Watching my name being written down on a contract by someone else’s hand was disturbing. My parents signing me off to the Rocha family was expected. When I found out they needed money, I knew they would go to the most powerful and wealthiest family in the United States.

“Angela Duncan,” the man said holding the contract, “You are now legally bound to marry Brian Rocha when you turn the age of 24.”

That’s me, Angela Duncan. I will meet Brian Rocha for the first time tomorrow, and we will be married in a year.

I turned to see my parents; not a single hint of remorse in their eyes, “We love you, Angela.”

And what else am I supposed to say to that besides, “I love you both too.”

I was then ushered away from my parents. The last image I had of my mom and dad was of them receiving a check.

It was weird, being in my fiancé’s room; a fiancé I’ve never met before. They told me I would move in as soon as the contract was signed. Having no choice, I packed my things without a word of rebuttal to my parents. I knew how much they need the money. And they never really wanted a daughter so, why not right? It was a good exchange.

I think.

I sat down on the bed cautiously. Testing what’s the difference of this bed from my own. I bounced on it a little, enjoying the extra fluffiness. But then out of nowhere, I hear a chuckle, “Glad to see you’ve made yourself comfortable.”

With my body stiffening, I held my breath, waiting for the cruelty so known in the Rocha family. I felt a hand on the small of my back; it was placed softly. I slowly stood up, my back to him still.

“S-sorry.” I managed to stammer out, “I could go to the guest room – “

“Nonsense.” He said, his voice dripping with honey, “You should stay here, you’re my fiancé after all.”

“But we’re strangers, too.” I said, wincing at my honesty. To my surprise, he chuckled and spun me around, making me face him, “I plan on getting to know you then. We have a year.”

I gulped as he forced me to stare into his stunning green eyes. My head nodded on its own volition. He shook his head, “Use your voice.”

“Okay,” I said, a bit weakly. He has this aura that’s making me want to sink to my knees, “I want to get to know you too.”

He tucked my hair behind my eyes, smiling, “My name’s Brian.”

“I’m Angela.” I said, voice small and shaking.

“Why are you shaking?” He asked, head tilting to the right.

“I don’t know.” I answered, but I knew.

“Don’t lie to me, Angela.” He said sweetly, with all the patience in the world.

“I’m scared.” I said the truth this time.

“Don’t be, I won’t hurt you.” He said with a gently smile.

And for some reason, I believed him.

-- --

“We have to postpone our wedding.” I whipped my head around at Brian’s statement. He looked at me as if what he just said wasn’t a big bomb.

“You want to postpone our wedding?” I asked cautiously, rolling the words off my tongue.

“I’m sorry,” he said without remorse, “But I have some business to attend to for the family.” He was looking at the mirror, fixing his tie. I was at the other side of the room, wearing my heels.

“Oh,” I said a bit deflated, “I understand.”

He walks towards me, lifting my chin up with his finger so I could look him in the eyes. They’re just as green as the day I first met him. Everything about him hasn’t changed; except for the fact that sometimes he feels so far away, detached.

But at this moment, he seems like how he was before, “You always do,” he smiles and strokes my cheek, “That’s why I love you.”

I smile, my heart warming, “I love you too.”

He kisses my forehead, “I promise, the week after we’ll have our wedding.”

“I can’t wait.” I said, finding comfort in his feather-like kiss.

There was a knock on the door and our maid came in, looking very regretful for disturbing us, “I’m so sorry to bother, but your limo is downstairs, my sir and ma’am.”

I looked at Brian; he looked back at me with eyes now seeming distant now, “Your friend, Laurel, will be in this event, right?”

Confused, I nodded my head, “Laurel Gibbs? Yeah, she’ll be at my birthday party.”

He nods, a faint smile on his lips, “That’s good. All your friends should be at your 24th birthday party.”

I watched as he walked out of the room, forgetting his phone. I grabbed it, about to call out to him but his phone pinged with a message. I saw the message accidentally; his message previews were private but the name on the message was “true love”.

I dropped his phone, my heart dropping along with it.

“Angela?” Brian’s slightly worried voice comes through. I had to act quickly; I repositioned my legs so it would look like I tripped. When he came in and saw me and his phone on the floor, he hesitated. Then he walked to me and helped me up, “What happened?” Then he quickly got his phone.

“Why is my phone on the floor?” He asked, scanning his phone for any damage.

“I got it when I saw you left it. Then I tripped and went out of the room.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Ah,” he said, only then looking at me to make sure I’m okay, “Are you alright? Did you twist your ankle?”

“I think…” I roll my ankle around, trying to pretend that I really did trip, “I’m fine.” I put on a smile. He smiled back, but his eyes were flickering to his phone.

He held out his hand and together we went out of the house and to the limo. The drive was a bit long because of the traffic and I couldn’t help but fall asleep.

When I stirred, about to open my eyes, I could feel Brian hold his breath. So, I kept my eyes closed, curious and scared.

He let out the breath after a moment, “Okay, we’re good. She’s still asleep.”

“Brian, you know the repercussions of what you’re doing right?” said his friend, Ryan. What was he doing here?

“I checked our contract. It’s binding her to me, but not me to her.” Brian said with a low chuckle, “I’ll still marry her. I still care for her; I don’t want to embarrass her.”

“And you don’t think seeing one of her friends behind her back won’t embarrass her?” Ryan said, his voice a bit surprised.

I felt Brian sit up from under me, “What she won’t know, won’t hurt her.” His voice went low and cold, very threatening. “Am I right, Ryan?” I heard a click on his hand and knew immediately that it was a gun.

I heard Ryan gulp, “Yes, Brian.” He said shakily, “What she won’t know, won’t hurt her.”

The limo lurched forward, forcing my eyes to open. Brian’s arm went over my body to protect me from going forward.

“HEY!” He thumped the roof, “What was that?!”

“Sorry sir!” Our driver called out, his voice shaking, “I didn’t see the stoplight –“

“Drive more carefully!” Brian growled angrily, “It’s my fiancé’s birthday party we’re going to!”

“Brian, it’s okay.” I said, trying to calm him down, “It’s just an honest mistake, I’m sure.”

Brian looked at me, tucking a hair behind my ear. It was a movement that used to bring me comfort, not so much anymore.

“Of course, anything you want.” He said with a smile. I smiled back as much as I could and looked at Ryan.

“Hey, Ryan.” I said, “Sorry, I didn’t know you were joining us in the limo.”

“I just hitched a ride last minute.” Ryan replied, his smile wavering, “Happy birthday, Angela.”

“Thank you,” smiling, I nodded at his greeting and leaned down. I had to maintain some sort of normalcy. Brian can’t know that I know.

After a while, we arrived at the venue. Ryan was the first to go out of the limo, then Brian, then me. The restaurant was very fancy; I knew Brian booked a function room for tonight. I should feel touched, but knowing what I know…it all feels like a hollow act.

“Tonight’s your night.” He said as he placed a necklace around my neck. I looked down to see an emerald gem shining on my chest.

“It’s beautiful,” I choked, “Thank you.” A tear falls. I wiped it away quickly but Brian saw it.

“Why are you crying, Angela?” He asked, concerned.

“Just…emotional, you know? Last year, my parents sold me to your family and I was scared I wouldn’t matter. But…here you are treating me like…this,” my throat closed up from the lie, “it makes me feel special.”

Brian’s smile faltered a bit, but it quickly recovered. He pulled me close to kiss my lips, soft and sweet before pulling away.

“You matter, Angela.” He whispered on my lips.

I kissed him again, quick and chaste. I didn’t want to lie to his face again.

He tugged my arm, leading me inside to the party venue.

The venue was beautiful and so were the decorations. There was a big banner that said “Happy Birthday Angela ‘soon-to-be-Rocha’ Duncan”. Seeing it left a rotten taste in my mouth.

“Angela!” I turned around to see Laurel rushing towards me, “Happy birthday!” She went to hug me tight, but something felt different in her hug. It was like one arm was reaching out for something.

“Can’t believe you’re 24!” She said, pulling away from the hug, “And the wedding’s so close!” Her tone felt a bit like a mock. I tried not to show how offended I am. She’s being so obvious.

“We had to postpone it to a week after, but it’s okay.” I said, smiling, “As long as we get married, I’m happy.”

I noticed then Brian was at my side but not touching me at all. He was looking intensely at Laurel. I needed to get out of the vicinity for a while, “Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.”

Leaving them alone, I didn’t bother to look behind me. I didn’t want to see what they do when I wasn’t looking. My heart was already broken at the fact Brian is cheating. I don’t need it to break further because he’s cheating with my best friend.

I understand that we first got together because I was given to his family by my parents. But I thought we had a connection. I thought he really loved me like how I fell for him.

That first night we met, there was something there. I thought it would last but I guess I was wrong. He said it himself in the car, I’m bound to him but not him to me. He could do whatever he wanted.

And I had no choice but to follow the terms.

Once out of sight, I ran to the restroom to cry in a stall.

When I got back to the party, I saw Brian and Laurel sitting very close to each other at the corner table. I stared from afar, watching as they leaned too closely to each other.

It hurt my heart, watching them sit so closely and exchange touches in public. They looked like they were not even trying to hide this. They are making me look like a fool; the love of my life and my best friend.

It’s a pain like no other.

“You know,” Ryan came up from behind me, making me jump, “you should join the party.”

“I don’t like being the center of attention,” I said, “I’d rather be on the sidelines.”

“I know what you mean,” he answered back with a soft smile, “Watching is always more interesting than being a part of the full picture.”

“Yeah,” I said, “it is.”

Silence took over for a bit.

“I know you heard,” Ryan whispered, “what was said in the car. I hope you know, whatever you decide to do, I’ve got your back.”

I looked at Ryan with wide eyes, “You didn’t tell Brian?”

“I owe you more than I owe him.” Ryan said, “And what he’s doing is wrong.”

“Aren’t you…” I looked around before saying the next thing, “scared?”

He looked around as well, “I may be working for a mafia family, but I still have my code.”

“I’m glad.” I smiled at him, “I just wished my best friend could have been trusted, you know?”

Ryan looked at me, his eyes trying to say something he can’t say out loud.

I smiled at him, encouraging him to say it. I could tell he was about to say it but his body language changed, became secretive. “What are my two favorite people doing here?” Brian’s voice came to my senses. I felt his arms slide around my waist.

“We’re just chatting, love.” I said, leaning back on instinct. It felt wrong immediately, like I was lying to everybody in this room. But, I guess, I was lying. I was pretending to be happy when I wasn’t.

“Hmm, okay.” He said as he kissed my neck lightly, “Why don’t you sit down over there, Angela. I have to talk to Ryan for a bit.”

I saw Ryan stiffen for a little bit; he looked a bit scared. “Can you dance with me first?” I asked.

“Oh, can it be later?” He asked, “I really need to talk to my…best friend.” His voice sounded dangerous. I needed to protect Ryan, especially after what he did for me.

“You won’t stop me from dancing with my future husband?” I said with as much of an innocent voice as possible.

Brian took a beat, looking between us before smiling again and taking my hand. He twirled me around, “Of course,” He said, “Anything for the love of my life.”

My heart sank at his lie. He brought it to the dancefloor, signaling the DJ to play something slow.

The song, “So Close” by Jon McLaughlin started to fill the room. We danced to the waltz beat, slow and…fake. I looked into Brian’s eyes, which I could tell wasn’t looking at me but behind my head.

I wanted to turn to look but I knew who he was staring at.

Suddenly someone tapped my shoulder, it was Laurel. “Hey, sorry, “she said, “Can I cut in? I have things to discuss with you, Angela.”

“You do?” Brian asked at the same time I asked, “Really?”

“Yes,” she said with a sly smile. I have no idea what she wants to talk to me about. I nodded at Brian and left with Laurel. We went to the table they were sitting at earlier.

“So,” Laurel started, her smile turning cautious, “I have something to tell you.”

“Should I be worried?” I asked.

“Oh,” she giggled – but something about it felt fake, “It depends on how you see things.”

I looked at her questioningly, waiting for her to continue what she was going to say.

“I just want you to know, I’ll always be your friend, okay?” She said, “No matter what.”

“Of course,” I said slowly, “I’m starting to get worried, Laurel.”

“You…” She paused before continuing, “I’ll be fine.”

I looked into her eyes, searching for answers. Then, it dawned on me that she didn’t want to be doing what she’s being forced to do either. She must have been sold too. However, her parents are rich; partners with the Rocha family. What could have happened?

“Laurel,” I said, “I’m also your friend, okay? I’m here…no matter what.”

Laurel looked like she was about to cry. However, she was trying her best to not let the tears fall.

Then something felt off. I looked at the glass of water on the table, that was shaking. I looked up to see the lights overhead swinging.

Then I realized, this was an earthquake.