Ruled by the Blaze (The Unwanted Marriage)

Patricia's POV

"I'm getting married? There's no way, mommy!"

I threw the folders inside my mom's office because of so much anger. I just got home from school and she called me to come straight to her office to tell me the incredible thing that they were going to marry me!

"Honey, we will benefit from it-"

"Our Company will benefit! That's what you should say!" I couldn't help but scream because of his reason. "I'm too young to get married and I'm still studying! How about my dreams?"

"Patricia, calm down" she uttered and fix those folders that I throw earlier. "We can keep it a secret for now since you are still in school. For your friends not to find it out. Your dream will not be hampered by marriage,"

"Really? You're making it sound like getting married is a simple process, mom?" I massaged my temples while sitting in the swivel chair. More head hurts more. "I c-can't understand...we still have our company-"

"Our company is failing, Patricia" her voice was sad.

"We can borrow money from our relatives-"

"We still owe them" she cut me off.

"The amount of money we need is no joke. The shareholders are backing out and we are in debt. Your daddy's medications continue, add our expenses at home and at your school with Jordan" I was stunned to see mommy in tears.

I stood up to hug her.

"Don't cry, please" I rubbed her back. Even though I'm mad, I don't want to see her hurt in front of me.

"Pat, you are our only hope," she sadly faced me. "But if you really don't want to, we won't force you. I will accept the consequences of the company, but your dad? I think he can't" her eyes shed in tears.

"This is the only thing your grandfather inherited from him so he will not accept if he loses it. I can't also accept that our company will be good but in return is your happiness"

I finally heard mommy's sobs that pounded my chest. I couldn't help but feel pity as I remembered our situation now.

Daddy is sick and resting right now while mommy is temporarily taking care of what she says is our losing company.

I am confused and scared. How about me? What about myself if I agree to what they want. I'm not even sure if this will solve our problem. I also can't bear to see daddy repent because he neglected the company and he and mommy will struggle.

"Hush now" I hugged mommy and guided her to the chair. I rubbed her back and handed her water. "Hush now, mom."

I removed the hair that was blocking her face and then I stared at her face full of sadness. Red eyes and nose from crying. Darkness under the eyes due to staying up too much due to work. It was obvious that she was tired.

"Give me some time, mom. I'll think about what you said but I'm not promising that I agree with your plan" I said firmly.

Mommy looked at me in disbelief.

"R-Really, Pat?" her voice cheered. "Well, you still have 2 months to decide. That's just how long they gave. It's about between our family and the Velasquez's and when-"

"Velasquez? As in from Velasquez Industries?" I asked with a frown, making sure because I only know one Velasquez family.

Mommy nodded which surprised me.

"But, h-how?"

I have not met the Velasquez's in person and have only seen them in pictures, but from what I know they are really rich and known to be good in business.

It's astonishing that mama became close to them considering how well-known their family is and how many people would want to deal with them. Because their business is bigger and more powerful than ours.

"A long story, Pat. I hope you'll give it a chance but also remember what I said" she took a deep breath.

"We're not forcing you. We'll find another way if you don't want it, but if you want it..." she hesitated to smile. "Tell me right away and I'll tell you everything you need to know about them to get an idea-"

"Yeah, I get it mom" I said out of frustration. "You should rest, you look tired though" because she really is.

I chose to end our conversation because I couldn't think about everything she have said. About getting married. Until I got home, that was still on my mind.

Mommy always came home at night, so when I got home from school, we didn't see each other and talk much, same with daddy. Since he has just recovered from his sickness, he is not able to work and usually he is only in his room, taken care of and given medicine and food.

Meanwhile, my brother, Jordan, who's currently a high school student, is also always in the room, playing computer games, so I can't help but feel sad when I'm at home. I had no one to talk to so I just put up with my friends even though they were very noisy.

We don't have class tomorrow because it's weekend, so the following day I woke up at noon because I had gone to bed almost as early as the morning due to my numerous thoughts.

Out of boredom, I invited Jess, my friend, into a coffee date. We met at the coffee shop where we often go. I told her everything mommy and I talked about yesterday. About the arrange marriage thing.

"Oh my god! Wow! Is it really the Velasquez?! For real?" I closed my eyes because of Jess's voice.

She still couldn't believe it when I told her everything.

"Do I have to repeat it to you?" I said annoyed and took a sip of coffee.

"Come on, are you still going to act brat? You just slept and then waking up knowing that you're going getting married!" Jess squealed loudly and pinched my arm.

I mumbled.

"What's so funny?" I asked. "Getting married is no joke, Jess. I don't even know that the one I'm about to marry has a bad attitude, abuser and has no manners? I just wasted my time!" I preach because she seems to want me to grab that opportunity right away.

"Stop saying that! You don't really know the Velasquez people" she snapped. "Do you know that my cousin's friend is Mr. Velasquez's nephew! They are said to be really elusive because almost their friends are really rich! My cousin has also met one of Mr. Velasquez's son. He's really a nice guy!"

I widened my eyes at Jess because she's too loud.

"Your mouth!"

"Sorry, I was really surprised! Girl, it's Velasquez! Grab it!" she encouraged. "What a waste of opportunity! You know if I were you, I would agree immediately!"

"But sorry, I'm not you!" I rolled my eyes. "You know what, I told you all this so you could give me advice but, hell! Everything you say is just so hilarious!"

I just sipped with my coffee again with too much stress. I think telling her everything was the wrong move.

"Duh! You already said that you have no choice! Can you afford to let your parents suffer and lose the company? Not really, right? You need a lot of money and it's just right for the Velasquez!"

I was exhausted. Is she really my friend? But why does she make me feel guilty?

"If only we could lend you money but you know that your company is bigger and we can't afford what you need"

"I can't. I don't want yet" I said apprehensively.

"What's wrong? You're single and ready to mingle!" she answered that makes me more annoyed.

"That's it! That's why I'm single because I don't want to get into relationships yet mom offered me marriage right away!"

Mommy knew that I'm conservative. I know its messy getting into a relationship and I don't even know what it's like to have a boyfriend and she's going to get me married right away! I'm not ready and I'm even more not ready to be tied to someone I don't love!

"You can give it a try!" she insisted.

"The Velasquez's seem to be kind and looked at their genes! Did you even see Mr. Velasquez in the picture? Even with age, he still hot just like his sons! And you, you are beautiful and sexy! Seriously, just imagine what your child will look like if it happens!"

I blushed at what Jess was saying. She's really worthless to talk to.

"That wasn't one of my concerns earlier, but since you said it, I don't want it even more!" I frowned.

"Marriage includes having a child, Patricia! You will form your own family-"

"If I'm going to get married, it will be with the person I love and who loves me"

Her eyes narrowed at me.

"Not the forced one. Not like this because I know I'm going to have a hard time too. It's hard..." I sighed. "I'm going to have even more trouble if this continues. Imagine, I will be tied to who don't love me? But maybe I also need to accept," I can't hide the sadness in my voice. "In exchange for resolving our problem is my happiness"

"You can't get away from that," she remarked gravely. "I am aware that you will do as your parents ask because you fear the consequences of disobeying them."

"I really have no choice" I said in a weak voice.

I don't know how my situation got so complicated in such a short time. I had no idea that I would likewise go through what I see other people going through.

Patricia's POV

Days and weeks pass by so fast. It's Monday again and I'm back at school.

"Patriciaaa!"

Kelvin's shout, my other friend, echoed in the hallway. It's embarrassing. I almost rolled my eyes at him while laughing as he approached me. He greeted me with a hug.

"I've been waiting for you!" he said flirtatiously.

"Why, did you think our building was just close to the parking?"

We went straight to lover's lane since it still early, we'll hang out here first.

"Spill it!" he grinned at me stupidly. "Jess told me about the wedding-"

I covered his mouth because someone might hear. Jess's mouth really has no brakes!

"It's true? Silence means yes!" I gasped so he laughed again. What other choice do I have?

Later on, Jess also came with Tyrone, another friend of ours. So I explained everything to them.

"The life of being rich, arrange marriage is just normal" Kelvin commented. "You really have no choice. But I'm not ready to see you get married yet!" he fake a cry.

"Well, the only thing that I can say to you is...good luck. That's all we can do," Tyrone smiled at me that made me feel sad.

"Based on my source, Mr. Velasquez's son was...rude" Jess tapped my shoulder. "You'll getting married just for responsibility and I think you can still do what you want when you get married"

"We will graduate this year. I still had plan to study in med school and pursue my-"

"I don't think your marriage will be an obstacle for that" Tyrone interrupted. "There's no special feeling between you and him, right? You can survive"

Right now, I'm thinking about my fate if it goes through. A lot will change but I can't do anything.

"You didn't experience of having a boyfriend and you will have an instant husband soon!" Jess said. "Thank god I didn't end up in a situation as complicated as yours because I couldn't take that"

"What if, your fiancé's family doesn't like you? What if they have a bad attitude? Gosh! Scary!" Kelvin was depressed as if he was the one to be married.

"Her parents know and trusted them so I think she'll be good," Tyrone butt in.

"What if they're just good at the beginning? So be careful Patricia!" Jess said. "A clean family history does not guarantee good behavior,"

"I'm just more nervous about what you're saying," I said bitterly before standing up because our first class was about to start.

Until our classes, I continuously thinking about my problem. I can't seem to think of anything.

I am currently studying as a fourth year college student and I'm taking up BS Biology. In just a few months, our sufferings will end and we will graduate. I also maintain my high grades because I have been a certified honor student since elementary but in my current situation, I seem to be losing my mood to study hard.

"Are you okay? You were lethargic in class earlier," Jess commented while we were in the cafeteria.

I just nodded.

"Don't think about your problem. It's a good thing you were still high on the quiz earlier even though you didn't review!"

"Yeah,"

"That's because you were naturally born smart! So don't wait until you fall short because of your attitudes," she was really like a mother. "By the way, we have an event next month and there is a beauty pageant! A representative is needed by course and all sections are expecting you to participate!" she patted my arm. "If you participate, we will definitely win! You didn't participate in anything that you didn't win!"

"Pass. I won't participate,"

Her smile disappeared. There are many more that can be representative and I don't know if I can win that contest having a problem now. I can't concentrate.

"Why, Pat? It's our last year so try it!"

"I have a problem, Jess. There are many beautiful people they can join," I stood up to go back to the room.

"It's regretful since all of the students are expecting you when there's a pageant! But anyway, it's more important for you to focus on that marriage first,"

Our class continued and until dismissal, I was silent.

I was troubled and stressed in the days that followed and in the following weeks, I avoid mommy. I don't know why I started to lose my mood as time goes on. I decided to just agree to their plan and even though I haven't talked to daddy about it, I'm sure he'll force me too.

I also can't bear it for us to struggle.

"I'm going," I said goodbye to my friends and got into my car.

I left the school and went straight to our company building.

Along with my way, my mind was in puzzled. My thoughts are flitting around on numerous things.

"Good afternoon, Mam" the security guard smiled at me and let me in.

I quickly parked and took the elevator. The employees greeted me when they saw me. I felt ashamed because I was still wearing my all white school uniform.

I met my mother's secretary. "Exactly, Mam Alondra has free time,"

I smiled before entering the office. Mommy's face lit up when she saw me and greeted me with a kiss. Even though she was smiling, her tiredness was obvious. I know she's stressed here.

It's been one month since she told me the proposal and she didn't pressure me. She didn't sculpt me anymore, she really gave me time to think. I also have no idea what they talked about with the Velasquez. My mind was full of many questions.

"Are you okay, mom?" I asked worriedly.

She laughed. "Don't mind me. I'm fine," we both sat on the couch. "Do you need something?"

"Uh, nothing" I shook my head. "Uhm...a-about the-"

"About the proposal marriage? What about that? Have you already decided? Don't you really want to?" her voice cracked.

"No, mommy" I gulped. "I accept the proposal,"

Pushing those words out of my mouth felt like something sucked all the energy out of me. My hands were sweaty and shaking. I'm so nervous.

"For r-real?" she looked at me in disbelief. "I-I mean, we're not pressuring you. If you are forced-"

"I'm not," I hold back. "I think, it's my responsibility to help you. My conscience can't handle it when we lose the company. If there's a solution to save it, I would grab it,"

Tears began to form in mommy's eyes as she repeatedly shook her head.

"I can't believe it" she started crying. "You really agreed!" she hugged me together with her sobs.

"Just for our family, mommy" I whispered.

"Your dad would be happy!" she held my hand. "Mrs. Velasquez just called me earlier and she was asking about your decision"

"What will happened to me?" I asked immediately. "After I marry the man I don't even know?"

"I know you'll be confused now but I'm telling you, you're in the right hands. Me and your dad won't trust them if we don't know them fully" she explained. "You just need to go with the flow. You still retain your freedom, so there's now problems. You're still free to do what you want and continue your studies," she caressed my hair.

I'm still nervous and scared even though I have assurance from mommy, I still can't stop feeling it. Yeah, I have my freedom to do want I want but there's always limitation. I won't be able to like someone else because I am already tied with the specific person.

I looked at mommy. I wanted to ask something. "About my f-fiancé..."

"What about it, honey?"

"Did he also agree with this set up? They're already rich and wealthy, they have nothing to lose if they marry someone who's not rich?" I asked out of confusion.

It's been bothering me since she said about the marriage. Like me, was he just forced to marry me? Does he know me? Or maybe they just felt sorry for my family? Gosh! Here I am again.

Paranoid and thinking some negative thoughts but I can't help but to think of it. I can't think of a reason why since they're so successful. What else?

"I just tried my luck to talk with them and I was surprised because they held me a proposal. I know that they did a background check on our family and we don't have bad records," there's traces of joy on her face. "I know you're thinking that maybe, I begged for them?" she laughed. "No, I would never do that"

She took a folder from the drawer and gave it to me. "It's all about the background of their family. It can help you,"

I immediately opened the folder. Mr. Velasquez's picture welcomed my sight. Wow, he's really handsome. Even with age, he's still charismatic. I flip the next page and it's a picture of his beautiful wife. The following pages are pictures of their children who are also handsome, from youngest, second and the last page is the eldest...

I stopped when I saw a man seriously sitting on the sofa, he was wearing a black suit that made his handsomeness even better. I willingly swallowed and couldn't believe that this is the one I'm going to marry? I scanned his face that was almost perfect for me. From beautiful and bright eyes, long eyelashes and a nose with the right angle, his face and jaw are just the right shape.

I almost feel thirsty watching her reddened lips. Just seeing his wearing style, you know he smells good, but I shouldn't be dazzled by his looks.

I quickly blinked to realize that I was staring too much at the picture, it was embarrassing that I was facing mommy!

I looked what at written below the picture and there I saw his age and real name.

"Callum Teo Velasquez...25 years old?!" I exclaimed as my eyes widened.

"Yeah, Callum is your future husband and he's so gentlemen, proven and tested when I met him in their company!"

"Mommy! He's already 25 and I'm just 20!"

"You'll graduate this year and turning 21. There's nothing wrong," she said calmly. "You two look good together!" she clapped her hands.

I sighed and hid the folder. Mommy said a lot of reminders before I left. She immediately called Mrs. Velasquez to confirm that I agreed and she immediately gave the day for a dinner for our families.

"Did I make the right decision? Everything is just so fast!" I poured all my frustration inside my car.

I can't believe the Velasquez's decision was that quick! Are they that excited for their son and I to get married? They didn't give us a chance to have quality time for ourselves for our remaining single days!

Patricia's POV

"Where's my keys!"

We are here in the school parking lot and ready to go home but I can't find my car key. I was busy finding it in my bag when I felt Jess pinch my arm. I turned around and saw her pointing someone using her snout.

I followed that and saw a man approaching while wearing an engineering uniform.

"Raven again?" I can feel the tiredness in Jess's voice. "He's going to bugged you again,"

Raven immediately smiled when he got closer.

"P-Patricia" he uttered smiling.

I also smiled and immediately felt Jess holding my arm. Seemed to protecting me from Raven.

"What do you want from my friend, Raven?" Jess asked directly so I almost shocked.

"Ah, I just want to ask Patricia..." he turned to me with shy smile. "Are you free today-"

"Oh, she's not allowed! We have a lot of pending activities today in major subject," Jess interrupted again so I couldn't stop pinching her arm," she's really harsh with Raven.

"Uhm, sorry but I'm busy, R-Raven" I shyly looked at him. "I'm sorry-"

"No, I understand" he prompt. "Maybe next time?" his eyes was pleading. "Are you okay with that?"

"Let me see my s-schedule..." I said immediately because I had no excuse anymore.

We bid goodbye to him and Jess quickly pulled me to our car.

"Raven is really crazy about you! Doesn't he get that you don't like him?!"

"Jess! Someone might hear!" I scolded and looked around.

"Why? It's true!" she seems annoyed. "Even though he's rich, handsome and smart, I still won't like him for you!"

"Wow, but back then you were excited when he was waiting outside our classroom" I said fatly because those things were still fresh in my mind.

Raven has been wooing me since high school and he also planned to date me but I refused. Some people regretted my rejection of him, but I can't blame myself. It's not that, he's not my type but I don't really do boyfriends. I can't deny that he's handsome and rich but I just can't force myself to like him.

"That was then! Not until the news broke that his father was doing illegal things! You know, they also owned big companies like Velasquez's" I could hear the bitterness in her voice.

"That has not yet been proven,"

"Duh! It's pretty obvious that they manipulated the media since they are rich and had so much connections!" she snorted. "Just ignore him. You're getting married anyway so he don't have any excuses to get near you!"

Because of what she said, I remembered again about the wedding and the dinner tomorrow. I regret now that I even agreed to the proposal.

I finally saw my keys and got into my car. "I'm going home, bye!"

I bid my goodbye and drove quickly to get home but I was shocked to see that daddy was waiting for me in the living room.

"Thanks, you're already here" he welcomed me with his sweet smile.

"Dad," I kissed him. "You were waiting for me?" I sat down beside him. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Yes. I'm totally recovered and just need a little rest" he caressed my hair so I was immediately surprised. "Your mom called. Thank you so much, Patricia,"

Oh, now I know. I smiled back at him while his face was about to cry.

"Oh, come on! Don't cry, dad!" I laughed as I tried my best not to cry too.

I was carried away by his expression. I could see different emotions in his eyes that I can say, happiness, sadness and tired.

"Sorry. I just can't help to feel overwhelmed because of what you did" tears rolled down his eyes. "If only I hadn't gotten sick, you wouldn't have been in trouble"

"It's not your fault that you got sick" I appeal because I don't want him blaming himself. "It's my choice, dad. Mommy promised that I won't get stuck in this set up so it's okay for me"

"Are you sure? If the outcome of your married life is not good, we will take you back from them. That's a promise. Thank you for understanding,"

"No problem, dad" I gave him an assuring smile.

I informed him that I'm going somewhere and he agreed before I went up to my room I immediately prepared clothes to wear to go to the bar. My friends responded immediately to my message regarding my plan to go out. It also been a while since we last went to a bar. I just want to enjoy now.

As usual, mommy is not at home yet because she's still at work and daddy is resting in his room. My brother Jordan ate with me in the dining and I'm watching his every move. We are close to each other so I don't know how he will react when I say that I'm getting married.

"Jordan, what can you say if I ever get married?" I suddenly said.

My brother stopped eating and looked at me with a frown. Did I said something bad?

"You haven't even had a boyfriend yet you're thinking about marriage. Are you serious?" he raised an eyebrow.

Sometimes it's nice to slap him. He really made me look like I was 'no boyfriend since birth'.

"If just only, right?" I said annoyed.

"You're not even old enough to get married. You haven't even become a doctor so stop discussing about that thing. You're too young," he said firmly before standing up.

"I'm not a kid anymore!" I shouted and threw him a tissue. "May I remind you that I am the sister, so I am older than you! You are younger!"

I threw a tissue at him again when I heard him laugh. He then quickly ran out and left me.

I continued eating. I just ate a little, just the right amount for my stomach so I won't throw up too much later if I drink.

I quickly got dressed and chose a black bodycon dress that really clung to my body. I can see my back here and the neckline is too low so my cleavage is peeking out. I let go of my long, wavy hair. I also just put on light make up and big round earrings. Lastly, I wore my black hills and get my pouch.

I didn't use my car because Tyrone will picked me up, I'm sure I'll be drunk later so I won't be able to drive.

When we arrived at the bar, we were welcomed by the colorful lights and loud music.

My eyes almost widened when I saw how revealing Jess was wearing. She was wearing a red dress and almost half of her chest was visible, which is why some men here almost broke their necks looking at her.

"You're so hot!" they greeted me with a shot of whiskey.

"Is it really that sexy when you getting married?" Kelvin asked as we sat down on the couch.

I grinned rawly. I came here to forget about that for a while but it seems I can't do that either.

My friends were busy talking and laughing while I was quiet. Just thinking that I won't be able to go to the bar when I'm married makes me want to cry. Hanging out with my friends are my way to relieve my stress. The Velasquez family is rich so they are sure to be picky about other things. I have to be primer. I also need to change the things I'm used to, for them not to be disappointed.

Jess flick his finger in front of me that made me blink. "Don't think about your problem! We're here to enjoy! We'll find hottie later!"

I accepted the new shots they gave and it followed by more shots that I can't even count. But even though I feel dizzy, I still can't get my mind off of my marriage. I don't know what to feel anymore. I can't back out though.

"Here!"

I received another shot and I could almost feel the bitterness of the wine as it flowed down to my throat because I drank it straight. I would have liked to complain because the shot glass was almost full of alcohol but I just drank it. My two friends were obviously drunk because Jess started dancing in front of us and Kelvin was singing something that I couldn't understand.

I can't help but laugh at our situation.

"Again! It's last s-shot and we will go on the dance floor!" Jess's eyes were already closed as she handed me the last shot.

While I was drinking it, Jess fell down next to me, she accidentally slap shook my hand so the wine spilled down my neck and flowed right into my chest. I moaned at the cold caused by the alcohol on my skin.

Gosh, I'm wet! I was about to find a tissue in my bag when Jess suddenly pulled me to the dance floor.

"Let's dance!" Jess giggled while pulling me.

When I suddenly felt lightheaded, I almost fell down, but I was able to cling on to Kelvin. My vision got blurry because of so much people dancing, adding those mischievous lights that hurt my eyes. Jess and Kelvin started dancing in front of me.

"Whoah!!"

Everyone was shouting and dancing wildly! When I rolled my eyes around, I even saw some couples making out. Well, that's their life, so be it!

A sexy song played so I closed my eyes and felt the song, I seemed to come alive. I know how to dance and it's not my first time. I gently stroked my hair down to my waist while still closing my eyes. As the beat get intense, I slowly shook my hips and started screaming as well. Eventually, I swayed faster and seemed to enjoy what I was doing.

I raised an eyebrow and looked up as I vigorously moved my fingers through my hair. I was shocked when I lost the ability to hear my friends' voices. Maybe it's because the music is so loud. I don't care who it is as I pull the person who accidentally grabbed by my hands. I immediately closed my eyes and grinded toward him since I couldn't help but smell his perfume.

"Hmmm..."

It smells so manly and addicting!

His chest was so firm that I came close to burying my face in it. He carefully placed his arms around my waist, pressing my body closer to him, and I was suddenly astonished by this. As the song changed, we cautiously started to dance, but slowly.

"Having a good time, huh?" the heat enveloped my ear in that whisper and brought a little tickle to me.

"Hmm, yeah" I giggled when I heard his soft curse when I place my hands to his back and gently caressed it.

"Your boyfriend must be looking for you," his voice was husky. "He won't be happy seeing you dancing with another man"

"I don't have a boyfriend!" I proudly said. "But...I'm getting married" my voice growled.

"So I'm taking advantage of this night before I'm tied to my fiancé!"

"Hmm, you're engaged?" he chuckled, sounds unsurprised. "Well, we're the same"

I was tickled when he pulled my hair that was blocking my neck and brought his mouth even closer to my ear, so I could hear him clearer.

"You're engaged too?" I sounds surprised. "But your fiancé would be mad if she'll saw you" but I can't even take myself away from him because I only get more sleepy with what we were doing.

I laughed secretly. What a coincidence that we are both getting married.

"Where's--Patricia!"

I was startled when someone pulled me away from the man I was dancing with. I couldn't open my eyes because my lids were heavy.

"We're going home! Shit!" I heard faint cursing. Wait...it's Tyrone's voice!

"Wait, we're dancing!" I stomped steadily as I was pulled away from the dance.

I felt him lift me into a bridal style and it was like my stomach turned upside down.

"Oh my! I feel like throwing up-"

"Oh, please, don't throw up!" he uttered problematically.

I felt myself leaning on the car seat. As Tyrone said, I persevered without throwing up until my eyelids got really heavy and the darkness completely swallowed my vision.