HSC: Chapter 4

   

     We stopped at a door near the maid's quarters. What are we doing here? He took something out of his pocket—a key? I suddenly felt nervous! Oh no, don't tell me... Oh geez, Eunice, stop overthinking! But why here? Why is there a room here? Even if we're getting married, I don't want to do that thing! When he opened the door, he pulled me inside and let go of my hand. I closed my eyes tightly in fear. Geez, what are we going to do here? 

       “What are you doing? You look stupid,” he said. Huh? I slowly opened my eyes and saw his face. His brow furrowed. But wait, what did he say? Me, stupid? I was about to retort, but he quickly turned away from me. So rude! But I was amazed when I saw the inside of the room.

     “Wow!” I exclaimed in amazement as I looked around. There were so many paintings! They were all beautiful. Who could they be? Why are they hidden here?

      “Come here, Aaliyah!” I was startled by Travis' shout. Why did he have to shout? I was still enjoying what I was looking at! Annoyed, I approached him.

     “Sit down,” he ordered me like a king. I sulkily sat down in the chair in front of him. So rude. He acted like he was the boss.

      “What are we talking about?” Why did you bring me here?” I asked nonchalantly.

    “Because our conversation is private, just between us. "Do you understand?" I nodded, though I had my doubts. 

    “You know why we're getting married, right?” I nodded again. “For the sake of the company and our parents' wishes.” I nodded again. Duh, did he think I didn't know that? It's not like we were just together a while ago. 

   “Can you just get to the point?” I asked impatiently. He was stalling again. 

    “Alright, you know that I don't love you, and Mayell is the one I love. When we get married, the company will run smoothly. I want you to know that our marriage will only last for one year.” 

     I was stunned by what he said. Did he really have to tell me that he didn't love me? Gosh! He is so heartless! He didn't even pity me or consider my feelings. And our marriage would only last for a year? Wow! He really planned this very well, huh? which is why he agreed to this marriage. But okay, it's just one year. 

    During that year, even if he doesn't love me, I'll show him and make him feel how much I love him. 

    “If it's only for a year, how will we sign the marriage contract? How about our parents? Won't they know?” I asked, confused. 

    “Don't worry about them; I'll take care of everything. Just remember, we're only getting married for the sake of my company, Aaliyah. Don't forget that. Also, when we get married, when our parents are around, we'll pretend to be sweet. They need to think that our relationship is improving. But when they're not around, don't ever come near me. We won't sleep next to each other. You'll sleep on the bed, and I'll sleep on the floor. Don't worry, our parents won't always be around, so we'll be free to do what we want here at home. When they're not here, you'll sleep in the guest room, but when they're here, you'll be in my room. I just want us to clear things up. Do you understand, Aaliyah?” 

     I just nodded, unable to say anything. He had everything planned out. And the painful part is that he doesn't really care about me. He didn't show even a bit of concern. It's just because of his company that he's like this.

     Even though it hurts and is difficult, I stood up. I might not be able to handle it anymore if I stay here longer. It's weighing so heavily on my chest.

       “Is that all?” He nodded. “Alright, don't worry, I'll remember everything you said. Can I leave now? Trish might be looking for me.” I said coldly.

       “Okay.” I quickly turned around and walked toward the door. I didn't expect this from you, Travis. I don't know why I fell for you, why I loved you so much, or why my heart beat for you. But, as I said earlier, even if you don't love me, I will make you feel and see how much I love you.

     “Wait, Aaliyah,” he called to me as I opened the door. I stopped, not bothering to look back, lest he realize that I was hurting.

    “Remember, Aaliyah, everything we talked about is a secret.” He said it seriously. I just nodded in agreement, not bothering to respond, and just opened the door and left.

    And as I left, the tears that I'd been holding back since earlier finally fell. You're so heartless, Travis! 

  **********

     “Are you sure about this, bestie? You can still back out.” I turned my gaze to my friend, who had been nervous and uneasy since earlier.

   “Trish, can you calm down?” I chuckled and then she pouted.

     “How can I calm down? I'm angry about what's happening to you! You're caught in my family's problem. Yes, I'm happy because you'll be my sister-in-law, and I know you love my brother Travis, but with the things you told me, I feel like you'll have a hard time when you enter this marriage.” 

     I took a deep breath. It looks like I made a mistake by telling her about what Travis and I talked about before. She's been bugging me about it for days. She's the one who's worried about me. I can't hide anything from her. She's the only one who understands me and the only one I trust. I don't just consider Trish as a best friend, she's like a sister to me. So even though Travis said that everything we talked about should be kept a secret, I didn't follow him. I want Trish to know too that there are no secrets between us; we are open with each other.

  

I approached her and held her hands. She's been anxious and worried about me. 

     “I'm the one getting married, not you, bestie. "Who among us is more nervous?” I smiled, “Don't worry about me, okay? I've been thinking about this for a few days. I'm ready for the outcome of my decision. And besides, it's only for a year, then everything will go back to normal.” She let out a deep breath and smiled back.

    “Well, it looks like I can't do anything about it.” You've already made your decision. But always remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what. I'll watch over you.” We both turned to the door as it opened. Aunt Kim appeared, smiling from ear to ear. 

     “Are you ready, girls? "Let's go now.” 

    “Yes, auntie, we're done,” I answered with a smile as she approached Trisha and me.

    “You look so beautiful, dear. That simple white dress suits you so well. "My son is so lucky to have you.” Auntie Kim complimented me, making me feel warm inside.

    “Thank you, auntie,” I replied, and she held my hand.

    “From now on, call me mommy, alright? You and Travis will get married today, and we will become one family,” she said happily. I smiled. It was such a pleasant thing to hear. We would become a family.

     But I couldn't help feeling sad. If only they knew what Travis and I talked about, I thought to myself. Our parents were so happy, but our marriage would only be valid for a year. I would only be part of their family for a year, and I would only carry their child's surname for a year.

     “Okay, mommy,” I said.

      “Much better! Let's go, girls!” Mommy Kim held our hands, and we walked out of Trish's room

     Today is the day of my wedding to Travis. 

     My mom, dad, Travis, and Tito Troy were already there in the office of the judge, and we were the only ones waiting…

     Here it is, Eunice: you're going to marry the man you love but who doesn't love you back. Sigh.

  

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