Chapter 06

"That damn woman! How dare she talk back to me!" Uno complained during their drive.

"How was your conversation with Ms. Manuela, sir?"

"I hate her guts. I don't like women who talk back," Uno replied coldly, leaning back.

"She'll be your wife for 365 days, sir. But why her? You could marry Ms. Saireen," Santi Calíel, Uno's longtime consigliere, suggested. He served both the Urquio family and the Adama Crimson Mafia clan from Seattle.

"Saireen? She's annoying and clingy. I don't like attention-seekers, especially those infatuated with me."

"Ms. Manuela fits the bill. She's strong-willed and doesn't love you. Conveniently, her father's debt provides leverage to make her your wife until Don Victorino transfers his wealth, sir," Santi explained, causing Uno to scoff.

"Is everything prepared for tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir, but are you sure about the legal route?"

"I have to. My grandfather's old, but we can't fake it. Once my father transfers his wealth, we'll file for an annulment. She'll pay her father's debt, and I'll rise to the top and annihilate that clan who—" Uno stopped, his jaw tight, before releasing a breath.

"Ensure everything goes smoothly, Calíel," Uno said emotionlessly, eliciting a slight smile from Santi.

"As you wish, sir—" Santi's response was cut short by a ringing phone.

"Hello? Oh! Don Victorino," Santi answered, causing Uno to look up.

"Sir's with me. He probably turned off his phone again," Santi explained, handing the phone to Uno.

"Your grandfather wants to speak with you, sir."

Uno took the phone, a scoff escaping him.

"Old ma—"

"—Joaquin! How many times must I remind you to keep your phone on? I always have to go through Santi?"

"I dislike phones, old man. Why are you calling?" Uno asked, causing his grandfather to sigh.

"Stop calling me 'old man.' Call me Lolo or Pops. I called because I want to meet your future wife. I want to make sure this isn't some reckless decision. Otherwise, I'll set your wedding date with Helia." His grandfather hung up.

"Tss! That old man always rushes things," Uno grumbled, tossing the phone onto the seat.

"Calíel, cancel tomorrow's wedding. He wants to witness the actual marriage. He always interferes. I planned to introduce her afterward," Uno complained, leaning back.

"As you wish, sir," Santi replied, smiling. This irritated Uno, who sat up straighter.

"Let's see that woman again. I need to tell her. I don't want my grandfather discovering this contract, or he'll force that marriage with Helia," Uno said, prompting Santi to act.

Manuela arrived at her company but stayed in her car, head in her hands.

"Does he think marriage is a game? Did he even think this through? Why tomorrow? I still have a week!" Manuela raged after signing the contract, feeling manipulated.

The suddenness of the wedding hadn't sunk in. She didn't know what to do, bound by the contract to resolve her father's debt. She felt trapped.

"Once we marry, I'll bear the Urquio name for a year. I'll endure his dangerous life for 365 days. What about Lucas? What if he's harmed because I'm married to that Mr. Urquio? I'll go crazy!" Manuela cried.

She took a deep breath before exiting, shoulders slumped, burdened by her predicament.

"Manuela."

She turned to see Peter.

"Peter, what are you doing here?"

"I stopped by for lunch, but your secretary said you weren't here. I saw your car. Have you eaten?"

Manuela hadn't eaten since her meeting with Uno; the impending marriage had killed her appetite.

Also, accepting his offer might give him the wrong impression.

"I ate, Pete. Thanks. I returned early because of work."

"Dinner then? My favorite restaurant?"

"Peter..."

"I know, but I can't give up on my feelings. Let me show you I'm sincere. Try it, Manuela. If it doesn't work, I'll accept it." Peter's plea made Manuela feel guilty, knowing she could only offer friendship.

"You'll get hurt, Peter, and I don't want that. We're friends, and—"

"—friends? Is that all, Manuela?" Peter's interruption brought a sigh from Manuela.

"Yes. And I'm getting married tomorrow, so forget about me."

"What? Married tomorrow? You're lying. You don't even have a boyfriend. You're rejecting me, aren't you? Why are you so cruel?" Peter's hurt was evident.

"I'm not lying, Peter. I'm sorry."

"How can I believe you without a boyfriend? You've forgotten, Manuela. I've courted you for so long. Stop lying!" Peter's pain was clear.

"I'm sorry, but it's true. I know it's hard to—"

"—then who?! Who are you marrying, Manuela? I need to know!" Peter's outburst was interrupted.

Manuela's eyes widened.

"M-Mr. U-Urquio..." she whispered as he approached.

"We need to talk," Uno said coldly.

"Talk again? Did you forget something besides the rushed marri—" Manuela was cut off by Peter confronting Uno.

"Who the hell are you?!" Peter shouted.

Manuela signaled Peter to stop, but he ignored her.

Stupid Peter! You don't know who you're dealing with! Manuela thought as Santi subtly nodded to her.

"Did you just touch me?" Uno asked emotionlessly.

"I'm asking you! You shoved me! Who are you?"

"Wa-wait, Peter, don't—" Manuela was again interrupted as Uno pulled her close, his arm around her.

"You asked who she's marrying. You're looking at him," Uno stated plainly. Manuela stared, speechless, while Peter was stunned.

"W-what did you say?"

"I said it already. I'm Uno Juaquin Urquio. Remember that." Uno's introduction left Peter staring at Manuela.

"Tell me, Manuela, is he forcing you? Is he threatening you? Tell me." Peter's concern was evident.

He's not threatening me. I'm paying my father's debt, Manuela thought.

"Peter, lis—" Uno covered her mouth again.

"I suggest you refrain from making baseless accusations against my master," Santi said, glaring at Peter.

"I want to hear Manuela's answer."

"Why? Does she owe you an answer? You're a fool for pursuing my future wife," Uno said coldly.

"Manuela, if he's threatening you, tell me. I can help you," Peter insisted.

"Threatening? Am I threatening you, Manuela?" Uno asked, removing his hand.

"You read the contract, didn't you? It forbids cheating," Uno whispered, only Manuela understanding.

"I'm not cheating, oka—wait? That's not in the contract—" Uno covered her mouth again.

"Don't approach her again. She's marrying me," Uno declared, glaring at Peter.

"Approach my fiancée again, and you'll regret it. That's not a warning; it's a promise," Uno said, pulling Manuela away, leaving a stunned Peter behind.

"Damn it!"