Euphrasia Acosta doesn't believe in fairy tales. She views life solely as a series of trials that one can either succeed at or fail at. So when her father died and she discovered the associated condition of the last will to get her inheritance, she remained resilient. A condition where she has to marry someone before she can use the rights of her inherited land and that leads her to marry Octavious Allejandro the Fifth, a seemingly perfect but domineering man. He was everyone's very own dreamy prince charming. Except for the fact that he is a domineering, workaholic, and possessive man who wants nothing but to possess things. And that includes her. They agreed not to interfere in each other's lives. But her husband does everything to involve himself. And that started the chaos. Chaos between her mind and heart. Chaos with her body and soul. What will be the outcome of their married life, built on a contract, fake relationship, and hidden emotions?
View More“Are you sure about your plan, Euphrasia? The agreement you want to enter into is no joke. You cannot just enter and when you decided that it was not meant for you, you cannot easily back out,” Zanaida expressed with concern, her words laced with worry, the familiarity of a best friend and soul sister.
“I know what I’m doing Zanaida. Also, you know that I have no choice. My father bound me to this Will without having to think about my feelings,” I answered calmly, my voice tinged with bitterness.We were in the hotel suite where I temporarily stayed. Zanaida decided to help me arrange my things for my flight this coming Saturday.“This is just ridiculous! Your father for sure was not in his right mind when he did that Will,” she said in dismay and fell on the sofa.I chuckled. “I’m just his illegitimate daughter. I already expected this. It's even more than I initially anticipated. I thought he wouldn't leave me anything.”My father, Eugenio Acosta, just died of a heart attack. Out of his wealth, the only thing he left to me was my trust fund worth five million and our land on an Island in Palawan. The land on that Island is not even productive unlike the real estate properties my father has given to my two sisters.“But still, your father’s blood still runs through you. Your father is just unfair, to think that it’s not even your fault why you existed in this world,” Zanaida argued.“He still left me something Zanaida. That’s enough for me to be grateful. That’s my mother’s haven. It’s important to me.”"But he shouldn't subject you to this kind of torment. Just admit it. Your father is really unjust to you even when he was still alive.”I cannot sell or develop the land unless I get married. Besides that, if I turn 26 and I’m still single the land would be passed to my sisters.I discovered my father's identity after my mother's death during high school. At the age of thirteen, I lived alone. My father isn’t fond of me. More so, his family. His wife hates me so much to the point that she divorced her husband because she really couldn’t accept the fact that her husband cheated with my mother and I was born. My two sisters loathe me because I broke their family.Even though my father didn’t like me, he didn’t abandon me. He secured a condominium for my residence since I wasn't permitted to stay in their house. He ensured my education at a reputable school and attending to my necessities. I understand that he did that out of responsibility.I’ve been living alone since then and it’s fine. Sure it is. I can’t do anything either. I’m not the type to push myself around people who don’t want me.Sure. Living alone was truly hard. At the age of thirteen, I learned to be independent. Doing things alone without the help of other people. I have no problem with money.Since then I have not got any affection or love from my father. That was sad and I accept that. That’s why I couldn’t understand how he could do this to me. Why would he need to bind me with these conditions? I don’t understand why. Doesn't my emotional pain mean nothing to him? Why does he have to hurt me even after he's gone?I was really hurt. No one has really hurt me like this. Only my father.“Is there no other way to claim your inheritance without getting married? You don’t know Octavious Allejandro. He’s a proud man. He is a cruel businessman. You’re only 21 and he may not agree to your terms. This is really not a good idea Euphrasia,” Zanaida cautioned.I shrugged my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I have a feeling that he will agree with this. He wants my land. He cannot buy it at whatever price. The only option he can choose to use the land is to marry me.”Octavious Allejandro, the ambitious, impatient, and uptight man I have ever known. I have not seen him in person but based on what I heard from Zanaida and other acquaintances, it is not a good decision to negotiate with him. He owns several famous hotels, restaurants and malls in the Philippines. And according to what I heard form business world, he is planning to build a resort on an Island located in Palawan. Unfortunately, it is also the very island on which my inherited land was located.According to my lawyer, Mr. Alejandro and my father have scheduled a business meeting about that land. But the sudden death of my father doesn’t make it through. The next meeting, which is tomorrow will be our first meeting. I will be the one to negotiate because I am the new owner of the land.When I finished packing, I immediately called our family lawyer to ask if the contract I signed had been completed.“HI. MY NAME IS Euphrasia Acosta. I have an appointment with Mr. Allejandro,” I flashed my smile to the woman behind the reception area of one of the tallest buildings of my soon to be husband.“Yes ma’am. It’s on the 17th floor. This way to the elevator.” The receptionist guided me and pressed the elevator herself. I was the only one inside.My formal smile disappeared as the elevator closed. My eyes rolled and I reached for my cellphone in my purse.I called Zanaida. She answers it after a ring. “Don’t go to the restaurant. There’s a change in location,” I informed her.I saw my reflection at the back of the elevator. I wear smoky eyeshadow and red lipstick to emphasize maturity and power because, in this meeting, I should be the one leading. My hair is on a stylish updo made by Zanaida. I’m also wearing a black bodycon dress with a blazer and black stilettos.“What? Why? I’m almost at the restaurant!” Zanaida protested.“I’m going to his office now. His secretary said that he has a sudden meeting at this time that’s why I was advised to just go here instead of waiting for him.”“Hah! Euphrasia! You shouldn’t agree! They're the ones in need of you. They should be the ones following you, not the other way around."“It’s fine. His office was not that far from the restaurant. It’s not a big deal.” The elevator stopped. “Alright, I’ll just see you at the hotel later.” I hang up and put my cellphone back in my purse.It’s not really a big deal. Although it was kind of irritating. I was already at the location and then suddenly, they will change the plans. They should have informed me beforehand so that I wouldn’t waste my time.“Miss Acosta?” The secretary stood when I entered the floor.I nodded my head and beamed at her.“Ma’am, you can wait inside. Sir’s meeting is almost over.”She leads me inside the office. I was greeted by the large office. In the middle part there is the office table and chair. In the back there is a tall glass wall. On the right side is the couch. I sat there.“What do you want for refreshment ma’am? Coffee, juice, tea, or water?”“Just sparkling water please.”The secretary went out and I was left inside. I couldn’t help being amazed at the interior of the office. Very modern. From color to its furniture.While waiting, I just browsed on my phone. The secretary immediately returned with the water. I said my thanks and she left.I was emersed by the videos I was watching when suddenly, “Euphrasia Ray Acosta?” a man’s voice called out to me.I turned around. “Yes?” I was stunned to see who had called me.He’s dressed formally in a white dress shirt and a black tie. It clings to his body, defining the muscle lines from his arms to his torso. His black slacks hung languidly from his belt, and his black and shiny shoes completed his look.His face was chiseled, and he emitted a powerful aura. His unsmiling lips only added to his intimidating appearance. His pupils were cold and black. His stare, although look cold, but it made me feel hot all over. He appeared arrogant, commanding, and even violent. He’s screaming with vigor because, even though we’re meters apart, still, he’s making my legs tremble with excitement.I blushed at the things that were running in my head. It makes me confused a bit because it’s not my thing to describe someone as if he’s a specimen that needs to be discovered. It doesn’t feel like me. This man definitely aroused the primitive instinct deep within me and it doesn’t sound good.The man approached me and held out his palm. “I am Octavious Alejandro the fifth.”Octavious Allejandro… The fifth!It's not really true that if you stay silent, your issues will automatically stop, especially if people keep bringing them up.She couldn't understand why the issue she was involved in kept going viral on social media. She doesn't know what to do anymore. She thought she would be able to return to her normal life soon. She just thought so.After a week on the island, Zanaida also left. We had so much fun, trying all the resort's activities and enjoying relaxation pursuits like body massages and yoga. It was a very peaceful week.Now that I'm alone, I can't help but browse social media out of boredom. Zanaida warned me several times not to read comments on the internet, but I couldn't resist it.And I can't believe people still can't move on from this drama. After all, who can forget the issue when Sabrina's posts keep targeting me?One time, I couldn't help myself; bashers, who were her fans, kept tagging me in one of her posts. According to her post:“People nowadays just don't care.
"Alright boys! You can go back to your work now. I’ll call you again if we ever need another company. Muah!” I grimace as I watch Zanaida blow a kiss to the two tour guides.Currently, we are in a floating cottage. We are watching the sun slowly disappear behind the ocean. As the sun descends, its warm, glowing light bathes the surrounding landscape in a rich spectrum of colors, ranging from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples.The beauty of the sunset is not just in the colors, but also in the way it can evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility in those who witness it. As the light fades and the day comes to a close, the world seems to slow down, allowing us to reflect on the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.The tour guide accompanied us to the floating cottage. We took some photos with them, as Zanaida insisted, and some solo shots. Despite it being evening, it wasn't too nerve-wracking as there were many floating cottages in the sea. It was also w
“Reidnan Sixto Island Resort. The name of the island itself suggests the remarkable attractiveness of its owner,” Zanaida's comment made me shake my head. We disembarked from the plane together. Two days after shopping for our essentials, we immediately traveled here. I had no regrets because even before the plane landed, the view from above was already breathtaking. I also observed the limited presence of people, likely due to the non-peak summer season, which enhanced the overall experience. It provided a feeling of ownership over the island, and the sensation was truly delightful. Zanaida was busy taking photos, occasionally making me her model. The resort staff welcomed us with flower necklaces and crowns. They placed flower crowns on us, and the men received flower necklaces. I marveled at the entire place. It was a breathtaking sight, with the endless expanse of shimmering blue water stretching as far as the eye could see, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. The soun
"Come to think of it. I think this is the best idea," she suggested. "Hide on your husband’s island for at least a month or more! Besides, you already have plans to take a vacation before starting work, right?" "Are you serious, Zanaida? You want me to stay in Octavious Alejandro’s lair?" I expressed in disbelief. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on! He’s your husband. You're even enjoying each other’s company, aren't you? Are you still afraid of him?" "Who said I’m afraid of him? Didn't you tell me he's cruel? I can't... how do I explain this? He is too much to handle." I bit my lower lip. Besides that, he's also too tempting, and that's not good for my heart. "Well, yes, I said that he’s cruel, but to his business. You are his wife, and I don’t think he will be cruel to you. Actually, I find him possessive and aggressive..." She winked as she grinned broadly. "And hot! He’s too hot for you! You know, I still can't believe he would come here just to taste you—" "It's my punishment
"But you are my wife. Whatever your concern is, it will be my problem too," he insisted. "I know," I responded. "I won't say that you're my husband. I value the contract that we made. I know you don't want others to know that you're already married." I bit my lip. "Says who?" he challenged. "Oh, come on! Don't take me for a fool. I know your kind," I rolled my eyes. Can you believe it? If I know, over the years, he probably also thought that he doesn't really have a wife. Because our marriage is just in name only. I never questioned it because, honestly, I sometimes feel partially single, especially when I have a crush. But it's a different story when I get into a relationship. "Let me handle this matter, okay? If... if I ever need your help, I will not hesitate to call you," I promised. And I wish that time never comes. I don't want to owe him. Especially since I know we'll eventually part ways. "Don't... don't just call. Come to me." That left me speechless. "I... I'll think
I quietly returned to the dining table. I couldn't look at Octavious. I felt his gaze following me. Gradually, the events of last night started to sink in. Yes, I did dance with Azielle, but it was a wholesome dance! I didn't know we would be photographed and would go viral on social media. I found out from the articles I read earlier that I was accused of being the third party between Azielle and his actress girlfriend. That their relationship were on the rocks because of me. But what did I know about that, especially since I just came back from another country? I didn't know that Azielle had a jealous girlfriend, that a simple dance could be taken the wrong way. Now, I'm about to face a similar fate with my husband. People on social media have hurled hurtful words at me, and it doesn't affect me. I hope my husband won't do the same. That's a different matter, of course. If he confronts me about it, I doubt I'll be able to remain silent. I pulled the chair next to Octavious. He w
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