Her Unexpected Marriage

I QUICKLY got out of the Taxi when I arrived in front of the building where Roven, my boyfriend of over a year, works. He texted me, saying we were going out, he just told me I should just go to his office because he had some things to do.

Roven is a Human Resource in the company he works for. I met him when I went with Andrea, my friend, to a bar. I don't know why he just came up to me and asked my name, that's where it all started until I realized that I love him.

I entered the building with a smile. I saw the wide ground floor and those employees were busy going back and forth while holding various papers.

How many days has Roven not shown me? That's why I didn't think twice about going to see him when he told me to come here because I felt like he was getting cold towards me for reasons I don't know. He rarely texts and calls me these past few days.

I smiled at the employees. Some people here already know me because Roven has brought me to this place several times. I felt excited and anticipation when I boarded the elevator and pressed it to the 11th floor.

When the elevator opened, I immediately got out of it and walked right to the room occupied by Roven. I just fixed myself and smiled as I reached the door of his office. I let out more air. I haven't seen Roven for a few days and I'm looking forward to seeing him again.

When I felt that I looked good and would look good in front of him, I grabbed the doorknob of the room and slowly opened it. I couldn't help but smile with joy. Until I finally opened the door. I was like a statue and was poured cold water when I saw what was happening inside.

My whole body stiffened. My eyes widened as my mouth fell open. I feel like my chest is running while I see Roven kissing someone and what hurts more is that the one he's kissing is not a woman but a man. I felt like I was slapped by what I saw. His back was not far from me and I could not see the man's face. They also separated immediately when they probably felt my presence.

"R-Roven?!"

Roven and that man were just as shocked when they saw me standing there unable to move. I want to sink into where I am now. I also want to slap myself hard because maybe this is just a dream. I want to wake up. How can Roven kiss a guy? I have known her for a long time and I never saw a sign that she also wanted a man.

"You're wrong-"

"I'm sorry, Miles," Roven said as he bowed slightly.

I gasped as tears welled up in my eyes. I feel like Roven himself is squeezing my heart because of the pain I feel. Maybe I would accept it better if he replaced me with a woman, but that man? It is hard to accept.

I looked at the man Roven was kissing. He doesn't look gay, he's too handsome to be gay or anything. My eyes returned to Roven. "Is he the reason why you've barely made me feel any better these past few days?" I confronted him.

Roven just bowed and said nothing.

"I'll explain-"

"Don't talk!" I shouted at that man. "Roven, answer me. I need your explanation and don't be silent! Tell me I was wrong in what I saw," I returned to him. Feel the anger and pain there.

"I deserve everything you'll say about me, Miles. Curse me. Hurt me. I deserve all of those."

I laughed bitterly as I could still feel the tears running down my cheeks. "I don't understand, Roven. I don't understand anything! You're so vague! You're so vague!" I turned my dark eyes to the man next to Roven, then turned and walked out of that room even though I felt my knees go weak.

Tears welled up in my eyes again as I walked out of that building. I rubbed it. When I am ready to give my life to him, then it happens. He didn't even follow me and explain. I will understand. I'll forgive him if he tells me I'm wrong.

I GENTLY arranged my things on the table after I finished the articles I was working on for the upcoming deadline. I can sleep well now because I finally finished the articles that I had to do. It's about a successful woman who came from being a bit of a bitch. That theme is always given to me, so sometimes I feel sad.

I breathed a sigh of relief after arranging the things on my table. I am currently working as a Journalist in a Magazine Publication. I've been in this field for more than five years and if it wasn't for this job that made our life better, I might have changed my fields. Because the work of a Journalist is not easy, you have to invest most of your time. It's also stressful not only with the work itself but also with the people I interact with. Even though I feel like I can't work and my brain isn't working, because there's a deadline I have to finish certain articles so that the head editor doesn't curse me.

"Miles, are you done? Let's go."

I turned off the computer in front of me, then stood up and faced Andrea, my long-time friend. We met in high school and until now we're still together in the same profession. She is also a journalist at the Magazine Publication I work for but she is in the sports line while I am in the well-known personalities.

I nodded. "Yeah, let's go!" I returned while smiling sweetly. "Finally, I'm done with my article. Just don't let the head revise it," I said.

"Is that an article about Miss Yua?"

I nodded. "Yeah! One of the most inspiring people I've ever known," I commented. "She worked hard for her position right now."

I smiled at my co-workers who were in the room as Andrea and I left. Others are still busy, perhaps also chasing the deadline of their articles. This is how the system becomes every time everyone's deadline is near.

"Bye!" Andrea said goodbye to them. We left the room and took the elevator together.

"By the way, Andrea, how was your date last night?" I was curious about her previous blind date while we were riding in the elevator.

I laughed when I saw the reaction on her face. She seems to hate and regret it. "Don't ask me again about that, Miles, ok? I want to forget that experience. Eww! He's a jerk, Miles. We ate at a well-known restaurant and then he would squeeze his nose in front of me and circle his fingers inside it. like, eww! I don't want to remember that!" She raised his hand and closed her eyes while shaking her head.

I laughed even more at what she said. "Seriously?" She nodded and I couldn't stop laughing. "I told you, don't look for a blind date, that's a blind date. It's hard to find a man these days, handsome, and rich, but a jerk, immature, doesn't have a dream in life and a man looks for a man. You're not lucky if you get that kind of man," I said because I'd already experienced that blind date because of my parents who are always into it to find me a man to get married to.

Andrea stopped and looked at me meaningfully. "Wait." She stopped for a moment and examined me. "That last sentence you said sounds familiar. Is it related to someone, Miles?" Andrea laughed. "After all, Roven is handsome, rich but he's looking for a man."

I stopped laughing and then I realized what I said. Sadness and disappointment appeared on my face. The elevator opened and we got out together. "That's why you shouldn't trust even if you already know the man because they always have something to hide," I reminded her with a serious voice.

"Maybe you're right but not all of them. Why don't you try, Troy? Does he seem interested in you?"

I frowned. "I'm not yet ready, Andrea," I replied.

Andrea shrugged. "Fine."

We finally got out of that building. Andrea and I have separated because the way home from our houses is in a different direction.

I got into my car. I didn't run it right away. The past that I was trying to forget came back to my mind. I sighed and tried to put it out of my mind. Does Roven feel the same way about me?

-

I WONDERFULLY looked at Mommy Emma and Daddy Wesley who seemed to be waiting for me in the living room because they looked like they were going to say something again and I already had an idea what it was about. I frowned when I reached them and waved. I just came from work and I expected them to be asleep.

"What's up?" I asked. The two looked at each other.

"Sit there first," Mom said, which I immediately followed. I sat across from both of them while examining their faces.

"How's work, kid?" Dad asked, who was just segwaying what he wanted to say.

"As usual, it's still the same, Dad," I replied with a frown. "You guys are so weird tonight," I commented.

Mom smiled and came next to me. She gently held my hand and stroked it. "You do know that you are our only child, right?" Mom started.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "We're not sure, Mom. Maybe you're sure but Dad isn't. Maybe there's a child outside who suddenly appeared," I joked. I smiled when I saw their reaction to what I said.

"Your mother knows how loyal I am to her. I am one hundred percent sure that you are my only child," Dad immediately explained.

I laughed. "Chill! I'm just joking, ok? Why are you defensive, Dad?" I continue to joke.

"I'm sure, you're the only daughter of your father because it was hard for him to make a baby," Mom returned and she laughed.

Mom and I just laughed while Dad shook his head at what Mom and I were saying. I also got serious a few minutes ago. "So, what's the matter? Why do you seem to have a surprise for me?" I'll go back to the conversation earlier.

Mom looked at Dad and he nodded at her. "How many more blind dates do we have to go on for you to find a man to marry, Miles?" Mom asked.

I frowned again because of that question from her. "If you intend to take me on a blind date again, I'm not going, Mom. We will just both be tired because no matter what man you present to me, I'm not ready to get married," I explained. I haven't even completely moved on from my previous relationship and then they will force that marriage on me.

"But Miles, you're going thirty this year," Dad replied.

I rolled my eyes at what he said and took a breath. "You still think that curse is true? Mom, Dad, we're in a modern world where witchcraft is not fashionable nowadays. That won't happen."

"What if it's true? We're just worried for you. Your grandmother used to be known in the province that her curse always comes true and it's not unlikely that will happen," Mom insisted.

I scratched my forehead because of that. That curse and the wedding that is supposed to break that curse are being talked about over and over again.

"'Mom, I don't believe in curses. If I grow up to be a young woman because that will be my choice and not because of the curse. If I want to get married after I turn thirty, I will do it," I insisted to them.

"Miles, your Mom and I are afraid for your future. We are old and what if you don't get married? Who will take care of you? How are you? We also want to see the family you will build," Dad said.

"I didn't say I won't get married. What I'm saying is, I'm not ready to get married. I'm not ready to give myself to the man who will come into my life," I explained.

"I'm sorry, Miles, if you feel that your Dad and I are pressuring you, but we're only thinking about your future. We're afraid of your Grandma Flora's curse," Mom said gently.

I sighed. "There is no point in this conversation, Mom. I need to take rest, I'm tired.'" I was about to stand up when Mom stopped me.

"I'm sorry, Miles but your Dad and I agree to do this." Mom looked at me sadly. I was nervous about what she said.

"We know you're under pressure from our repeated insistence on you to get married, but this is the only way we see to break your grandmother's curse. That's no joke," Dad said.

I looked at them, wondering. Sadness was on their faces. "Your dad and his high school friend Andrew's paths have crossed again. He also has a family and has an only son." Mom stopped and bowed slightly while I was nervous about what I would hear from her. "And we agreed to marry you and their son."

It was as if I was deaf to what I heard from her and my hunch was not wrong about what she said. Mom's words kept coming back to my mind. Marry me to a man I don't know?

"M-married?" I said in surprise. "To a man, I don't know and even you and Dad don't know who he is. 'Mom, that's not acceptable. I'll accept it better if it's just a blind date again, but married?" I shook my head. "I can't do that, Mom."

I stood up and walked away from them. Are they crazy to marry me to their friend's son? They don't even know who and what kind of man that father's friend's son is.

I slammed the door of my room and fell on my bed. I closed my eyes tightly while sadness and confusion were on my face. Marry me to someone? Who and what kind of character does that man have? Should I agree to what they want?

"HUH! Uncle and Aunt are going to MARRY you to his friend's son? OMG! Seriously, Miles?" Andrea's violent reaction when I told her what my parents and I had talked about last night kept me awake. Who can sleep if you know that you are going to get married without your consent?

We were outside the company while eating lunch.

I nodded sadly to confirm what I said. "They're crazy enough to do that, Andrea. Just because of that damn f*cking curse that's still in the era of people who believe in it. Hello! We're in the year 2022 and we're not living in the '90s. The curse is no longer fashionable," I ranted.

Andrea looked at me seriously and then laughed. I raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm sorry, Miles. I can't help but laugh every time I hear that curse. It seems that your family has been left behind for believing in that old ritual. But in reality, they also have a point in another part." She got serious. "You're going thirty, a few months from now. Your parents are old enough so maybe they're forcing you to get married. Even me, I'm just turning twenty-nine but my parents are forcing me too to get married so they can see my grandson because they are of age," she said, then took a bite of food.

"I understand them in that part, Andrea but right now I'm not ready to settle down. I'm in the process of fixing myself to prepare for the man who will come into my life. A woman only gets married once and I want to do that to the man I love. And besides, marriage isn't just a matter of ceremony, it's a ritual of love, giving your whole self, whole life, to the man you choose to be with all your life."I can barely move my food because of the pressure and stress I feel.

"You're right, Miles, but the question is can you disobey your parents?"

I didn't answer right away. Can I not grant them their request for me? I understand what they want but it's hard for me.

-

I WAS JUST SURPRISED when I got home from work when I saw an unfamiliar car in front of the house. It was black and still shining. I frowned in surprise. Whose car is that and why is it here? Do they still have visitors at this time?

I just shrugged it off and continued walking into the house. The house we have is not that big but it can be said that it also costs a lot because of its good design. Its color is white. Papa used to be a seaman so we were able to build such a house.

I entered the house while taking my cell phone from the shoulder bag I was carrying.

"Miles, come here."

I stopped and looked up at Mom. I frowned when I saw two people who were unfamiliar to me. I just saw them today. Judging by their looks, they are not far from Mom and Dad's age. They also look like a couple. They smiled at me.

"So, you're the daughter of Wesley and Emma, ​​hija," said the woman who was probably in her fifties, but it wouldn't be noticeable because of her beauty.

I didn't immediately answer and react, my face remained serious. Who are they? When I recovered from the shock, I awkwardly smiled at them. I turned to Mom and she motioned for me to come and I did.

"Hello! Good evening," I politely greeted them.

"How are you, hija? You're more beautiful. You're not just beautiful but you look so smart and mature," commented the man next to the woman.

I simply smiled. "Thank you," I returned.

"Andrew is your Dad's friend for a long time and they only separated after college because of their different professions. And the beautiful woman next to him is his wife Mandy," Mom introduced the two.

I felt like I was deaf when I remembered who Andrew was. My chest heaved as I finally realized who they were. It is not obvious that they are in a hurry to marry me so they can immediately invite the parents of the man they are going to marry me to the house.

"I'm so happy to see you, Miles, right? You're so beautiful like your mother that's why it's surprising when Emma told me that you don't have a boyfriend yet," said the woman whose name was Mandy.

I tried to smile. "Because I don't plan to get married yet," I said to give them an idea of ​​what my answer would be to them.

The four of them looked at my answer. "You're going thirty this year, right? I heard some quotes somewhere that the right age to get married is twenty-five. After you graduate, you get a stable income. It's time for yourself, hija," he said, a man named Andrew.

I smiled even though it wasn't genuine. "For me, the right time to get married is when you're ready, when you're heart ready to give it all to the man you choose. When you're ready to give yourself up for a lifetime commitment," I answered.

Mom and Dad were quiet but I knew they were looking at me. It's hard for them to smile because of what I said.

"Well, you're right, hija. But to be honest, Andrew and I didn't love each other when we got married. We are a product of arranged marriage because of our family businesses. Who would have thought that work would lead to true love? You know, hija getting married in your thirties will give you some stress. It will be difficult for you to handle yourself to get pregnant," Mandy said.

"Mandy's right, Miles," Mom agreed. "Look at your Aunt Mandy and Uncle Andrew, they didn't love each other when they got married but look how strong the bond between them is."

"I'm sorry, hija if you feel pressured by our family's agreement," Andrew said. "You have time to think, hija. I know how stressful it is for you. I felt that before but if you really don't want to marry our son, no problem. You still have the freedom to choose," he added.

"Andrew is right, hija, but also try to get to know our son Zandy. He will be going back here to Manila and by tomorrow maybe he will be here. We will introduce you to our son and then you decide," the wife seconded.

I didn't expect the couple to say that. I thought they would force me to marry their son, but they seem to be concerned about my feelings because they also experienced this. I have already made up my mind that I don't want to marry their son. But I couldn't help but be curious about that man's appearance. Is he handsome or ugly? Sweet or fragrant?

-

"Wake up! wake up!"

I quickly got up from my bed when I heard my alarm clock speak loudly. I frowned and scratched my head. I still want to sleep. I woke up again thinking about that wedding that my parents are preparing for me. And the funny thing is that I was immediately introduced to the parents of that man.

I lay down on the bed again and rolled around while I messed my hair. I'm disgusted! Why are they excited to marry me? I didn't even think of getting married even when I was thirty. Can't they wait for me to say that I'm going to get married?

"Haist!" I was annoyed by them. I sat on the bed again. If only I could see my face, I might look like a witch.

I decided to get out of bed. I left my room and went to the kitchen. Mom and Dad weren't there but breakfast was already served on the table. Where did they go?

I just looked at that food and ignored it. I just decided to take a bath because I feel like I need it to at least somehow reduce my stress and make me feel calmer.

After I showered, I immediately got dressed because it was only a few minutes and I was going to be late for work. I quickly took my laptop and the shoulder bag I was carrying. I hurried out of the house but I was stopped when I opened the door when I saw a car parked opposite the gate of the house. I frowned. Whose could it be?

Although surprised, I continued walking. I opened the gate and stopped in front of that car. I held my breath when the door slowly opened on the driver's seat. A man's feet came out first. He was wearing white sneakers and khaki pants. Until its body finally came out.

I can't even admit it but I'm stunned by the man in front of me now. Is it an artist? Because otherwise, I might offer her to be an actress because of her looks. I was even in awe of him because he was taller than me. The point of his nose, the length of his eyelashes, and the beauty of his white and even teeth. I also smelled the fragrant perfume he used that was strong enough to smell like a man.

"Hey! Will you just look at me?"

I blinked and went back to my senses. I swallowed and immediately looked away from him. He was just looking at me seriously while smiling. Who is this man? Does he know me?

"Who are you? Why are you here? Do I know you, Sir?" I asked him not to be able to look directly into his face.

"Even me, I don't know who you are. I don't even know why I'm here," he said softly.

I frowned at what he said. I tried to look at his face again. Damn! His beauty is dazzling. I carefully observed every part of his face and slowly frowned because the face of the man in front of me was slowly becoming familiar to me. "W-wait! have we met?" I asked in surprise.

That man also looked at me with an emotionless face. "I don't know. The only thing I know is that I don't know you," he said gruffly.

So much shock is written on my face when I remember who he is. "I-I'm right! It's you! Wait! What are you doing here, huh? How dare you come to my house after you stole my boyfriend!" I can see the look of shock on his face. "What do you want to tell me? That you're happy to be with my boyfriend while I'm still moving on? Your face is thick, isn't it? You really showed up in front of me," I said angrily as I continued to poke him.

The man in front of me frowned as he looked at me seriously. He still grinned. "That's right. So, you are the woman who was left by her boyfriend because her boyfriend has a boyfriend. Well, it's not my fault because maybe you lacked something that I could give him," he said meaningfully.

"What-your face is thick to make me look like I failed and you gave it to him? You! You're gay! Get out of my face before the blood rises to my head completely and I do badly to you. You're the one who snatched him and now you're still confident with your action! How dare you!" I teased back in a shouting way.

The man in front of me scratched his forehead because of what I said and he didn't seem to be affected by what he heard from me.

"Do you still love him? You are poor because while that man is happy with someone else, here you are still bitter about your past," he said, making my head even hotter.

"You-you're b*tch!" I don't care anymore if I'm making a scene in front of our house. I'm just really disgusted and angry with this man-he's gay and stole my boyfriend.

"Don't call me gay or I will kiss you!"

"Would-"

I couldn't finish what I was going to say when I felt his palm touch the back of my neck and gently caress it. I swallowed when I saw his face close to mine. My leg felt weak as his face was so close to mine. "Affected, huh!" I saw her grin and let me go.

"A-affected! You're such a damn pervert!"

"There's no point in your anger, don't be immature. Don't make a scene here. By the way, I'm not here to provoke you. I don't even know why I'm here. I was just doing what my mom told me to do, to pick you up to take you to your work. Miles Virgilio, right?" he suddenly said softly.

I was stunned by what he said. I stared at his appearance again. My eyes widen as I remember what the woman named Mandy who was at home the other night said. Can't, no! "Y-you?" I asked in disbelief and pointed at him. Is he the Zandy they say, the son of that couple? I shook my head violently. "No! This can't be! You can't be the man they want to marry me. No!" I screamed like I was going crazy.

The man in front of me took a breath and scratched his forehead as he seemed annoyed with me. "Can you stop doing that? Are you crazy? Do you think I want it too? We're both stuck in this situation," he said.

I got serious and calmed myself down. I can't accept if he is the man they want me to marry. He is the one who ruined my relationship with Roven and above all he is gay so how can I agree to marry him? "I'm not crazy, ok? But now, I'd rather be crazy than marry someone like you." I sighed. "You're gay, anyway, so don't agree to marry me. You'll just hate it," I discouraged him.

He shook his head. "What if I agree? Do you think gays won't get married?" he asked.

My jaw dropped at what he said. "What?" I asked in surprise. "Are you crazy?" I closed my eyes for a moment. "I can't take it anymore. Just go home and tell your mommy and daddy that you won't marry me because you're gay, ok?" I quickly turned my back on him and went back inside to get into my car. It's not an expensive car because it was only bought second-hand.

"What if I agree to marry you, Miles?"

I stopped just as I was about to grab the gate to open it. I closed my eyes for a moment before finally opening it and ignoring him. I went inside and immediately got into my car. I don't want to get close to that man. I don't want to marry him because he is the one who ruined my relationship.

But what if he didn't object to that marriage? What if he agrees? No! That cannot happen. I will talk to him and if I have to beg, I will do it just so he won't marry me.