Chapter 3: Cated

Erica's POV

My phone rang, disturbing my peaceful sleep.

I groaned and reached for it on my bedside table without opening my eyes.

Who could be calling me this early?

I glanced at the screen and frowned when I saw an unknown number.

I almost ignored it, but something made me answer.

“Hello, who is this?”

“Cinderella, are you still sleeping?”

I frowned.

“Who is this?” I asked again.

“It's me, Phillip. Your worst nightmare.”

My eyes flew open.

“What?”

“Good morning to you princess arrogant.”

I sat up immediately.

“How did you get my number?”

“Your father gave it to me.”

I stared at my phone.

My father gave him my number?

Without asking me?

“What do you want to call me for at this time?”

“It's ten in the morning, Erica. You're still sleeping?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, because I'm tired. Is that a crime?”

“Of course not. But it tells me you're just a spoiled princess who has nothing better to do than sleep.”

I gasped.

“Excuse me?”

“I'll text you an address. Meet me there.”

He hung up.

I stared at my phone in disbelief.

“What audacity.”

I threw my pillow across the bed.

“Ah! I hate him.”

Why did he always have to talk to me like that?

I looked at the time again and sighed.

Ten in the morning.

Our first date.

I could do this.

I just needed to get through three dates, and then I would be free of that arrogant man.

I picked up my phone and called my best friend.

“Hello, Erica."

“Have you prepared the clothes?”

“Yes, I have. But are you sure you want to go through with this?”

“Of course I'm sure.”

“Erica, what if he actually likes you even after all this?”

I scoffed.

“Then I'll have to try harder.”

She laughed.

“Okay, princess. Come over. Your outfit is waiting.”

I ended the call and jumped out of bed.

Today, Phillip would regret ever agreeing to marry me.

After taking a shower, I went downstairs to inform my parents that I was leaving.

My mother was sitting in the living room while my father read something on his tablet.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Mom said.

“Good morning.”

“Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes. I'm going for my first date with Phillip.”

My father's face immediately brightened.

“That's wonderful, princess."

I forced a smile.

“Yes, Daddy.”

My mother smiled too.

“Have fun, dear.”

I nodded and hurried out before they could ask me any more questions.

I wasn't going to tell them what I had planned.

I arrived at my friend's house twenty minutes later.

She was already waiting for me with a bag in her hand.

“Here you go.”

I opened the bag and looked inside.

An off shoulder white top, blue leggings, and a pair of glasses.

I stared at her.

“You're sure this will work?”

She nodded.

“Trust me. You'll look terrible.”

I smiled.

“Perfect.”

I went into her room and changed.

When I came out, she burst into laughter.

“Oh my God, Erica!”

“What?”

“You look like someone who just escaped from a fashion disaster!”

I looked at myself in the mirror.

My hair was now tinted purple, my make was so bad, and the glasses made me look completely different.

I grinned.

“Phillip won't know what hit him.”

My friend shook her head.

“Good luck, girl.”

I waved goodbye and left.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I noticed several people staring at me.

Some whispered to each other.

Others looked at my hair and outfit with amusement.

I ignored them.

I was here for one reason.

To embarrass Phillip.

I scanned the restaurant until I spotted him sitting at a table near the window.

He looked handsome in his black shirt, with his sleeves rolled up and his hair neatly styled.

I hated that he looked so good.

I walked toward him, making sure everyone could see me.

When Phillip noticed me, his eyes widened.

He stood up.

"Who are you?" He asked as I stood beside his table.

"it's Erica" I said as I removed the glasses from my face and put my face closer to him.

"what the hell,

What are you wearing?”

I smiled sweetly.

“Oh, this? This is how I normally dress.”

He stared at me.

I pulled out the chair and sat down.

“Why? Don't you like it?”

He slowly sat down, shaking his head.

I waved at a waitress.

“Excuse me!”

The waitress approached us.

“Good morning. What would you like to order?”

I picked up the menu.

“I want a burger, fries, a large milkshake, and some chicken.”

Phillip looked at me.

“That's a lot of food.”

I shrugged.

“I'm hungry.”

The waitress nodded and left.

Phillip kept staring at me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

I smiled.

“Good.”

When the food arrived, I began eating.

I deliberately made loud noises while chewing, and I didn't bother to use my napkin.

Phillip stared at me in disbelief.

I ignored him and continued eating.

Then I suddenly stood up.

“Everyone!”

The restaurant went quiet.

I pointed at Phillip.

“This is my boyfriend!”

Phillip closed his eyes.

“Erica, sit down.”

I waved at the people around us.

“He's so handsome, isn't he? I'm so lucky to have him!”

Some people began whispering.

Others laughed.

I turned back to Phillip.

“Baby, why are you so quiet? Don't you love me?”

He sighed.

“Erica, stop it.”

I pouted.

“Baby, don't be shy."

He stood up and grabbed his jacket.

“I'm leaving.”

I quickly followed him.

“Baby, wait for me.”

People were laughing as we walked toward the exit.

I smiled to myself.

My plan was working.

Phillip would be so embarrassed that he would never want to marry me again.

When I stepped outside, I saw Phillip standing beside his car.

I walked toward him.

“Why did you come outside?”

He turned and looked at me.

Then he laughed.

“You must be joking.”

I frowned.

“What?”

“You can act dramatic all you want, Erica, but don't think doing this will make me end the marriage.”

I stared at him.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Stop dreaming, princess arrogant."

I tightened my fists.

“Don't call me that.”

He opened the passenger door.

“Get in.”

I blinked.

“What?”

“Get in the car. We're going somewhere.”

I stared at him, completely shocked.

"You see, I really don't want to do this, I don't care if you dressed like a mad woman or not, just don't rub your rubbish on me." He said looking angry like someone that was forced to do this.

I looked at the car, then back at him.

“Where are we going?”

He smirked.

“Somewhere you'll learn how to behave.”

My mouth fell open.

What did he mean by that?