UNVEILING DESTINY'S SURPRISE

As I opened my eyes, a throbbing pain in my head immediately greeted me. To make matters worse, I discovered that I couldn't move an inch or even turn on my side. Something seemed to be holding me back. Suddenly, I felt movement next to me, and a knot formed in my stomach. With widening eyes, I beheld the sight of my companion, who was wrapped around me, his nakedness pressing against my waistline. My mouth flew open in shock as I struggled to process the situation. I gingerly removed his arm from my body, terrified of waking him up and facing the consequences of our intimacy.

When I removed his arm, I experienced a range of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, the urge to escape from the disturbing situation made me feel relieved - I was finally taking control of my own safety and well-being. However, the physical sensations in my body were nothing short of distressing. I felt an intense, searing pain in my private parts that radiated throughout my entire body, leaving me shaking and rattled.

Despite the intense pain and discomfort I was experiencing, my first priority was to get out of there as soon as possible. I knew that I needed to act quickly, to avoid waking him up and potentially putting myself in greater danger. As I made my way out of the room, I felt a deep sense of anxiety and fear - it was difficult to shake the feeling that I was being watched, followed, or pursued.

Looking back on that experience now, I still can't believe that it was real. The whole thing feels like a hazy, surreal dream - one that I want to forget as quickly as possible. I try my best to move on with my life, to focus on the positive things and leave the past behind. But no matter how hard I try, those memories keep haunting me - a constant reminder of the darkness that exists in the world........

CHAPTER 1

"Hey CL, remember it's the first day of school today, what time are you there?".. "AYA's opening language to me was when I answered the phone, no hi! Or hello, nothing at all. It's first day of school and, as usual, we need to get up early again because the vacation is over. It seems like the day is going so fast, it's like the vacation has just started and then school starts right away. Why are you always so lazy to wake up in the morning?

"Ouch...What's the matter AYA, can you say hello! First, the opening words, right...you'll beat mom if you scream on the phone. My class starts at 9 o'clock, girl h.e...l. l.o"

" It's 9! Are you sure about that CL, ha! What time is it for god's sake CL 8 'o clock sister are you still sleeping.".

As I sit here in my dorm room, I can't help but feel so far away from everything. It's like I'm in a completely different world from the school that I'm attending. Despite being so close to my dorm, I can't shake this feeling of being lost and disconnected. Yesterday, the pressure of the first day of class got to me, and I even considered going all the way home.

Speaking of home, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Candice Louise Pamilar, and I go by CL for short. I'm an 18-year-old graduating student at St. Harold University, where I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. I come from a family of four, with two older siblings who have always been my role models.

Growing up, my childhood friends gave me the nickname Candy, which stuck with me for years. But as I got older, I started to prefer using my initials, which is how I started going by CL. It's funny how simple changes like that can make such a big difference in how we see ourselves.

Despite my initial misgivings about being away from home and school, I'm excited to see what the future holds. I know that this is just the beginning of a journey that will take me to places I never thought possible. And with my family and friends by my side, I'm confident that I can tackle whatever challenges come my way.

When they say that it is more social to listen to CL compared to candy, I cannot help but wonder about the intricacies of social dynamics. As a cheerleader in St. Harold square, I have been quite identified throughout the university. Being a leader has made me famous but has gotten me many enemies as well. My strictness in choosing members and managing the group has earned me a few bashers. It is a common fact that widespread fame often leads to a fair share of criticism and negativity.

Furthermore, I have always been an active participant in various school contests, even charm contests like square princes and princesses. When I was chosen as the representative of our department for the charm contest, I was taken aback. I have never felt passionate about charm contests or felt the need to participate. However, as a responsible student, I took it as a challenge and tried my best to represent our department with dignity and commitment.

It is interesting how society values certain things over others. Listening to CL is considered more social than listening to candy. Candy, in this context, may refer to pop music or any other genre that is not considered 'trendy.' But why is this the case? Why are we inclined to judge people's social value based on their music preferences?

In conclusion, being famous in school is not always a bed of roses. It comes with its fair share of challenges and obstacles. However, it is essential to stay true to oneself and participate in things that spark joy and passion. After all, it is better to be known for something you truly love and enjoy rather than something that does not resonate with your inner self.

As a young girl, I found myself at odds with a particular classmate who went by the name of AYA. The reason for our conflict was rooted in her love of being the posh and perfect "square princess," while I was more content to blend into the background. Admittedly, AYA had a lot going for her - she was tall, stunningly beautiful, and had this natural charisma that drew people to her.

But to my mind, the fact that boys were always chasing after her was a testament to her lack of substance. She seemed to be far too invested in being popular and liked rather than developing deeper connections with people.

Another issue was that she had a habit of being overly friendly with guys, which led to rumors about her being promiscuous. I sometimes disliked how she missed the opportunity to build real friendships with people by only wanting attention from the opposite sex. AYA often missed him as an interpreter which signified the kind of inconsiderate behavior she exhibited at times.

While some folks believed these rumors and held a low opinion of her, I knew AYA's true nature. Our friendship was primarily predicated on her spending time with my friends and me. It was only with us that she could truly let down her guard and be her authentic self.

As for me, I didn't go out of my way to be fashionable or trendy. I've always been content in white clothing and I wore my natural brown, curly hairdo with pride. In contrast, AYA loved to experiment with different hair colors, constantly changing her look to... well, who knows, really? I didn't understand the appeal of dying her hair every couple of months, but I guess that was just part of her persona. Despite our differences, we found a way to make the friendship work, and for that, I will always be thankful.

She's always been the one to initiate entering beauty contests, and we happily follow her lead because it's always a fun time. We never take it too seriously, and we don't get too caught up in the competition. It's all about having fun and enjoying each other's company.

As much as we love the thrill of the competition, we also have a little inside bet going on. Whoever fails to place in a beauty contest has to treat the other two to free lunch and dinner for an entire year. It's a friendly wager that adds an extra level of excitement to the contests. And it also motivates us to do our best and try to avoid being the one who has to pay for all those meals!

Personally, I have been fortunate enough to win the campus princess title for three consecutive years, starting from my freshman year. It's a great feeling to be recognized for your beauty and personality, but for me, the title also comes with a sense of responsibility. I want to use my platform to make a positive impact on the campus community and inspire other young women to be confident in themselves.

As for my friends, AYA is the one who always stands out in the beauty contests. She's talkative and loud, and her confidence radiates on stage. She's never afraid to be herself and just have fun, which is what a beauty contest should be all about. And although she hasn't won any titles yet, she always manages to make a lasting impression on the judges and the audience.

In the end, beauty contests are just a fun way for us to bond and create lasting memories. We don't take them too seriously, but we always strive to do our best. And regardless of who wins or loses, we always have each other's back and continue to share laughs and good times together.

The day started off on a positive note as I was able to make it to my early morning class on time thanks to AYA's approval. However, there were times when I could appreciate AYA's loud and naughty behavior. But there were also times when AYA's behavior crossed the line and caused me to lose sleep. No matter how much I begged AYA to stop talking on her phone, she never seemed to listen. It was a frustrating situation to be in and often left me feeling helpless.

Thankfully, my professor was understanding of my situation and was also able to make it to class on time. Our teacher Martin, on the other hand, was still as strict as ever. He had a no-tolerance policy for students who were late to class, and his reputation as a terror was well-deserved. Despite his strict demeanor, I was able to have a successful first day in his class.

During lunch in the canteen, JM started talking about our classmates Kyle and Jenna. It was no secret that Kyle was my ex-boyfriend, and hearing about him and Jenna's public displays of affection was the last thing I wanted to hear. It made me feel like a pervert for wanting to avoid the uncomfortable situation.

All in all, navigating through the ups and downs of college life wasn't always easy, but with a little bit of persistence and understanding, it was possible to make it through.

As the two friends stood outside the classroom, AYA's impatience started to show through. She was annoyed with her friend, JM, for not being able to pick up on the subtle hints that were being dropped by the guy they had just encountered.

"Come on girl, just let him go. He's just trying to show off so that you can get his information and add him on CL," AYA said, her voice laced with frustration. JM, who was always a bit slower at picking up on cues, looked at her bewilderedly and asked what information she was talking about.

AYA rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. "Hello earth to JM! The guy was practically drooling over you! You're so beautiful, I don't know if you're even from this planet. And to top it off, you're a Dean's Lister - it's no wonder he sees you as a potential doctor!"

As AYA continued to tease JM, the latter's eyes widened with surprise. It wasn't every day that someone paid her such a glowing compliment. But AYA, being the ever-jovial friend, couldn't help herself from teasing and ribbing JM a bit more.

The truth was, JM was not always the quickest on the uptake. In fact, oftentimes when someone cracked a joke or made a witty remark, the joke would pass right over her head. But once she finally grasped the meaning of the joke, she would burst out in laughter, much to the amusement of her friends.

And so, as AYA and JM stood outside the classroom, retelling the encounter with the smitten guy, their laughter echoed through the halls. Despite the teasing, they both knew that they could always count on each other for a good laugh and a fun time.

"JM's been telling tales so that you could rat me out and give Kyle the green light to replace me. But don't think for a second that I'm without him. And as for Kyle, he's well aware that you saw everything, so naturally, he's curious to know my reaction."

"Hey there, ladies..." I turned to see Aya's scowl as she announced Kyle's arrival. The basketball captain, renowned for his skills on the court and his looks off it, was the heartthrob of our university. He was my first love and ex-boyfriend, and while I adored his sweetness, his controlling nature made the relationship suffocating. The final straw came during a monumental argument that led to our downfall.

"Good day, Kyle," JM responded with a polite smile. "Greetings to all. May I talk to CL for a brief moment?" Kyle inquired, addressing me.

"Indeed, provided that she is returned," AYA remarked with sarcasm, revealing her distaste for Kyle. AYA used to be kind toward Kyle, as he had initially harbored feelings for her. As for myself, Kyle had flirted with me for two years.

Following our arrival in Kyle's car, I queried, "What shall we discuss?" I refrain from talking with him any further, not out of resentment or envy, but out of respect for his current girlfriend. Additionally, I am acquainted with his current partner, who exudes elegance and affluence. Above all, I aim to avoid complicating or misunderstanding our relationship.

It's been a month since the break-up, but it feels like an eternity. Everything seems to be moving slowly, and I just can't seem to get back to my routine. Kyle and I had shared so much in such a short span of time that it's difficult to let go of the bond we had built. While AYA may have claimed that what we had wasn't love, it's hard to lessen the impact that Kyle has had on my life. I still miss him terribly, and the void that he has left in my life seems to be growing day by day.

One of the things that I miss the most is the little gestures that Kyle would make. He was always concerned about my well-being and would go out of his way to make me feel special. I remember how, during the days when I was busy with my research, he would send food to the library or the practice every now and then. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to me as it showed how much he cared.

Kyle was also always there for me, no matter what. He would wait for me, even if I got home late, and always made sure that I was comfortable. He would drop me off at home, even when he had to go to school early the next day. When he had free time, he would spend his day at school just to be able to take me home. It's these little things that made him so special to me and it's hard to let go of all of that.

Accepting that Kyle is gone has been a tough pill to swallow, but as AYA had suggested, I need to move on. Even though it's easier said than done, I need to try. I'm hopeful that with time and effort, I will be able to heal and move on from this heartache.

Although he's irresistible, I can't ignore the fact that he's a bit of a playboy. Perhaps it stems from his high school heartthrob status, which attracted scores of admiring fans, all vying for his attention. He was known for indulging in playful flirting with his admirers, even so far as to lock lips with them at times, without a care for onlookers. Every time I had the nerve to bring up his questionable behavior, he would become defensive and claim that those flings meant nothing to him, that I was the only one who mattered. He swore up and down that his love for me was unwavering, and that no other woman would ever hold a candle to me.

It's hard not to notice Kyle's reputation as a playboy on campus, as everyone seems to know about it. I've never been someone to judge, and I don't let it affect my interactions with him. However, I can't help but feel a bit suspicious of him sometimes.

One particular instance sticks out in my mind. We were in the middle of an argument, and when I tried to walk away, he insisted that we go to his condo. I was hesitant, but he was so insistent that I eventually caved. Once we were there, he forced me to have sex with him and then declared that I was his alone. It was a possessive and unsettling display, and it left me feeling uneasy.

Kyle tried to justify his actions by saying that it was just for security reasons - that he didn't want to have to look for anyone else. To me, that reasoning seemed shallow and unsatisfactory. Being someone's possession is not an attractive prospect.

Despite all of this, I do still recognize Kyle as a playboy. I've known him as the hearththrob and crush of the town, and I don't fault him for enjoying his popularity. However, I do wonder if his actions reflect a deeper insecurity and need for control.

In contrast to Kyle's outbursts and possessiveness, I prefer to ask questions and have open discussions. I don't feel the need to rush at anyone that I'm talking to, and I believe that open communication is key to healthy relationships.

He asked me why I wasn't showing any suspicion towards him and doubted if I loved him. He thought I might be saving my virginity for someone else, which is why I continually refused his advances. Our argument escalated when he tried to force himself on me in his car, causing me to break up with him over the phone that day. He didn't respond to my message, even though he read it, and after three days of no communication, I discovered he had already found a new girlfriend.

His girlfriends come and go like passing clouds, with such rapid pace that it's almost impossible to keep up. And yet somehow, I found myself caught in the crossfire. That fateful day, I was whisked away to an event I never would have attended on my own accord. A shiver runs down my spine as I recall the memory.

"CL, please, just one more chance," Kyle pleaded, his usually confident demeanor reduced to that of a lost puppy. "I don't love Jenna. She's always clinging to me like a vine. It's you I miss, It's you I love."

I scoffed at his audacity. "Have you lost your mind, Kyle? Do you hear yourself? Honey?" I let out a bitter laugh. "Don't forget you have a girlfriend. This isn't some romantic reunion, I only agreed to meet you to use your car. We have a big problem on our hands - someone may have seen us. It's time to let go of us, Kyle. Jenna loves you, and I'm sure you love her too. Our chapter is over."

"CL, I want to make things right between us. I love you and I promise to change for the better. I won't complain or disrespect you anymore. Additionally, I'm willing to end things with Jenna. "

"Kyle, you're being unreasonable. Are you really considering breaking up with the person who loves you? Do you want to get back with me just because things aren't going well with Jenna? You need to grow up and not mess with people's emotions." After getting out of his car, I thought about how things could have been easier if he didn't end things abruptly. Will he find someone new and come back to me if it doesn't work out? Despite him being the reason I didn't sleep with a stranger, I still need time to process everything.

To be completely truthful, I have never been one to enjoy parties. I think this stems from my childhood, where I never attended or had a birthday party. However, when I made my debut, I was determined to celebrate it in a way that was truly memorable for me. Instead of throwing a party, I decided to embark on a tour around the world with my two best friends. We had planned to travel to different countries and explore all the beauty that the world had to offer.

Unfortunately, our parents did not allow us to travel too far from home, and suggested that it would be better if we found a place to explore and make amazing memories.

They advised that as much as they supported our desire to travel, it was not practical to do so when our parents had the resources to accommodate our wanderlust. They suggested that it would be more beneficial to go on a tour with an issue or topic we were passionate about. In this way, we could work with pleasure, have a great time, and learn something valuable about the places that we visited. I realized that they were right and that it was not a waste to explore the world in this way.

My tour with my best friends, which my dad had gifted me, was the first trip I took without my family, or at least one of my older brothers. It was a liberating and exhilarating experience, and it allowed me to be completely free and independent. During our travels, we discovered new cultures, people, and ways of life. We also realized that we could learn so much about ourselves from exploring the world around us.

In conclusion, though parties may not be my cup of tea, exploring and touring the world with my best friends was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. It taught me that there is so much more to life than just parties and celebrations. It showed me the extensive beauty of the world and the value of exploration. And most importantly, that the greatest gift we can ever give ourselves is the freedom to explore and make our own memories.

Initially, my mother was hesitant about the idea of having a party to celebrate my existence as the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pamilar. Despite my mother's reservations, my older brothers insisted on throwing a lavish celebration that would introduce me to their social world via the media. Up until this point, I had largely lived in the shadows, as my parents had never publicly recognized me as their child. While they were aware of my existence as their daughter, my father had decided that it was unnecessary to introduce me to their social circle, as I had no connection to their business dealings.

My mother's hesitation likely stemmed from a combination of factors, including a fear of judgment from those within their social circle and a concern for my wellbeing. As the only daughter in a family that had previously only publicly acknowledged their sons, the attention and scrutiny that would come with a public introduction could be overwhelming for a young girl like myself. Additionally, my mother may have felt that my safety could be threatened by being thrust into the public spotlight, as the press and others could be intrusive and invasive.

Despite these reservations, my brothers persisted in their desire to throw a party and introduce me to the media. Eventually, my mother relented, perhaps recognizing the importance of celebrating the birth of her only daughter and acknowledging the role that public recognition could play in shaping my future. While the decision to publicly introduce me was not without risk and uncertainty, it ultimately afforded me the opportunity to be recognized as a valued member of my family and to begin to establish my own identity within their social circle.

My father's colleagues held a common misconception that my brother Jim was the sole offspring. This wasn't because they were unwilling to introduce me, but rather because I loathed attending societal events - my aversion to crowds left me feeling like a fake piece of plastic. Crowds only ever seemed to favour one's work potential; outside of business dealings, they were fickle and unreliable. I couldn't stomach the idea of being caught up in that world. Instead, I found solace in seclusion, where I could lose myself in literature or scour the internet for information. Noisy and overcrowded spaces were suffocating; where tranquillity, I could breathe.

On a fateful and unforgettable evening, Aya and JM persuaded me to attend the marvelous anniversary celebration hosted by Aya's esteemed father's company.

FLASHBACK

My friends are spending their SEM break at home and inviting me out, but I don't feel like going anywhere since I recently broke up with Kyle. AYA asked if we have plans for Saturday, but I declined since I wanted some alone time. AYA and JM visited me while I was watching a Korean series on Netflix and got hooked on it. Despite my phone being on silent mode, I enjoyed the show and forgot about my problems, including Kyle. AYA is the most sociable among us with a lot of famous friends and followers on social media.

I continued to watch TV, completely uninterested in the idea of going out and partying. It just wasn't my scene, and I preferred to stay home and relax. However, my friend seemed to have a very different opinion. As she began to speak, I could sense the excitement and energy in her voice, and it was evident that she was intent on getting me out of the house.

"KJ, you CL," she said, using my initials to grab my attention. "Even now, there are a lot of papas boys out there, and you know what that means. These are eligible bachelors, not just bachelorettes. And let me tell you, they are heavy and very handsome!"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her enthusiastic pitch. It seemed that every week, she had a new strategy for getting me to come out and party, but I remained steadfast in my choice to stay at home. Still, she could be quite persuasive, and I knew that she wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted.

Despite my reluctance, I had to admit that there was something intriguing about the idea of meeting all these eligible bachelors. After all, I was still single, and it was always fun to flirt and mingle with new people. But at the same time, I couldn't shake off the thought that I would be more comfortable at home, curled up on the couch with a good book.

In the end, I decided to compromise with my friend. I agreed to go out with her for a few hours, but only if we could come back early. With a huge smile on her face, she eagerly agreed to my terms, and we set off into the bustling nightlife of the city.

The guests at the party were all youthful and spry - not a single one as seasoned as us. Luckily for us, our towering height still granted us the privilege of being minors.

AYA's dad was generous enough to let us indulge in some limited alcohol, which I found to be just perfect. As I savored the different wines being passed around, my drinking remained in check and I relished in the deliciousness of each sip. Yet now, I find myself a tad tipsy, struggling to navigate my way back to AYA.

The party was grander than anything I had ever experienced before, which explains why even my aging grandma seemed out of place. Taking a seat near the babbling fountain, I reveled in the fresh air and gazed at the jovial bunch of men nearby. My mind wandered to my brothers - both wandering the world, leaving this party as a painful reminder of their absence.

As soon as I sipped the mysterious drink the server had given me, a pounding headache set in like a thunderstorm. But that wasn't all - I suddenly felt tipsy, my tongue loosened and I became quite the chatterbox. Alcohol sure packs a punch for a first timer like me. The drink had a bitter aftertaste that lingered on my tongue like a brave warrior.

The raucous crowd of party-goers quickly transformed the once sophisticated gathering into a wild disco scene, suffocating my senses. The heat in the room intensified as my chattiness heightened. I felt as if I was melting.

The boisterous laughter and playful teasing of the men present quickly caught my attention, like they were the only ones in the room. Their eyes seemed to linger on us without any sense of restraint. They were the "eligible bachelors" that AYA's father had proudly introduced before the party began.

I'm feeling confused and I wasn't paying attention to my friends anymore. It became clear to me that I had been too invested in listening to their conversation.

"How have you been, man? Your business is booming and you're even featured in a men's magazine. You're quite the catch, Mr. Xyriel Zach Montefalcon, one of the hottest men out there..."

"Juan Miguel, please stop. I don't want my name splashed across newspapers. I value my privacy..."

"Privacy? Don't be ridiculous. You should be proud that Xyriel Montefalcon is your age. You're getting old, my friend. It'd be a waste not to settle down."

"You behave quite erratically, and I could choose to marry someone just as unpredictable whenever I desire."

" hahahhahaha"..they are laughing

"You will get married? Friend it looks like you got drunk now hahahaha! Marriage is not in your vocabulary, remember? You really drank too much this time, let's stop drinking today you were making hallucinations already ...let's go home, and we'll leave early tomorrow..."

"Yes, where is your business trip tomorrow? Has your merger with CL Airlines gone ahead?"

"Let's hold off on discussing that until our meeting tomorrow," replied Xyriel, her tone tinged with a sense of anticipation. In that moment, a distinguished gentleman approached the group. Despite his silver-tinged hair, he was quite handsome. i wondered if he is one of their friends too.

"Greetings, old pal! Long time no see. What's new?" exclaimed the man, addressing Xyriel and her companion.

"Ah, Judge Ramiro! You're just in time. Xyriel has big plans for us today. She wants to tie the knot, can you believe it?" joked the companion, nudging her playfully.

"Miguel, you loony tune!" Laughter erupted from the group, their spirits high and their tongues loosened by a few drinks.

" You hear that Xyriel is ready to tie the knot any second now?" They were all in on the joke, ribbing their youngest member and business partner, Xyriel.

"Step right this way, my dear," the suave judge beckoned, a twinkle in his eye.

"You have impeccable timing. My esteemed secretary always arrives with the proper marital accoutrements, but alas, where is the blushing bride?"

Chuckling mischievously, the boys shared a knowing glance before one spoke up. "She's right here, Judge. But she seems to have lost her way..." Cue more laughter.

As the group continued to jest, a curious murmur arose from the crowd nearby. Suddenly, all eyes were on me! Startled, I gazed around in confusion, wondering why the strangers found me so captivating. Had I wandered too close to their merry making? Their infectious laughter and playful banter certainly had me intrigued.

"Hello there...are you enjoying the festivities, lady?" he asked.

Dumbfounded, I squeaked out a meek response, "Uh, hi. Yes, of course."

Introducing himself as Juan Miguel Vera Cruz, he announced himself as "single but not available," causing my eyes to twinkle and a laugh to escape my lips. Introducing myself as Sienna, I couldn't help but remember AYA's earlier warning to keep my real name under wraps.

After a quick exchange, I couldn't help but wonder what Juan wanted from me. "And what can I do for you, Mr. Vera Cruz?" I inquired with a grin.

I'm talking too much, unable to stop my responses and interacting with people I know well, and even those I don't yet. This is what it's like when you're drunk; you tend to answer every question that comes your way, and I find myself laughing at this person...

"Excuse me, Miss, if you don't mind, could I ask a favor from you? I promise it'll be enjoyable, and there's no need to worry as it's completely safe. It's just a game that we can all have a good time playing."

"I'm not into childish games, and it better not be something foolish. You'll have to assure me that it's fun."

"Great! We'd love to have you join us. What game is it?" JM suddenly appeared out of nowhere, leaving the bachelor he had been dancing with earlier.

"Hey there, I'm JM, and this lovely lady happens to be my best friend."

"Hi JM, I'm Miguel. It's nice to meet you. Actually, we were hoping you'd be willing to participate in this game with us. We need more witnesses."

"Amazing! This is going to be so much fun, just like a wedding! We definitely need more witnesses," said JM, enthusiastic about the game.

Oh, you're simply brilliant! You've guessed our game in an instant... Miguel, being the savvy one he is, decided to shut his eyes as the room was bustling with happy imbibers.

"Music to my ears, ladies! Allow me to present the man of the hour..." Our fearless leader Juan Miguel beckoned and pulled me towards the gathering of gents.

XYRIEL'S POV

The whereabouts of Miguel are unknown. He claimed he was on a mission to find my betrothed, with the intention to harm her. But let's be real, he's just out to get me. The last time we tried this scheme, he was our best shot. During a friend's stag do, we plied a young woman with alcohol and led her to believe something scandalous had occurred while she was still an innocent maiden. We had hired her to act as a damsel in distress, but alas, Miguel couldn't handle the tears and emotions. We all laughed it off, but now it seems the tables have turned and I'm the one in the crosshairs. As two singletons among a group of couples, we often stick together, but they assumed I'd disapprove of their shenanigans and now I fear I'm next on their hit list. This is all just a twisted game, but I must tread carefully and keep my guard up.

I was taken aback by Miguel's relationship status – he was already with someone, and it was the same girl that I had spotted earlier, the daughter of Mr. Veloso. According to Miguel, she was a family friend. As she glided towards us, she looked like a fairy, and I couldn't help but wonder which of our two beautiful girls was my betrothed. Miguel's face was so serene and angelic that he attracted the attention of everyone around us. Their laughter was cut short when the lady turned towards us. Had it not been for the coughing fit of his companion, they would have continued to ogle her. I was disgusted by my colleague's behavior and thought to myself how great it was to be shielded from their scrutiny by familiarity.

Miguel's voice shook me out of my thoughts. "What's up guys? Here comes the bride, let's get this wedding started! Where's the judge, let's make this wedding official," he exclaimed.

"Wedding? Who's getting married?" I asked, confused.

"Who else would it be, if not you? by the way this is your wife's Sienna and Sienna this is Xyriel," Miguel said, excitedly.

Sienna, a girl whose name perfectly suits her innocent and charming appearance, catches everyone's attention at the party. Despite her looks, it is no secret that Sienna has had a few drinks, but she still manages to hold her composure and show her playful side in response to Miguel's advances. Her beauty is unparalleled, especially up close, where one can truly appreciate the magic in her eyes.

As the conversation turned to ring swapping, Aaron chimed in with a suggestion. But Sienna's friend JM was too far gone after a round of drinks, prompting Sienna to speak up, her head pounding.

With a playful jab, the group poked fun at Sienna, teasing her to hurry up so the couple could start their honeymoon. And with a quick exchange of rings, everyone eagerly awaited the traditional kiss between the newlyweds as Sienna slipped the ring into her pocket, revelling in the moment.

I couldn't resist their pleas, but I knew my boundaries. So I planted a gentle peck on his forehead in a respectful gesture. Luckily, my stern peers didn't press on further since they believed we had no connection to the woman in question.

After several rounds of drinks, it was evident that I was inebriated as well. As my coworkers departed, we exchanged farewell greetings. But as the lady made her exit, she noticed that I was holding her hand and called out to inquire about my intentions.

"Mrs. Montefalcon, where are you off to? Don't leave your partner behind," Miguel, who had imbibed more than he could handle, blabbered.

"Shh, I'm just heading to the bathroom," the girl beckoned me. And before I could question my impulsive decision, I found myself accompanying her while offering support to prevent her from tumbling over.

As I walked into the restroom, I could tell that my companion was definitely not in a good place. His speech was slurred and he had trouble standing without leaning on me for support. I knew he had been drinking earlier in the night but didn't realize how much until now. In that moment, I was grateful we were staying at a hotel and had a private space to retreat to.

As we made our way up to my hotel room, I couldn't help but feel anxious at the thought of what would happen next. I knew he wanted to use the restroom, but when we arrived in my suite, he surprised me by sitting down on the bed instead. I quickly excused myself and headed to the restroom, hoping to give him some privacy and a chance to compose himself.

However, it was when I emerged from the restroom that things started to take a strange turn. I was shocked to see a woman in our room, already in the process of undressing. I didn't understand what was happening and felt completely overwhelmed. I tried to intervene, but it was too late.she had already taken off his clothes and was ready to climb into bed.

I could feel my heart racing as we began to fight over the covers. I knew I needed to assert myself but couldn't help being a little naughty and watch her.

As I saw him in pain, I knew that I had made a mistake. I had rushed towards him without looking at his fragile body. It was not until I saw the tears in his eyes that I realised just how much I had hurt him. His small frame could not bear the weight of my body, and I had caused this pain to him. It was a mistake that I will always regret.

However, as I was about to get up and apologise, he hugged me tightly. I could feel his arms wrapped around me, and his head resting on my chest. It was a gesture of forgiveness that I did not expect, but it was one that I desperately needed. Looking into his eyes, I could see a glimmer of hope and a sense of understanding that touched me deeply.

Despite knowing better, I couldn't help but lean in and kiss him. Something about that intimate moment seemed to stir up a desire inside me that I couldn't resist. It was a moment of passion that took us both by surprise, but it was one that left us both breathless.

However, as the sun rose the next morning, I found myself in a state of panic. My phone kept ringing, and I knew I had to answer it. It was Miguel, reminding about my flight I had overslept and I will be late.

As I sat in the car, I realised that I had drunk too much last night. My head was pounding, and I felt sick to my stomach. I knew I couldn't let my boss down, and I had to pull myself together. That's when I saw her - the woman who had become my wife in Miguel's game.

The memories flooded back with a sudden intensity that left me shaken. I remembered everything that had happened last night, and the guilt and shame hit me like a tonne of bricks. I had done something unthinkable, and I knew I had to face the consequences.

But as I looked down at the blood stain on the bed, a new feeling emerged - the determination to never let Miguel's game get the best of me. I knew that I needed to control myself, to resist the temptation and to be a better person.

So, I made a promise to myself - a promise to never give in to Miguel's game, to never let it control me again. And, with that, I started the car and drove off towards work, hoping that I could make things right and start a new chapter in my life.

The situation was tough to comprehend, and I found myself questioning my actions last night. Even though I knew that the girl was a virgin, I couldn't control the overpowering desire that took over me. It seemed like an intense bout of possessiveness had enveloped my senses, forcing me to act in a way that made me feel guilty in the morning.

The fact that Sienna didn't scream or resist during our encounter did not make me feel any better about myself. Instead, it made me feel even more remorseful, as it seemed like she was helpless and vulnerable in that moment. All I could think about was how wrong I was to take advantage of someone who was not my girlfriend and a total stranger.

I kept thinking about what had happened and how I could have prevented it. I knew that I was to blame, and the guilt of my actions was starting to consume me. However, I also knew that words could not wash away the gravity of what I had done, especially given that Sienna was a virgin.