Chapter 2

Patricia's POV

Days and weeks pass by so fast. It's Monday again and I'm back at school.

"Patriciaaa!"

Kelvin’s shout, my other friend, echoed in the hallway. It's embarrassing. I almost rolled my eyes at him while laughing as he approached me. He greeted me with a hug.

"I've been waiting for you!" he said flirtatiously.

"Why, did you think our building was just close to the parking?"

We went straight to lover’s lane since it still early, we'll hang out here first.

"Spill it!" he grinned at me stupidly. "Jess told me about the wedding-"

I covered his mouth because someone might hear. Jess's mouth really has no brakes!

"It’s true? Silence means yes!" I gasped so he laughed again. What other choice do I have?

Later on, Jess also came with Tyrone, another friend of ours. So I explained everything to them.

"The life of being rich, arrange marriage is just normal" Kelvin commented. "You really have no choice. But I'm not ready to see you get married yet!" he fake a cry.

"Well, the only thing that I can say to you is...good luck. That's all we can do," Tyrone smiled at me that made me feel sad.

"Based on my source, Mr. Velasquez's son was...rude" Jess tapped my shoulder. "You'll getting married just for responsibility and I think you can still do what you want when you get married"

"We will graduate this year. I still had plan to study in med school and pursue my-"

"I don't think your marriage will be an obstacle for that" Tyrone interrupted. "There's no special feeling between you and him, right? You can survive"

Right now, I'm thinking about my fate if it goes through. A lot will change but I can't do anything.

"You didn't experience of having a boyfriend and you will have an instant husband soon!" Jess said. "Thank god I didn't end up in a situation as complicated as yours because I couldn't take that"

"What if, your fiancé’s family doesn't like you? What if they have a bad attitude? Gosh! Scary!" Kelvin was depressed as if he was the one to be married.

"Her parents know and trusted them so I think she'll be good,” Tyrone butt in.

“What if they're just good at the beginning? So be careful Patricia!” Jess said. “A clean family history does not guarantee good behavior,”

"I'm just more nervous about what you're saying," I said bitterly before standing up because our first class was about to start.

Until our classes, I continuously thinking about my problem. I can't seem to think of anything.

I am currently studying as a fourth year college student and I'm taking up BS Biology. In just a few months, our sufferings will end and we will graduate. I also maintain my high grades because I have been a certified honor student since elementary but in my current situation, I seem to be losing my mood to study hard.

"Are you okay? You were lethargic in class earlier," Jess commented while we were in the cafeteria.

I just nodded.

"Don't think about your problem. It's a good thing you were still high on the quiz earlier even though you didn't review!"

"Yeah,"

"That's because you were naturally born smart! So don't wait until you fall short because of your attitudes," she was really like a mother. "By the way, we have an event next month and there is a beauty pageant! A representative is needed by course and all sections are expecting you to participate!" she patted my arm. "If you participate, we will definitely win! You didn't participate in anything that you didn't win!"

"Pass. I won’t participate,"

Her smile disappeared. There are many more that can be representative and I don't know if I can win that contest having a problem now. I can't concentrate.

"Why, Pat? It's our last year so try it!"

"I have a problem, Jess. There are many beautiful people they can join," I stood up to go back to the room.

"It's regretful since all of the students are expecting you when there's a pageant! But anyway, it's more important for you to focus on that marriage first,"

Our class continued and until dismissal, I was silent.

I was troubled and stressed in the days that followed and in the following weeks, I avoid mommy. I don't know why I started to lose my mood as time goes on. I decided to just agree to their plan and even though I haven't talked to daddy about it, I'm sure he'll force me too.

I also can't bear it for us to struggle.

"I’m going," I said goodbye to my friends and got into my car.

I left the school and went straight to our company building.

Along with my way, my mind was in puzzled. My thoughts are flitting around on numerous things.

"Good afternoon, Mam" the security guard smiled at me and let me in.

I quickly parked and took the elevator. The employees greeted me when they saw me. I felt ashamed because I was still wearing my all white school uniform.

I met my mother's secretary. "Exactly, Mam Alondra has free time,"

I smiled before entering the office. Mommy's face lit up when she saw me and greeted me with a kiss. Even though she was smiling, her tiredness was obvious. I know she’s stressed here.

It's been one month since she told me the proposal and she didn't pressure me. She didn't sculpt me anymore, she really gave me time to think. I also have no idea what they talked about with the Velasquez. My mind was full of many questions.

"Are you okay, mom?" I asked worriedly.

She laughed. "Don't mind me. I'm fine," we both sat on the couch. "Do you need something?"

"Uh, nothing" I shook my head. "Uhm…a-about the-"

"About the proposal marriage? What about that? Have you already decided? Don't you really want to?" her voice cracked.

"No, mommy" I gulped. "I accept the proposal,”

Pushing those words out of my mouth felt like something sucked all the energy out of me. My hands were sweaty and shaking. I'm so nervous.

"For r-real?" she looked at me in disbelief. "I-I mean, we're not pressuring you. If you are forced-"

"I'm not," I hold back. "I think, it's my responsibility to help you. My conscience can't handle it when we lose the company. If there’s a solution to save it, I would grab it,"

Tears began to form in mommy's eyes as she repeatedly shook her head.

"I can't believe it" she started crying. "You really agreed!" she hugged me together with her sobs.

"Just for our family, mommy" I whispered.

"Your dad would be happy!" she held my hand. "Mrs. Velasquez just called me earlier and she was asking about your decision"

"What will happened to me?" I asked immediately. "After I marry the man I don't even know?"

"I know you'll be confused now but I'm telling you, you're in the right hands. Me and your dad won't trust them if we don't know them fully" she explained. "You just need to go with the flow. You still retain your freedom, so there’s now problems. You're still free to do what you want and continue your studies," she caressed my hair.

I'm still nervous and scared even though I have assurance from mommy, I still can't stop feeling it. Yeah, I have my freedom to do want I want but there's always limitation. I won't be able to like someone else because I am already tied with the specific person.

I looked at mommy. I wanted to ask something. "About my f-fiancé..."

"What about it, honey?"

"Did he also agree with this set up? They're already rich and wealthy, they have nothing to lose if they marry someone who’s not rich?" I asked out of confusion.

It's been bothering me since she said about the marriage. Like me, was he just forced to marry me? Does he know me? Or maybe they just felt sorry for my family? Gosh! Here I am again.

Paranoid and thinking some negative thoughts but I can't help but to think of it. I can't think of a reason why since they’re so successful. What else?

"I just tried my luck to talk with them and I was surprised because they held me a proposal. I know that they did a background check on our family and we don't have bad records," there's traces of joy on her face. "I know you're thinking that maybe, I begged for them?" she laughed. "No, I would never do that"

She took a folder from the drawer and gave it to me. "It's all about the background of their family. It can help you,"

I immediately opened the folder. Mr. Velasquez’s picture welcomed my sight. Wow, he's really handsome. Even with age, he’s still charismatic. I flip the next page and it's a picture of his beautiful wife. The following pages are pictures of their children who are also handsome, from youngest, second and the last page is the eldest...

I stopped when I saw a man seriously sitting on the sofa, he was wearing a black suit that made his handsomeness even better. I willingly swallowed and couldn't believe that this is the one I'm going to marry? I scanned his face that was almost perfect for me. From beautiful and bright eyes, long eyelashes and a nose with the right angle, his face and jaw are just the right shape.

I almost feel thirsty watching her reddened lips. Just seeing his wearing style, you know he smells good, but I shouldn't be dazzled by his looks.

I quickly blinked to realize that I was staring too much at the picture, it was embarrassing that I was facing mommy!

I looked what at written below the picture and there I saw his age and real name.

"Callum Teo Velasquez...25 years old?!" I exclaimed as my eyes widened.

"Yeah, Callum is your future husband and he's so gentlemen, proven and tested when I met him in their company!"

"Mommy! He's already 25 and I'm just 20!"

"You'll graduate this year and turning 21. There's nothing wrong," she said calmly. "You two look good together!" she clapped her hands.

I sighed and hid the folder. Mommy said a lot of reminders before I left. She immediately called Mrs. Velasquez to confirm that I agreed and she immediately gave the day for a dinner for our families.

"Did I make the right decision? Everything is just so fast!" I poured all my frustration inside my car.

I can't believe the Velasquez's decision was that quick! Are they that excited for their son and I to get married? They didn't give us a chance to have quality time for ourselves for our remaining single days!