Earlier I was in front of the mirror, earlier I was organized. But, I am still not ready. We will meet again, tonight they plan to set when the wedding will take place. I was just looking at myself, without emotion, but feeling exhausted. My spirit was awakened by the knocking coming from outside my room. I ignored it and didn't even bother to open it.
Mommy…
She walked slowly to my seat. I just watched her in the mirror, she did the same. She stood behind me as we didn't take our eyes off each other.
“I hope, you wouldn't hate us for doing this, Czes.”
“You want me to marry that man who really hates me to death, and you expect me not to hate you? Mom, this is torture. Is that how Dad really hates me? ” She bowed his head, and I began to water my eyes again.
“I’m sorry, no. He didn’t hate you, ” my Mom said.
“He didn’t? I doubt. He arranged me to someone, and you don't care what my life will be in that man's hands. Why Mommy? W-Why are you like this to me? ”
My voice was completely broken because I was holding back the sobs. My tears started to fall again. I stood up and faced Mommy while crying. She looks at me with full of pity, as well as concern.
“Czes, this is for your own good. For your future—”
“Future? Is it because of business? Do you really think my future will be good when I get married? Is money really more important to you than your child? ” I cry, question.
“No, of course not. But, it's also for you so that it won't be difficult for you to grow our business. I hope you will understand-"
“I always Mom…” I cut her off, “Daddy always takes care of you. Even if it's against me once in a while, I still do it because you want to. How about me? When will you be able to listen to me? When will you think that I am not happy with this? Mommy… I-Im tired… Please…” I slowly knelt down in front of her to her surprise. She inhaled it and covered her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes.
“Czes … Don't do this . You know I can't do anything when it comes to your Dad.”
“M-Mommy… I hope you see me as your child, not as a person who will grow your business. I really need a mom's love… Not only that, but I require your help, mom … Please … Let me feel the l-love that I was seeking for all my life. ” I looked up as my palms clasped, begging Mommy. Still asleep crying. She closes her eyes and held to her chest while crying. I thought she would feel sorry for me, I thought she would feel me. But …
“I'm sorry … I'm genuinely sorry ….” She shook her head before leaving me alone in my room.
It hurts! I did nothing, even kneel and beg my parents. It doesn't matter to them either, I really can't fight if my competition with them is their company and wealth. Because I'm not the one they choose that's the painful truth.
I just sobbed and cried while holding my chest. How long will the pain I feel be reduced? How long will I suffer at the hands of my family?
After I cried out in pain, I reorganized myself. We will be leaving for Harrison Residence in a few minutes. I need to wear the mask of the perfect child again. Wearing my red dress and red stilettos, I also wore red lipstick and pony tailed my hair high. I kept my emotionless face until I met Daddy waiting in the living room.
“Better than black,” Daddy only commented and Mommy walked out, followed. Mommy doesn't look at me, she avoids hitting me with her eyes.
The Harrison's house in our village is an hour away. When the car stopped, a big house opened for us. Its lights are on, obviously with a feast going on. They're wealthy enough to my Dad's taste.
Now I know why…
The guard opened their gate for us. A wide and long road to their mansion. There is a fountain in the middle of it right opposite their mansion, there are a few steps of stairs before the main door. I could only follow Mommy and Daddy as I climbed the stairs. When we reached the opposite door, the two maids who were waiting for us opened it for us.
There the very nice interior of their mansion opened. They are standing on the opposite side of their big staircase. They are all in formal attire that you thought was now the wedding.
“Welcome to Harrison Mansion, Dela Cruz Family.” Smiling courtesy of Mr. Harrison to us. What made his smile beautiful, was Steve's sharp look at me. His brother Asher also looked at me, but it wasn't bad.
“Thank you, what a beautiful Mansion!” Daddy answered immediately. Looks amazed at the pomp of the Harrison's.
“Yeah, feel at home. Let's go to dinning area, dinner is ready. ”
“Oh! Okay. ” Daddy answered and followed Mr. Harrison. Mommy's hand was anchored to Daddy's while they were behind me.
“Your daughter looks stunning tonight,” Mrs. Harrison suddenly said to Mommy.
“As always,” my mom said.
“Yeah …”
At a long table, our families sit side by side. At first, we just ate quietly, since we arrived I have not spoken. Even my emotionless face, I have not changed.
“So, about the wedding. Do you have any dates prefer? ” Mrs. Harrison asked.
“My wife and I talked about that, we want the wedding to be on Czes's birthday.”
I was shocked to hear, my birthday is next week! What the hell ? Are they rushing ?!
“Really? When? ” Mrs. Harrison asked my Mom.
“Next week,”
“Wow! What do you think, Steve? ” We all looked at Steve, I hoped he was to protest because it was too fast.
“Yeah, sure.” His cold response, my eyebrows immediately met as I looked at him. He just smirked.
“Good! Okay. Next week then. ” They even discussed the wedding, I said goodbye first to ventilate outside.
I hung out by the fountain, I sat here and looked up at the very nice night sky. I let out a deep sigh before closing my eyes.
“So what?” I was suddenly stunned to speak. Asher appeared in front of me, who was standing in front of me while looking at me. His hands were just inside the pocket of his pants.
“The truth?” I asked weakly back, he nodded.
“I'd almost give up…” I pretended to laugh.
“Why aren't you doing anything to stop it?”
“Before I gave up, I fought many more times. Did you think I just accepted this in an instance? ”
“But … Why didn't you stop it?” He asked again and sat down next to me.
“Because the company is more important to them than their children. Simple as that, funny, right? ”
I rested deeply before looking up again. I could feel his gaze on me, but I didn't pay any attention to it.
“You can run, hide.”
“I hope it's that easy. That no one else will be affected by what I do just to escape. ” I don't understand why I let myself tell the story even though I don't really know him. Apart from course his name. Then he was still my in law when I got married.
“You really have no choice?”
“Sadly … Yes. And, I think, I started to hate my birthday. ” I sadly promise.
“Good luck …” I looked at him in astonishment, “He really hates you, and that's not a good sign for you to be with him in one roof.”
“I know …” I answered sadly. Likewise, I know that my life with him will not be good or happy.
“Can I talk to her?” We looked at the man who spoke.
“S-Sure. I'll go ahead, Ms. Dela Cruz, ” Asher informed me before turning his back on us. Steve folded his arms in front of me and stared at me intently.
“Your birthday after our wedding will be an unforgettable day of your life. What do you think? ” He says sarcastically.
“Maybe …” I didn't feel like answering this.
“Your birthday plus our wedding, that day will start your hell. Ready yourself, you're not a princess anymore after the wedding. You'll be a Cinderella without prince charming and without happy ending. I'll make sure that your parents will regret their decision by seeing you suffer. You still have a few days to feel free, you're enjoying it. ” He said and smirked before he leaves me.
If you only knew … I haven't been free … So, I'm used to it .
If you only knew… That my parents could trade me for wealth…
If you only knew that I am also a victim … But what do you care, right? Even if you know … Nothing … I used to wish that even if you just looked at me, my day would be happy. I used to want to see your beautiful smile, which completes my day. Now, what you look at is scary. Your smile I will never see again. That's what my parents do to you, and I'm sorry … I'm genuinely sorry for you … And for my life … With you …