Chapter 2

What a bad idea to challenge someone with the wrong sword.

I can’t believe my father has finally abandoned me. Instead of living the life I wanted, I was stuck in a place where I shouldn’t have been.

When the man called my father, he denied me. He denied having a daughter. He said that he has no idea who I am. That shattered my heart and made me despise him even more than I already did.

I recall that night before I ran away from home.

I'd returned home after a long day at work. My father was the president and I was the finance director. I enjoy my job, which is why my father's announcement that I would be promoted from finance director to vice president caused me a great deal of distress.

I live a lavish lifestyle. My life was everything but ordinary. I was homeschooled until I finished high school. I was highly guarded throughout college, so I definitely don’t have a life to enjoy. My relationship has always been kept private.

I was Andro Ympress’s perfect daughter. He had high expectations of me. And even if I accomplish something, it isn’t enough for him.

I was fed up with trying to please my father and being perfect. I no longer feel like myself and instead, feel like a robot. I don’t have a choice.

And as vice president, I’ll be under much more pressure. I could meet people without Dad’s permission in the finance department. I’d be able to act normally. Being in a high-ranking job will force me to give my all, and Dad will undoubtedly expect more. That, of course, was insufficient for my ideal father.

Well, in the end, I realized that whether I was in a high position or not, if I have my own choices and decision, my father could never get in the way.

I was ready to accept the job, but not until that fateful night. I overheard him conversing with his business associate. I couldn’t believe he can casually hand over my hand to someone who looks remarkably identical to my father!

“How dare you plan my marriage with that dirty, repulsive, and old guy! He practically passed for my second father!” I screamed. I yelled at my father for the first time. I’m no longer his ideal daughter. I'm done following all his rules! I wanted to leave.

So I run anyway.

What did I end up with? Rather than escaping the issue, I became much more entangled in it.

I'm stuck. That sarcastic expression tells me he isn't going to believe any more excuses I give. I have no friends. What good will it do me to contact such acquaintances if my father has already stated that he is unfamiliar with me and that he does not have a rebellious child?

Why is it that life is so harsh? I only wanted to be free, and now I'm back in yet another prison, this one bigger and more agonizing than the last.

“Veronica, I’m warning you, don’t test my patience. I’ve been holding out on you for a long time, and you won’t like what happens when you test my patience,” the man in front of me said coldly, bringing me back to the present.

“I told you I’m not Veronica!” I exclaimed. I spat sincerely and walked out of that office, saying, “I’m sorry, but you can’t rule my life. I don’t even know you.”

I’m trembling with rage for my father, that man, and the circumstance I’ve found myself in! This isn’t what I’m looking for. I already have a lot of things planned for my life, and this was never one of them. So, why am I here?

Where had the wallet gone? It's possible that they took it and hid it. That made me stop walking away.

"What the hell? What if they actually know I'm not Veronica?" I mutter nervously.

The thought made me even more eager to get out of that house.

When I returned to my room, I quickly grabbed my belongings and dashed out the door.

The hallway and living room, fortunately, are empty. As I moved out the door, my step became faster. I could practically hear my heart racing near my ears. I was afraid that someone would notice me fleeing. I was gasping for air.

As soon as I stepped out of the house, I dashed to the unguarded gate. My anxiety grew even stronger. I tapped the cold iron gate with a shaky hand.

Someone touched my arm as I pushed firmly against the metal fence. I screamed in terror and panic.

“Where on earth do you think you’re going?”

“Don’t touch me!” I screamed, struggling to free myself from his grip.

He gripped my arm even tighter. Fear warped my features. Oh my goodness, he has the ability to harm me! I have to get out of here before I turn into a battered wife!

As I continued to resist, he brought me back home. I slapped him across the face and kicked him, both of which he successfully dodged. As he glanced at the house’s door, his face was quite black. I should be terrified, but I’m not! It gives me the confidence to go insane, especially when my life is on the line! I didn't run away from my father's shadow to be imprisoned by him!

"Hey?! Please let me go! You don't know who I am and I am not your wife!"

"Shut up, Veronica! You just want to return to your boy and abandon this family! I'm not going to let you!"

He pulled me into the air in one swift motion before I could damage his eardrums with my shout. He was carrying me around like a sack of rice! His butt was right in front of me. I moved my legs to kick him because I was so enraged at what he did. I'm hoping to hit something!

He seized my knees and slapped me across the butt. I was stunned.

I whacked his back in frustration. “What the hell are you doing to me?! You have no right to do this!”

He walked into my room and nearly threw me on the bed! What the hell is going on here? That thug!

“Try to run away again, and I’ll lock you up in your room!” he yelled. His face was nearly bursting at the seams with rage. He looks at me so intently that I can’t speak. Damn this jerk!

I followed him out the door, giving him an evil look. I screamed angrily.

I can't believe I've ever felt that much rage in my life! This emotion causes me to cry uncontrollably, and too much is too much. I simply cannot take it all!

I'm leaving this fucking hell!

I reached my patience limit a few days after being a prisoner at the house because every day was spent doing nothing.

I'm unable to leave the house. More guards were stationed at the entrance and even in the back of the home. It is truly difficult to flee.

I couldn't stop thinking of ways to get out of the house. I'm not even sure where I am in the Philippines! But the breeze was cold outdoors, so I think I was in Tagaytay or Baguio.

If it's not urgent, the helpers don't bother me. They appear to despise me, and I understand that their rage is directed at Veronica. Because I'm the one experiencing things, I can't help but become bored.

I was lying down on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I have to keep myself occupied. It's Monday, and I'm doing nothing!

I don't have access to a computer or a mobile. I have no idea where my belongings have gone. When I asked about it with the people in the house, they constantly say that I should ask their boss instead. I'm not going to talk to that guy!

I was annoyed because every time we talked, we ended up yelling at one another and him locking me in my room for hours! He was posing as a devil! He was only courteous when his child was around.

When the child is there, we pretend to be a beautiful family. He gives me a friendly grin and speaks to me in a calm manner. But I’m well aware that it’s a hoax! And I’m tired of living my life pretending to be someone I’m not!

I’d almost melt where I was standing if it weren’t for his child, for his severe glare always burnt me. I must admit that he captivated me the first time I saw him. I felt guilty and disgusted now. My standards are high. It will never be reached by this beast! And a married man will never appeal to me.

I get up from my slumber, irritated and hungry. It was early morning, and the sun was shining brightly. I had done nothing and was unable to sleep. I just made the decision to prepare breakfast.

Breakfast is something I miss. Rice was well-known in this household. Fried rice in the morning, rice in the afternoon, and rice in the evening. It's understandable given the presence of a student, but it's not something I'm used to.

Pancakes, oatmeal, sandwiches, or just coffee are the options. I don't eat a lot of rice because it gives me calories. Recently, I haven't been able to work out. I'm not sure if there was a gym here; I'll inquire later. Tss. It would have been preferable if I could jog outside, but I wasn't even allowed to leave the building, and I worried that I wouldn't be able to take the cold. Now, I'm quite sure this house had a gym or fitness equipment. Just take a look at the man's physique.

I immediately went to the kitchen after tidying up. Breakfast was being prepared when I noticed the helpers. There was also Manang Tess.

I remember asking her for the brute’s name and the name of his child.

“You can’t fool me, Veronica, that’s your husband and son, and you don’t know their names?”

I rolled my eyes. “Will I ask if I know? I told you I’m not Veronica, did anyone believe me? Now, tell me the name of your boss or I’ll call you and everyone else in this home a cartoon character name?” I threatened, raising an eyebrow.

She finally reveals to me their names in the end. Manang Tess was the housekeeper. Gigi and Hana are the younger maids. Last but not least, the house’s owner was none other than Zackarious Bullet Hyacintt.

He’s someone I’m familiar with. In business, that name was well-known. White horse in the wild. His domain is mighty, yet he is enigmatic. It is self-sufficient. Nobody gets too close. My father was only a few steps away from taking flight! Our company is insignificant in comparison.

If I were to equate it to a house, ours would be stone and his would be a castle.

I was completely insane for trying to test the patience of a well-known corporate monster. How would I know he was such a strong and powerful individual?

Of course, I’m unconcerned since, as I’ve always said, I’m not Veronica and have done nothing wrong to them.

Zanarious Ash Hyacintt was the name of the son. The adorable, innocent, and charming boy. And, of course, everything was being done for the sake of the boy.

I’m not sure why Zackarious was still attempting to save his shattered marriage. Why doesn’t he just end the relationship and start over with another woman? Is he so in love with his wife that reuniting with her is preferable than divorce her? I understand that he wants to give his son a complete family, however… If I were Zackarious, I wouldn’t rely on a perfect family to exist. They are still family despite having only each other. They don’t have to pretend to be happy in front of the child because all of it will be thrown at the child.

The child may even believe that his family isn’t genuine, and this can be accomplished without putting any feelings or emotions into it.

But, since I was not in their shoes, any advice I gave was solely for my own benefit.

Despite the fact that I did not live as someone for the entirety of my life, I can say that the life I had was genuine. True, if not flawless.

When I was young, my mother died of cancer. My father is completely devoted to her. He turns to me and changes my path when destroying himself isn’t enough. He shuts all of my doors and begins to make decisions for me. He turns me into the daughter everyone wants. He rules my life, and I am yearning to be set free, just like a wave stuck by a bridge.

I did get my release, only to be caught by another bridge wall. My violent waves are starting to push and break it in retaliation.

What we don’t have in this life is something we yearn for. What we don’t see is something we would like to see. What we don’t feel is something we wish to experience. And what our hearts desire is something that may either heal or destroy them. This is the circle of life.

As a result, we can’t really blame some people for being envious of what they don’t have. Even if I have all I need, I still feel a sense of lack, absence, and loss. Something appears to be missing.

I first felt free when I decided to defy my father. It was a wise decision. Things like other individuals being in a lot worse circumstances than mine enlightened me. And then it hit me: we’re all the same. It all comes down to us, whether the situation is big or small. On the decision we will make, the means we will employ, and the outcome we desire.

I’m just furious about what happened to me. I’m feeling free, real, and human, and then I’ll be confined here.

It’s not fun, especially when everyone in the home seems to despise me. Despite the fact that I’m not doing anything.

I shut the door to my room. I chose to go out just because I was bored. When Rious was around and we were eating, I only went out.

Rious, the gentle and innocent boy. He insists on seeing her mother. I’m not sure what Veronica did, but I’m sure she forgot about her son.

In this lifetime, I swear I will not be like her.