New York

Think Yelle... Think! How the hell did you end up with James?! Yelle calms down. Inhale... Exhale...

I was at the bar last night as my despedida for myself since I'll be leaving for the States. Then James came and approach me. We argued a bit then I confess to him that I am in love with his brother. And then...

My eyes widen when I finally remember what happened next.

Oh my gosh, Yelle! What did you do?! Why did you agree to marry him?! Is our marriage even legal?

I tried my best to remember everything that happened. The mayor Oh, shoot! We f*cking signed the document! Our marriage is legal!

"Ma'am we're already here." The cab driver announced.

I nodded and gave him money then I went out of his car.

I will just think of a solution later. For now, I need to shower and get ready for my flight.

I looked at my watch and I know that I will not make it on time. I rebooked my flight. Hell no that I will be staying in this country for another day, especially with the crazy thing I did last night. I need to leave now!

I was about to leave my condo when my phone rang. It was Mara.

"Where are you, Yelle? We are here at the airport and we can't find you. It's almost time for your flight. Are you not going?" Mara said as soon as I answered her call.

"I rebooked my flight because I overslept," I told her.

"You overslept? Why? Don't tell me you went to the bar last night?"

I was stunned for a moment. I was unable to speak. I can hear my heart beating faster.

"Why are you not answering?" She asked.

Answer her, Yelle! Mara wouldn't know what you did after you went to the bar. James was still in a deep sleep before you left. They can't meet at this hour. I scolded myself.

I calm myself before I gave her an answer. "Yes, I went to the bar last night as my despedida. What's wrong with that?" I said casually.

"I know you, Yelle. You always drink like there's no tomorrow. What if something happened to you? What if some guy took advantage of you?"

I feel anxious now. My heart is beating way too fast like it was going to explode. Relax, Yelle. Don't make it so obvious. Chill.

"You don't need to worry about me. I can handle myself well. You know I have a high tolerance for alcohol."

Mara was about to say something but I cut her off.

"Let's talk when I get there. I still have 4 hours before my new flight." I said then I end the call.

Mara texted me that they are in Resorts World Manila waiting for me. Tanya is with them so they decided to wait for me there.

I saw Mara's annoyed face as I was near them. I scanned the place to see if James is with them. I sighed in relief when I only saw Andrew and Tanya with her.

"Stop giving me that look, Mara. We won't be seeing each other for who knows how long." I said as soon as I reached them.

Mara rolled her eyes at me. "If I were your parents, I will never allow you to live in the US alone." She said still annoyed.

I smirked at her. "I'm glad that you are not my parents," I said while chuckling.

I smiled at Andrew then I went to hug my goddaughter real tight. "I will miss you, my baby girl!"

Tanya hugs me back. "I will miss you too, Ninang! When are you coming back?"

I touch her face after we break our hug. "I don't know yet. I will be pursuing my career in the US."

She pouted her lips. "Can't you do that here?"

"It's hard to explain baby. But you will understand me when you grow up." I just said to her.

"And you can visit me in the US if you miss so much," I added.

Tanya's eyes sparkle. "You are right Ninang! I will just visit you and Uncle James in the  US."

I furrowed. "Uncle James?"

Tanya nodded. "Yes, ninang! Uncle James' home is in the US."

"I thought James are here for good?" I asked Mara and Andrew.

"The main office of his company is in the US. The main reason why he was staying here is for the expansion of his business." Andrew explained.

My eyes widen. I didn't know that. He's been here for years. I really thought that he decided to stay here for good.

"What's the matter, Yelle? Isn't good for you that you know someone in the US?" Mara said when she noticed my reaction.

I rolled my eyes. "I will be happy if it's someone who's not him."

The couple chuckled. I just shook my head.

"Maybe, you guys are really meant for each other." Mara continues to tease me.

I can't sleep, we have ten more hours before we landed in New York.

Mara's words keep on echoing in my mind.

Dear God, please not him. Please tell me that he is not the man meant for me. I promise I will drink less now, just please not him. Anyone but him, Lord. You know how much I hate that guy! I don't know what went into my mind and I agree on marrying him. I even gave my vcard to him!

Come to think of it, James is also drunk that night. I'm sure he only asks me to marry him because of the alcohol! There's no way that he wants to marry me. I know that he also hates me. Asking him for an annulment will be easy, or maybe he was able to stop the mayor to file our marriage contract. The mayor surely noticed that we were both drunk that night when we ask him to officiate our wedding.

Those thoughts helps me to calm down and finally went to sleep.

After 16 hours on the plane, I finally landed in New York! My dad bought me a unit in Central Park Tower which I did not refuse. I wanted to pursue my carer here because I know that my family doesn't have much influence here. I know that whatever achievement I will have here is based on my skills and not because I'm my parent's daughter. But it doesn't mean that I will refuse their money for my personal need and comfort.

I was amazed by the furniture that my parents ordered for my unit. They all came from JD Legacy International, my favorite furniture brand, and my dream company. I applied online and I already have a scheduled interview next week.

JD Legacy International is one of the biggest furniture companies in the US. It started selling furniture online, it was named J Furniture. Then after two years, J Furniture changed its name to JD Legacy International where it launched its first physical store. In the same year, JDLI offers architecture and interior design services. JD is the initial of the two owners of JDLI.

I applied for an interior designer position. I did some interior design work for some of my friends and family friends in the past 8 years, to serve as my portfolio for applying to JDLI.

A week has passed. I can't believe that I am now here in my dream company. JDLI  office screams uniqueness and creativity! I really belong here. I can't wait to start working here, I'm confident that I will pass the interview here.

"Abriella Isla Zobel?" The hr called my name.

I raised my hand to get her attention. "I'm Abriella Isla Zobel."

She smiled and nodded. "You can now go in. Best of luck!"

I heaved a sigh. This is it!

This guy is so freaking handsome! I told myself as soon as I saw the man who will do the interview.

"Hi, Abriella!" He greeted me.

I wanted to scream! His voice is so sexy. But I calm myself and tried my best to focus on the interview.

This is not the time to flirt Yelle! I scolded myself.

"You can just call me Yelle," I said to him in a formal tone.

He smiled and told me to sit down.

"I'm David Lewis, the creative director of JD Legacy International." He introduced himself.