Chapter 3 On my own

Kia was surprised and asked Ares, "Are you serious? You want to marry me?"

Ares felt nervous when Kia posed the question. He thought to himself, "I'm mature enough to take responsibility and make her feel safe."

Anxiously, Ares inquired, "Um... Will you marry me?"

Will she agree? She's lucky to have me as her husband. Look at me. Could I still not meet her expectations? Ares thought.

Kia was caught off guard by the question. She couldn't believe that Ares was talking about marriage so casually. Why doesn't he seem to understand the seriousness of it? Marriage isn't a joke... Anyway, we can always get a divorce after we're married, right? ... Wait, what am I thinking? Kia, snap out of it! Are you blind? He looks like he comes from a wealthy background. We should steer clear of wealthy people; they only bring us pain. Kia thought to herself.

"Oh, no," Kia exclaimed, "never mind. Can you help me find a dress? I really need to go!"

Ares couldn't believe that Kia had rejected him.

"What are you saying?! You're saying no to me? Do you know who I am, lady?! I'm your average guy-next-door!"

He just smiled and didn't respond to Kia's words. "I know we've just met, but I assure you I'm a trustworthy person. I wasn't joking about wanting to marry you; I'll take care of you," Ares replied.

Kia's face and eyes showed anger. It was as if she found his words distasteful and didn't want to hear them. "Didn't you hear me? I said, help me find a dress because I need to leave! I just want to stay away from wealthy people! I'm tired of being deceived!" Kia was irritated.

Ares was surprised by her reaction. She wants to avoid... wealthy people? What has she been through all these years? I need to come up with a new plan... Ares, think!

Ares chuckled, "Rich people?" "You seem to be misjudging what you see... I'm just an assistant... Do I look wealthy?... I'm overwhelmed... But, sorry to disappoint you, I got drunk with my bosses last night and I got really drunk. They felt bad, so they arranged this place for me." Ares sheepishly scratched his head, realizing he had shared more than he intended.

Kia looked at Ares and seemed to be scrutinizing his face. "Are you telling the truth?" Kia asked innocently.

When Ares saw that Kia appeared to believe him, he smiled. "Of course, do I look like I'm lying?" Ares asked, grinning. "But, like I said before, I want to take care of you, so I want to provide you a home."

Ares' words made Kia smile, despite her headache and the lingering effects of the wine she had the night before.

...

Kia

A home... What a comforting word...

The only home I knew in the past was my family: Mom, Dad, and me, their only daughter. But everything changed when my mother tragically died in a car accident. I was deeply depressed during that time. Waking up every day without her, I felt lost.

My dad remarried his mistress and they had a daughter together. Since then, it felt like I had lost my family. The special treatment I once received vanished like it never existed. My father seemed more focused on his new wife and their child. It was as if he had forgotten I was his own child. They now owned the house I once called home. I didn't belong there anymore.

Could this day be the turning point in my life? Is this the loving and caring home I've been longing for? Perhaps it's time for me to make my own choice. There's no harm in trying to lead a normal social life. He seems trustworthy and kind...

"Could you please do as I've asked?" I inquired.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. His presence was so commanding, like an angel from heaven. Lucky guy, some people are just blessed with incredible genes.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Are we entering a marriage of convenience?" I asked again. He nodded, still wearing that smile. "I want us to complete the contract and part ways as if nothing happened after two years..." I explained.

He seemed taken aback as his smile disappeared. His reaction made me anxious. Did I say something he didn't like? Isn't that what he wants?

"Um... We'll divorce in two years, but don't worry, I'll fulfill my duties as your wife during that time..." I added.

Will he agree? Why is he staring at me, speechless? Is there something in my eye? Is my face dirty? I can't bear his awkward gaze any longer. Please, Lord, make me disappear. I think I said something wrong...

"Alright, let's make a deal!" he exclaimed.

Surprisingly, he agreed to my terms without hesitation. Was it really that easy to ask him and have him agree? Maybe he doesn't want a long-term commitment either, which is why he agreed to a two-year contract so readily...

He approached the bed and sat down beside me. He held my right hand, but my left hand was quickly covered by the blanket that was meant to cover my naked body. "Let's not waste any more time; let's get married today," he suggested. "I'll go home and get my identification papers, and you can do the the same. We'll meet at the civil affairs bureau later."

"Mhm! Alright..." I didn't object to his plan and simply agreed.

I stopped him in his tracks when he tried to leave. "Wait!" I called out to him.

"What? Are you having second thoughts?" he asked.

"N-no... I forgot to ask your name," I said, scratching my head, ready to inquire.

My question brought a smile to his face. What a cocky person. What does he think of himself? I know he's attractive, but let's not get too full of ourselves!

He continued to smile as he replied, "I'm Ares France Vuertalejo... Your soon-to-be husband."

"Hmm... Ares... Nice name, huh? Well, Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo, you ripped my dress! How am I supposed to go home like this?!?" I complained.

He scratched his head and chuckled a bit. "I'm sorry, I got carried away and lost control... I'll get you a new one right away!" he said, rushing to the bathroom to change. He left the room after promising to buy me some clothes.

"Well, now that I'm on my own, how can I be sure that Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo isn't a scam artist?"