I ran to the living room faster as my mom summoned me with a servant.
I just arrived from one of my missions in Cambodia and I had been out of the house for like three days. When I arrived just minutes ago, I was met by Ms. Michelle, our house matron saying that my foster mom and dad had wanted to meet me and that they have been waiting two days for me now.
I sighed inwardly. They could have called me. But then I have multiple numbers and they wouldnt know which one would answer. But then they should've called me right? Right?
I have left my foster brothers and sisters in Cambodia and they would come home after five hours. It was unusual for my parents to wait for what? Two days? For me? It was never like them. This must be important.
Before appearing to the room, I catched my breath and eased my breathing. I could hear voices in the big living room. And by big I meant like a BIG ROOM.
I walked with dignified fashion as I entered the room.
All eyes went to me.
So did my senses.
My body shook with full alert as I studied the people before me.
I could see a man dressed in a lavish suit. On his side were surely his parents because his features look like them. Beautiful cream-colored skin with beautiful faces. Must be a cultured family. Yeah cultured, that's what I call them.
My vision blurred as my heart thudded with unknown reasons. I sensed danger all around me.
"There's my girl!" My dad, Javier Dela Vega stood up with much too much enthusiasm.
"Oh! At last you've showed up" my Mother, Denise Dela Vega stood to hug me. I accepted my father's hand and kissed it. It's a Filipino tradition, showing respect to the elders.
My mother then faced to the people before us as they also stood upon my arrival.
"Now this, is my lovely daughter, Shanara Xavierra Dela Vega, the daughter who holds my pride and affection, just like his brothers and sisters. She was the one that we were supposed to take home but refused. Unless his friends would come with her and become her brothers and sisters. " My mother explained to them, beaming proudly.
"Nice meeting you at last, My Lady Vega. I am Mrs. Kathleen Loveland. And this is my husband, Marcus Loveland," gesturing to her right. " While this young man here is my Third son, Nicholas Loveland" gesturing to her left. Her eerie smile not leaving her face.
I smiled and offered each one a hand shake.
"Okay! Now, settle down, everybody." My father commanded.
I did as I was told and looked around me. The family in front of me looked noble in every way. Stiff commanding eyes, back, faces, and postures. And completely foreign. I never dine with important people with my parents unless they are as important as the orphanages that I run. And my family knows that I detest set ups like this. This must be very important.
My dad started talking and headed directly to his point as one of the maids, Miss Monica, laid snacks and drinks before us. My limbs instantly went rigid with tiredness as I maintained an at-ease posture looking like I was listening intently but my mind and saliva drooled at the food in front of me. Some beautiful round yellow cake, my favorite, that I always request to be served to my guests were staring back at me lovingly, beconing me to take a bite....
"I suggest an arranged marriage wouldn't hurt, because if our family united, then we will become more powerful in the business world...." my dad's words trailed before my ears, prickling me with annoyance. My instincts told me to focus but my hunger wouldn't let me.
Marriage? Who the fuck would want to marry? Certainly not me. Nor my siblings. Were already married to each other. Marriage? Funny.
I focused on making a perfect cut to my piece of cake and put it on my plate.
"Someone hungry?" I managed to ask without looking up to anyone or anything but my cake.
"No thanks, Love," I heard my mom reply so then I refocused on my food.
I raised the food to my mouth and the flavors exploded on my mouth and I stopped myself from moaning with happiness because at last! I have tasted food! I could almost cry with happiness. It has been three days that I haven't tasted anything but water.
The cake was almost gone when I came back to my senses and REALLY heard what was happening around me.
"Of course, the marriage is arranged!" Mrs Loveland clapped hapilly.
What?
"Woah! Who's going to get married?" I half shouted.
"You of course, Dear," my father said chuckling.
"WHAT?!" I blurted. Shocked.
"You said yes, didn't you?" Nico-something rolled his eyes.
"I didn't!" I answered.
"Yes you did, Darling," mom held my hand. "We all heard it didn't we?" she turned to everyone.
"Yes." they chorused. But all I did was eat cake! How can this be happening?
"Well then let's cancel it cause I'm saying no." i said calmly.
Mrs Loveland gasped.
"But... the whole world knows... were on live television..." Mr. Loveland pointed at the camera.
I dropped my spoon as my blood ran cold....