Ezra’s POV.

“ARE you serious about this?”

My attention was focused on Kiana when she asked me. Just by looking at her face, I could tell she was worried. I exhaled a deep sigh and nodded to her.

“Yes,” I said with determination.

She drew a heavy breath and crossed her arms across her chest. “It’s not like I can stop you from escaping–”

My eyes widened and my ears clapped. I covered her mouth in an instant, before she could finish what she was about to say.

“Could you please lower your voice, Kiana? They might hear us!” I hushed her and gave her a stern look.

We’ve entered my room. Kiana asked her parents for permission to spend the night in our house. We were discussing a clear plan for my escape. Because tomorrow is my wedding day, and my parents weren’t considering cancelling it, so I have to run away before that happens. I can never, under any circumstances, allow the wedding to take place. I can’t give them what they want.

There was a knock on the door. Kiana and I fell silent as soon as the door opened and Mom entered my room.

“Are you ready for tomorrow, Ezra?” Mom asked in a jubilant tone.

I only responded with a nod, even though I intended to respond negatively in my heart. I was disappointed as well as saddened for Mom. I feel sorry for her because I see a glimmer of hope and shine in her eyes, as if she’s been waiting for the day I’d marry. But I couldn’t hide my dismay for her because I couldn’t believe they’d trade my life for the sake of their business. I’m not their puppy, whom they can play with and boss around. They should’ve considered the fact that I am their daughter.

I’m sorry, Mom, but I can’t and don’t want to be engaged in a marriage I never approved of in the first place.

My parents announced our engagement without my permission only a month ago. Now, she wants me to marry him as soon as possible? What is her take on marriage? A game? A business transaction?

“I’m glad to hear that. Get some rest, my dear. Tomorrow will be the best day of your life!” She smiled as she walked out of my room.

Best day, my foot.

“Your parents are indeed serious about your wedding, huh?” Kiana, who was sitting next to me, whispered as she ate the snacks I’d hidden earlier. “So, what’s your plan?”

“I’ll wait until midnight to make sure everyone in the house is asleep. Then, it will be the perfect time to leave.”

“I’m trying to weigh the possibilities, Ezra. What if… What if you failed to carry out your plan?”

I was a little taken aback. She was right. I hadn’t considered that. What if I fail to carry out my plan? What am I going to do, then? What will happen to me? I’ll be tied to a man I don’t love for the rest of my life.

As I clenched my fists, I gasped for breath. Only thinking about it in the near future suffocates me. It will be the cause for my demise.

“Just put your trust in me, Kiana. I’m confident I’ll succeed,” I stated boldly.

“Suppose you succeed in escaping; where will you go?”

“I’m not sure yet… I have my own car and enough money to rent an apartment or maybe stay in a hotel,” I replied, unsure.

“Duh! The hotels here are a long way from our city, and I’m certain your parents will go to any length to find you, Ezra. You know how important you are for their success.”

I rolled my eyes. “I know, but I’m not going to let it happen. If I have to leave the country as soon as I get out of this house, I’ll do it even if it’s dangerous. If they’re willing to go to any length to find me, I’ll do the same to get away.”

I was fed up with my parents’ obsession with their own company. Kiana let out a sigh. I know she’s stressed out about what’s going on with my life, but I’m thankful she’s by my side because I don’t know where else I’ll get the strength to fight for my rights to do what I believe is best for myself.

She approached me and stroked the back of my palm in an attempt to lift my spirits. I smiled at her to make her feel less worried.

“No matter what happens, Ezra, I will always support you. I’m rooting for you.”

“You’re the best, Kiana!”

***

The clock struck twelve o’clock. My parents, the maids, and the guards were all fast asleep. It was a good thing my parents went to bed early. Kiana was with me. She hadn’t slept yet because she wanted to ensure that I could leave this house without any worries or conflicts.

We slowly exited the room after I finished preparing my luggage. Every step we took was cautious, and we made no noise because the bodyguards at the front gate could perhaps hear us in no time.

We went through the backyard after we descended the stairs. Because there were no bodyguards present, the two of us decided to take the quickest and easiest route, which was the exit in the backyard. I rushed outside with Kiana to say my goodbyes.

“Thank you for helping me, Kiana. I owe you a lot,” I said with a smile.

“Look after yourself. Call or text me, okay? Keep me posted. I will miss you, Ezra,” she said, despite her tears.

I pulled her for a hug. “I’ll miss you, too…”

We both released our grip on the hug after a few minutes of deafening silence in the middle of the solemn night.

“I have to leave. Goodbye, Kiana.”

“Goodbye, Ezra!” she cried, waving as I turned my back to walk away.

I didn’t want to go, but I had no choice. I don’t want to live with regrets because I didn’t turn down this marriage. I’m aware that the Tan family may delay or withdraw their investment in our company, but I can’t give up my life to this arranged marriage that I’ve opposed since the beginning.

I put my belongings in the car compartment and started driving off. I don’t know where I’m going but maybe it’s better to go to a hotel only for tonight.

Two hours of driving yet I still haven’t found a single hotel. Like Kiana said, hotels and buildings are too far from our city because we’re in the rural side. It’s hard to grope.

I parked my car for a while when it rained heavily out of nowhere. It was dark so I couldn’t see very well where I was going.

Over time, the downpour of rain only intensified. I can’t find a place to stay in until now. I peeked at my cellphone when I heard it ring suddenly.

“Hello?” I answered Kiana’s call.

“Are you okay? Where are you? The rain is heavy, Ezra!” she shouted over the line.

“Don’t worry, Kiana. I’m fine. Although I haven’t found a place to stay yet.”

“But it's raining cats and dogs! I’m afraid something bad will happen to you on the road.”

“The rain will stop soon. So please, stop creating loud noises! They might wake up!” I hissed.

“Fine. Then find a hotel or a place you can stay in as soon as possible, Ezra. It’s dark outside and you’re driving. Because of the heavy rain, something might happen to you, so be careful.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, Kiana. I know what I’m doing. I’ll call you later, bye!” I said before I ended the call and turned off my phone.

I’ve been driving for almost four hours already but I couldn’t find any hotels or apartments in this area. I had no idea where I was either. All I knew was that I was far away from home and from the city. I swore every bad word I knew when my car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road.

“Shit!” I cussed. “Of all times, why now?!”

I could do nothing but jump out of the car. I don’t care anymore if I get soaked in the rain. I checked my car and found out that I ran out of gas. How unfortunate I am. There is no gasoline station near here.

Even though I couldn’t clearly see the road because of the pouring rain, I roamed my eyes around the place. I was wondering if I could find a shelter. Good thing I noticed a house near where I was standing. I took my baggage from the compartment before I ran towards that house. It wasn’t as big as our house but it had a second floor, and it looked spacious inside so I decided to knock. Maybe I can stay here until the sun rises.

I knocked several times but no one answered nor opened the door for me. I thought that maybe no one was there. I was set to leave, but then, the door suddenly unclasped. A man appeared in front of me.

“Do you need anything, miss?”

I was about to speak when I turned to the others behind him. There are seven in total and they are all men. I swallowed the lump in my throat in nervousness.

“U-Uh… N-Nothing! I’m sorry if I woke you up. I-I’m leaving!” I stammered and smiled raw.

It was embarrassing that I even woke them all up with the loudness of my knock. I would have turned my back on them when the rain got heavier to the point that I could no longer see anything in the street. I closed my eyes tightly and heaved a deep breath before facing them again.

I have no other choice…

“Can I stay here?”

Ezra’s POV.

“Can I stay here?” I asked, cutting to the chase.

“What?”

“C-Can I stay here, even if it’s only until tomorrow?”

I scratched my nape and averted my gaze in embarrassment. They exchanged glances before returning their attention to me.

“We’re seven men inside, miss,” said the fierce-looking man.

I was engrossed in twitter and examined them one by one. I think they are good people so I will thicken my face. I have no other place to go.

“Well, uh… It’s okay! I mean, I need a place to stay for now because as you can see, I’m soaking wet because of the weather. So please!” I desperately begged.

Let me in, please! I have consumed all my remaining pride. I have nothing left of my dignity.

“Come inside,” he agreed. I sighed in relief and smiled.

“Thank you!”

They made me sit on the sofa. I looked around every corner of their house. It’s spacious and the interior design is jaw dropping. In fairness, the house is also clean.

They sat in front of me while the guy whom I talked to earlier excused himself to heat some water for my bath.

“May I know your name, Ms. beautiful?” the melodious tone of the question of one of them to me.

Not judging him but he already seems like a playboy to me at first sight. I eyed him thoroughly. He’s handsome and a hottie, but I think he’s the type of jerk that should be avoided or else girls will end up crying their tears out because of him dumping them.

“Shut up, Axle,” a cold restraint of one of them. The Axle he called just laughed and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’m Ezra Jin Medina,” I introduced myself.

“Axle Corpuz by the way, no way, highway. Don’t forget my name.” The man who asked my name earlier introduced himself and winked at me.

“I’m Clarence Samson,” said one and stretched out his hand to me. I accepted it and we shook hands.

Based on my opinion, I think he is the youngest among them. Although he doesn’t really look young, he has a baby face.

“Jeremy Mariano at your service,” said one who also looks like a womanizer.

“Joaquin Sison,” introduction of the good boy and silent type.

“Iñigo Salazar, present!” joke of the fierce-looking man when he returned. I barely laughed.

“Xavier Vergara,” said the one opposite me with a smile.

Everyone in the vicinity turned and looked over at the remaining one of them who hadn’t yet introduced himself. The cold type.

“Hyde,” he said sparingly.

I winced because of how boring he is. Among the seven men, he was the only one snobbish. He must be an introvert.

When the hot water Iñigo boiled, which I think is his name if I’m not mistaken, I headed to the bathroom and showered immediately..

While taking a bath, I memorized their names so that I wouldn’t be confused if I called them. I don’t think they are planning to do anything bad to me. I don’t know why I feel comfortable staying here as well, but still, I can’t let my guards down.

After I dressed up, I immediately came out of the bathroom. I went back to the living room but they were no longer there. I walked around the whole house to look for them. I almost got lost along the way, but then I found them in the dining room. They glanced at my direction when they noticed me standing behind them.

“Sit down. Have breakfast, too,” Clarence offered me a seat.

My forehead furrowed slightly in astonishment as I peeked at the clock hanging on the wall. It’s only four o’clock in the morning.

“Isn’t it too early to eat breakfast?”

“We can’t go back to sleep when we wake up,” Joaquin replied. I bowed my head at the guilt I felt.

“Sorry,” I apologized out of shame.

“You don’t have to be sorry. It wasn’t your fault,” Axle clarified. “Come here. Sit down.”

He motioned me to sit on the chair next to him. I could do nothing but just sit there. We were enveloped in silence for a few minutes. It’s awkward because I’m the only woman here. I’m not used to being surrounded by men.

“Are the seven of you the only one living here?” I broke the deafening silence. “I mean, don’t you have anyone else with you? Even your parents?”

“Yes,” Iñigo replied.

“Why? Where are your parents?” I asked more in curiosity.

“At our house.”

My eyebrows met in confusion. “Huh? I don’t get it. Isn’t this your house–”

I was unable to continue what I was about to ask when Joaquin decided to speak up to explain it to me.

“This is our house as well. Our parents wanted us to be independent, so they bought a house for us without them.”

“So, you all aren’t brothers?” I ejaculated in shock.

“Who said we are? We’re not,” Hyde replied coldly.

“But we treat each other like we share each other’s blood,” Jeremy added.

I nodded. I thought at first that they were brothers because they somehow look alike but now it’s clear that they are not.

“Ezra, right?” Xavier talked to me. “Do you mind if I ask you what you were doing in the middle of the street when the rain was pouring? I mean, why were you outside? Did your car stop in front of our house? Or did your tires become flat?”

“The truth is…” I paused for a second. “I ran away.”

“Why?” they asked, interested to know except for Hyde.

“My wedding is about to take place tomorrow…” I mentioned along with the series of deep sighs. “I mean, an arranged marriage for our company. I don’t want to get married because apart from the fact that I don’t love the person I’m going to marry, I also don’t want to because I don’t think I’m ready to settle down yet. That’s why I ran away. I don’t want the marriage to proceed. Then, while I was driving, it rained hard and my car happened to run out of gas near your house, so this is where I ended up going. I sincerely apologize that I disturbed your sleep earlier. I just can’t find any place to spend the night.”

“Don’t think about it, Ezra. We understand, and you can stay here as long as you want,” Jeremy’s generous offer.

I smiled at him in gratitude. “Thank you.”

“But won’t your parents look for you?” Iñigo suddenly asked me with a hint of fear on his face.

My smile faded in an instant. Concern immediately led me and occupied my whole-being. I hope Kiana won’t speak a word to my parents or else the two of us will be at the peak of danger.

“They will search for me,” I stated, knowing for a fact they will. “I’m sure of it. So, I should be able to find a permanent place to hide tomorrow–”

“No.” Hyde cut my words short. “You better stay here…”

Ezra’s POV.

I WAS making my bed when I was halted by the abrupt vibration of my phone. Kiana’s calling me again. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and answered her call.

“Hello, Kiana?”

“Ezra…” Her voice trembled, which alarmed me. “We have a problem.”

A shiver rose up in my chest all of a sudden. I had a hunch of ​​what she was going to say, but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Hence, I listened to her for more information and confirmation.

“W-What do you mean?” I asked, stuttering in twitter.

“Your mother is beginning to search for you, just as we predicted. I’m certain she won’t stop until she finds you. She’ll prolly do everything to get you back home.”

I could feel her distress. I’m hoping she didn’t say anything.

“Kiana, did you perhaps tell Mom?”

Oh, gosh! Please, say no!

“Of course not! What would be the point of telling them? We’ll be screwed!”

I breathed a sigh of relief because of her answer. Thank goodness she kept her mouth shut because otherwise we’re doomed. Mommy is a difficult opponent. She won’t go easy to anyone who betrays her.

“I’m sorry. I only asked to be assured.”

“Anyway, where are you? Have you found a hotel or a place to stay in?” She changed the subject. I swallowed hard because of her unanticipated question.

I bit my lower lip. “Yes, I did find a place to stay…”

“Really? I’m glad to hear you’re safe! So, how’s your new place?”

“Kiana, I know you wouldn’t believe me, but…”

“What?”

“Uh… Oh my God! How will I explain this?” I ended up panicking.

I don’t know how to tell her the truth, but I don’t want to keep it from her either.

“Oh, come on, Ezra! You're making me die in curiosity! Spill the beans!”

“I’m living with seven men…”

For several minutes, the other line was silent. I can only imagine how she reacted when she learned the news.

“Wait, what?! What nonsense are you spewing? You are what?!”

“I’m living with seven men under the same roof.”

“Bitch, are you serious?! What on earth are you thinking?! You mean you’re surrounded by seven men in a house where you're the the only woman?!” Kiana exclaimed hysterically.

“You’re right.” I nodded, as if she could see me in person.

“I won’t ask how that happened, but did they do anything to you?! Did they threaten you?! Tell me right away so that I can sue them!”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Stop overreacting, Kiana. I know you're worried about me, but loosen up. They did not harm me in any way. In fact, they were nice.”

“Or pretending to be nice…”

“No, I swear, they were kind to me. They let me into their home and fed me. They even agreed to let me stay as long as I wanted.”

“Aren’t you letting your guard down, Ezra? Why did they allow you to stay? Come to think of it, you’re a complete stranger to them. I don’t think I’d let a stranger of the opposite gender stay in my house unless I planned to do something bad to him, right? You never know if their true intention was to help or harm you.”

“I told them I had gotten out of the arranged marriage,” I explained. “They asked if my parents would locate me, and I said yes. Knowing Mom, she will do anything for the company, even if it means torturing her own daughter to death. So they insisted on allowing me to stay for an extended period of time.”

“Fine, you won. I will believe you because you said so. But the question is…”

I laughed to myself. I have a feeling I know what she will ask next.

“Are they good-looking?”

Shoot! I knew she would ask. Kiana loves handsome men; in fact, she’s obsessed with them. It’s her type. It doesn’t matter if he has bad fashion sense, bad habits, or a red flag, as long as he has good looks.

“The truth is… they are! They looked like works of art. They have a perfect build of body, an amicable lifestyle, snow-white skin, a bad boy aura, and an unrealistic appearance!” I described how the seven boys are.

When Kiana squealed with romantic delight, I moved my phone away from my ears. I could go deaf as a result of her in no time.

“Don’t make me envious, Ezra! Don’t take everything. Keep one for me. Oh, I wish I could pay you a visit!”

“Don’t!” I reprimanded her. “If they put a tail on you, Mom will find out where I’m hiding. She has eyes everywhere. I don’t want to endanger your life or the lives of the seven men who showed me kindness.”

“I understand the situation. Introduce them to me when you come back and everything is settled. I’ll end the call now. Mom has arrived to pick me up. I’ll try to call you later if I get the chance to sneak out. I miss you!” she said her goodbyes before hanging up the phone.

I exited the guest room after cleaning up. I spotted seven of them playing XBox in the living room. They paused for a moment when they noticed me.

“Do you need anything, Ezra?” Iñigo asked me.

I shook my head and smiled. “Please don’t mind me. Continue playing your game. I’d like to watch.”

They continued to play, as I have said. I just sat there watching and observing them one by one. I was blown away by Hyde’s performance. He was excellent with guns and super fast!

Unbeknownst to me, I was staring at him like a fool. When I heard him speak, I immediately sat up straight and turned away.

“Stop staring at me.”

Did he catch me? How humiliating!

From then on, I didn’t look at him again. I only watched the others six play.

They finished playing when the clock struck noon. To my surprise, none of them moved to prepare the meal or cook the rice.

“Uh… What’s for lunch?” I asked, brazen because my stomach aches from hunger. “It’s past noon, aren’t you hungry yet?”

“Let’s just order, or open the cans and noodles over there, Ezra.” Jeremy pointed his finger to the kitchen cabinet. My brow furrowed in astonishment.

“You don’t know how to cook?”

They exchanged glances before shaking their heads in response. I was dumbfounded. What do they eat on a daily basis? Don’t tell me they stick to canned food and noodles? Or do they only consume fast food? That’s harmful to their health.

“I’ll cook.”

They agreed with me by nodding. I turned away from them and went straight to the kitchen counter. I opened the refrigerator and began to plan a meal. The refrigerator was full of stock. It’s a shame they don’t cook.

I gathered the ingredients and started preparing the adobo. When it was done, I set it on the dining table. They just stood there watching me as I served the food and plates.

“Let’s eat!”

They sat down in the dining room one by one. We looked like a family eating together at one long table.

“It smells great!” Clarence praised, sniffing the aroma of the dish. I released a smile. His cheerfulness is contagious.

We began to eat. I was about to ask them what it tasted like, but I didn’t have to because I knew the answer as soon as I laid my eyes on them. The seven were hungry, and I couldn’t keep track of how much rice they had spooned.

They asked a few things about me while we were eating, and so did I to them. I discovered that they were the same age, with the exception of Joaquin, who was a year older and Clarence, who was the youngest in terms of birth month. They are two years older than me.

“I’m full,” Jeremy said, rubbing his tummy.

When we finished eating, the seven of them stood up and returned to the living room to play. I was perplexed. I was the one who cooked our meal, but will I also clean and wash the dishes? I see.

I blew some air. I don’t wash a single plate in the house, but I’d be more tolerant of this than being a doll there and marrying the man I don’t love.

Raiko Tan, the son of Mom and Dad’s business partner, with whom I was arranged to marry. He was good-looking, wealthy, and popular. I’ve met him a few times and could say that he was pleasant, but I didn’t like or love him. I considered him as a brother because I’m an only child.

Then, one day, he confessed his feelings for me, but I turned him down and explained that I only see him as a brother, not a man. He became enraged and insane. I saw him get angry once, and I’ll never forget it! He was strange. He was terrifying! He shouted at me and physically abused me. He kept forcing me to marry him.

So, that’s how my impression of him changed. He apologized, and I accepted his apology, but I refused to marry him ever since. I didn’t want to, and I never will.

“How long are you going to stay in the kitchen? You have finished washing the dishes, and the water is overflowing.” I awoke from trancing when I heard Hyde's voice from behind me.

I shifted my gaze to the sink. My eyes widened when I saw the plates and spoons were clean and shining. I immediately turned off the faucet.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t notice,” I apologized, embarrassed by my obscurity.

Why is he so icy? Doesn’t he realize that being a snob reduces his attractiveness?

I followed him into the living room after he turned his back on me. I saw those six playing XBox once more. Seriously, they don’t even take a break!

“Join us, Ezra!” Clarence called to me.

I scratched my nape. “I don’t know how to play XBox.”

“I’ll teach you…”