CHAPTER FOUR

Marco's POV:

“Dude, I heard your mom's setting you up with someone else,” said my gossipy friend Aaron, who had just arrived and casually threw an arm around my shoulder.

“Get off me,” I snapped, shrugging off his arm. If he weren’t my friend, I probably would’ve punched him already. I continued drinking without sparing him another glance.

“Is she hot and sexy?” he teased, raising his eyebrows with that annoying look on his face.

I didn’t respond. I simply smirked, shook my head, and took another drink.

“Dude don’t mess with him. He’s been pissed off for a while now,” Leo warned.

“Woah! Okay, I’ll shut up now,” Aaron said as he sat beside Leo.

They had been chatting nonstop, but I ignored them the whole time. I just kept drinking. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that my mom made a decision like that—just like that—to marry me off to some girl. She knew how much I loved Natalie, but just because she didn’t approve of her, she found some girl she could pay to marry me?

Tsk. I shook my head in disbelief.

As the dizziness from the alcohol started to set in, I decided to leave the two idiots behind. I was going to see my mom at her office. I knew she’d still be there around this time. I wanted to clear things up—especially about the illness she vaguely mentioned.

“Where are you going, bro?” Leo asked, and he exchanged glances with Aaron.

“Heading home,” I answered shortly.

“Are you sure you can drive? You’re already drunk.”

I just gave a slight nod and turned away.

“Alright, take care,” Aaron called out.

Despite being drunk, I still drove to Mom’s office. I’d done it so many times before—especially after fighting with Natalie. I’d go home drunk and drive drunk. Death must already be used to me.

I slammed the office door open. Inside, I saw the woman who’s always with my mom—probably her secretary. She stood up immediately.

“Where is Mom?” I asked as I looked around.

“S-she already went home, sir,” she stammered.

I walked closer to her and scanned her from head to toe. Her clothes were old-fashioned, she was thin, wearing eyeglasses, and her hair was a mess—like she’d been yanked around. Doesn’t she know how to brush her hair?

But what made me frown was her ID. Lexien Mendez. So, she’s the one Mom was talking about? The one I’m supposed to marry? Tsk.

She noticed me reading her ID and quickly tried to cover it, but too late—I had already read it. It’s her.

An idea crossed my mind. I decided to give her a little warning.

I stepped even closer and suddenly grabbed her arms tightly.

“Look!! Listen to me—and listen well. If you go along with my mom’s twisted plan, this won’t be the last thing I’ll do. I swear, I’ll make your life a nightmare,”

I could see the fear in her eyes—which, honestly, I found satisfying. I let go of her and walked away, leaving her frozen like a statue.

Tsk. As if I care how she feels. Playing innocent, pretending she wasn’t paid off. Pathetic. I couldn’t help but smirk—her terrified face still fresh in my mind.

That should be enough to scare her off from going through with Mom’s ridiculous plan.

I decided to head home. Just me and a bottle—my only plan for the night. As for Mom… she could wait.

****

“The number you have dialed cannot be reached.”

"Damn it!"

I nearly crushed my phone in frustration. I’d been calling Natalie nonstop, but she wasn’t answering. I’d been waiting at the airport for hours. She was supposed to be back from New York today.

Things got even more chaotic when someone recognized me—moments later, reporters came rushing toward me.

Reporter 1: “Sir Marco, are you here to pick up Ms. Natalie?”

Reporter 2: “So you got back together? Are you planning to propose again?”

I ignored them and rushed to my car, speeding away to escape all the drama. Ugh. It’s hard dating someone that famous.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter with every unanswered call. “Come on, Natalie, pick up,” I muttered.

When she didn’t, I slammed my palm against the wheel, teeth clenched. I couldn’t even head straight to her condo—paparazzi would be swarming the place by now.

So, I just drove straight to my place.

As soon as I opened the door—

“Pop!” The sound of a champagne bottle being uncorked.

“Surprise, babe!!” she exclaimed joyfully, running toward me and hugging me.

I sighed in disbelief. All that time I spent waiting at the airport like a fool… and she was here the whole time. In my condo.

“Why, babe? Aren’t you happy I’m here?” she asked, frowning.

“I waited for hours at the airport for you. I was almost mobbed by reporters. I kept trying to reach you, but you didn’t leave any message,” I said, frustrated.

“Sorry, babe. My phone was off, and I didn’t send a message because I wanted to surprise you. I even snuck in just to avoid the reporters.”

She pouted. She really was cute. I couldn’t stay mad. I hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.

“I missed you, babe,” I whispered as I pulled her closer and leaned in to kiss her—

“Wait, babe. Someone’s here. It’s embarrassing,” she said, pulling away.

I frowned and turned to see who she was talking about—her assistant.

Tssk!! So close, yet still not mine alone.

“Why’d you bring her…? I just wanted a moment with you.,” I whispered to her.

“You’re crazy,” she said with a soft chuckle. "I just needed a little help sneaking in without being seen. I won’t stay long—I’m visiting my parents later."

“Wait...what?!!! So that’s it? After everything, that’s all the time I get?”

"I wish I could stay longer, but my parents miss me… and if I linger, the reporters might catch on. I know Tita Esmeralda still holds a grudge after what happened last year. I just… want to be careful."

“She already knows.”

“What?!” she gasped, her voice rising. “How?

“So, what if she knows? Nothing’s changed—we’re still being forced into marriage.”

She didn’t say a word—but I could see it in her eyes. I knew exactly what was coming. "No". No, not this…again!!

“I’m leaving again,” she whispered, eyes fixed on the floor.

“What?!” My heart dropped. It felt like I’d been hit by a freight train. I knew it—I just didn’t want to believe it.

“I-I’m leaving again babe…”

I clenched my fists. “So, what is this celebration for? For leaving me again?!”

Even her assistant looked terrified as my voice grew louder.

“I’m sorry, babe. Why don’t you just come with me? Let’s go abroad together—so you won’t have to feel like this every time I leave.”

“You know I can’t. Mom needs me here, and I’m the only one left to handle the company. We already talked about this. We made plans. And now, it’s all falling apart again.”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I kicked the nearest chair, and both of them flinched and stepped back.

“Please, Marco. Calm down.”

“You want to leave? Then go! And don’t ever come back! We’re done, Natalie!”

“Marco, please, let me explain—” she stepped closer, but I took a step back.

“B-babe… this is the last time, I promise,” she said on the verge of tears.

“You’re selfish, Natalie. You never care how much it hurts me when you choose your career over us. I’m done begging, done waiting. Maybe Mom was right—maybe I really am the only one who loves here. You? You just love your modeling.”

“For almost 10 years… I’ve endured this. I thought you’d finally keep your promise—but no. I’ve been let down again.”

“Marco, please… I didn’t want things to turn out like this. I’m sorry I let you down again,” she choked out through her tears.

“So, you’re still leaving?” I asked, my voice cracking.

She didn’t answer, only cried harder.

“I’m asking you, Natalie—are you still leaving?!” I shouted.

She stepped forward and held my hand.

“I’m sorry, babe. I promise… this really is the last time. I won’t be gone long. Please…”

Like you said before— “I’m sorry, Natalie. I can’t take it anymore.” I shook my head and pulled my hand away. I wanted to cry too, but I held it in. I wasn’t going to show weakness—I’d show her my anger instead.

“M-Marco…?”

“Leave!” I shouted, pointing at the door.

“P-please, Mar—”

“I said leave!!!” I roared.

Startled, they quickly gathered their things. Her assistant helped her to the door.

“I’m sorry…” she said one last time before the door closed.

The moment they left, I lost it.

I punched the wall and threw whatever I could get my hands on. My heart was shattered.

“Every damn time! She walks away like it’s nothing! How much more do I have to take? I’m done!”