Diego sat at the edge of the table, his hands lightly resting on the polished oak, glancing at the steaming dishes of homemade lasagna and garlic bread that filled the air with a comforting aroma. It was a rare occasion for the family—an evening reserved for reconnecting amidst their busy lives.

Diego's parents, Raymond and Maya joined him at the table, their faces lit with a blend of pride and warmth. His father was a successful company holder,with a sharp eye for detail, Maya, a nurturing presence with an artistic flair, poured water into glasses with a smile. 

 Diego took a moment to breathe in the familiar scents before fixing his gaze on the meal once more.

"So, how's the business going, Diego?" Raymond asked, slicing his lasagna while looking at his son intently.

Diego's fork paused mid-air, and he forced a smile, glancing between his parents. "It's… it's going well."

Maya ever perceptive, leaned in with an encouraging tone. "Just well? You know we're proud of you. Are you facing any challenges?"

Diego hesitated, weighing this words carefully. "I've been working on a few new projects, but it's tougher than I expected. The competition is fierce, and the market is unpredictable."

Raymond set his fork down, his brow furrowing. " You just need to keep pushing through. Remember when I was starting out, I had my fair share of sleepless nights."

Diego nodded, recalling the stories his father had shared about long hours and the struggles of building a reputation from scratch. 

"Maya chimed in, "You've got this, honey. It's about patience. Take your time to understand your clients wants and what they need. That's how you build trust." Her voice was calm and sweet.

Diego looked at his mother feeling slightly suffocated by the expectations they had nurtured around him. 

Raymond exchanged a knowing glance with Maya before uttering. "You're not letting us down. But it's important to consider what you truly want. Are you doing this because you enjoy it, or is it because you feel you have to live up to us?"

"I want to, Dad, it's my choice," Diego insisted, his voice stronger now, a hint of frustration creeping in. 

"That's the responsibility of everyman who wants to be successful Diego,so keep up the good work"

"Diego did you get in touch with the recent investors" Raymond asked now settling down his fork.

" About that..."

Suddenly the clanking of utensils echoed interrupting the conversation.

"Come on honey's, can we at least keep work off the table" Maya said bluntly staring at her husband.

 Diego dad wiped his hands on a cloth napkin, an uncharacteristic seriousness settling over him.

"Diego," Raymond began, the weight of his words seemingly heavy in the air, "there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

Diego looked up from his half-empty glass of water, the casual smile fading from his face as he sensed the gravity in his father's tone. "Sure, Dad. What's on your mind?"

Raymond leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. "Well, you know how your mother and I met and built a life together, right? We were young, but we were sure of what we wanted. Love has always been important in our family."

Diego nodded, an understanding forming behind his eyes. 

"Exactly," Raymond said, a nostalgic smile dancing on his lips. "Love, companionship, building a life together—it all started with that connection. I just want to make sure you're considering these things.

Diego began to feel the familiar anxiety that discussions like this often brought. "Are you saying you want me to get married, Dad?"

"No, not exactly," Raymond clarified, waving his hand dismissively. "I mean, I do think it's a beautiful thing, but more than that, I want you to consider it as a part of your future. It's not something you should rush into, but rather something you should seek out deliberately."

Diego took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I've been thinking about that, actually," he said carefully, gauging his father's reaction. "I've been…looking into it."

Immediately his dad eyebrows shot up, a spark of curiosity igniting in his gaze. "Really? You're actually Looking into it,does that means you have someone" 

"Yeah kind of, we've decided to take things slowly" Diego replied.

"Then that's a good thing to hear, feel free to inform I and your dad when she's ready to introduce herself" Diego mom said.

"Sure" Diego responded standing up from his seat "Dad, mom,if that's all,off to bed" Diego leaned forward giving his mom a kiss on her cheek,he walked up the stairs to his room.

Closing the door behind he brought out his phone, fingers moving rapidly.

"Let's meet tomorrow, I've missed you so bad"

Diego stared at the message he just typed for some moments, finally he sent the message, tossing his phone on the bed as he loosened his tie.

It had been a long hectic day for him at work, somehow Diego wished he could run away from the weighty responsibilities resting on his shoulders.

Diego quickly freshened up, Walking back to his bed he jumped on it resting his head on a pillow,his damp hair spreading on it reflecting his handsome features.

Letting out a sigh he closed his eyes attempting to fall into a deep slumber when a message beep reverberated, his eyes flew wide opened, immediately he stretched out for his phone quickly.

"Darling You Know Where To Find Me"

Staring at the screen a mischievous smile appeared on his lips.

~~~

Megan sat alone in the dimly lit studio, surrounded by half-finished canvases, paint tubes, and brushes scattered randomly across her cluttered workspace. The only sound was the soft hiss of the radiator and the rhythmic scratch of her brush against the canvas, creating a swirling dance of color that reflected her swirling thoughts. She was in her zone, a sacred space where the chaos of the outside world faded away, leaving only her and the art.

As the clock's hands crept towards dawn, the sun remained stubbornly hidden, Colorful splashes of paint adorned Megan's pale hands and streaked her cheeks, She was a professional artist, renowned for her ability to capture emotion with a mere brush stroke, but this particular piece tugged at her heart.

Just when her brush was poised to add the finishing touch, the creaking door broke the silence, and an elderly woman walked in. Her silver hair was pulled back in a loose bun, and she wore a cozy sweater that enveloped her like a hug. It was Mrs. Sarah, their long time housekeeper, Megan was so harsh to other staffs, but when it comes Mrs. Sarah, Megan treated her like her mom since she took care of her while growing up.

"Megan, please don't tell me you've been here all through the night," Mrs. Sarah said, her voice a mix of concern and gentle reprimand. She stepped further into the studio, her eyes scanning the chaotic surroundings, pausing at the vibrant canvas that consumed Megan's focus.

Before Megan could answer, Mrs. Sarah reached out and expertly snatched the brush from her hand, a playful yet authoritative gesture that drew an involuntary laugh from Megan. "Drop this and come have breakfast, at least!" 

Megan sighed, knowing that Mrs. Sarah wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. "But I'm so close to finishing this piece," she protested, gesturing towards the canvas that was slowly coming to life with every stroke.

"I understand that, dear," Mrs. Sarah replied, her tone softening. "But you need to take care of yourself first. An artist's talent is nurtured by a healthy mind and body,Trust me; your painting can wait."

Megan looked at the piece again, the colors vibrant and full of emotion, she felt Mrs. Sarah might be right all along,Perhaps she needed a break—a moment away from the solitude and darkness that had held her in for too long, consumed her. 

"Okay, you win," she said, giving up on her brush completely and finally allowing a genuine smile to appear on her lips. "Lead the way."

Mrs. Sarah beamed, clearly delighted by the small victory. They both walked into the hallway, Megan felt a wave of warmth that had been absent in the studio. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of golden-brown pancakes brought her back to life. 

"Look who's finally coming out from her dungeon" a voice sounded, turning to the voice Megan Mom neatly dressed as ever walked towards them with a smile plastered on her face.

"Megan you're looking so malnourished, Work, Work, Work, all the time, can't you take some break from all this" she said with a worried tone, stretching her hand forward she pinched her cheeks a little hard, letting an "Ouch" to escape from Megan lips with a smile.

"Come here" Megan replied pulling her mom in a hug.

Yes, 'A Hug' this was exactly what she needed,the time she spent on her work was much higher compared to the time she spent with her family, especially her Mom,she was her best friend.

"What are your plans for today honey" Her Mom asked pulling from the hug.

"Going out with the girls for some fun" Megan said with a wide grin.

They walked to the dining room, there her father 'Nelson Lorenzo" was sitting with a book in his hands.

"Good morning papa" Megan greeted, walking to her dad she bent down giving him a kiss on his forehead.

"Good morning sweet heart" her father replied with a smile.

"Come, come, take a seat, breakfast is served he continued.

"Megan, sweetheart, we need to talk," her father, said abruptly, He exchanged a glance with her mother, Camila, who nodded encouragingly.

"Sure dad, let's do that after breakfast" Megan replied.

"No honey, I mean like now, it's urgent" Nelson demanded.

Megan's heart raced. She had learned to read those glances, the ones that signaled something serious was about to happen. "What's going on?" she asked, feigning indifference but feeling a twinge of anxiety.

Nelson took a deep breath, as if preparing to deliver a speech that had been carefully rehearsed. "Your mother and I have found a suitable marriage partner for you."

Megan's fork clattered onto the plate as her expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, and then a sour frown settled on her face. "Dad, I never asked for that. I don't want to get married to anyone besides Aiden." The name slipped from her lips like a shield, the mention of Aiden serving as a reminder of the love she believed in.

Her parents exchanged worried looks. "Megan, listen to your father," her mother gently intervened. "You're not being fair to him. Aiden is not compatible for you."

"Compatible?" Megan shot back, her voice rising in indignation. "And who said so? Just because he isn't a 'suitable match' in your eyes?" The chaos of her emotions erupted from within, fueled by a sense of betrayal. Aiden was everything she had ever wanted, a passionate, understanding boyfriend who had supported her artistry and ambitions. They had plans, dreams, and a life in the making.

"Megan," Nelson tone was firm yet softened by concern, "we just want what's best for you. A good marriage is built on more than just feelings."

"This conversation ends right here,if it's not Aiden then forget about it." Megan couldn't contain her frustration. She felt cornered, trapped in a discussion about her future that clearly hadn't included her thoughts or desires. Standing suddenly, she pushed her chair back with a grating screech as her heart thudded angrily in her chest. "You can't force me into something I don't want."

With that, she stormed out of the dining,her breath coming in sharp bursts as she fled to the sanctuary of her studio. The door slammed shut behind her, reverberating through the household like a final statement. Once inside, she leaned against the door, trying to catch her breath as a whirlwind of thoughts filled her mind.

How could they do this? The life she envisioned with Aiden felt like a vivid painting, already in progress, while the idea of an arranged marriage was an empty canvas—cold, grey, and void of emotion. 

"But I'm so in love with Aiden,why can't they understand" Megan thought.

Megan walked over to her easel, her brush trembling in her hand as her feelings poured out onto the canvas. Bold strokes of red and black embodied her anger and frustration, creating a chaotic heartbeat on the surface; Aiden had promised to give her the best,no she won't dump him for some random guy.

 just then she received a call.

She brought out her phone quickly raising it up to her ear.

"I'm on my way now" she uttered plainly 

With that she walked out from the studio to her room.

~~~

Diego sat on a couch and a beautiful woman was seen resting on him.

"Who still watches Stuff's like this, come on turn this off, let's talk about us" 

"Diana what the hell did you do that for, that was the action part" Diego retorted staring at the blank TV.

"You clearly told me you missed me, and this is how you express it" Diana complained.

"Fine, I'm sorry darling, what do you want me to do Diego said holding her hand,he gave her kiss on her neck.

"Don't be so boring, you should know what women wants their man to do"

Diego sighed heavily bringing out his credit card from his pockets and stretching it forward.

"Here, buy whatever you want" Diego continued.

Diana expression lit up snapping the card from him.

"I have an idea babe, let's go out shopping" 

"Hell no Diana, don't want to" Diego objected sharply.

"Then take this,I don't need it" Diana looked away throwing back his card back at him.

"Last night you sounded as if, you were finding it out to breath without me,and now this is how you treat me"

Diego reached out to touched her, but she quickly slapped his hand off .

"You know what, dress up and I'll be waiting for You " Diego responded.

Diana turned to Diego immediately rubbing his chest,my love, now you're making sense" 

"I'll be right back" Diana quickly dashed into her room hurriedly.

In no time she came out, ready and elegantly dressed.

"How is your baby looking" She asked twirling around.

"Gorgeous as always" Diego replied giving Diana his arm.

Diana grabbed his arms at once walking outside to the car.

Diana sat in the passenger seat, her long, perfectly coiffed hair resting over her designer blazer. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and every now and then, she adjusted her oversized sunglasses to catch a glimpse of her reflection in the window, admiring her own beauty.

She felt so elated that Diego was here by her side and she was ready to get some fun.

"Okay, so first stop: that new boutique!" she exclaimed, her tone brimming with enthusiasm as if she had just two hours to hunt for treasures instead of a leisurely afternoon. "You have to see their handbags! I heard they have a limited-edition collection, and I simply must have one!"

Diego offered a terse nod, keeping his focus firmly on the road as he navigated through traffic. "Diana, I really don't think that's necessary"

"Oh, come on, Diego! You could use a little fun in your life! Besides, it's not every day you get to shop with a fashionista like me!" she said, beaming at him, her enthusiasm palpable. She leaned over, flipping through her extensive shopping list as if it were a treasure map.

"Fun," he muttered under his breath, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. To him, their "fun" was an exercise in excessive attachment to materialistic possessions,a world he had little interest in. "My love, just get a few things and let's head back home, it's fine you can keep my credit card if you want"

Diana groaned dramatically, throwing her head back against her seat in mock despair. "Diego, darling, this isn't just about shopping. It's about having real fun, Baby you're always so serious all the time, you need to loosen up a little," she retorted "Do you know how many people would kill to have this opportunity? To shop without limits? We'll treat ourselves, and trust me you'll love it"

He could feel her excitement, a relentless force that made it hard to resist her charms.

They approached the shopping mall finally and Diana turned to him once more 

"Okay, so picture this," she began, her eyes wide with excitement. "I'm wearing that stunning red gown we saw at that gala last week—adorning a sophisticated look, you know? With those strappy heels that make my legs look a mile long—and then I need the perfect handbag to complete the ensemble." She clasped her hands together, practically bouncing in her seat.

Diego chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "You'd catch everyone's eye, that's for sure."

"And you, my love,will be right there beside your princess, looking dashing in your suit, showing off your amazing taste in style!" she said staring seductively at him .

"Right," he said, a hint of feigned enthusiasm in his voice. "I mean, if we're going to go all out, I might as well join the circus, right?" He kept his tone light, wanting to keep up with her energy while masking his own reluctance.

They walked in through the entrance of the mall, Diana was live on a social media platform as she showcase the expensive things she was purchasing meanwhile Diego stood at the corner slowly walking after her.

He never wanted to be here in the first place.

"Darling excuse me for a moment" Diego said, before Diana could say a word he walked away living her standing alone.

Turning to her phone,her eyes caught a pair of silver heels gracefully portraying on the shoe racks.

Diana immediately walked forward quickly stretching to grab it when another hand snapped it off, leaving Diana hand hanging on a empty air 

"What? Who The Hell Are you, Give It Back At once" Diana ranted staring at the woman holding the shoes behind.

"Excuse Me, And Who Are You" The woman responded.

"Megan what's going on over there" Another voice chimed In, a few women walking over with luxurious package on their hands.

"This woman is acting weird, I actually picked this first and now she wants me to hand it over" Megan said.

"Hey lady, just go pick something else, you can't have this" one of the women said.

"Give it back, it's mine" Diana barked making an attempt to snap the heels from Megan.

"Get back psycho" Megan uttered pushing Diana back slightly.

"What, Did you just touch me with your filthy hands, I'll make sure you never use those hands again" Diana roared raising her hand up to hit Megan.

The rest women mouth was hunged open watching her hands reaching for her face.

Then suddenly another hand caught her's mid air, blocking her hand.

Megan hands was raised across her face attempting to save her face from Diana attack,she raised her head up staring at Diana in disbelief.

"You crazy bitch, were you just planning to use that worthless hand on me" Megan shot back.

"Mind your language woman" Diego warned immediately.

"And where the hell did this freak come from" Megan snapped back now facing the Man standing beside Diana.

Squinting her eyes,it flew opened recognizing the man standing there.

"What? Diego" Megan uttered.

"Megan" Diego said totally stunned as he stared at her up — down .