‘In my 21 years living in this world... I never thought that my life was like a movie. There are so many unexpected plot twists. And there are untold truths, and it gradually revealing.’ Mariane snorted at her thought.
‘I should have written my story. Maybe there’s a chance that directors will notice it, and probably they will film my life.’ She wiped her face out of her frustration and groaned.
After hearing the truth about her identity from Anastacia, Mariane ran away from their house and went to the convenience store. She bought a soju and stayed outside the convenience store where there was a table with an umbrella where you could sit and eat.
Mariane needed some time to process the things she found out today. And now she completely understood why Diego didn’t look her in the eyes. And he was treating her coldly. Now Mariane was confused about what she should feel for Diego. Will she despise him? Or grateful? Or will she pity him? But maybe she'll feel the latter. It wasn't easy to accept the person you love was being raped by someone you knew. And it wasn’t easy to see the fruit of the tragic past and live under the same roof.
Mariane heaved a sigh. ‘Well… I guess dad is right. I should be grateful to him. Because he still accepts my mom, even after knowing that the person he loves dearly was being raped. And she even bears a child from the fruit of the sinner.’ Mariane clicks her tongue and sips her soju.
From afar, Kimberly Chua, Mariane’s best friend, passed by the convenience store and noticed her. Kimberly Chua was Mariane’s classmate back in high school. But even if Kim was her closest friend, Mariane was not used to telling her problems from her unless it was about school or her love life.
“Hey!” Kim tapped her shoulder, which made Mariane jump in surprise.
“Oh, my gosh! You make me nervous, Kim. I thought you were someone I didn’t want to see right now. Don’t surprise me!” Mariane exclaimed while holding her chest as she felt like her heart will get out of her ribcage.
‘I thought it was the guy from earlier.’ She sighed in relief.
Kim narrowed her eyes at Mariane suspiciously. “And who is that someone you don’t want to see?” She intriguingly asked.
Mariane rolled her eyes towards her friend. “None of your business,” she said, which made Kim hold her chest as if she got hurt by her remarks.
“Ouch… The person who I thought was my best friend never shared her secrets with me… I sometimes question myself if I am your best friend… Or just someone who's nothing to you.” Kim dramatically said.
Mariane looked at her friend as if she got heard a ridiculous drama. “Why don’t you apply to become an artist… I think you’ll be a talented actress.”
“Ha-ha-ha. Funny,” Kim sarcastically said, which made Mariane chuckle.
“But seriously… What’s the matter? You looked so serious earlier while sipping your soju. You’re supposed to be happy because it’s your birthday. But here you are drinking alone.” Kim stated.
“Yeah… It’s my birthday… I should be happy. But how can I? I don’t even have the right to celebrate my birthday.” Mariane muttered.
“What are you saying?” Kim asked with her brows furrowed. As she didn’t hear Marian clearly.
“It’s nothing. I was just getting some fresh air while drinking this.” She raised the bottle she was drinking. “I was just exhausted, that’s all.” Mariane shrugged.
“Are you sure?” Kim asked, which made Mariane nod.
“By the way… I have something to ask… This is a story of my friend, and she wanted some help.” Mariane started.
“Do you have any other friends aside from me?” Kim asked her sarcastically, which made Marian glare at her.
Kim muttered, ‘sorry’ while her hands were raised like she was surrendering. “Go on. I’ll listen.”
“Well… The friend I was talking about is my colleague at the bar where I work. She had a problem. She told me that she found out that the parents she had known were not her biological parents. She asked me what to do if I were in her shoes.”
Kim slowly nodded as if she understood what Mariane was talking about. “Well… First, I will ask who are my biological parents. Then, I’ll be grateful because… If it weren’t for them, I would be nothing. But if my life became miserable while I lived with them, I’ll probably leave them and find my family.” Kim grinned.
“You know me, dude… I will not stay where I know they will hurt me. Luckily, I have reliable parents and a twin brother.” Kim stated.
“Thanks,” Mariane muttered.
“You’re welcome. But are you sure it was your colleague’s story and not yours?” Kim narrowed at her.
“Yeah.” Mariane smiled to reassure her.
“Okay. If that’s what you said.” Kim shrugged.
“Do you want to go to my place? Let’s celebrate your birthday.”
“Nah… I have something to do,” Mariane said as she stood up and was ready to leave.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“In my house?” Mariane answered in a sarcastic tone.
“Fine. You owe me a treat, alright?” Mariane nodded.
They both bid goodbyes to each other before they went apart. Mariane was walking on her way back to their house when a group of thugs came and blocked her way. She got stunned when she saw them drooling over her body with lust looked on their faces. Mariane immediately covered her chest with her arms when she realized that she was wearing a body-fit shirt that shows her curves.
“W-who are you?” Stuttering, Mariane managed to ask.
Mariane swallowed as one of the men slowly approached her. The man raised his hand and was about to hold Mariane when a dagger suddenly flew and stabbed directly into the man's arm, causing him to cry out in pain. His companions immediately became alert and looked at the origin of the dagger, while Mariane's eyes widened in shock at the speed of the incident.
‘What just happened?’ she thought while still in a daze.
“No one dares to touch my woman.” The guy who just arrived at the scene sternly said, which made the thugs turn their heads to the newcomer.
“Hey! Who are- It’s David! Run!” One of the goons said as they saw David and his group approaching them.
The thugs ran away immediately as if they saw a ghost coming after them and leaving Mariane alone while she was still in shock and speechless.
“You are safe now. I will escort you to your home.” David said.
Mariane stared at David and nodded as she got cast into his spell.
‘Did this guy really save me?’ she wondered. ‘He’s really handsome, he could be my knight and shining armor. But no. Mariane, you should get back to your senses. You don’t know him well… Don’t fall for him,’ Mariane reminded herself.
Suddenly, she immediately shook her head to get back to her senses.
“If it’s okay. I have also something to tell you.”
***
(SOJU- is a Korean alcoholic drink made of rice or sweet potatoes. (Definitions from oxford languages) Searched in g****e
“If it’s okay. I also have something to tell you.” Mariane abruptly said.“Oh. Alright. Why don’t we stop by at the coffee shop to talk?” He asked.David looked at his men and ordered them to get the car and secure the coffee shop they planned to go to. As soon as they arrived at the coffee shop, Marianne frowned when she noticed David’s men spread outside the said shop like they were securing the parameter for their safety. She even noticed that only the staffs of the coffee shop were there and no customers were eating in the area, which made Mariko frown.“Why are there no customers other than us?” She asked.David ordered the crew to prepare their orders as they sat in the seat.“I reserve the entire area,” David nonchalantly said, which made Mariane’s jaw drop as she looked at him in disbelief.“Why?” Mariane snorted. “I mean… Are you that wealthy to waste money just for our simple conversation?”Later, the coffee and cake that David ordered for them arrived. David asked her what
David Cruz is the youngest billionaire bachelor in their generation. David owned different businesses, such as a five-star hotel and restaurant, one of the most famous malls in the country, and a law firm. At a young age, David managed to build his own empire, making him the most influential and popular bachelor.Aside from that, in the underground world, David was called a Mafia Lord. He also has a shark loan business. Everyone feared David because of his viciousness. He was also cunning and short-tempered. But before that, David was gentle, understanding, and sweet. But it fades away after his break up with his long-time girlfriend.David proposed to her girl. But the woman rejected his proposal and embarrassed him in front of many people. She left David while he was on his knees.David thought, ‘Maybe she was just pressured. I should have asked her hand in private.’The other day, David went to Stacey’s house. He planned to propose to his girlfriend again and will ask her hand in m
Mariane woke up early as she heard someone whispering as if they were talking about something and they didn’t want to let her hear their conversation. Mariane leaned her ears on the wall that parted their room from the dining.“How could you do that to our daughter? I thought you accepted her and think as your own? What happened to you, Diego? Is money really important to you?” Anastacia asked.“I have no choice, okay? Lucas wanted to kill me. Fortunately, Master David was there to save me. He paid my debts in exchange for Mariane. I don’t have a choice because if I will sign the agreement, he will kill us both. Besides, he will marry her. What’s the big deal with that? Isn’t she glad someone like David Cruz wanted to marry your daughter? We might be rich in an instant. I heard he had plenty of business, not only in this city but all over the country.” Diego informed Anastacia.Anastacia sighed exasperatingly. “What happened to you, Diego?” She shook her head in disappointment. “I don
Mariane woke up when she felt something wet on her hand. While holding it caused his forehead to furrow. When Mariane opened her eyes, she saw the person who caused her hand to get wet. Anastacia held her hands while silently crying.“Mom? Why are you crying?” Mariane asked. She sat up on her bed and wiped her mother’s tears.Anastacia sniffed. “N-nothing.” Anastacia’s voice broke.“It’s just that… Today, you’ll be marrying a stranger. You can not blame me for worrying you. What if he’ll mistreat you? What if he’ll abuse you?” Anastacia stated.Mariane heaved a sigh. “Mom… You already knew me. Did I let them bully me?” she asked, which made Anastacia shake her head. “So, you don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Mariane reassures her mother that nothing will happen to her.***On the other hand, David woke up early to prepare for his reunion with Mariane. He was eating his breakfast while reading the file with a piece of information about the person Mariane wanted
David and Mariane were riding in a car as they were heading to the mall. “What kind of wedding do you want?” David asked suddenly, which made Mariane frown. “What are you talking about?” Mariane wrinkled her nose as if she found him ridiculous at his question. “I mean... What kind of wedding do you want? Intimate, simple, fancy? Do you want us to televise our wedding?” David asked again. Mariane laughed in disbelief at David's question. “If you ask me, it would be better if there was no marriage. And I don't want my name attached to you. If you intend to tell the world that I am your possession, then don't be. I want a quiet life. So I can walk freely.” She stated. “That is not possible, my lady. You will marry me whether you like it or not.” David sternly said. “I know. That’s why I came here with you. Because I don’t have a choice.” Mariane said as a matter of fact. “Okay then. Let’s go to the mall first to buy you clothes, then will head after to the civil registrar’s office.
“Here we are. Welcome to your new palace, my lady.” David informed Mariane.Mariane couldn’t help but awe while staring at the gigantic mansion owned by none other than David Cruz.‘Wow… This guy I married is really rich. I couldn’t imagine staying at this kind of house.’ The size of this 30,000-square-meter mansion is staggering. After entering the gate, a park lawn will immediately greet you with a circular path for cars leading to the entrance. In the middle of the circle, there was a golden fountain fish design that catches Mariane's attention. Because of the light coming from the LED lights attached to the ground and focused on the fish, the fountain shines as if it were brilliant gold. “Is it made of gold?” Mariane asked, pointing to the fountain behind them.David turned to look at what Mariane was talking about. “How’d you know? Well, it was a mix of gold and cement. There’s a part of the fish that has gold. Can you guess which part of the fish has gold?” David challenged h
“What do you mean?” David asked in confusion.His brows furrowed when Mariane took a pen and a piece of paper. She sat on the cushion in the vanity mirror and started writing.‘What is she doing?’ he wondered.‘Is she talking about making a contract? No. I won’t allow her to give what she wants. I should be the one who will make terms in my own house and not her.’ He thought.David stood up and approached Mariane. He stopped behind her. David’s jaw clenched when he saw Mariane’s neckline. As if he wants to ravish her neckline and make a mark on it. And that thought makes him turned on. He suddenly has a boner just by looking at her neckline. While Marian was oblivious to what was happening in her back. She finished writing down the terms she wanted during her stay in his mansion. Mariane smiled in satisfaction as she raised her hand with a paper and turned around. But she got jolted when her hand, which was holding a paper, almost hit the middle of his thigh.Mariane looked up and gas
Mariane woke up early for her job interview. She decided to leave early to avoid the traffic because she still had a long way to go to the city, where she had an interview. A week has also passed since Mariane passed her CV to companies thru emails. Among the fifty companies she applied to, only three companies responded to her email and scheduled interviews today. Mariane is confident that she will pass the interview. Because apart from having experience at work, her school credentials were also good.But of the three companies she went to, none of them hired her after she was interviewed. And what surprised her was that after a staff member came in, while Mariane was in the middle of the interview, it immediately stopped. And they just tell her, “Sorry, the position you were applying for is already full,” or “we'll just call you.” The anxiety was evident on their faces as if they were afraid of something.Mariane frowned. ‘Couldn’t David have something to do with it? It is possible.