Chinny's POV
"People come and go. Sometimes, even if you know deep down that you did everything to keep that person with you, at some point, you'll realize that doing everything isn't enough for them to stay. And no matter how much attention you give, there will come a time when they'll think there's more to life than being with you. It may sound harsh, but that's the reality. Some people stay, but many leave. And the only choice you have to survive is to save yourself above anyone else."
"Are you done rapping?" Astrid Deogracia asked mockingly. I scratched my head. What on earth was I rambling about?
"Sort of," I replied, clueless about the nonsense coming out of my mouth.
"Have you seen Far?" Astrid asked.
"I don't know where she is. Maybe she's in your pocket—check it," I replied while flipping through the book I had been holding.
I'm so stressed out.
"What were we talking about again?" I asked. Astrid almost yanked her hair out in frustration.
"Angelo. You were telling me how it seems like he's into you."
I cursed under my breath. Oh, right. That's what Astrid and I had been discussing.
Crap! Chinny, your forgetfulness is getting worse.
"Have you heard the gossip?" Astrid suddenly said, catching my attention.
"What gossip? Spill it," I laughed lightly.
"I just heard it from Farley." She sighed. "Your manufacturing business is going bankrupt, and your parents have decided to marry you off." My jaw dropped.
HOLY CHEESE!
"WHAT!?" I screamed. "SERIOUSLY?"
"Calm down, Chinny. I don't even know if it's true. Even Farley couldn't believe what she heard. I mean, is arranged marriage still a thing nowadays? It can't be, right? Think about it—marrying you off to save the business? It doesn't make sense."
Crap!
"This can't be. I gotta go, Astrid."
I rushed out of campus and flagged a taxi. My brain couldn't process the gossip Astrid had just shared.
Like, really? An arranged marriage? It's possible, but damn!
When I arrived at my destination, I quickly paid the taxi driver.
The moment I stepped inside the house, I froze.
"You're here, soon-to-be wifey," Angelo greeted me with a smug grin.
I felt my world crumble.
"What did you do?" I asked as he approached me and slung my arm over my shoulder.
"We just helped someone who needed it to save their business. The payment is you. You're the bridge to lift your family's manufacturing business out of trouble."
I shoved him harshly.
"I won't marry a douchebag like you. As if that's going to happen," I said proudly, marching into the house.
My world shattered further.
"Judge, marry them now," my mom said. I was stunned.
"I'm sorry, Chinny. I hope you understand. This is for you," she said, looking at me with pity.
For me, huh?
I held back the tears, threatening to fall.
"Fine."
Judge Gomez handed us the marriage contract to sign.
"Sign it," Angelo said as he approached me.
I wanted to strangle him.
With trembling hands, I signed the marriage contract. How can I possibly cope with something like this?
Judge Gomez excused himself to process the marriage contract.
I couldn't believe it—I felt like my family had sold me off.
"Chinny, you'll be living with Angelo starting today," my mother said.
I felt utterly defeated, sinking into my chair.
How could they do this to me?
"We're officially married, Mrs. Shieneva Monasterio-Pimenova," Angelo whispered.