The Knot of Marriage

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–Seven years ago…"Alora Eunice Escarra, my future wife... will you marry me?"Oh my God! This is too unexpected, and I don't know how to react. We've been in a romantic relationship for three years, and I'm very surprised that this day will eventually come.He's waiting... What should I say? Should I say yes? Am I ready?"Oliver, I..." I looked around and saw Raña watching us from afar. She scoffed and rolled her eyes. I know she’s too bitter to be happy about this special moment of my life.I noticed Rome De Herrera, who had just shown up and called Raña to get her attention. I was unable to hear what he was saying, but I knew that he was talking with his younger sister.Before they left, I felt like my gaze aligned with Rome’s and my heart skipped a beat. No… I shouldn’t feel this way."Alora?" I went back to reality when I heard Oliver’s voice. He’s waiting."Say yes, Alora!" Someone teasingly shouted."Looks like our Oliver boy is so nervous!""Relax, man!""A

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV–As I woke up from a very long and deep sleep, I recognized the surroundings. It's my hotel room. I felt like I wanted to vomit, and I rushed to the bathroom. I almost hugged the toilet bowl. It’s as if my stomach is being turned inside out. As if every ounce I took last night was pulled and emptied, like a soul wrung dry.Gosh... I feel so gross. I wiped something on my lips using the tissue I pulled from the rack. I need a shower after this horrible moment. And as if it weren’t enough, my head throbs terribly. It feels like it’s splitting open, each pulse like a hammer blow.It's not my first time experiencing a hangover, but this is the worst of all. Thank goodness, after I gurgled, I found a hangover drink on the bedside table. I immediately opened the bottle and bottomed up the drink. Damn... that helps a little. I longed to lie down and rest again, but instead, I reached for my phone and started reading messages.I immediately opened it when I saw the recipie

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV– I still have seven months left before I finish this program. Actually, I'm working on my design portfolio that I will submit for the finals. It’s hard to juggle all the school requirements—but this is what I chose. Maybe it’s not the path everyone expects of me, but fashion designing is something I truly, deeply want.I drifted off to sleep after sketching a few more designs. I tucked the sketchbook away, hiding that small piece of myself once again, then lay down on my soft bed.I needed rest. Tomorrow will be another battle—more studying, more pressure. But for now, sleep was the only thing I needed and badly wanted. "Sit," I tapped the sand beside me, offering a seat to the

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV– "Alora Eunice, come back here!" Dad shouted, but my mind was too clouded with rage and pain."Tsk... that boy. What a disappointment," Mom muttered sharply."Pa! You shouldn't have shown her the photos—" Dad snapped, frustration in his voice."We shouldn't hide it from her, Euren. I don’t want my granddaughter ending up hurt by that bastard,” Grandpa said.I stopped listening. I quickly locked my room, shutting myself inside. I didn’t care about the darkness filling every bit of space… I just needed to cry. I wanted to let everything out because if not, I might explode."Oliver..." I mumbled, clutc

CHAPTER 9 –ALORA EUNICE’S POV–This wasn’t the Oliver I knew. This wasn’t the Oliver I loved.“Good morning,” he greeted—smiling. The girl beside him… I recognized her as Lisa, his blockmate I once got jealous over.He hadn’t even noticed me yet. He turned slightly, unaware.“Oliver.” My voice trembled, barely audible—but enough to cut through the air like a blade.He turned with wide eyes open. “A-Alora...”“You’re unbelievable,” I said, bitterness creeping into my voice before turning my back on them.