"What took you so long?" Mama asked strictly when I came back to my seat.

Papa was busy talking with Mr. Marzon. They seem to not have noticed my presence yet.

I bit my lip and felt a little bit shy, especially when I saw Vren's eyes were on me. Again, it made me uncomfortable. He's like a predator watching his prey. Wait.. what?

I cleared my throat. "The restroom was full, Mama. I had to wait for minutes because of that," I answered.

Mama arched an eyebrow but made no comment. They chuckled with Mr. Marzon once Papa regained her attention. Vren continued to fixate attentively on me in the meantime. My brows drew in.

Why does he keep on staring at me? Do I have some dirt on my face?

Because of that, I unconsciously dunk my head to look at the screen of my phone. It is clean. Still beautiful. No dirt. What's wrong with him? I rolled my eyes as I inserted my phone back inside my sling bag. Is this the first time he's seen a radiant woman like me?

Oh well..

"So when is the wedding?" Mama asked so suddenly.

I was busy looking at the whole place when she asked that, which is why my head instantly turned to her.

For a fleeting moment, I want to be dumb. I don't want to understand it. I want to ask, "What wedding?" or "Who's wedding, Mama?" But God knows I know what she means by that!

Mr. Marzon laughed and so as Papa. Like they both knew what Mama is talking about. I was caught off guard and my whole face paled.

"Well... We are not in a hurry, right?" Mr. Marzon said grinning as he looked at me.

Mama laughed loudly, waving her hands on the air. "Oh, no! Not really!"

"I will let my son decide on that. He is the groom anyway..." Mr. Marzon looked at his son.

They all look at the person in front of me. When they went silent, I got tempted to look at him too. I gulped as I slowly glanced at Vren. He was silently sipping on his glass while his eyes lingered on me intently. I gasped.

He swiftly placed the empty glass on the table after he drank all the water in it without even looking away from me. My breathing hitched. I couldn't take my gaze away from him either, and it's bothering me! My heart is throbbing rapidly. I am terrified of what he's going to answer!

His lips twisted, still looking at me. "My bride isn't ready yet..."

I gritted my teeth.

"I will let her decide on it, too. We will still talk about it.."

This jerk!

"That's great!" Mama clapped her hands in so much enthusiasm.

My jaw fell open. I stared at my parents. They both look happy and excited without thinking about their daughter's feelings. My heart ached with that. I cannot believe it! I really could not believe it! I feel like they are not my parents anymore. They don't care about me anymore.

That made my tears begin to start, but I had to hold it back because the man in front of me was not taking his eyes off of me. I tried to look at him too, but it only lasted for a second. I immediately avoided my gaze.

I clenched my fist under the table as I took a deep breath. Calm down, Chantylle. Please do not cry here. You are strong. You can do this.

My parents started to change when our company started to fail too. At first, I did not even care about it. As long as they still give me anything I want and everything I need, I am good. Not until my father began to hinder me from going out and messing up with my plans. They even restrict me from buying different kinds of branded bags, watches, and shoes! Even the jewelry I'd love to buy.

But I knew so many of their rules that when I tried to break them, they took away all of my cards. reason why I couldn't say no in this meeting. I had to be good to get back my cards.

"Thank you so much for inviting us in this dinner, Raymond," Papa said when our dinner has ended.

"I am pleased that you came, though.." Mr. Marzon laughed.

"Are we going to expect a next call?" Mama joked and the three of them laughed.

I did not laugh, though. And so as Vren but I snorted. Vren and Mr. Marzon both looked at me. Papa and Mama laughed again however Mama was the one who held my shoulders tightly. I looked up to her and she gave me a leering look.

My parents bid their goodbyes to them hurriedly. Tongue-tied, I bid my goodbye too.

"Chantylle!" Papa called when we went home.

I acted like I did not hear him. I acted like I did not care about anything. I acted like I was not hurt. I acted like I was cool. But the truth is I am at the very edge of crying. I am just pulling myself up.

We just entered the house, yet here he is, going to start with his litanies again. I am tired of it. All I want is to go and lie down in my bed to sleep.

I only had a few steps to the stairs, then I was off to my room. Papa called me again.

"Chantylle! If you are not going to face me, you will end up outside this house!"

I gasped. My eyes watered immediately. My lips trembled. My heart hurt so much with the fact that he could throw me out in the middle of the cold night! Where is my loving father now?

Slowly, I turn to face Papa. His enraged gaze shot toward me. The flames on it were practically visible to me. Additionally, I can see Papa's neck veins, which indicates that he is not happy with what I've done.

"You were so silent and rude during our dinner, and now you're like this? Where are your manners? I told you not to be rude, but what did you do?!"

"Tone down your voice, Anthony," Mama said calmly.

I looked at Mama. And even though I didn't want her to, I still wished she would support me. But then, she turned aside with a stern scowl when she realized I was staring at her.

With that, my tears fell down to my cheeks.

"Stop using those tears on me, Chantylle. You know it will no longer work," Papa said firmly with a piercing look.

I know, Papa. You don't have to say that. Because I know... that company is more important than me. More significant than your daughter.

Papa continued his long litanies, and I was silently crying all the time. Mama went up to their room as if nothing was happening here.

That time, I stopped hoping that my parents would be back to the way they used to be.

After hearing from my father, I hurriedly locked myself up in my room and cried loudly. I lost my care even if they heard me and assumed I was doing it on purpose to make them feel guilty.

My laptop rang while I was still sobbing. I wiped away all of my emotions when I noticed that my buddies were calling and accepted the video call right away.

"What happened to you? Why are your eyes swollen?" Eliana's concerned voice was the first one to speak after they scanned my face.

"Did you just cry?" Vivien asked.

"Just a little bit," I lied as I smiled.

"What? Why? Wait... tell us what happened!"

"What happened to the dinner you told us about?"

I sighed and started telling them what happened... starting from the meeting until how Papa scolded me. And to my wonder, they both looked shocked.

"Are you kidding?" Vivien asked ridiculously.

My brows furrowed. "Do I look like I'm kidding?" I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

"Vren Marzon? Really? Vren? You must be kidding us! It can't be!" Eliana said.

"Yes. Vren Marzon. What's with the reaction, girls?"

They looked at each other like what I asked is so ridiculous. Then they both laughed.

"That's Vren Marzon you are talking about! The Vren Marzon! And oh my. You also met Raymond Marzon, his father! I can't believe you don't know them!"

"And you're saying that Mr. Marzon and your parents are planning the both of you to be wed?" Vivien shook her head while laughing.

"What?"

"My God! An adonis-like entrepreneurial prodigy, Vren Marzon! He's well-known to all. He owns a variety of companies with locations all over the world. Despite coming from an affluent family, he had his own fortune. Chantylle, we can't believe you're missing something like this!" Eliana exclaimed.

What...

My jaw fell open after hearing my friend's report to me. They showed me information about the Vren Marzon that I was unaware of. What a filthy rich man he is. Even though his family is already rich, he still tries to make his own name in the industry. He is a multi-billionare himself, to be exact. Not to mention his inherited wealth from his family. They told me even the tiniest things about him.

For a few seconds, I was amazed by him. I was definitely amazed that I had forgotten that I had met him earlier and how I was irritated at him every time. I had forgotten his equally rude attitude towards me. What exactly did he say? And how arrogant he is in my eyes.

And now these two are telling me that he is a successful man?

Hell. I had not even thought of that. even a bit! It is not obvious! The truth is, I thought he was just a simple son of a rich man. That idea honestly didn't enter my mind. Really!

"Seriously, Chan, in what planet were you from?" Vivien asked in a serious tone.

"You do know that I am not interested with business!" I groaned.

"But atleast you could've made some research!" Eliana said while fixing her short hair.

"I do not have the time to make a reseach when we were in the car, alright? And I still didn't know him that time," I explained.

"OMG! So you are really serious?!" they said in chorus.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. If I could just tweak their hairs right now, I would. These two..

"So you think I'm a liar?"

"Of course not! We just... Couldn't accept it! Oh my goodness! How did that happen? We know that Marzons are not doing arrange marriages!"

"And Vren is okay with it? I thought he has a girlfriend?"

My brows shot up at what Vivien said. girlfriend? He has a girlfriend? Well... He has the looks, so he probably has. It is impossible if he doesn't have it, though. But why did he tell me that he was already my fiancé? What? A fiancé that has a mistress?

Oh you, Chantylle!

I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. I shouldn't think of that. He is not my fiancé. It will never be! For whoever's sake, I have a freaking boyfriend! I shall stop those plans of my parents'. That wedding they are planning to have, it shouldn't come.

That's what I was thinking until I fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, I took a bath quickly and wore a simple floral dress paired with flat shoes. All my things were in my sling bag.

When I went down, Mama was in the kitchen, cooking our food since they fired all of our maids. Meanwhile, Papa's at the dining table with his newspaper, coffee, and usual. I stopped and stood there for a minute to stare at them. I couldn't help but feel sad again. Staring at them made me feel that everything was alright when it was not.

I continued walking towards them. I saw Papa glance at me then back to his newspaper. Sighing, I still kissed his cheeks.

"Papa.. Uh, I am going to meet my friends after breakfast..." I said, crossing my fingers.

But I know better, he would say no...

"Okay, you can go."

I gasped softly as my eyes widened in surprise. Still couldn't believe on what I've heard, I stared at Papa, thinking if is it really him who talked.

"Pardon, Papa?"

He hissed and looked at me again. "I said, you can go. Should I repeat it the third time?"

"N-No, Papa.." I shook my head repeatedly, scared on his tone and that he might change his decision.

I sat down, still amused. Mama was looking at me with her brows furrowed, but I ignored it. Because of the happiness I was feeling, I ate energetically. I almost forgot that I was with my parents. My mind is clouded with the thought that finally, after a week of being locked in this boring house, I am finally free.. Or not. Because I still know my father. This will only be for today.

At the same time, I am nervous and confused. What happened to Papa that led him to decide like this? But maybe he is guilty that he scolded me for so long last night.

I winced at that thought. I should just be happy with it.

"Mama, Papa, I'll go now," I excitingly said when I finished eating. I kissed them both on their cheeks before turning around.

"Stop right there."

I frowned and turn around to face them again. Papa put down his news paper and sipped on his coffee.

"Papa?" I said, confused.

"Wait for Vren because he's going to drive you. You are not allowed to go anywhere today without him."

What the...

"Papa-" Before I could finish talking, I already heard an engine of a car.

My face paled as I took a glance at the window and saw a luxury car parking outside our gate. Vren Marzon came out of the car. He looks stunning in a black t-shirt that slightly hugs his well-toned body and a pair of pants. And again, he doesn't look like the businessman my friends are talking about. He looks like a model to me.

That is why I understand why our teen neighbors went out of their houses just to look at this handsome freaking man who is now walking towards our house.

But I am fuming mad, despite how he looks right now!

What the hell, right? I thought Papa was in a good mood, which is why he allowed me to go out. And now, this? This is the real reason!

"Chantylle, open the door. It must be Vren..."

I breathed in and out before following Mama. Vren was about to knock when I opened the door.

Funny how even though I intended to avoid his gaze, ours nevertheless locked. Like the first time I saw his ominous, enigmatic, and threatening eyes, I was uneasy. Once more, fear made my heart beat rapidly. I've never experienced this emotion before, but I know it's bad.

"Your parents?" he asked in a deep voice.

"In the kitchen..." I answered in a cold tone.

I opened the door widely and stepped back a bit to let him come in. When he did, I unintentionally slammed the door, and I was even surprised by it. I looked up at him only to see his blank stare at me. My brows shot up on him.

"What?" I arrogantly said.

He just stared at me again, blankly.

I rolled my eyes at him before walking towards the kitchen. He followed me, and when we got there, he greeted my parents. I could not help but be fascinated by how he talked to my parents like a normal person. His wealth is not far from ours. When, in fact, it is. And he was so formal in the meeting and right now, but there was something about him that made me amused.

"Papa, I'm going," I said again, when I noticed that their talk was getting longer and longer. Though, I was hoping that Papa was joking earlier.

"Vren, take care of my daughter. Call me when she did something unpleasant. Alright?"

What?

"Papa, I can commute-"

"I said Vren's going to drive you," Papa said in a loud and authorative voice that made me shut.

I blinked twice and gulped. I couldn't look at Vren in embarrassment.

Mama walked near me and whispered, "Don't do anything stupid again, Chantylle. I am warning you." Then she stepped back.

"We'll get going now, Sir, Ma'am.."

All they did was nod. Once more, I evaded Vren's stare as he turned to face me. However, I was almost startled when he stepped over to me and put his hands around my waist before leading the way out. I ripped his hands off of me as soon as we were out of my parents' line of sight. I gave him a sneer.

"You don't need to do that!"

He just shrugged and walked towards his car. He opened the shotgun seat for me, and I silently went in. I stopped myself from being amazed by his car, but I couldn't! This is fantastic!

"Aren't you busy? Why did you accept this favor of my father?" I asked, frowning but my eyes were roaming around his car.

"This isn't your father's favor."

"What?" I looked at him, confused. "Then who's favor is this? My Mama?"

Vren did not reply. He just looked at me with a grin on his face before he started the engine of his car.

"Just take me to the nearest mall. My friends and I are going to meet there. After that, you can go wherever you are goin,," I said while fixing my hair and checking my make up.

I saw him glance at me while driving the car. My brows shot up and I turned my head to look at him. He gave me consecutive glances that made me think he wouldn't answer.

"No. Your father said I will accompany you-"

I did not let him finish his sentence, for I had stopped myself and let out a soft chuckle. His brows furrowed and he glanced at me again, but it was quick.

"What are you? A bodyguard?" I chuckled again because him being a bodyguard would also pass for me. He really doesn't look like a business man!

His perfect jaw clenched, but he did not talk. I shook my head, still laughing, to make him more annoyed.

"You don't want me mad."

I stopped and nearly got chills because of how deep and gruff his voice was.

I felt nervous about his tone. I took a glimpse at him. His eyes were fixed on the road, yet he got a hard grin and his jaw kept on clenching. With that, my mouth was zipped the whole ride and my eyes were trying to busy themselves on the buildings we were passing.

This is going to drive me insane. Everything is! I don't know how Papa and Mama can stand doing this to me. And what did they do to make the Marzons say yes to their proposal? Obviously, I am thinking that all of these are my parents' doing. In particular, my father. Because I have seen them desperate just for the sake of our company. And now they would even make their daughter an instrument just to save it.

I am sick of it now that everything they do for the company irritates me and makes me hurt. My parents' line, "This is for you," makes me want to puke.

If they were only not attending meetings in my school, I would still probably understand it. But now? What exactly is this? This crazy arranged marriage? No! These are not enough valid reasons for me! I will never accept this!

The car stopped in front of the mall but my eyes were on the other side of the lane.

"I'll go now. You go somewhere else and don't disturb me," I said, craning my neck to get a better view on the shop. I wonder if my friends are already there.

"Okay but I will tell this to your father-"

I immediately turned my head to him. "Alright! Alright! But please, stay here! I will just meet my girl friends!"

"You are going to meet your friends yet I am not allowed to come with you?"

"Oh, come on! Who would bring a guy on a girl's date? My friends will ask. They will probably be awkward with it. And we will talk about girly things. I bet you don't want to hear those!"

With that, he let me go. That is the reason I was beaming when I walked into the coffee shop. But he gave me conditions; he asked for my number and told me that I only had one hour. I gave him my phone number, but I'm not going to do the second thing he said. I have an hour to talk with my friends? Hell, one topic takes 2 hours! Who is he to give conditions, anyway? I do not know him. I only know his name. So, if he thinks he can make me obey his commands, he should think again, because I won't.

"Chantylle! Here!" Eliana, who was sitting beside Vivien on the east side of the coffee shop, waved her hands at me.

I waved back as I walked towards their direction. On the way to their table, I noticed how the men turned their heads to me, which I was used to seeing. A grim line formed in my lips.

"Are you okay now?" Vivien asked when I sat down.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, Vivien."

"Is that Alec's new car? I saw that you came out from it. You two have plans today?"

I looked at what Eliana was looking at. It was Vren's fortuner. I did not notice that our table was in front of the window where Vren parked his car. Now I don't know how to answer Eliana. I knew this would happen! I should've commuted instead!

"I'm thirsty, I will order now. You two didn't wait for me," I said, looking at their coffee, and carefully avoiding Eliana's question.

"That's because you're late!" Elaina whined.

Laughing, I picked my bag and stood up immediately. Before they could even notice what I did, I had already made my way to the counter. The men were again drooling over me. And even if they saw that I caught them looking at me, their faces were so thick that they did not even get embarrassed by what they were doing.

I shook my head and was about to walk past their table when one of them stood up on my way. My brows furrowed as I stopped.

"Hi. I'm Errol," the man who was standing in front of me said. He was wearing a black jacket and black pants.

"So?" I rolled my eyes and continued walking, but I still heard how his friends laughed at him.

I don't like to be rude, but in this circumstance, I don't have time to get to know new individuals. I already have a lot of difficulties right now, and being around new people will only make them worse.

While I was ordering, my phone buzzed. I recognized the sender even though the message came from an unknown number.

Unknown number:

Buy me a coffee too.

Rolling my eyes, I put my phone back in my sling bag and ordered two coffees. That's why when I came back to our table, Eliana and Vivien were wondering why I ordered two when I couldn't even finish one cup of coffee. Again, I did my best to avoid their questions.

"I still couldn't believe what you have said last night, Chantylle," Vivien said after she sipped on her coffee.

We had been talking for almost an hour now, and I thought they had already forgotten about it. And now that they opened that topic, I have to urge you to think of ways to avoid it again.

"Don't believe it. It's not really true," I lied.

"What? You... You almost made us believe it!" Eliana pouted and hit me in my arm.

Meanwhile, Vivien shook her head. "I thought I already got the chance to meet Vren."

I laughed, thinking if she's serious or not. "You were the one who told me how different he is to us. I mean, we're rich, but definitely not as rich as he is. Our worlds were still not the same. That's absurd."

I hope I'd still go in heaven.

Maybe I should keep the truth to myself for the meantime. It will never happen, anyway. So telling them would also be useless.

"Oh my gosh! You're a liar, Chantylle!" Eliana pulled my hair a bit making me snap out of my thoughts.

"What?"

I looked at her, but she wasn't looking at me. She was looking out the window. And when I turned my head to it, Vren was already closing the door of his car. Worse, he even approached me in the coffee shop, which made my jaw drop.

What the hell is he doing? Didn't I tell him not to go out? Now what?

However, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The way he swiftly held the glass door to open it, my eyes went down to his firm arms. And I saw how people turned their heads at him. Girls from somewhere even squealed when he entered the shop.

My brows furrowed. I put down my cup and crossed my arms while looking at him walking to our table. His eyes were darkly making their way through the crowd, but when our eyes met, his eyes dimmed. He licked his red lips, and that made me look at it.

Oh goodness, Chantylle.

"What are you doing here?" I fired to him when he already reached our table.

He glanced at my friends. It made me look at them too. They were both stunned, staring blankly at the person in front of them. I couldn't help but to massage my temples. When Vren turned to me, I sat properly to keep my pose.

"You are not yet giving me my drink there, so I went out to get it myself," he said huskily.

"You should've texted me," I said firmly.

He licked his lips again and shrugged before he turned to my friends. He bow his head at them politely.

"Vren Marzon," he introduced himself. "I am Chantylle's fiancé.“

My eyes widened. "What are you doing?!" I asked as I glanced at my friends who were still both stunned.

He held my hands and forced me to stand up. In surprise, I immediately tried to get my hands off of him, but I couldn't. "Times up. Your one hour is enough," he said.

Before I could protest, he already dragged me out of the coffee shop.