Chapter 2

"I don’t want to go back to the Philippines," I said calmly but firmly, leaning back in my seat with my arms crossed.

"I’m staying here in America. Can’t you see? The company runs better here. I’m more productive here. And most importantly—no one’s forcing me to marry a woman I don’t even know."

I looked straight at my mother. I wasn’t joking.

"Dark Nathaniel," my mother said in a deep, steady voice as she closed one of the five suitcases. "Everything is ready. There’s no turning back. We’re going home to the Philippines, and the agreement between the two families will push through."

"Fiancée? Mom, I’m 28, not 48. I’m not desperate," I replied, my tone slightly sarcastic.

"And besides, I don’t even know the girl. I want to be the one to choose. Not just be handed this situation like some failed project folder."

"This isn’t a child’s discussion, Nathaniel," my mother said firmly. "Our family’s name is at stake. You’re not a boy anymore to run away from responsibility."

Responsibility already? There isn’t even something yet, I muttered inwardly, taking a deep breath. I didn’t want to match her temper—she was the kind of mother who could silence you with just one look, like she had laser eyes.

But if they were going to force me… I had an idea.

"Fine. Since you’re forcing me to get married… I have a condition."

Her eyebrow arched. She said nothing, but I could tell she was curious.

"First, tell me—is it true that I’m really getting married once we return to the Philippines?"

I looked her straight in the eye. I wasn’t buying her “safe excuse” expression.

"Yes, fine," she said, though clearly—she was bluffing. It showed in her eyes.

"So it’s true then…" I murmured. She looked up.

"I’ll cancel the wedding proposal with the Guerrero family—but on one condition," she said.

I straightened up in my seat. "What’s that?"

"Find a woman to marry… within two weeks."

Her tone was direct. No drama.

"Two weeks?!"

I let out a dry laugh. "Mom, I thought this wasn’t a game. Now it sounds like ‘Find the Bride: Limited Time Offer’?"

"If you fail to find someone within the given time, your father and I will decide. The proposal continues. Period."

I nodded heavily, but inside, I knew—I’d fight back. In my own way.

"Fine. Let’s play that game."

But in my mind, Two weeks? I’ll need a plan… and probably a bit of insanity.

"A deal is a deal," my mother said seriously, locking her gaze on mine. There was no room for protest.

I nodded quietly. Even if I didn’t want to leave, I knew I had no choice.

"Please go ahead… I’ll start packing," I said softly, trying to hide the heaviness in my chest.

"What time is our flight?"

"Immediately," she replied without hesitation, her voice filled with determination.

"Once you’re done, we’re leaving. No backing out."

A few hours later, we were already in the air.

The plane cabin was silent. Time passed slowly as I stared out the window, watching the clouds that looked like an endless white sea. In moments like this, my mind wandered freely—through questions, memories, and a feeling I never expected to resurface.

"Where will I find her?" I whispered to myself, almost like a sigh.

"How do I even start a search for someone who doesn’t exist yet in my world?"

I looked out again, lost in thought.

"Two weeks… will I really be able to find the woman who’ll make my heart beat again?" I murmured.

Silence.

A few moments later, I heard the flight attendant’s announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing shortly. Kindly fasten your seatbelts."

I nodded slightly, though my mind was elsewhere. My body was heading home, but my heart was about to begin a new journey—a search for someone I didn’t even know.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the airport. Our car was already waiting—a private vehicle from Vellamonte Village, the estate owned by my parents.

I was young the last time I saw our home there. And now, after so many years, I was returning—not as a naïve child, but as someone burdened by an agreement, one I couldn’t simply ignore.

As we drove, I couldn’t help but look out the car window. Towering buildings surrounded us—massive structures swallowing the skyline. So much had changed.

The once-green scenery and fresh air had vanished, replaced by concrete and civilization.

The trees that used to provide shade were gone, along with the fields and mountains I used to admire on the way to Vellamonte. Now, only concrete structures and towering billboards greeted me.

I sighed. Despite the progress, a part of me felt lost—the quiet simplicity of the past now gone forever.

Before I realized it, we had reached the gates of our home—Vellamonte Village.

I stared outside silently. Every inch of this place held memories of my childhood. But now, it felt foreign, like a world I no longer belonged to.

As our car slowed down, I noticed the residents nearby. Their eyes were filled with awe. Perhaps it was the first time they’d seen such a car—sleek, luxurious, and commanding presence.

But just as everything seemed to be going smoothly, two women suddenly stepped into the driveway, blocking our path.

They were unaware that a car was approaching. They were laughing and chatting, full of excitement and hope for the day ahead. They were Lyka and Roxane, best friends on their way to apply for jobs as maids at the Villamonte estate.

When the car horn blared, both froze in place. They turned around, eyes wide—not just because of the car, but because of the people inside.

Inside the car, Dark Nathaniel couldn’t help but fix his gaze on one of the women.

"Wow…" he whispered softly, full of awe.

"She’s beautiful. Truly, a Filipina beauty."

He couldn’t explain why time seemed to stop at that moment. He had met countless women in America, but never had he stared like this. There was something different about her—simple yet captivating, innocent yet strikingly strong in presence.