THE MARTYR

I was once a party-goer, a happy-go-lucky, a woman who does everything I like. I grew up getting everything I want. People used to call me a brat, liberated, hoe, and such. But I keep on ignoring them as long as I am happy and I don't run into them.

I am Hailey Amarant, a wicked best friend, a lovable eldest sister, and the daughter of the fearless businessman in our city. And since I grew that my family is powerful, no one dares to cross with me.

I hang out with different guys, not for sex apparently, but, just for fun. Even people saw me as easy to get in bed, I still know how to take care of my body.

I don't know the real meaning of love. For me, love doesn't exist. Love isn't real. Love was invented for people who tried to get attention, for the loner, for those people who had nothing but themselves. They only want someone with them so they will not feel empty.

Not until I met this man named Hunter Lewis. A hot and almost perfect man. Since that day, I know that he is special. He is something that every woman wants. In life, even in bed. His hotness will keep on hunting you saying that you need to have him for you to be happy.

The saddest part is, My childhood best friend Kyla introduced him to me and claimed that he is her fiancée.

I don't know how it happened that Kyla would marry that man. I mean, how the shit happened that they are engaged? I never meet him before. I am with Kyla almost every day and I never meet him even once. All I know is that her boyfriend is Vince. Those stupid --ugh-- never mind.

I'm not interested in him.

Days passed, but Hunter still crossed my mind. Day by day, my eagerness to make him mine become stronger.

And something came up an idea, If I am not mistaken, Lewis's are one of my father's business partners.

I am an Amaranth, and I can get what I want even to cross someone's property. No exemption, no excuses, not even my best friend. No wedding will take place because if there is, it should be just me and Hunter.

I like him, I like him to the point that I changed. Changes that are too far from what I am. Changes that even my family and friends don't recognize me. I forget all my bad habits and tried to catch his attention. I want to be the perfect, humble, and good woman he knows, so I can be fit for him.

But I failed, I failed a hundred times. He keeps on rejecting me and looked at me like I was the dirtiest woman she knew. He throws bad words and said that I should have to forget him. He told me that no matter how happened, he can never be mine.

So, I made some planned. A plan that I know will be effective. The plan will be my last action as a brat. Cause after this plan, I will be the most faithful and devoted wife. I will do everything to win his heart. This is my last option and I know he can't say no, or no one in his family can't say no.

I went to his stag party and paid someone to put sleeping pills on his drink. and that night changed everything on us because I managed to make him mine.

Our both parents saw us on the bed naked and hugging each other. Though, I know that nothing happened to us I did not tell the truth. I want him, I want him.

Hunter knew that nothing happens, he keeps on insisting that nothing happened and that he doesn't remember anything. He loves someone and both of them are planning to get married. He begged me to tell the truth.

He kneels in front of me, cries, and begged me. But, I promised him that I'll make him the happiest man on Earth no matter what happens.

But Hunter refused, he said that if the marriage went ahead my life with him would be miserable. He threatened me that he will make me suffer. But instead of being afraid. I chose to continue the marriage.

God forbid me, but I also don't understand what's up with him and what I'll be able to sacrifice everything just to get him.

And on the wedding day, I didn't expect the words he would release.

"You're gonna suffer until your last breath, Ley. Until you'll beg me to let you go. You want me, don't you? So be it. Because it's not heaven you're going to come home to but a burning hell."

Words I never expected to come true.

=HAILEY's POV =

I woke up when I felt water running down my face. When I open my eyes, I saw Hunter standing beside me. He was holding an empty glass.

"H-Hunter," I softly call to him and quickly get up.

"Useless," that's all he said and left immediately. I quickly stood up and followed him into the kitchen. Hunter and I have been married for six months. It's been six months since we moved to his condo here in Makati and since then he has considered me a slave. He punished me emotionally, but still, here I am, trying my best for him.

But I don't care, what's important to me is that he's with me, we're together and we're in the same house. That's all I care about. I know one day, he will learn to love me, and he will see my worth. He will also appreciate what I do for him. I can also erase Kyla from his heart.

Kyla is my childhood best friend. We promised each other that nothing would destroy the friendship we had. Even though we had misunderstandings, we fixed them right away.

Nothing hurt us, we almost shared everything. We promised that our friendship will remain forever. But I broke it because I loved the man she would have married.

Kyla is in America now, but before she left she went to see me. Told hurtful words. She cursed the day we became friends. Promised to come back and destroy me. I know she can't do that because she loves me as a friend and as a sister. She only said that because she was angry. I know she can move on too and can forgive me someday.

It's not my fault that I love Hunter but I wanted him to be mine. With Kyla and me, I'm the bitch, the brat, the stupid but not now because I have changed. My love for Hunter changed me. The last time I became a bitch was at Hunter's stag party to seduce him.

I hurried to the kitchen. Heated water and made breakfast. I even dropped the mug when hot water splashed on me. I saw Hunter come out of his room and hurried away.

You're right, we have a different room.

Sometimes I work out a way to seduce him. Just in case something happens to us to prove I'm still clean despite being a brat. Hoping that we will come together and there Hunter's view of me will change. But I failed. Instead, I only receive insults.

"Hunter, I'll just put the coffee in the tumbler for you to take. Just wait." I'm crawling. When I put the coffee and Hunter was already out the door. He was gone and I sighed while blaming myself.

"You really an idiot, Ley, you know that your husband is still busy, yet, you slept like a princess. Gosh!" I talk to myself.

'I'll just take it back. I will cook Kare-kare ( Filipino dish) later for dinner. Right. That's all I'll do. '

Hunter is the CEO of his daddy's company. Lewis Inc. holds the largest winery in the Philippines that exports throughout Asia. But My dad is one of their major investors.

They also have the largest tobacco plantation in the Philippines. While our Family has the largest wheat plantation, so the supply comes from us for their beer factories. Daddy also does business with the big resorts in Boracay and Palawan. He's a stockholder also of some Motels at Hotels across the Philippines.

My Dad and Kyla's Dad are best buddies since high school. Give and take. So when Hunter and I were caught lying hugging in bed. Kyla's dad first suggested not to pursue Hunter and Kyla's marriage. We should get married. They didn't want to be angry with Hunter for thinking that he had betrayed their daughter. I won, but not in Hunter's heart and that's what I'm working on now. To get his heart.

I still remember when Kyla first introduced him to me. His manly appearance caught my attention, sharp nose, tantalizing eyes, long eyelashes, with puffy lips, even teeth, jawline. The appeal is strong.

Ky says he is the man she will marry. I congratulated them both, but I didn't mean that because I knew in myself that I like him just that day. I like him to the point that I want him to be mine, not with Kyla.

Every time I spent time with them, I saw how happy they are. How lucky Kyla is to have Hunter. I felt so jealous of her. and I want to be in her place. I really wanted to seduce Hunter, but I didn't want him to think badly of me.

When Kyla told me they're engaged I interrupted and said too early. But she says relationships are prolonged. So I started my plan. I call Hunter. I'm ready to seduce him and make him mine.

I texted him every day. I knew he already knew my intention cause he avoided me. But I didn't stop, hoping that his feelings would change for me as well.

But I'm wrong because it didn't happen.

And my last option is to turn him around, at a stag party a week before their wedding I pretended to be one of the dancers. I asked someone to put sleeping pills on Hunter's drink and the next morning, both parents caught us.

Hunter did nothing when his daddy said he should marry me, or else his daddy would disown him. If he will marry me, he can have all his share immediately. But if he will refuse, they will disown him and that day changed everything on us.

I had already done the Kare-kare cause Hunter was coming soon so I was ready. I will wait for him on the sofa to enter so I can meet him immediately. I set the table first. I also baked a carrot cake for dessert.

The door opened. I immediately stood up to greet Hunter. He threw the coat he was wearing in my face. I also took the attaché case from his hand. He sat on the sofa where I put his stuff, took off his shoes, and put slippers on him.

"I cooked Kare-kare and baked carrot cake. I'm sorry if I didn't wake up early." I told him while smiling.

"I'll take a shower, bring the food inside my room." Consecutive nods I made as a smile stood up and he left. At least he will eat my food. Even if we're not together, he must eat what I'm ready for. He will take a quick bath, he would just pour it because he had already taken a bath in the morning.

While preparing food I am smiling. Because I knew that Hunter would eat what I was going to prepare. This is not new to me. We didn't really eat together.

He is always in his room eating. If it's here in the kitchen, he still doesn't want me with him.

Carrying the tray with food, I walked to Hunter's room. I saw the door slightly open. I smile, he concerned me so he left it open.

He knew I would have a hard time opening the door because I was carrying a tray. So he left it open. I was about to push the door when I heard Hunter speak.

"Hmm, that's good baby, and at least you are pre-occupied."

"Yeah, pass it on, so we can build a boutique with your own design on the display ."

"I missed you more, I miss everything on you, your lips, your hug, all, "

"It won't happen. You have sealed my heart, so you now own it ."

"Yeah, see you the soonest. I love you. Bye, be careful always. I will get you pregnant ten times."

It was as if my heart was pounding. I knew Kyla was the one he was talking to. Maybe I should talk to Kyla to stop talking to my husband so we can be okay. How can I win his heart if she is there to flirt with my husband? She has still attached after all. I am still the wife, the legal one.

I pushed the door to open and pretended no one heard. He arranged his seat so I put the food on the table. He motioned me outside but I did not leave.

"Hunter, I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I didn't wake up early." I apologize.

"I'm used to it, what can I expect from the brat princess who knows nothing. Now if you want me to eat this food. Go out and lock the door so I can start eating. Unless you want to see this food in the garbage. "I sighed but also smiled immediately. I can't show disappointment in front of him. I should have to be happy.

Hunter rarely talks to me. And every time he talks to me, belittling insults come out of his mouth but as I said, I will accept. Just for Hunter, I will do everything, I will accept everything.

I felt someone kick me. I fell asleep on the sofa while waiting for Hunter to finish eating. When I woke up I saw him standing. Carrying the bowl in which I put the Kare-kare.

"I called you many times," he said then slowly poured the Kare-kare on the floor. Then released the bowl and it broke. He just stared at me and watched my reaction, but when he saw that I was not angry he immediately turned away.

He always does this to me. He always tortured me. But I will not give up. Never.

"If you think you're going to upset me for what you're doing you're wrong I will fight until you learn to love me. I will endure Hunter. I will endure until you realize that I deserve to be loved." He stopped and then looked at me.

"I know, a bitch like you don't know how to quit. But sorry my dearest fake wife, you can't win. You may win to use my last name. But you cannot enter the heart. Kyla owns this, and even if you die, or I die. She will stay here. Forever. So if I were you, I wouldn't have to push myself. You will be content with the name I have given. And don't dream of my heart anymore. Because you will never get it. "He said while pointing to his heart. Then he entered his room.

I will not give up, no matter what happens I will fight. I can get Hunter's heart too. I believe that will happen.

I clean first the condo before I leave. Even though I'm not skilled I still keep in mind that I should practice simple things. I am already married, and one of my goals is to get the simplicity of one wife like everyone else. To make my husband happy.

I went to the mini grocery, I would buy our necessities. The queue at the counter is quite long. Looks like I still have to wait a long time. I told Hunter that I was leaving. He is also eating so he won't be angry if I take too long.

Past 9:00 pm when I finished because of the number of shoppers. I thought Hunter might be asleep when I got home. I'm not important to him, so for sure, he won't be looked for me then.

When I got home, I went straight to the entrance. But when I opened the door I heard a growl from Hunter's room. A woman growled unscathed but growled with a miracle-working so I immediately ran towards Hunter's room where it came from.

My eyes widened at what I saw. I was trembling that I could not understand. Hunter, with a woman on the bed. The woman is on top of him and grinding.

They are both naked and I am not a fool to know what they are doing.

I don't know how many minutes I stood there crying and watching them. Until I decided to aim for my bedroom. I cried as I remembered their position.

'Why? Why did Hunter do this to me? Here in our house. Yes, I'm just a wife on paper, but it's still a wife. '

I don't know how many hours I locked myself in the room. Until I decided to go out and talk to Hunter. Maybe that woman is no longer there. When I opened the door at the same time the door to Hunter's room opened. They both came out holding hands when the woman suddenly turned to me and was even surprised to see me.

"Who is she?" the woman asked as she pointed at me.

"My maid," Hunter replied simply. "Don't mind her, she's nothing," he added and hold the woman's hand and kiss her neck. The woman looked at me from head to toe. Examining me carefully then raised an eyebrow. In his eyes, it was as if he was saying that I was among the helpers who dreamed of being noticed by the boss.

I want to kick her, I want to hurt her. But I don't want to be rude in front of Hunter cause my bitches days are over. I am no longer the former scandalous Hailey.

"Come babe, I'll take you to your car." Hunter was with the woman and they left together.

I waited for Hunter to come back, I wouldn't fight him. I will talk to him properly. He didn't take too much time and he returned immediately.

"Hunter, can we talk?"

"As for Monique, you have no right to interfere with me." He walked to the kitchen and got a glass to pour some water.

"Hunter, I'm still your wife. I wish to have a little respect, even as a person." he suddenly turned to face me as if his eyes were burning. He threw the glass he held close to my face.

"Fuck! Fuck you. Coming from you? haven't you heard yourself? You're asking for respect? You? c'mon. You already lose respect for yourself after you took me from your best friend. Now you are asking respect from others.? Pathetic. "

"Hunter, I will do everything for you. Give me a chance to prove myself." I said tearfully. I'm already suffering a lot. I know I made a mistake I've gone too far. But what I'm doing not enough? He walked towards me and stop abruptly in front of me.

"I respected you even if others look down on you for being a brat, party lover, and liberated. But what did you do? You broke it because, until the end, you enforced your greed. "He held my face tightly and then brought it closer to him.

"I already warned you, Ley, I'll make you suffer until you give up. If you thought you could get me for your fake kindness. Then you're wasting your time. I gave you so much respect before. But you ruined my life, my heart, and my freedom to be with the woman I love. Now tell me, should I respect the woman who killed all my dreams? "

He was right, I broke the respect he had previously shown me. So I can do nothing but take his heart now. I will have a hard time regaining his respect. I will do everything, even if I only get respect from him first.

"I'm sorry, Hunter, but I love you." I'm starting to cry again. If I had to tear a tank I would. I can only prove to him that I regret I hurt him and that I truly love him

"I don't need your sorry. I want my life back. When you gave me my life then, and you gave me back my last name, I will forget everything, and give you anything you want. "Then his face smoothed. His face is like the old HunterI know. The Hunter that I first met. The Hunter I want to see every day.

"Free me Hailey, let go of me so we can be friends again." I see the pain in his eyes, the begging I first saw before we got married asking that I should not continue the marriage. Those eyes that do not even speak show extreme pain. But will happen if I set him free?

I shuddered as I cried and backed away. I can't, I can't afford to lose him to me. I can't bear to see him happy with others. I don't need anyone or anything.

I've got everything I want and if anyone else wants it, I'll get it too. He, he is all I need. He was the last one I wanted to get permanently.

"I can't Hunter. I can't afford to lose you. Please, please give me a chance to prove I'm worthy." I begged him then approached him. "I'm willing to do anything. Just tell me I'll do it. Just love me. Just don't walk away from your life and give up being my husband. Please, give me a chance to prove that I am worthy enough to be your wife. "

His eyes brought fire again. The anger of my Hunter my husband who tortures me every day returned to its eyes.

"The choice is yours Hailey. After this, when you insist on what you want. I will also insist on what I want to get rid of you in any way I can. "

"I love you, Hunter, I love you with all my heart." At least here, I can show that I love him. He looked at me then turned away.

"The hell is yours, Hailey, prepare yourself for the most intense fire. "

THE NEXT DAY I woke up early and immediately prepared Hunter's food. I slowly entered his room to prepare what he was going to wear. From bow tie to shoes, as well as his bath. Shampoo, soap, shaver, towels. I Just wanna make sure he has everything he needs in front of him.

I may be his slave, but for me, this is the duty of a devoted wife. I looked at Hunter as he slept. His peacefully sleeping while hugging his pillow.

I burst into tears as I stared at him. I want him to be happy. I want to see him always happy. Always smiling. Always lively. I can do that if he opens his heart to me. I'm better than Kyla. She may be my childhood friend but she's nothing compared to me. Why didn't he just love me then? Why doesn't he just love me now?

After I prepared all his needs, I went out again so that I could wait outside. Aside from the food on the table that I had prepared earlier, I also prepared his lunch so if he doesn't have the time he can just bring some and eat it.

I smiled when Hunter came out of his room. Picked up the tumbler then came out. He didn't eat again but it was okay at least he brought the coffee I made.

So, in the end, I eat the food that I cooked. I'll check his room and clean it but I didn't move any things. I just change the bed cover, the pillow covers, and even the curtains. I also check the bathroom and clean it. I also checked if the toiletries were empty.

I washed his clothes, then ironed them. I also put the ones I ironed in the drawer.

I looked at the bedside table with the picture frame. It's Hunter and Kyla. I felt my heart sank. In my room, we had a wedding picture while to him was the day he proposed to Kyla and the other one is their prenuptial.

I sat up in bed. Suddenly I felt too tired all day. I broke them. Maybe, if the two of them ended up marrying each other they will be having a beautiful and happy life, and every time Hunter and I saw each other he will greet me warmly. Not like today. No emotion, or sometimes disgusted.

'I know, I did the right thing. Kyla can make Hunter happy neither. I just took him to take care of, before Kyla hurt him and threw him away. '