The only thing I despised was when someone forced me to do something I didn't want to do. I mean, who wouldn't hate it, right? My parents, when I was young, did not force me to do things they knew could make me hate them. They would even spoil me with all the luxury they could give me. But everything really changes for a reason. The problem is, I don't know what that reason is.

And now I am so irritated with Vren, who is now dragging me without any care. When I almost got tripped, he just looked at me like he was telling me 'Are you stupid?' Can you believe that?

"Can you please let my hand go?" I said, trying to remove his hand on mine.

We stopped in front of his car. I immediately turned my head to the glass window to look at my friends inside the coffee shop. They were still looking at us with their jaws dropped. Hell. I wish they could help me with this, but in their state? I know they couldn't.

Vren let my hand go and faced me with creased forehead. "Shut your mouth up. You are annoying."

I was taken back on that but immediately got over with it. "You know what? I quit! Take me back to our house!" then I entered his car.

I slammed his door before I sat and fastened my seatbelt. I did not care if he'd get mad because I was more than mad. After that, I crossed my arms, frowning. My mood was really ruined. Taking a deep breath could not even lift my mood, which is making me more frustrated.

Seconds had passed but Vren was not yet coming inside the car, so I had no choice but to look at him, irritated because of his slow movement. And there, I saw him still standing in his position with his hands on his hips and elbows turned outward. His eyes were directly looking at me, despite the tinted window of his car. He could even see me through it. I felt like he knew that I was looking at him too.

But I came back to my senses and opened the window. I furrowed my brows as I looked at him.

"What are you still doing in there? Aren't you going to drive? Or you don't want me here? Just tell me so I could find a taxi."

He licked his lips before moving. When he came in, our eyes met again, and I snorted. I saw him shake his head, and after that, he started the engine quietly.

I tilted my head because of that, but before I could speak to ask him about his problem, my phone vibrated inside my sling bag. I slid my hand inside to get my phone. My dear boyfriend texted.

Alec: Let's meet, hon. I miss you. Where are you?

"Wait. Stop the car!" I blurted.

"What?" Vren turned to me with a confused face, but he did not do what I said.

"I said, stop the car! I am going to pee!"

He was confused he did stopped the car on the side of the lane. "Can't that wait until we get in your house? We're almost there-"

"It can't!" I said while quickly unlocking the seatbelt. When I finally unlocked it, I immediately opened the door, but a firm hand held my arms tightly. My brows automatically furrowed as I looked at him. "What?"

"Where are you going to-"

"None of your business!" I said as I pulled my hands back, went out and slammed the door.

I looked at my wrist watch and decided to run. But before I could do that, I heard him get out of the car too. When I looked back, he was standing outside his car. His hands were on its roof.

"Chantylle!" he shouted, his eyes were so dark.

I rolled my eyes after that I ran towards the mall. My phone rang as I ran. I answered it without looking who the caller was.

"Hon, you did not reply. Where are you?"

"I'm at the mall near our house. Let's meet here. Park your car on the back."

"Huh? Are you okay? Why is your breathing like that?"

"I am running!" I breathed.

"Running? Why are you running? Is someone following you?!" his voice became critical and loud.

"What? Following? No! Damn. I will explain it to you later when you get here at the mall. For now, I will end this call because this is obviously disturbing me," I stated as I hung up the call.

I did not waste any time. Vren is not dumb, I know that. As of now, he might have realized that I was just fooling him around. That is why when I entered the mall, I bought clothes and changed inside the public restroom. I made sure that I wouldn't be easily recognized.

Alec texted me again after a few minutes. I replied that I would wait for him near the escalator where there are lots of people.

"Chantylle?" Alec's voice filled my ears after how many minutes.

"Hon!" I exclaimed as I gets up. I hugged and kissed him in his cheeks. "You're late..."

"Hon, what are you wearing? You look like a kidnapper."

I sneered and took a step back because of what he has said. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow on him.

"This is my style for today," I hissed.

"What about what you said earlier? Why are you running-"

"Don't mind it. I was just running away from Vren Marzon," I said nonchalantly while checking my nails. I grimaced on it. The last time I went to a spa was last month!

"Vren Marzon? I didn't know you are connected to him. You're friends with him?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and lifted my gaze up to him. That is when I realized what I had just told him. Slowly, I bit my lip to stop myself from telling him more information. I nodded my head at him.

"Yup. Just a friend.." I lied.

He was about to ask again when I decided to ask him sweetly to watch a movie. He immediately nodded and forgot everything. His mind was already clouded with dating. He was the one who bought our tickets and never let me go with him. His reason? He doesn't want me to be uncomfortable.

"Here, hon. Hold this first. I can't take the change," he said, chuckling.

I smiled and took the popcorn. He kissed me on my cheeks before he walked towards the counter again. Meanwhile, I checked my phone and lots of messages from Vren appeared in my eyes.

Vren: Where are you?

Vren: Answer my fucking calls!

Vren: You sneaked out with your boy?

Vren: You will be doomed.

I was scared by his texts, so I put my phone back in my sling bag. Alec, who was walking towards my direction, saw what I did. His eyebrows furrowed as he handed me our drinks.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

I gulped and shook my head repeatedly before standing up. "Let's go?"

I had been seeing Alec for about two years. He courted me when I was 16 years old. After a few months of dating, I said yes to him despite my belief that the duration of the relationship should take precedence over the courtship. He is a lovely, happy, and entertaining boyfriend. I was certain he would be ideal for me.

Naturally, my parents were unaware of it. I intended to tell them back when everything was still okay, but they were so busy that I was unable to say anything at all. That's why I decided against telling them right away. However, given how chaotic everything is right now, I don't believe notifying them is the wisest course of action. I'll keep our relationship private for the time being. I'll tell my folks right away when the moment is appropriate.

"Thank you, hon. I really had a great time today.." I said when I went out of his car and the cold windy night hugged my skin.

Alec smiled and kissed my forehead. "No problem. Anytime, hon. Next time again?"

"S-Sure.."

He said good-bye to me and then walked away. I stopped as I turned to enter our home. I looked at the person standing in the doorway with wide eyes, like a fool.

"P-Papa..."

"Get inside," he said firmly and with full of authority. I almost shivered in fear at the seriousness of his expression.

A man appeared behind Papa. My gaze went to him, and an enormous rage flared up in me. Vren, who was looking at me with blank eyes, was standing cool and proudly behind my father with his hands in his pockets.

Papa came inside, and so did Vren. I immediately followed them with so much fear and fury for the person who was on Papa's back.

"End your relationship with that man," Papa said when he sat on the long sofa in the living room.

"Pardon?" I acted.

"Vren here told everything to me." Papa looked at me angrily. "You cut all your ties with him or else, Chantylle..."

My mouth fell slightly open to talk but I dared not to utter any word.

I was grounded. Papa did not allow me to go out again, for two weeks now. I beg that time without even caring if Vren was still watching and listening to us. Papa's voice was very serious when he said that but I still hoped he would not take it seriously. I still hoped that he still have mercy on me. However, it really did happened. I stayed in our house and the guards that my father hired were so tight that I never got a step outside the door.

It was so painful for me. All I could do was to cry silently in my room. My wrath for the person who did this was beyond the top. Especially when Papa even confiscated all of my gadgets. Reason why I couldn't contact my boyfriend and friends. Alec must have been worried now that I wasn't texting nor replying to him. Luckily, he would not dare to come here because I strictly told him when we were still new not to come without my permission. Because if he will, I knew everything will turn into a mess.

Sitting on a wooden chair in my room while staring at the sun outside with teary eyes, I clenched my fist. This would not happen if it is not because of Vren Marzon. That evil jerk! Every bits of him despise me. How dare him tell Papa about Alec?

A tear from my eyes fell. What did I do for him to do this? I do not know him. We just met. Is it because my parents is so fond of him that is why he thinks he has the rights to do that? Or is it because... Of what he said? That he is my fiancé? That is so ridiculous!

"Chantylle. Go down for a bit to eat," Mama said coldly when she knocked in my room, one afternoon.

"I am still full, Mama," I lethargically answered.

"I said, go down for a bit to eat."

I had no choice but to go downstairs. My food was already in the table, so ready to eat that made me laughed with no humor. Atleast they are still feeding you, Chantylle..

Because of no appetite, I ate slowly. Well, I usually eat my food like that but this time it is more slower. Each time I bite, I was lazy.

My plate is on the way to be empty when I heard Mama's loud laugh in the living room. My brows immediately frowned. I know that laugh of my mother. She will just laugh like that when she's pleased over something. Even though I was so curious, my laziness to stand up forced me not to find out what's happening. I have a hunch that there's a visitor out there.

If it is my mother's visitor, they will just stay in thr living room. But if it is my father's and a very important visitor, then they will walk pass here. My father's office is located in the second floor and the stairs is just next to the dinning area where I am currently eating. So I will have the chance to take a peek on the visitor. And base on the footsteps that I am hearing right now, it is coming into this direction so I bet it was my Papa's.

"I am really very sorry for the inconvenience, Vren. My husband is just so persistent that he wants it to be finish quickly..."

My eyes widened in the name she mentioned. Vren? Vren Marzon? He's here?!

I sat properly and minutes did not pass, I saw Mama's wide smile as she walks. She was looking at her back, and there, Vren Marzon appeared onto my eyes. In an instant, my eyes were filled with hate.

"It is totally fine, madame. My full support is still on it, like what I have said.." Vren answered and his eyes drifted to me.

If looks could kill, he is probably now lying on the ground and not breathing. He saw it, I know. The desire of me, punching him. And what's making me upset more is his blank reaction.

"Oh, well..." Mama laughed again, so overwhelmed, then her eyes accidentally dropped in me. "What are you doing there, Chantylle?"

"Eating," I simply answered.

Grimaced, Mama shook her head before she turned to Vren again. Vren, on the other hand, is watching me darkly.

"This way, Vren. Anthony must have been waiting for a quite long now."

"Yes, madame.."

I turned away my eyes off him, slightly moved my body and bowed my head because of the uneasiness his stares was giving me. It was so deep that he was like digging my entire life. Like he is reading my mind.

On purpose, I waited for them to leave before finishing my food. Absent minded, I washed the dishes. After that, I went upstairs to my room but before I could go there, I stopped infront of my father's office when I saw the door is slighty open.

"You do not know how grateful I am and my wife right now, Vren. If it is not because of you and your father, maybe we have nothing now. We will forever be indebted to the both of you..." I heard Papa said.

"It was nothing. It may benefit to the both of us, so..."

"Still. We did not expect this. I mean, we know how wealthy your family is, Vren. Everyone knows you are not into this.."

Vren's soft chuckle filled my ears before he talked, "What's wrong having an arrange marriage? I see no problem in that."

"But I could not believe that it was you who-"

My brows furrowed, wondering why Papa did not continue his sentence. I peeked on the slight aperture of the door. It was dark that made me confused. I know what my father's office look like. Supposedly, I should now br seeing a bookshelf and a painting. But I couldn't see anything except a white botton in front of me. I blinked twice. Wait. Botton?

Before I could comprehend everything, the door I am lying at opened, making me almost fall down on the floor if I did not just grasp my hand onto the clothes of the person who opened it. He was standing infront of me and held my elbow so I would not really fall.

"Chantylle? What are you doing there?" surprised and worried was written all over Papa's voice.

I looked at him and saw him standing at the back of his table. His hands were resting on it.

"U-Uh, P-Papa," I muttered before I stood up properly and arranged my pose. "I-I was just..."

"She is obviously listening on us."

Like an automatic robot, my head turned to him with blazing eyes. I gritted my teeth as my forehead creased. He isn't looking at me but to my father. What made me angry even more is when Papa's reaction suddenly changed due to what have he said. From shock and worried, his face told me that he is not pleased that I am here and on what I did.

"Get out, Chantylle! What you are doing is not going to make my decision change!"

I almost startled at Papa's loud and thunderous voice. Afraid and hurt, tears formed onto my eyes as I rushed to my room.

Even though Papa changed for somehow long now, I am still not used to it. I am still hurting for it..

I cried and tried to sleep but I couldn't so I decided to go in the veranda. The warm wind touched my skin immediately as I opened the screen door. My sight automatically darted to the guards that my father hired. They were walking towards the gate, as if they are leaving.

My eyes lit up in an idea. I changed my clothes, fixed my hair and put some makeups in my face before I went down to the living room. As I sat on the long sofa, I took a glance on the main door.

It's open!

My mind knows how I wanted to run to it but I need to be patient...

Looking around, there is no CCTV camera. But who knows? Maybe Papa installed a very tiny one. Oh gosh. This is really crazy!

I slowly stood up and came close to the window beside the main door. The guards are no longer to be found when I pushed aside the curtains to look for them. I almost jump in enthusiasm. But I need to be calm.. I walked slowly towards the door now..

My heart is beating so fast and loud when I finally held the door knob. I was about to twist it so I could finally go out when someone talked behind my back.

"Looks like a naughty cat is going out, huh?"

Stunned, my eyes stared at the doorknob. My hands were shivering and I feel like the blood on my face were no longer in there.

"You are not allowed to go out. You know that," he said again with a serious voice now.

I breathed in deeply and gathered all my guts to face him. Vren is standing in the stairs, watching me intently. His hands were resting firmly on the staircase and his body built told me that he is physically strong. Our eyes met and his lips twisted into a grim line.

But despite of his image, it could not hide the fact that he is evil. He is a heartless man. What he did to me is too much!

"Why do you keep on meddling with my life?!" I almost shouted, tears were forming into my eyes.

"Why would I not? I am your fiancé-"

"You are not! And you will never be!" I shouted at the top of my lungs before I angrily ran towards him.

He stepped back that made me think that he thought I'll attack him. It made an easier access for me to ran pass him, though I still pushed him with all my might before I went straight to my room.

Another week had passed before Papa finally allowed me to go out. He would not do that if I did not agreed to him that I would date Vren, that I will really not. Hell, why would I date him? I have a boyfriend and that is cheating! Besides, I am not forgetting that he is the reason why Papa grounded me for three weeks!

"Finally, after weeks of being uncontact, you answered your phone!" Alec whined over the call.

It was a sunny Saturday and I was sitting on the bed of my room when I called him. He was the first one whom I called after Papa handed me my phone because he has been calling my dead phone for over 100 times!

"I'm sorry.. Something happened-"

"Something that is more important than me?" he spatted.

"I-It's not like that-"

"Chantylle! You have no idea how worried I am!"

My brows furrowed. I do not know what to feel. I just got my phone back, now free to go out and this is what I get? After weeks of waiting? Really?

I want to be mad. I want to explain to him right now even if it is just over the phone, that I was grounded. That he should not greet me that way because of the pain I was feeling for the past few weeks. But I know I shouldn't. Alec did not do anything wrong about it. He does not know everything.

And for years of being in a relationship with him, I have memorized his way of thinking too. I know that he would not understand what I am going to say unless.we talk it on person.

"I am sorry, hon. I will explain it to you, later. Let's meet again on the-"

"I will be the one to choose the place. And make sure your explaination is reasonable enough for me to not hate you," he said before he ended the call.

What the hell? Hate me?

I sighed. I know he was worried. Who wouldn't? He could not contact his girlfriend for weeks. If I were him, maybe I'll go crazy for it. However, his tone had offended me. But who knows? He's worried so I could not blame him on it.

Minutes after thinking, I decided to call my friends. Especially Vivien and Eliana. But then I remembered the last time we had a meeting. It was when Vren did not follow what I have said that he should stay in his car reason why my friends found out that I was lying.

But it was too late because when I thought of that, my phone was ringing. And when I came back to my senses, they already answered it.

"You have a lots of things to explain," that was the first thing Eliana said when they answered my call.

If I could just end the call rudely, I would do it.

I sighed, slowly killing Vren in my mind. That man is really getting into my nerves. Whenever I see him, he is making my whole life a mess. I should really do my moves now. He should be out of my world before I go crazy for it!

"Chantylle.. So it's really true? Vren Marzon is your fiancé or.. We just misunderstood it? Maybe you are friends with him?"

"I am not friends with him, Vivien," I said in grimaced.

"Then what? And why did you lie?" Eliana spatted loudly on the other line that made me almost put my phone away.

I told them every detailed things they need to know. Starting from the restaurant and now. When I finally finish my long talk, I thought Eliana won't be mad anymore.

"You should've not lied, Chantylle! I thought we're friends!"

"Eli..."

"It's okay, Vivien.. Eliana is right. I know I'm wrong. I am sorry.." I whole heartedly said.

"You should be sorry. You don't know how shock we were when we saw Vren!" Eliana exclaimed.

I bit my lips. I know how surprise they were. I've seen it. And now, I couldn't help but to silently laugh with it. Looking back, they just seems to be epic.

"What's your plan now?" Vivien asked seriously.

I immediately sat properly and became serious too. "I will make sure that my parents would not tie me in the knot with him.."

"Oh, Chantylle! Have you seen how Vren held your wrist firmly as he dragged you out? Have you seen his muscles? God. I haven't seen a man so charming as he is! If I were you, I'll just accept the marriage!"

My brows furrowed. "Eli!"

"What?" she asked, laughing, like she did not know that what she said was wrong.

"I won't accept it just because of his looks! I'm not that kind of girl, you know that. Even if he'll be the only guy left in the world, I won't marry him. Period!" I said in an irritated tone.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, calm down!" she said, still laughing.

"You know Chantylle doesn't like a guy just by handsome, rich, or what..." Vivien.

"Besides, I have a boyfriend. If you could not remember."

Eliana just shrugged but the smirk in her lips are still there and it irritates me like hell.

"Right.. Speaking of Alec, does he even know all of these?" Vivien asked.

"No.. But he knew my parents were linking me into someone. He doesn't know that it's like this now," I answered, slightly remembering what we have talked about earlier.

Alec has always been sulking and angry when I am out of reached, yet he couldn't stay being like that. But what bothered me right now is what he said. That was new. He will hate me just because of that? What if I was kidnapped? He'll worry and get mad? Without hearing my explainations?

"Where are you going again, Chantylle?" Papa's voice echoed around the living room.

Slightly gripping the hem of my pink fitted dress, I stop midstep on the stairs as I sighed heavily. "I am meeting my friends, Papa."

From the newspaper Papa was holding, looked up to me with a cold eyes. "Make sure it's really friends, Chantylle. Not your bastard boyfriend."

I gulped and gathered all my confidence to look straightly at Papa's eyes. "No.."

His eyes went back again on the newspaper and flipped it unto the new page. Meanwhile, I was trying to stand firmly even though my heart was beating so fast ang loud. My hands were sweating a bit.

"I am going to think that you broke up with him already by that answer, then.."

I did not replied.

"Be home by five. You have a dinner date with Vren. In case you forgot," he said without looking at me.

"I-I did not forget, Papa.."

My guilt was still hunting me even when I am already driving. Papa would hate me to the moon if he'll know that I lied. But no one will stop me. Alec is all I have right now, except for my friends. My parents, whom I loved the most changed and I do not know if I could still go to them whenever I have problems. So I cannot lose Alec.

I drove to the hotel that Alec messaged me before I went down to our living room. When I came to the parking lot, I could not help but to make a bad face.

This hotel... This is owned by the Marzons..

I shook my head and my eyes wandered around while driving, looking to a familiar car. When I saw Alec's BMW, I immediately parked my car beside it.

"You are late," that was the first thing Alec said when I entered his car.

I sighed. "I'm sorry.. The traffic was kinda heavy-"

"Explain now, hon. Please.. I was really worried. And I am sorry too about what I have said earlier. I was just... Really mad and worried. You did not contact me for three weeks.." he said before reaching my cheeks and kissed it.

My lips formed into a grim line. I knew it. He could not stand being angry at me for long. Now, who wouldn't want him to stay forever?

"I was grounded. Papa confiscated my gadgets and-"

A knock from the window in my side made me paused from talking. Irritated for the disturbance of the person who knock, I instatly tilted my head to see who it is. But my jaw dropped when I saw who it was.

"Vren Marzon? What do he want?" Alec said in a confused tone.

I am now sure that my face paled. I was about to talk to say they we should igore him but Vren knocked again.

"Hon, open the window. Maybe it's important.."

I do not want to follow what he said but I know it would make him more confused. So in a trembling hands, opened the window.

Vren's murky eyes was focused on me. The way he look, I immediately knew that I would regret my decision.

"Get out," his voice was so firm and cold.

Shit!

"What? Dude.. What's the problem? We are still talking.. If you have something important to tell, you can say it now," Alec said in a very confused way.

Vren ignored him and looked at me. "You are not allowed to meet that bastard. If you are not going to go out I am going to call your father right this instant."

I gulped. I immediately looked at Alec who is now annoyed by Vren's actions. His brows were furrowed deeply.

"Bastard?"

"A-Alec.." I touched his arms to calm him down even though my heart was palpitating.

Alec turned to me with jaw clenched. "He called me bastard. You heard that, right?"

"Maybe we should go. He's crazy-"

Alec moved his hands away from me. His breathing was fast and it scared me. He looked at Vren again with so much fury in his eyes.

"What the hell is your problem, man? Are you sick? Don't you think what you said was so rude? You called me bastard!"

"I know. And I won't deny it." Vren smirked.

"Vren!" I called angrily to make him stop but he did not looked at me.

"Fuck you! Who the hell do you think you are to call me bastard?"

I held again my boyfriend's arm. Oh God. Alec is really mad now! And if Vren won't stop they might end up fighting!

"I am Chantylle's fiancé," Vren said that made Alec stunned in surprise.