Prologue

WARNING: This story contains mature content, depicting themes of an age gap and forced marriage.

LYLIA'S POV

While serving the crowd from the cockfighting arena, I noticed Lira and Love nudging each other, as if they were eyeing someone outside the eatery.

Moments later, they were whispering and giggling like lovesick teenagers. What were these two gossiping about?

I followed their gazes and slightly recoiled when I saw the captain of our district. What was he doing here?

"Miss beautiful, are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," asked Keano, one of our regular customers.

"Ah, nothing," I replied, quickly shifting my gaze when my eyes met Captain's. "Anything else you'd like to order?"

"Nothing more, we're already full from your beauty," he joked, earning laughter from his companions.

"You flatterer. Just eat," I retorted, gesturing at him with the tray I was holding.

"Hey, easy there, grumpy—oh, Captain! Over here! There's a beautiful lady here!" he waved in Captain's direction.

"Crazy!" I quickly moved away when I noticed Captain heading our way.

That Keano was always trouble.

"Miss beautiful! Come back here! We'll introduce you to our captain!"

I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head vigorously. "I'm busy! You guys are just messing around! Not me!" I shouted back.

As I approached the counter, my brow furrowed when my sister and friend suddenly came up to me, grinning.

"Oh, what happened to you two? Why the grins?"

They exchanged glances and giggled like children. "You and the captain would look good together," they said in unison.

"I thought I was just seeing things the other day when I saw him in the district hall, but apparently not. He's staying for good," Love said, still grinning.

"I don't know about you two, just get back to work—"

"Miss beautiful! Two servings of spring rolls and sizzling minced pork please!" Keano called out, leaving me no choice but to go back there.

I didn't know why I felt nervous as I walked towards their table. Keano was egging me on with his teasing glances.

It had been a long time since I saw Captain in person, and now, he looked so much more mature.

The last time I saw him, he was thin, but now, his physique was bulky. He obviously worked out. He looked sexy and hot with his braided hair.

"Miss beautiful?" Keano snapped his fingers.

I blinked and looked at him. I only now realized that I had already reached their table and was staring intently at Raze. How embarrassing!

"Ah, here you go!" I flusteredly placed the food down when I noticed Captain's gaze following me.

"Careful!" Raze quickly grabbed my hand when the hot soup almost spilled on it. "Are you hurt? Did any spill on you?"

"N-No," I replied, a bit shy.

I saw the corner of his lips twitch as if he was holding back a smile.

He looked up at me, so I immediately looked away. I pulled my hand back and turned around.

"Enjoy," was all I managed to say.

Before I could walk back, I heard them chuckle softly, making me feel even more embarrassed.

"Her name is Lylia, right?" I heard Raze ask. "I like the softness of her hand."

I froze. Me? Soft hands? With all the work I do here at the eatery? Impossible!

—

Six in the evening when the cockfighting ended, so we started cleaning up.

"Ate, aren't the captain and his companions going home yet?" Lira asked, wiping down a table while I cleared the dishes.

"I don't know. They seem to be enjoying their conversation."

I continued what I was doing until I reached Captain's table.

"Excuse me, I'll just get these," I said, referring to the plates arranged on the table.

I ignored Raze's stares and was about to take the plates when he helped me to it.

"Let me," he said, coldly.

I let him and when he had placed everything on the tray, I turned my back on them.

"Not even a thank you?" I heard one of his companions say.

"Just let her be. That's just how miss beautiful is," Keano added. "Grumpy but kind."

"Kinda rude, bro. He didn't even get acknowledged earlier, and now not even a thank you? Women."

My ears perked up at what the man said.

I took a deep breath and turned to face them.

I slammed the tray down on the table and looked at the man with a furrowed brow.

"You were the one who said that, right? Why are you complaining? Are you Captain?" I asked calmly, but deep inside I wanted to punch him.

"Yes, it was me," he admitted, sounding defiant. "He helped you, and you didn't even say thank you?"

I laughed dryly. "You're funny, aren't you? Are you the captain? And actually, we're about to close. What are you still doing here? Talking about me behind my back?" I turned my gaze to Raze, who was staring intently at me. "Thank you very much for the help, Captain, but you really didn't have to because I could manage. Look, now your companion's blood is boiling," I added sarcastically.

The man stood up, and I could tell he was getting annoyed with me. "Why don't you tell her, Raze? That you're here for her debt!" the man blurted out, making my world stop.

So, Raze was the one my parents owed money to?

"Hey, hey, Ashel, calm down—"

"Not now, Keano. I'm annoyed with that woman."

"I'm even more annoyed!" I exclaimed. "You're here for my debt, right? Fine, I'll pay!" But the truth was, I had nothing to pay them with.

I was about to turn my back on them when someone grabbed my hand, and when I looked back, my heart momentarily stopped beating when I saw it was Captain.

"W-What else do you want?"

"I am here to demolish your house," he said flatly. "As of this moment."

"Y-You have no right to do that," I stammered.

He smirked. "Sad to say, I can since this is my property," he said casually, putting his hands in his pockets. "But I would like to make an offer."

I took a small step back as he leaned closer to me.

"W-What is it?"

"Be my wife."