Kia was taken aback and asked Ares, "What are you talking about?... You want to marry me?"

Ares soon became sweaty when Kia asked the question. "I am man enough to be responsible and make her feel protected." He thought to himself.

Ares inquired anxiously, "Mhmm... Will you marry me?"

Will she accept? She is quite fortunate to have me as her husband. Take a look at me. Is it possible that I'm still not up to her standards? Ares said to himself.

The question caught Kia off guard. She can't believe the man in front of her is planning to marry her right away. Why doesn't he seem to understand the term marriage? It's not a humorous affair ... Anyway, after we get married, we can file for divorce, right? ... Wtf! What exactly am I thinking? Kia, stop it! Are you blind? He has the appearance of having been born into wealth. We must stay away from individuals who are wealthy since they will only cause us pain. Kia said in her mind.

"Oh, no," Kia exclaimed, "forget it. Can you find me a dress? I really need to go!"

Ares couldn't believe Kia had refused him.

What exactly are you saying?! You're going to say no to me? Do you realize who you're rejecting, lady?! I'm your typical comic president!

He only grinned and said nothing in response to Kia's words. "I know we've only met, but I guarantee you that I'm a trustworthy person; I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to marry you; I'll treat you well!" Ares replied.

Kia's face and eyes were filled with rage. It was as though the words she'd heard were all terrible and she didn't care for any of them. "Didn't you hear me? I said, find me a dress because I have to go! I just want to remain away from the rich world! I'm tired of being duped!" Kia was irritated.

Ares was taken aback by her acts. She simply wants to avoid... the wealthy world? What has she been through these years? I need to come up with a new plan... Ares, think!

Ares laughed, "Rich people?" "You seem to be mistaking what you see... I'm just an assistant... Do I look rich?... I'm overwhelmed... But sorry to disappoint you, I drank with my bosses last night and I was shitfaced. They felt awful, so they prepared this place for me." Ares merely scratched his head over the words he left out that he didn't expect to slip out of his mouth so easily.

Kia raised her gaze to Ares and seemed to be analyzing every detail of his face. "Are you telling me the truth?" Kia's innocent query.

When Ares noticed that Kia seemed to trust what he said, he smiled. "Sure, do I appear to be lying?" Ares asked, smiling. "But, as I previously stated, I want to be responsible for you, so I want to offer you a home."

Ares' words made Kia smile despite her headache and the fact that she was still dizzy from the wine she drank the night before.

Kia

A home… What a nice word…

The only home I knew back then was my family. Mommy, daddy, and their only daughter, me. After my mother died in a car accident, everything changed... I was quite depressed during that time. Knowing that mom is no longer here, I don't know how to get up and start my day every day.

My father married his mistress and returned with their daughter. I've felt as if I've lost my family since then. The old special treatment for me disappeared like a bubble. Daddy was more concerned with his new wife and, of course, his new child. He seemed to have forgotten that I was also present, that I was his child. They now own the house in which I once lived. They own that property. Not me…

Is this going to be the most anticipated day of my life? Is this the loving and caring home I'm yearning for? Maybe it's time for me to make my own decision. There's nothing wrong with attempting to live a regular social life. He appears to be trustworthy and kind...

"Could you please do what I asked?" I asked.

I couldn't take my gaze away from his. His visage was so commanding that it reminded me of an angel from heaven. Lucky man, there are still individuals who are gifted with incredible genes.

"What is it?" He inquired.

"Are we going to get married by agreement?" I inquired again. He nodded and still couldn't take the smile off his face. "I want us to finish the contract and split ways as if nothing happened after two years..." I said.

He was taken aback as his smile vanished from his lips. His reaction made me nervous. Was there something I said that he didn't like? Isn't that what he wants?

"Uhm— We'll divorce in two years, but don't worry, I'll fulfill my duty as your wife during that time..." I couldn't help myself.

Will he say yes? Why is he staring at me, completely speechless? Is there something stuck in my eye? Is my face dirty? I can't stand his awkward look any longer. Please, Lord, swallow me whole. I think I said something wrong…

"All right, let's call it a deal!" he exclaimed.

Surprisingly, he granted my requests without hesitation. Is it really that simple to ask him and have him agree? Maybe he really doesn't want to be with me for a long time, thus he agreed to a two-year contract with ease...

He approached the bed and took a seat next to me. He grasped my right hand, but my left hand was quickly snatched up by the blanket that was supposed to cover my naked body. "Let's not spend any more time; let's get married today," he remarked. "Then I'll go home and collect my household registration, and you'll get yours; we'll just meet at the civil affairs bureau later."

"Mhm! Alright..." I didn't object to what he said and just agreed.

I instantly stopped him when he stood up and attempted to leave. "Wait!" I yelled at him.

"What? Do you want to change your mind?" He inquired.

"N-no... I forgot to ask what your name is?" I scratch my head, ready to question him.

My question brought a smile to his face. What an arrogant person. What does he think of himself? I know he's attractive, but don't get too arrogant!

He continued to smile as he said, "I'm Ares France Vuertalejo... Your soon to be husband."

"Hmm... Ares... Nice name, huh? Well, Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo, you tore my dress! How can I come home like this?!?" I complained.

He scratched his head a lot and giggled a little bit. "I'm sorry, I got intoxicated and lost control... I'll get you a new one right away!" he exclaimed as he rushed to the bathroom to change. He simply exited the room after saying goodbye to buying me clothes.

“Nice! Now that I'm on my own, how can I be so certain that Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo isn't a fraudster?"

ARES

ARES I'm putting money on the line, Kianna Myst Saavedra, that you won't be sorry to see me depart after we've been together for two years!

*Ringing*

I reached into my pocket to get the phone from where it had been sitting.

[What's going on, boss? Are you planning to show up to work today?

"Get all the bidding projects for the firm who bought me a drink last night done; I'm going to buy them out by hook or by crook in one week."

[You can count on me to get it done, boss. You have my word that you will]

"Okay, have someone bring me a whole outfit for women and have them deliver it to the hotel room I stayed in the previous night. Also, buy me a house in Laguna, not too huge, just big enough to handle the bills of an average office worker, and then get my possessions there after cleaning up."

[Do you mean it, boss? Are you completely insane, boss...? You want to live in Laguna, and you want to live in an apartment that seems like it was made for office workers.

"Do you wish to seek employment elsewhere? There's an opening in the cleaning department..."

[....boss, I give you my word on this! I'll get started right immediately! ]

*Call ended*

KIA

After waiting for 15 minutes, someone finally pounded on the door. Perhaps that's the god Ares. What was he doing for so long that it took him to buy me something to wear? Before heading to the door and opening it, I wrapped the blanket around my body and then unwrapped it.

An employee of the hotel came over to say hello to me. She gave me a friendly grin when she was carrying paper bags and said, "Good morning, ma'am! It is on its way to you from someone."

I accepted it quickly and thanked the employee for their assistance before locking the door. I have no reason to believe it wasn't Ares... It looks like he's consumed with his paperwork at the moment. Is he excited about the prospect of getting married?

After I had finished getting ready, I did not waste any time gathering my things before checking out of the motel. I got into a cab, and it took me straight home.

After I had arrived at home, "I'm home!

"....Dad, would you mind if I spoke with you for just a second?" I mentioned that I make an effort to relax, yet the anxiety I'm feeling right now is quite different from what it was yesterday.

The situation is under control! Kia, you need to simply relax.

The response from Daddy was, "You still know you reside here..." As I observed his actions, I could see the rage building up in his eyes. "It would be ridiculous for a girl like you to stay out all night without going home. Do you still consider yourself a reasonable woman?" The man screamed.

"I'm sorry, Daddy, but I just can't take the time right now... I didn't leave the office till the very early morning..." I said. It's possible that I'm not very good at fibbing, but I just can't bring myself to tell my dad that I shared my bed with someone else...

"Dad, I was hoping we could talk about something important today..."

"What do you want to say? I don't have the time to listen to anything you want to say all day, so if you have something to say, say it now "He reported that he had the sensation that his spirit was ready to depart from his body.

"I'm marrying someone else. I don't want to get married to Vincent Rivera because I don't know how long he's been cheating, so please dad, I hope you understand that I don't want to get married to him." I found that I was unable to face him in the eyes any more. I do nothing but stare at the floor while I wait for him to reply to my question.

We need to submit the household register in order to apply for housing aid through the civil service; he wants us to live together, but it's not realistic for me to be here all of the time; why should I stay here if I have my own house? I added.

"Are you able to take use of the housing benefit for public servants these days?" While daddy was looking at me with a grin and sipping his coffee, I questioned him. "If you are tricked, don't cry and beg me for forgiveness! ... Fine! Follow your whims and desires! Without you, I'll finally be able to appreciate the tranquility of my life."

When he said that to me, it was as if the whole world were coming crashing down around me, and the only thing I can do now is keep my strength. Because he has his own world now, he doesn't need me anymore, therefore it's simple for him to let me go.

It's really her! After hearing her voice, I turned around and took a quick look in her direction. The wonderful Avery Saavedra, who was my stepmother. I glared at her in a menacing manner.

"I take it you don't want to see me, is that right?" — I quote her. "You don't even tell me when you arrive home," the speaker said.

What is the reason behind her presence in this area? What perfect timing you have. I don't know why, but whenever I hear the voice of my stepmother, it's as if the irritation and fury that I'm trying to keep concealed from her come out first. I don't know why this happens.

"It has absolutely nothing to do with you! And on top of all of that, did your daughter not also come home with you last night? Why don't you inquire about your cherished daughter's plans for the previous evening?" I yelled angrily.

Because she was upset by the way I had treated her, she approached her father's side in a pathetic manner. "Take a gander at her, sweetie... It's embarrassing how horribly she treats me in front of you... She does not know how to show respect for her parents or other adults, despite the fact that we did not train her to be disrespectful."

The malicious utterance of my stepmother caused my father's nostrils to start smoking almost immediately. "How dare you communicate with your mother in such a manner! Make amends to her as soon as possible! "He shrieks in pain.

I don't understand why he always looks out for my stepmother, but he can't even be bothered to check on me even though I'm his own child. "Why on earth should I make amends to her?! I didn't do anything wrong, dad... She is in no way my biological mother! Unfortunately, Mom passed away a very long time ago."

Immediately after hearing what I had to say, Daddy got to his feet. "You! How dare you say back to me! "He shouted this as his thoughts were racing in response to the information he had gleaned from me.

"Nothing will change regardless of whether I stay here or move in with you; it has been a very long time since I have been a member of this family. I'm leaving!" I was irritated, so I hurriedly got out of the house.

Daddy's shout stopped me in my tracks before I could flee the house "Fine! If it's at all possible, don't ever come back!"

I'm going to make a beeline for the Bureau of Marriage Registration within the Civil Affairs Department. As a result of what took place at my house, I do not have anywhere to go. Because I have no other option, I will have to agree to the terms of this marriage contract... but am I being too hasty?

Are the choices I've made the right ones? I'm currently in the Civil Affairs Bureau, but I can't think of his full name off the top of my head. I can only recollect him mentioning that his name was Ares, and unfortunately, I do not have his phone number. How do I reach him now? It's too late for me now.

In any case, what is it that has led me to believe this so rapidly? Who in their right mind would decide to get married to a complete stranger on the spot? Because of this, I keep getting injured over and over again... I'm poking fun at my own foolishness...

"I'm sorry, I'm late." The voice of the man stated,

It's him...

"I apologize for keeping you waiting," Ares apologized.

"Did you wait so long? I didn't notice you..." Kia wondered.

"It's windy outside, and I don't want you to get sick. Come on, let's go inside." Ares remarked to Kia,

Kia was speechless and simply stared at Ares.

Why didn't I think he was this cute this morning... I didn't expect him to be this handsome... Wait a minute... Why am I blushing?! Kia remained in her thoughts.

Ares approached him slowly. When he got close enough, he grabbed Kia's waist and pulled her closer to him. "Honey, don't ever leave my sight. Mhm?... Let's... get married!" he said softly, causing Kia's hair to lift at the back of her neck.

So, this is the marriage certificate. I can't believe I was married like this... I feel like I'm dreaming... Kia thought to herself as she held the paper certifying her and Ares' marriage.

Ares' car came to a complete stop in front of a basic house. Ares instantly went down and assisted Kia.

"I'm sorry and it took us a while… The traffic was horrible earlier. Let's head home," Ares says.

Kia was unable to respond quickly and appeared to be absorbed by her mind once more. He'll be my husband from now on... Seriously, he's that attractive... Kianna Myst Saavedra, maybe you forgot you got married by agreement!

"What's up?... Mhm... I bought this car on loan, and I hope you like it." Ares said uncomfortably,

What makes her hesitate? Shit! Isn't this car inexpensive enough... Doesn't she think I'm a secretary or an office worker? Ares stated.

"Well, I'd like to officially introduce myself to you. I work for an imperial group, and as I mentioned before, I am an assistant to the customer manager. Our company's welfare is very good, and we can get an interest-free loan, which is why I bought this car and this house on loan... I hope you don't mind that I am just an ordinary office worker... "Ares whispered shyly.

"Hey, that's not cool... It's actually too much... I wasted too much of your time today, so come in later after lunch, otherwise, your employer might scold you..." Kia is worried.

When Ares saw that he had persuaded Kia, he smiled. "Don't worry... I requested a day off today; let's go grab your luggage."

Kia agreed with Ares and nodded. They got in the car and drove to Kia's house, the Saavedras' residence.

He saw Kia's sadness as they got to her place. Ares was concerned when she suddenly changed her facial expression. Ares inquired, "Is this your home?"

"It was... But now I can't call that house my home... I-I'm going to get the luggage," Kia said as she exited the vehicle.

Is she on bad terms with her family? No, I don't think so. It seems complicated. Ares murmured. "Do you need my help? Let's go together." He asked Kia.

"Don't… Just wait for me here, I can do it. I'll be right back." Kia smiled and got out of the car to enter their house.

As she entered the Saavedras' house, Ares simply stood there watching her. This woman is a fool. Do you think I'm clueless? You cry but you still pretend to be calm. Huh- I really don't understand what she's trying to do.

Kia

I went around the back of the house so I wouldn't run into anyone I knew. Thankfully, my room is nearby. I had my luggage ready when I entered the room and immediately stuffed it with my belongings and clothes.

Finally, I can bid farewell to the place where I've lived for the past two decades. I wiped the sweat from my forehead as soon as I finished packing.

Finally, it's done. In the future, I need to be able to live on my own and be self-sufficient. I know it won't be easy, but hasn't life always been like that? Before you can enjoy success, you must first work hard. And I swear to myself that I will not give up until I have completed all of my responsibilities myself. The cowardly me of the past has passed away!

"Hey, Kianna Myst," said a voice from behind me as I was about to leave the house.

My stepmother's voice, my most despised person in the world. "Where are you going with your luggage? You are way out of line; You are not only pissing your dad off, but you also want to run away from home," she added, smiling.

To irritate me, my step-sister Asteria replied, "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Mom, where can she go now? Find a man to rely on?" She is Asteria Dayle Saavedra, the woman who flirted with my boyfriend, Vincent Rivera.

"Is there really nothing you can do but meddle with my life? What else can the two of you do besides take other people's boyfriends?! It's awful to see those expressions on your faces!" I grumbled.

What I stated upset Asteria right away. She appears to have been shaken awake by reality. "Don't be so arrogant, Kianna! You're getting on my nerves! You're no longer a member of this house; you're a beggar!" Asteria screamed.

"Tss. Boring! Talking with you is a waste of time," I remarked as I turned away from them.

I was about to leave when Asteria suddenly grabbed my arm. "You're not going anywhere!"

"Let go!" I exclaimed angrily. "I'll smash you in the face with the luggage I'm carrying if you don't let me go," I threatened her.

She swallowed her spit and returned to her mother's side as swiftly as she could. She's also easily frightened. That was a complete waste of time. I heard her say something even before I could leave the house.

"I'm telling you right now, Kianna, I'm not afraid of you no matter what. You'd better remember that it's my home, not yours. Is that clear? I won't repeat myself!" Her voice was so loud that it nearly destroyed my eardrums.

I continued to go out the door, ignoring her. I take out my phone and check the time... shit! It's been half an hour...

Ares

I had almost grown a monument by the time I stood here outside. This is the first time I've ever waited as a president. Tsk, Kianna, you'll have to make it up to me later...

When I heard her suitcase's squeaky wheel, I looked in front of me. She finally comes out! She looks under the weather.

"I'm ready. Let's go," she said coldly.

Did something bother her? Why does she appear to be in a bad mood?

"It's freezing outside; get in the car; I'll handle the luggage."

"All right," she responded as she got into the car.

She remained silent about what occurred inside their home. Well, I am a patient person. You'll open up to me one day... but first, I have to figure out what she's been through all these years...

When I get in the car, "By the way, Kianna, since it's late, why don't we eat dinner first before we drive home?" I said,

She is sound asleep when I look at her. She must be exhausted... Okay, just get some rest.

I approached her and placed my hand on her cheek. I was taken aback when she started crying out of nowhere...

"Don't worry, honey, we're married now. I promise I'll protect you forever, and no one can hurt you or bully you from now on... Trust me," I whispered before kissing her lips.