All Chapters of The Knot of Marriage: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV– "Pianist Alora Eunice Escarra, who recently won a competition, is rumored to be the fiancée of a multi-billionaire bachelor, Rome De Herrera. Are they planning to get married soon?""What?!" I snatched Evan's phone from his hand and looked at the news. "Let me see... this can't be."I scrolled down and saw our photos yesterday. The moment I went inside his car before the little argument with Mr. Diaz. There is also a photo of us walking towards the entrance of DH Hotel. And the most intriguing is the moment Rome put his coat on my shoulders after he helped me escape my nightmare. I thought security here was tight, why did a paparazzo pass without their knowledge?

—ALORA EUNICE’S POV— De… De Herreras?! Don't tell me... no way!The oldies shook hands and we all sat in our designated seats.“What the f*ck,” Raña blurted out the moment our eyes met—her voice sharp, disbelief written all over her face.“Raña, language,” Mr. Remus De Herrera, her father, warned sternly, giving her a disapproving glance.She looked like she was about to say more, "Don’t tell me—"But just then, the double doors swung open again, cutting off her words.“Good evening,” Rome greeted, his voice low and composed, carrying t

–ALORA EUNICE'S POV– "Please! This is my life... It is my life!" I shouted out of rage."Your life? Don't make me laugh young lady," Grandpa sarcastically laughed at me and that made me feel so small. "Who are you without Escarra in your name?! Who are you without De Herrera?! Live up to your name, Alora Eunice. Think about the future that lies ahead. You may not understand it now, but you'll thank us later.""I will never understand!" I stormed out, heading to my bedroom, slammed the door, locked it, and dove on my bed—crying.After three days of silence and defiance—here I am. Sitting across from Rome De Herrera in a high-end restaurant. He's watching me again. That same unreadable stare as if trying to solve a riddle only he could guess.

—ROME ARCHILLUS’ POV—“F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. F*ck…” he continuously hit his forehead against the cold mini bar in his condo. “What should I do, Archi? For sure… Definitely, she’ll hold a grudge against me!” “Pull yourself together, Gaius!” I pulled his collar to stop his craziness. “Jana will understand. She’ll forgive you. Just… Just try to understand her too. Didn’t you know her after two years of being together? I can’t believe you.” “Right? She’ll forgive me, right?” As if Gaius went back to his senses, he talked to himself. “Yes… she’ll understand. We just need to talk and figure things out together.” 

–ALORA EUNICE’S POV– "I may now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."Rome gently snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me closer, until his face was just inches from mine. His gaze searched mine, as if asking for silent permission, before it dropped to my lips. Without thinking, I gave a faint nod. His other hand found the back of my neck as he tilted his head slightly."You're too stiff. Relax," he whispered, blinking slowly. "I won't bite."I felt my breath hitch. Then, just before I closed my eyes, I caught a fleeting smile playing on his lips... He moved gently, and I followed, our lips falling into a rhythm that felt strangely right. And I... I didn’t want it to stop. I didn’t want the moment to end.