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 minutes, I heard a knock on the door. It must be Ares. What took him so long to buy me some clothes? I wrapped the blanket around me before heading to the door.
A hotel staff member greeted me with a smile as she carried paper bags. She said, "Good morning, ma'am! This is from someone for you."
I accepted it graciously, thanking the employee, and locked the door. It had to be Ares... He seemed engrossed in his work. Is he really looking forward to getting married?
Without wasting any time, I packed my things and checked out of the motel. I hailed a taxi and went straight home.
When I arrived, I called out, "I'm back!"
"...Dad, can I talk to you for a moment?" I tried to sound composed, but the anxiety I felt was different from yesterday.
You've got this, Kia, just stay calm.
Dad's response was, "You still remember this is your home..." I could see anger building in his eyes as I observed his actions. "It's absurd for a girl like you to stay out all night and not come home. Do you still consider yourself a responsible woman?" He raised his voice.
"I'm sorry, Dad, but I really can't explain right now... I didn't leave the office until early in the morning..." I tried to hide the truth; I couldn't bring myself to tell my dad that I spent the night with someone else...
"Dad, I wanted to discuss something important with you today..."
"What is it? I don't have all day, so if you have something to say, say it now," he said, sounding like he was in a hurry.
"I'm planning to marry someone else. I don't want to go through with the marriage to Vincent Rivera because I suspect he's been cheating. So, Dad, please understand that I can't marry him," I admitted, unable to meet his gaze. My eyes were fixed on the floor as I waited for his response.
We have to update our household registration for housing assistance through the civil service, and he wants us to live together. But it's not practical for me to stay here all the time when I have my own place, I explained.
"Do you even qualify for public servant housing benefits these days?" I asked my dad while he sipped his coffee and looked at me with a smirk. "And if you get deceived, don't come crying to me for forgiveness!... Fine, follow your heart's desires! I'll finally be able to enjoy some peace without you."
When he said that, it felt like my whole world was crashing down, and all I could do was gather my strength. He has his own life now, and he doesn't need me, so it's easy for him to let me go.
"That's her, alright!" I heard her voice and quickly turned to see her. It was Avery Saavedra, my stepmother. I gave her a fierce glare.
"I guess you don't want to see me, huh?" I retorted. "You didn't even tell me when you were coming home," I added.
Why is she here? What impeccable timing. Whenever I hear my stepmother's voice, it's like the irritation and anger I'm trying to hide from her comes out first. I don't know why it happens.
"It has nothing to do with you! Besides, didn't your daughter come home with you last night? Why don't you ask about your beloved daughter's plans for last evening?" I snapped.
Her response was to approach her father in a pitiful manner, clearly upset by how I had treated her. "Look at her, honey... It's embarrassing how she treats me in front of you... She doesn't know how to respect her parents or other adults, even though we never raised her to be disrespectful."
My stepmother's hurtful words immediately infuriated my father. His nostrils seemed to smoke as he scolded me, "How dare you speak to your mother like that! Apologize to her right away!" He was clearly in pain.
I couldn't understand why he always defended my stepmother, yet he couldn't be bothered to check on me, his own child. "Why should I apologize to her, Dad? I didn't do anything wrong... She's not my biological mother! Unfortunately, Mom passed away a long time ago."
Daddy abruptly stood up upon hearing my words. "You! How dare you talk back to me!" He shouted, his thoughts racing to process the information I had just revealed.
"It won't change anything whether I stay here or move in with you. I haven't felt like a part of this family for a very long time. I'm leaving!" Annoyed, I quickly left the house.
Just as I was about to make my escape, Daddy's shout halted me in my tracks, "Fine! If you can, never come back!"
I headed straight for the Civil Affairs Department's Marriage Registration Bureau. After what happened at home, I had nowhere else to go. I had no choice but to agree to the terms of this marriage contract... but was I rushing into it too hastily?
Were these decisions I was making the right ones? I found myself at the Civil Affairs Bureau, struggling to remember his full name. All I could recall was that he went by Ares, and unfortunately, I didn't have his phone number. How could I contact him now? It felt like it was too late for me.
What had led me to make such a quick decision? Who in their right mind marries a complete stranger on the spot? I kept berating my own foolishness...
"I'm sorry I'm late," a man's voice said.
It was him...
"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
KiaI'm now laying in my bed. Trying to make myself fall to sleep. But I can't stop thinking about the fact that there should be many women who have a crush on a man with an excellent appearance like Ares. I don't want to owe him, let alone to be obsessed with… besides… to fulfill the duty of a wife. We were not born yesterday, we clearly know the real duty of a wife. Gosh! I can't sleep! Suddenly I heard someone opening the door. He seems back from work. I got up and went into the living room. Seeing him sitting on the couch. It seems like he is really tired."Good…Good evening," I said, greeting him."It's getting late… Why are you still awake?""I can't sleep…" I suddenly noticed that there were pillows and blankets beside him, "Did you sleep on the sofa these last two days? Why don't you sleep in the guest room?"He scratched his head and smiled politely, "The room hasn't been occupied for a long time, and I don't have time to clean it up.""The sofa is too small for you, it mus