just left yesterday, and I thought you'll be in Italy for a week?" I asked, a little bewildered.

Suddenly, her expression shifted, as though she had just been reminded of something negative.

"W-We will talk later, dear. Fix yourself, we'll eat dinner in a little." she muttered, averting my gaze.

"Mom, Caden, and Calvin have arrived." I informed her.  She nodded in agreement as if it hadn't shocked her. Is she aware of the fact that my brothers are returning home today?

"We will talk about something over dinner, sweetie. So, that's why they've come."

Oh, wow. Why do I have such a strong impression that my brothers already know the topic of the thing that we are going to talk about?

"About what, Mom?" I asked, baffled.

"Concerning your marriage, Cassandra."

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