The news about the attempted murder on Caress Aragon at Gala's peak moment spread like wildfire across the metropolis and neighboring places. It was the number one talk of the town. The local media right away released special exposés of the assailant identified and arrested the same night all thanks to the hailed hero, Eliseo Manaloto. The culprit, Ramses Cooper, was actually found out as an alleged childhood friend of the esteemed lady.
Upon unwarranted digging, reporters soon discovered that Ram's father was a former gardener in the Aragon household. Details why he resigned from the job remained a mystery as well as what happened to their friendship since then. From that point, many made speculations on their own. One source speculates they might be childhood sweethearts driven apart by their families while another claims Ramses fell for the lady and was rejected which explains his obsession to kill her if he cannot have her.
A lot of journalists tried to get an exclusive interview from him but they just returned with slumped shoulders. Some police gave their unofficial statements such as "he admitted his fault but was not a bit remorseful", "his eyes are so hollow that looking straight at them will make you shiver" and etcetera.
Arnaldo Aragon had enough of the intrigues so days later, no news about his daughter was broadcasted or published. People still talked but they mostly tattled about how heroic Eliseo is whereas Ramses became a taboo topic.
Another week passed unnoticed. Care opted to be jailed at home. No visitors were permitted, not even Aster Nguyen who often calls in the evening.
It was another lazy morning for the young lady. Since the past few days she talked to Gallus, she instinctively glanced at the calendar every morning. His threat bothered her so much she began counting the days she was left of.
"6 days down, 24 days to go." She mumbled before getting off the bed.
She went to the bathroom to see her face first thing. She was that paranoid. Her face slashed across remained etched in her memory all thanks to Gallus. She even feared one day she would wake up looking hideous.
"You won't be able to see the red string that connects your wrist to your Fated unless you hold his hand. It takes thirty seconds for it to appear so before that, don't let go no matter what." His instructions bugged her.
Time ticked ceaselessly and it is ticking fast! She made no efforts during the six days that passed. In short, she wasted too much on moping around her room. Her pride just won't let her accept the conditions!
"Hold hands, my ass! And for thirty freaking seconds?!" she revolted at the memory.
Despite external pressures, Caress Aragon stayed inflexible in rejecting suitors. Every boy who attempted courting her never made it to their family residence nor had a chance to date her.
Why?
She refused to live under a man's shadow, tagged as his woman and labelled trophy girlfriend. Absolutely, she shall die first before it happens. In her perspective, she is too good to simply be at some bastard's disposal!
The moment she arrived at the dining room accompanied by a housemaid, she saw her parents already settled. They sat at the opposite sides of the long dining table. Arnaldo was reading today's newspaper while languidly sipping his brewed coffee. On the other aisle, Helena ate her pancake and bacon uncaring of anything else.
What an ideal couple they are!
Before announcing her presence, Care took deep breaths. It is a sure struggle for her to greet her Momma. With her head high and courage wrapped around her soul, she sashayed her way towards the woman always possessing intimidating air.
"Good morning, Momma!" she greeted and gave her a peck on the cheek then she hurried to his father's side, "Mornin', Daddy!"
He welcomed her in his arms, embracing her with his fatherly warmth. It was a great feeling she cherishes everyday: parental love.
"How's your sleep, my little queen?" he asked tenderly after kissing her forehead.
"Aww, it's a -"
"Enough! Your father and I have an early appointment today. I'll appreciate it if you eat pronto. In fact, why didn't you get up much earlier? You know how stubborn he is for never leaving without finishing breakfast together with you." Helena berated, unbothered by her rude interference.
Arnaldo's creases on the forehead appeared as he stared at his stoic wife.
"For Pete's sake, Ena! Can't you cease your nagging at least in the morning? You are making our angel here lose appetite." Arnaldo chided using his authoritative tone.
"Daddy, Momma's right. I won't keep you for too long so let's not ruin the day, please!" Care begged earnestly.
"Of course, of course! Anything for my little queen!"
She let out an inaudible sigh but was not embraced with relief. In the middle of eating, she felt in bind. It becomes harder and harder to chew the food every passing second.
"Daddy, Momma, I have something important to tell you." She finally said, dropping her pair of utensils in the process and leaving a clunking sound.
She put her clenched fists atop her lap. The tension heightened because of Ena's domineering gaze.
"What is it, sweet pea?" Arnaldo probed.
"I... I have been thinking an...and.. decided..." she stammered, successively at each word.
Arnaldo could not help but smile. His sweet child was adorable in his eyes in spite of being panicky. He wondered what she would ask knowing that whatever it is, he would give it to her without a second of hesitation.
"Yes? Go on, don't be shy!"
She shut her eyes before allowing the words to slip her mouth.
"I'd like to finally accept suitors!"
"What?!" Arnaldo blurted, spilling his coffee in the process.
S.. ... Su.. ...
Sui... . Suit ... ...
Suito... . ...
Suitor...
Suitor?!
When her words finally sank into his head, he fainted.