Kia was surprised and asked Ares, "Are you serious? You want to marry me?"
Ares felt nervous when Kia posed the question. He thought to himself, "I'm mature enough to take responsibility and make her feel safe."
Anxiously, Ares inquired, "Um... Will you marry me?"
Will she agree? She's lucky to have me as her husband. Look at me. Could I still not meet her expectations? Ares thought.
Kia was caught off guard by the question. She couldn't believe that Ares was talking about marriage so casually. Why doesn't he seem to understand the seriousness of it? Marriage isn't a joke... Anyway, we can always get a divorce after we're married, right? ... Wait, what am I thinking? Kia, snap out of it! Are you blind? He looks like he comes from a wealthy background. We should steer clear of wealthy people; they only bring us pain. Kia thought to herself.
"Oh, no," Kia exclaimed, "never mind. Can you help me find a dress? I really need to go!"
Ares couldn't believe that Kia had rejected him.
"What are you saying?! You're saying no to me? Do you know who I am, lady?! I'm your average guy-next-door!"
He just smiled and didn't respond to Kia's words. "I know we've just met, but I assure you I'm a trustworthy person. I wasn't joking about wanting to marry you; I'll take care of you," Ares replied.
Kia's face and eyes showed anger. It was as if she found his words distasteful and didn't want to hear them. "Didn't you hear me? I said, help me find a dress because I need to leave! I just want to stay away from wealthy people! I'm tired of being deceived!" Kia was irritated.
Ares was surprised by her reaction. She wants to avoid... wealthy people? What has she been through all these years? I need to come up with a new plan... Ares, think!
Ares chuckled, "Rich people?" "You seem to be misjudging what you see... I'm just an assistant... Do I look wealthy?... I'm overwhelmed... But, sorry to disappoint you, I got drunk with my bosses last night and I got really drunk. They felt bad, so they arranged this place for me." Ares sheepishly scratched his head, realizing he had shared more than he intended.
Kia looked at Ares and seemed to be scrutinizing his face. "Are you telling the truth?" Kia asked innocently.
When Ares saw that Kia appeared to believe him, he smiled. "Of course, do I look like I'm lying?" Ares asked, grinning. "But, like I said before, I want to take care of you, so I want to provide you a home."
Ares' words made Kia smile, despite her headache and the lingering effects of the wine she had the night before.
…
Kia
A home... What a comforting word...
The only home I knew in the past was my family: Mom, Dad, and me, their only daughter. But everything changed when my mother tragically died in a car accident. I was deeply depressed during that time. Waking up every day without her, I felt lost.
My dad remarried his mistress and they had a daughter together. Since then, it felt like I had lost my family. The special treatment I once received vanished like it never existed. My father seemed more focused on his new wife and their child. It was as if he had forgotten I was his own child. They now owned the house I once called home. I didn't belong there anymore.
Could this day be the turning point in my life? Is this the loving and caring home I've been longing for? Perhaps it's time for me to make my own choice. There's no harm in trying to lead a normal social life. He seems trustworthy and kind...
"Could you please do as I've asked?" I inquired.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. His presence was so commanding, like an angel from heaven. Lucky guy, some people are just blessed with incredible genes.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Are we entering a marriage of convenience?" I asked again. He nodded, still wearing that smile. "I want us to complete the contract and part ways as if nothing happened after two years..." I explained.
He seemed taken aback as his smile disappeared. His reaction made me anxious. Did I say something he didn't like? Isn't that what he wants?
"Um... We'll divorce in two years, but don't worry, I'll fulfill my duties as your wife during that time..." I added.
Will he agree? Why is he staring at me, speechless? Is there something in my eye? Is my face dirty? I can't bear his awkward gaze any longer. Please, Lord, make me disappear. I think I said something wrong...
"Alright, let's make a deal!" he exclaimed.
Surprisingly, he agreed to my terms without hesitation. Was it really that easy to ask him and have him agree? Maybe he doesn't want a long-term commitment either, which is why he agreed to a two-year contract so readily...
He approached the bed and sat down beside me. He held my right hand, but my left hand was quickly covered by the blanket that was meant to cover my naked body. "Let's not waste any more time; let's get married today," he suggested. "I'll go home and get my identification papers, and you can do the the same. We'll meet at the civil affairs bureau later."
"Mhm! Alright..." I didn't object to his plan and simply agreed.
I stopped him in his tracks when he tried to leave. "Wait!" I called out to him.
"What? Are you having second thoughts?" he asked.
"N-no... I forgot to ask your name," I said, scratching my head, ready to inquire.
My question brought a smile to his face. What a cocky person. What does he think of himself? I know he's attractive, but let's not get too full of ourselves!
He continued to smile as he replied, "I'm Ares France Vuertalejo... Your soon-to-be husband."
"Hmm... Ares... Nice name, huh? Well, Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo, you ripped my dress! How am I supposed to go home like this?!?" I complained.
He scratched his head and chuckled a bit. "I'm sorry, I got carried away and lost control... I'll get you a new one right away!" he said, rushing to the bathroom to change. He left the room after promising to buy me some clothes.
"Well, now that I'm on my own, how can I be sure that Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo isn't a scam artist?"
ARES Kianna Myst Saavedra, I'm betting that you won't be sad to see me leave after our two-year arrangement! *Phone ringing* I reached into my pocket to answer my phone. [What's up, boss? Are you coming to work today? "Get all the bidding projects for the company that treated me last night finished. I'm planning to take them over within a week." [You can trust me, boss. I'll make sure it gets done.] "Alright, have someone bring a complete women's outfit to my hotel room, the one I stayed in last night. Also, buy me a house in Laguna, not too big, just enough for an average office worker's expenses, and then transfer my belongings there after cleaning." [Seriously, boss? Are you out of your mind? You want to live in Laguna, and you want an apartment that looks like it's meant for office workers. "Do you want to look for another job? There's a vacancy in the cleaning department..." [...Boss, I promise! I'll get started right away!] *Call ended* … KIA After waiting for 15 mi
"I'm sorry for the delay," Ares apologized. "Did you wait long? I didn't even notice you..." Kia wondered. "It's windy outside, and I don't want you to catch a cold. Come on, let's go inside," Ares suggested. Kia was left speechless, simply gazing at Ares. Why didn't I find him this attractive this morning... I didn't expect him to be this handsome... Wait, why am I blushing?! Kia pondered silently. Ares approached her slowly, and when he was close enough, he gently took hold of her waist, pulling her closer. "Honey, promise me you won't leave my side. Mhm?... Let's... get married!" he softly uttered, sending shivers down Kia's spine. So, this is the marriage certificate. I can't believe I got married like this... It feels like a dream... Kia thought as she held the paper certifying her and Ares' marriage. Ares parked his car in front of a modest house. He quickly got out and helped Kia out. "I'm sorry it took so long... The traffic was terrible earlier. Let's go home," Ares sa
Kia woke up slowly, the sound around her feeling strangely familiar. Hmmm... What's that noise? When she opened her eyes, she realized she was in a small room. How did I end up here? I was in the car before I fell asleep... Still a bit groggy, she rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up in bed. "Is this Ares' house?" she wondered. "Oh, you're awake? I'm sorry if my typing noise disturbed you. I'm just finishing up a report for work. And yes, this is my home. Once I'm done, we can go out for dinner," Ares smiled as he continued typing. "Um... You can wake me up, actually. It seems like it's already evening. I must have been asleep for a while. I'm sorry for making you wait," Kia scratched her head in embarrassment. How long was I out? I didn't expect to sleep this much. It's embarrassing, especially since Ares had to carry me into the house. "I didn't wake you up because I figured you might be tired from all the packing earlier, and you brought quite a bit of stuff," Ares explained, fla
KIA "Oh, you're here! Ah, ah—" When someone spoke from behind her, Kia turned her head abruptly, almost slipping. She shut her eyes, bracing for impact, but Ares caught her by the waist. "Are you okay?" Ares asked, concern in his voice. Kia was too shaken to respond at first. Ares gently released his hold on her waist and helped her regain her balance. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize the floor was wet. Don't worry, I'll clean it up." "Ahh, I'll just be more careful next time. Thanks." Why does he have to make it so dramatic when he catches me? It's like something out of a soap opera with a bossy President. You're being ridiculous, Kianna Myst Saavedra! I've been replaying that moment in my head for what feels like hours. Am I losing my mind? I've tried to sleep, but fatigue seems to have abandoned me completely. Despite the comfortable bed in Ares' room, sleep eludes me. Maybe I won't be able to sleep if I keep ruminating on things like this. "Sh*t! I have class in the morning! What
"What did you just say, Kianna? You're calling me a mad dog?!" Vera's anger was almost palpable, and a few classmates stepped in to restrain her. "Wow! I didn't expect the 'mad dog' to react so quickly. How amusing!" Kia grinned, her expression as if she had just encountered an adorable kitten. Clearly irritated, Vera picked up her tumbler as if to throw it at Kia. "You!" Classmates rushed to her side, trying to prevent her from doing anything rash. "Calm down, Vera! Ma'am Ramos is on her way, and if you do that, you might get into trouble." Vera reluctantly released her grip on the tumbler and took a deep breath. She sat down in her chair, seething, and muttered, "Fine! Stop touching me! Let's see if the previous professors don't reprimand you for being late..." She said this in a low voice. "What are you talking about? Don't expect me to be scolded because I talked to our teachers and requested a leave of absence due to my unexpected marriage," Kia explained, defending herself.
The hotel room was bathed in the gentle morning light, with the sun's rays warming their faces as they woke up. They rubbed their sleepy eyes, greeted by a serene and sunny morning. Fluffy white clouds floated across the sky. "You know, I've spent a lot on Kia, but she won't even let me touch her hand. Not once. She's so reserved," Vincent remarked. He turned to Asteria and continued, "You, on the other hand, are much more accommodating, even allowing me to be intimate in my office." "You know me well, honey. Does that mean I'm the only one you're involved with?" Asteria asked, her curiosity piqued. Vincent was taken aback by the question. He hadn't expected Asteria to inquire about this. "Right, Vincent?" Asteria pressed, repeating her question. "Yeah, honey, you're the only one," he replied, although it wasn't entirely truthful. "In that case, I have something to ask you," she said. There was a moment of silence, during which Vincent tried to mask his nervousness with a smile.
"Kianna, I finally found you! You didn't answer my calls or texts, so I had to come here. Tell me the truth, are you married? I'm your boyfriend, your fiancé! You can't treat me like this!" He looked upset and tried to approach Kianna, but the guards stopped him. "Shut up!" Kianna shouted angrily, silencing the crowd. "Kia, what's wrong with you?" he asked nervously, wondering why Kianna was acting so arrogantly. "Don't tell me... she knows about Asteria and me. No, that's impossible! I've been keeping it a secret from her!" Vincent thought to himself. "Don't call me that! You disgust me! I blame myself for not realizing what kind of person you are," Kia said, feeling repulsed by her ex-fiancé. "You can't treat me like this! We've been together for five years! I can't believe you'd be so heartless and marry someone else soon!" he stammered, struggling to maintain eye contact with Kia. Kianna was furious. She never expected to see the person she had loved for years behave like thi
KIAThe bell rang loudly, a sign that the class was over. I grab my things and put them in my bag. Most of my classmates were rushing to go home while some were just talking and laughing, minding their own business. I was about to get up when suddenly Miaree approached me, “Kia! Wait! Are you free today? I wanted to see your new house and also your husband. Can we come over to your house?” Miaree said, twinkling her small eyes. I saw Marcy rushing towards us. Look who has an ear like wolves, “Can I come too? I’m very curious about your new home. Is it big? More extensive than your dad’s house?” he excitedly said. “Uhm— I’m sorry, but I can’t… We are too busy today to clean the house. We have a lot of things to do so maybe next time, and maybe it’s better if I let him know first before inviting you guys since it’s his house in the first place… I’m sorry…” I murmured and a fake smile formed on my lips.Their lip corners were pulled down, and misery was written all over their faces. T