Yesterday's Loved

Calysta Daniella Calvantes' Point of View

I absentmindedly play with the pen in my fingers. Inside my office are Papa and Grandpa Ced, seated side by side while I relax on the single sofa.

Lolo Ced noisily sips his coffee latte, specially ordered from Starbucks through my secretary. Meanwhile, Papa occupies himself with reading a magazine. They've come to visit me right in the middle of my work.

"You'll be marrying one of the Valdiviño family's children, Calysta," my Papa says.

We've already discussed this at the mansion with Papa and Lolo Ced, but it seems they're reminding me once again. It's as if they're in a hurry.

They are the ones choosing the man I'll marry. I won't complain about their decision since they know I have no intention of settling down. I prioritize my company and work.

I don't have time to go on dates with men I have no interest in getting to know.

"How many children does the Valdiviño family have, Papa?" I ask him. Truth be told, I have no interest in that family.

According to what they told me, the Valdiviño company is not being run properly and is on the verge of sinking, like a ship in the midst of a strong storm or crisis.

Their business is on the brink of closure, which is also why they planned for our marriage – to help them navigate through the crisis in their lives.

"Three, but he's the eldest son," my father replies, and I glance at Lolo. Maybe he has something to add to my question.

"He's the eldest grandson, dear," Lolo Ced says with a smile. I nod and don't ask further. They've already said enough.

I don't care about the man they've chosen, especially not his appearance. Even if I don't know or haven't seen him, I have no interest. I'm not picky. I just don't have time to entertain suitors, especially those who still send me flowers and chocolates, a gesture I find irritating.

"Daddy insisted on a civil wedding first, Calysta. Your grand wedding day can wait," I simply nodded in response. I'll follow their wishes. As mentioned earlier, I won't complain. Besides, they wouldn't choose someone they dislike.

"Any questions about the man you're marrying, dear?" Grandpa asked me tenderly. I shrugged and casually shook my head.

"We'll be the ones to tell you, child. Your grandpa and I know you don't really care about a man's physical appearance. Do you know Valiant University?" Papa inquired. What does that school have to do with the Valdiviño family's child?

I'm familiar with Valiant University; I've seen it on TV, praising its beautiful environment.

"The university where the affluent study?" Instead of a direct answer, I countered with a question. I licked my lower lip and nodded gently. "I know it's beautiful there. So, is he a professor or the President of VU? Dean?" I asked them, and both of them shook their heads. "If not, what does he do there?" I raised an eyebrow.

"He's a student there, Calysta." I nodded again.

"A Master's Degree? If he were my age, he might be in medical school or law?" Now I was curious about his occupation.

"No," Grandpa quickly replied.

"If he's not in any of those mentioned, then what is his work? Don't tell me he's a security guard? You said their business is failing," I said unintentionally, these words just slipped out.

I'm not a snob; I help those in need. It's just the only job that came to mind for him at VU. But no, he's still studying.

"He's just in his first year of college, studying at the School of Engineering," my father said, raising my eyebrows. I accidentally dropped the pen I was holding, and before it could hit the floor, Papa caught it.

"First year college? That means he's younger than me," I remarked.

"His age?" I asked once again.

"He's 18 years old, Calysta."

I shift my gaze between them, unable to believe it. "18... really 18 years old?" I ask, my surprise evident in my voice, struggling to get over this revelation.

"Yes, Calysta. He's just a freshman at Valiant University," says Dad. I feel like I might go deaf from hearing Dad's voice repeating the same thing.

"Is he really the oldest son in their family? Don't you have any other choice besides... a kid?" I ask for confirmation. Maybe he has an older brother, right?

"One of his siblings is already married, so we didn't include him with your grandfather. In fact, he's the second child."

If he's 18 and I'm now 28... ten years. We have a ten-year age gap?!

God... I don't know how to handle it when we meet. It's shocking. The age gap is significant, and I almost want to back out immediately. I can't fathom marrying someone so much younger!

"Dad, Grandpa... Are you really sure about your decision to marry me to an 18-year-old VU student? Aren't you just surprised?" I ask, already feeling stressed.

"We're absolutely sure, Calysta." My jaw drops in disbelief.

"Oh, good God..." I mutter, feeling like anything could crawl into my mouth due to the enormity of this situation.

Calysta Daniella Carvantes, 28 years old. I was only 21 when Dad handed over his position as the president of Carva Home's Shopping. Our products include household items for any kind of mansion.

I am also Lolo Ced's only grandchild, so his company went to me. I manage everything smoothly, and they trust me despite being a woman because being a businessperson is in our blood. Lolo Ced had two children, but one died young due to heart disease. So, Papa became the one to give him a grandchild, and that's me.

And now... I'm going to marry an 18-year-old Valiant University student?! Isn't that like child abuse? But not really. He's of legal age.

But the fact remains! He's too young for me!

LAZEL HYRROZ VALDIVIÑO's POV

I collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from the demands of the day. It's the first day of classes at Valiant University, but the professors have already piled a lot of work on us. I was hoping for a light day, maybe just an orientation, but that wasn't the case.

My younger sister, Yazel, knocked on my room door and peeked inside. "What?" I asked.

"Daddy wants to talk to you, Kuya. They're in the library with Mommy," she replied. I sighed heavily.

"Just go," I told her, and before heading to the library, I took a quick shower.

I knocked on the door three times before pushing it open, hearing Dad's voice inside. "Take a seat," he said calmly, and I obliged. My older brother, Kuya Kazel, was also present, indicating that this conversation held importance.

"Why, Dad?" I asked immediately.

"Do you know the current state of our company, Lazel?" he asked in return. I shook my head, having no idea.

All I knew was that we had a small family business established by Dad before he and Mom got married. Both of them came from humble beginnings, but through hard work and perseverance, they built a good life together. They established a business, and us, their children, benefited from it.

"If it is compared to a fruit and if it has been harvested for a long time, whether it has been disturbed or not, it will still rot. Just like our company, the longer it exists, the more it sinks like a ship at sea. Especially if its only foundation is about to be lost."

"What do you want to happen, Dad? Just tell me straight," I said, preferring directness to avoid confusion.

"That fruit, Lazel. We're looking for someone who can harvest it to prevent it from rotting on the tree. And to do that, we need you," Kuya Kazel answered, and I looked at him, raising an eyebrow because I still couldn't grasp their intended message. "Dad and I decided that our family should unite with the Carvantes family," he added, just as my mother walked into the library.

"I've already set a schedule to meet their family. Lazel, get ready to meet your fiancé," Mom said straightforwardly, confirming my expectations.

LAZEL's POV

"Lazel! Over here!" I smiled as I saw my friend waiting for me in the arrival area of NAIA. He even held a placard with my name written in large letters.

He nearly jumped for joy upon seeing me, eager to approach, but it wasn't allowed. Carrying a large suitcase and a travel bag, I approached him, and he immediately hugged me tightly. We laughed as he embraced me. These fools acted as if we hadn't seen each other in ages.

"Welcome home, bro! You've been in the States for so long!" he shouted, tapping my shoulder vigorously, making me laugh again.

"How are you, Lethaniel?" I asked him. After hugging me, he took my suitcase to carry it. I walked beside him as we exited the airport. Lethaniel is one of my best buddies.

"Still breathing," he replied with a laugh, standing out as the one who loved teasing us among all my friends.

After 10 years, I finally returned to the country, and Lethaniel joined me in the States. He came back two years ago because his father suddenly got sick, and he took over their company.

I left this country at 18, and I admit I missed the atmosphere in the Philippines-the familiar sound of car horns outside, the hot weather that immediately welcomes you with the blazing sun.

"I thought you had no plans of coming back," he said.

We approached a parked BMW near the exit, and I helped him stow my bags in the compartment. After arranging everything, we got in and fastened our seatbelts.

"Is that okay?" I asked my friend while securing my seatbelt.

"It seems like your human form is still missing. That's why you're staying in the States," he teased.

"I'd only get lost if I stayed there longer. It feels like I have no direction or place to go except to come back here," I said, making him laugh.

"You survived ten years. You don't need to stay in the country for long. So, why did you come back?" he asked.

"This is my country. Why wouldn't I come back?" I fired back.

"Weren't you escaping, though?"

I just smiled because of what he said. Initially, I was content staying in that country, enjoying life with Hanemira. I adjusted quickly, but over time, I felt a sense of weakness, seeking only one person's presence there.

Back then, I wanted to escape reality; the world felt too small, and I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move, and when I escaped that seeming confinement, I found temporary relief, but soon realized there was more I needed.

Leaving was a decision I regretted. I wish I had tried to express my feelings to him, not letting my impulsive decisions lead the way.

"Have you found a place to stay? Or should I just take you to your mansion? Your family has been waiting for you for a long time, Lazel," he said.

My family has been waiting? He meant my parents and siblings were waiting for me.

"How is the one I asked you to keep an eye on?" I diverted the topic, avoiding discussing my Dad for now.

"Just check on him yourself if he's okay," he replied. Updates came from him, but he provided limited information, not even showing me a photo.

I avoided looking at his social media; it might make me lose myself further.

I lowered the window slightly, looking outside. "This country hasn't changed at all," I said with a smile.

"People are the only ones changing," he retorted. "Seriously, Lazel? Where should I take you?"

"I'll stay at a hotel until I find a place," I replied.

Planning my next move, I considered buying a condo.

"You'll spend more if you stay in a hotel. Stay in my condo; I don't go there anymore. I stay with Mama since my fiancé and I are getting married soon." If I didn't know about his impending marriage, I might not have had the courage to go home.

I thought it was time to reclaim what was once mine.

"Okay," I replied, leaning back in my seat. I felt tired, probably due to jetlag.

Unable to sleep immediately, I distracted myself by looking outside until my gaze fixed on a large billboard.

My heart raced as I saw the little girl's face on the billboard.

"Bro, stop the car," I told him, tapping his shoulder to get his immediate attention. I wanted to look closely at her face.

"What? Lazel, what are you doing? Why are we stopping?" he asked, surprised, but I couldn't take my eyes off that thing. "Lazel?"

"Wait a minute, Lethaniel. Stop the car, bro," I said. He quickly pulled over to the side.

"L

"Hey! What are you going to do?!" he shouted at me as I got out of his car just to see the child's face more clearly.

This building has a billboard of a young girl. She was just looking at the camera, seriously, and there's no emotion written on her angelic face. Her left hand is holding her cheek, and in her other hand is a children's perfume.

She's wearing a violet strap dress, only half of her body is visible, and in the background is the name of the perfume. She's so beautiful even though she's so young, and I know she'll be even more beautiful when she grows up. Her aura is so strong, and even if I only see her picture now, it's like she's right in front of me.

The strong pounding in my chest doesn't subside, and it doubles when I see her name.

Calystharia Divyne Carvantes. She's too young to be the endorser of a perfume named after her. There's something about the child that keeps me from looking away. It's like she has a magnetic pull.

"Are you staring at that billboard, bro?" Lethaniel asks me. The longer I gaze at it, the more I feel like crying, without understanding why.

"Wh-Who is she, Lethan?" I asked him.

"She's a rich kid. Her name's there, and our friends' kids envy her, even my nephew. She's beautiful, isn't she? Pregnant women like to hang out there just to catch a glimpse of that angel. They think that if they see her, their child might look like her," he explains, and I look around.

He's right. There's a waiting area with a tent, and many people. The child clearly exudes wealth. Her skin is like milk, so smooth.

She has a pointed nose, mesmerizing eyes, and pouty lips.

"Do you think... Whose child is she?" I ask.

"Don't ask me about that child's mother, Lazel. All I can say is, what you see in that child now is like seeing her mother. Come on, let's leave," he pulls me, forcing me back into his car. I still can't take my eyes off her.

Until I can't see her anymore, and something in my chest feels squeezed. Why is that? Why did I suddenly become so interested in that billboard? In that little girl?

I sigh and bury my head. Various thoughts cross my mind. I'm just getting more confused.

"That child..." I uttered.

"Oh, come on. Stop it, Lazel." There's something with Lethaniel, too. It's like he knows something he doesn't want to tell me. What could that be?

"She seems familiar to me... Like I've seen her before... I saw her before..." I say, trying to make him stop.

"You're wrong about that. She has traveled around the world, but there's one country she hasn't visited. And you've only just returned now. So where could you have possibly met?" I look at him because it seems like he knows a lot about it. I was right.

"Do you know her?" I ask with interest. He doesn't answer me and just shrugs. From his demeanor, it seems like he doesn't want to tell me what he knows.

Throughout the journey, I remained silent, unable to forget her face. It seems like I want to see her again. I don't know why I'm feeling this way. But there's only one thing I want... to get to know that young girl.

I was still lost in thought when we reached the condominium, and he just led me inside.

"Go grocery shopping if you want to cook your own meal. I ran out of stock last week," he said, but I ignored him. "Lazel, I can't leave you like this. Bro..."

"I'm fine. You can leave me here, Lethan," I told him, and he sighed.

"No, you can't. Why are you acting like a child? Don't tell me you're attracted to that goddess-like girl?!" he shouted at me. I glared at him and laughed loudly.

"It's not like that, Lethaniel... There's just something different about the girl... I can feel it..." I said, touching my chest.

"Oh, come on... You're only seeing a child. What if you meet her Mom? She's even more beautiful..."

"I don't know..." I just said.

"Lazel..."

"If you have somewhere to go, you can leave me here, Lethan. I saw a grocery store near the condominium. Go on, don't worry about me. I can handle myself," I said. He really had no intention of leaving me here.

"Okay. I'll come back later to check on you. Seriously, you almost faint. You only saw Calystharia. What if you see her in person? You might really fall for her." I just gave him a restrained smile as I took a deep breath.

After he left his condo, he showed me the vacant room where I could rest, and I quickly took a shower. Then, I lay down on the bed and slept.

When I woke up, the room was dark, and I felt the rumbling of my stomach.

Lethan had no stock, so, as I mentioned earlier, I went out.

I just wore a black hoodie and went out of the unit. I didn't really intend to go grocery shopping, so when I passed by a Pasta House, I entered.

I approached the counter to order pasta. "Good evening, Sir," the girl at the counter greeted me. I smiled at her.

"One pasta carbonara and iced coffee, please."

"We will serve your order right away, Sir, and write your name here," she said, handing me a pen. I wrote my name on the piece of red paper.

I was about to find a vacant table when the girl uttered the familiar name.

"Calystharia Divyne!" I stilled. Calystharia Divyne? Is that the name of the perfume endorser?

I just heard the footsteps of someone right beside me with her soft voice. "Miss, the correct pronunciation of my second name is Di-vin. Not Di-vayn. Please, always remember that." Just like that, my heart beats fast again, and when I saw her face...

It's like I immediately wanted to hug her. I don't know why...

CALYSTA DANIELLA's POV

"WHAT?! 18 years old?! Your parents are arranging your marriage to an 18-year-old?!" Glean Aero exclaimed hysterically.

Glean Aero Lavern-Salvacion, my childhood friend and business partner, is always by my side. Full name Glea Aero Lavern-Salvacion, we're the same age, both businesswomen. Her company owns a shopping mall, and she sources appliances from my company, making sure they hit the stock market to avoid them gathering dust. We lead successful businesses – Carva Home's Shopping and her Salvacion Engrandt Mall.

She's a bit feisty and a workaholic, but a reliable friend. When you have a problem, just ring her up. She's one call away. She easily gets annoyed by things she finds irritating, and her level of sophistication can be quite high.

Being the only daughter, she inherited her family's wealth. She has three younger brothers, making her the eldest.

"You're too overdramatic, Glea," I commented.

After discussing my future with my father and Lolo Ced, I visited her company to chat about it. I have work but took a day off; my company can run without me. We were chatting about my impending marriage and her married life.

"I just can't believe it. Imagine, only 18? And you're 28 already! How ironic is that, Calysta Daniella?!" I covered my ears and sighed.

"Lower your voice. Our situations aren't that different, Glea Aero Salvacion. Your husband is ten years younger than you," I replied, sipping my iced tea coffee.

"It's a different case, Calysta. He's younger than you, and I wonder if he knows the night routine of married couples." I lowered my cup, looking at her.

"What night routine are you talking about, Glea?" I asked, confused. She smirked suddenly. "What kind of look is that?" I questioned.

"You know what I mean, Calysta. Quality time, you know," she said, and I choked even though I wasn't drinking.

I grabbed a napkin from her counter. She has a counter inside her office, complete with all her supplies. Her collection includes wine; maybe she was a bartender in a past life. She's not a heavy drinker, just enjoys these as a pastime. Of course, she has a high alcohol tolerance.

"Shut up, Glea," I retorted playfully.

"Hmm, that's true. It's a good idea. Instead of being single forever, turning into an old lady with no experience in a night routine, no experience in kissing and hugging, not even having flings, and what's the worst? Dying a virgin. It's time to water your withering flowers, Calysta," she teased.

"What the hell, Glea?!" I shouted, and she just laughed loudly.

What is she talking about? I can't understand her except for her last words!

What?! Dying a virgin?

***

When I arrived home, I saw my grandfather sitting on the sofa, alone.

"Good evening, `Lo," I greeted him and respectfully held his hand.

"You just arrived, apo? Your secretary told me you left work early," he said.

"Yes, `Lo. I had a meeting with my best friend," I replied, taking a seat beside him.

"Glea?"

"Yes," I answered simply.

"Did you discuss your upcoming wedding, Calysta?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Won't you change your mind, Lolo Ced? We can still help their company without getting involved in the marriage thing," I insisted, but he just shook his head. He wouldn't retract what they agreed upon.

I just wanted to alter their wedding plans. So, I thought of helping their family instead. No harm to the future if that happens. They could negotiate with me, and I wouldn't hesitate to invest in their company.

Or if they prefer, I could just lend them the money. They just need to tell me how much they need, and I'll arrange it immediately.

"Sorry, dear. They also don't want to owe anything to our family, so to keep things fair among us, we thought of having a wedding as the elders. So get ready, you'll meet and get to know your future spouse, Calysta," she said with a smile.

Look at that, they plan so quickly. Right away.

"Grandpa Ced..."

"Go on, dear. I'll prepare as well," he said and stood up from his seat.

I slouched on the back of the sofa and let out a sigh. Do we need to get married just for the sake of their sinking business?

18 years old? He's just 18, and he'll be my husband?!

He would probably refuse this marriage if he knew he's ten years older. Hopefully, he does something to prevent the agreement between our parents.

We have a family dinner, so I need to dress properly to avoid embarrassment in front of the Valdiviño.

"I'll prepare myself too."

I wore my blue-green wrapped dress above the knee, tied my reddish-brown hair in a high ponytail, put on light makeup with red lipstick, and adorned myself with small earrings and a moon pendant necklace.

I opened my velvet box and chose a wristwatch. I love having a collection of expensive watches, wearing them only on special occasions. I picked a watch from the box and took my black pouch, where my phone was neatly placed.

As I descended, Grandpa and Dad were already there, dressed formally. Clearly, they prepared for this evening.

"Are you done, Calysta?" my father asked.

"Yes, Papa," I answered politely.

"Good. They have a reservation at a fancy restaurant. Let's go."

We were the first to arrive at the fancy restaurant. The Valdiviño family made a reservation, but they were the ones running late for our family dinner? Tss.

It felt embarrassing. They should have been the ones to arrive first and wait for us.

"Where are you going, Calysta?" my father asked as I walked back towards the door, ready to step outside. I wasn't actually leaving.

"I want to breathe some fresh air, Papa. Just call me when the Valdiviños arrive," I replied.

"Why don't you just stay here with us and wait for their arrival, Calysta?" Papa suggested, but I shook my head. I really wanted to go outside.

"Papa, they should've been the first ones to get here. But now, we're the ones waiting for them? Right, `Lo?" I said, and Lolo Ced nodded in agreement. He understood my point. It wasn't right for us to wait for them, right?

"Go ahead, dear. Take a break and don't think about escaping," he chuckled.

"`Lo, I'm not a child anymore. I don't do that, even when I was young," I told him.

The truth is, I'm not the type to just run away abruptly. Even when I faced problems in my life as a child, I confronted them with courage. Escaping doesn't make sense to me. In my opinion, no matter what you do, you can never escape reality.

You might forget for a moment, but you also need to face it to resolve your problems, if there are any.

"Yeah, I know. Okay. You may go."

I stepped outside and headed to the garden. I knew there was a garden in this restaurant. I didn't want to wait there and risk getting irritated. I didn't want to wait for too long.

As I reached the garden, I sat on a bench and sighed. Stress is all I'd get if I overthink too much. Because until now, I still can't believe I'm getting married at 18. I wonder what he looks like.

See? I'm curious about that young man's appearance now. Sigh.

I glanced at my pouch when I felt it vibrate, thinking it might be Papa calling me, and I decided to go back.

Lolo Ced's bodyguard opened the door for me. I just nodded at him and went back inside.

They were already at the table. They were on the other side. But... I didn't see the guy. There were only four of them there.

"Good evening," I greeted them to get their attention.

They stood up in surprise when they saw me. "Good evening too, hija," Mrs. Valdiviño greeted me with a smile.

In fairness, she looks beautiful even though she's getting older. She's wearing a simple golden dress. Her husband also looks decent. It wouldn't be bad if I end up marrying this shorter version of the man. Yeah, the shorter version.

"Is she your son or grandson, Mr. Carvantes?" the man asked, using the same name, but I knew he was referring to two people.

"Yes, Mr. Valdiviño. This is my daughter, Calysta Daniella Carvantes," my dad introduced me.

The elegant lady smiled at me, and I returned the smile.

"Just call me Calysta. How are you?" I greeted, extending my hand when someone suddenly arrived.

"Sorry I'm late. Good evening." My smile vanished upon hearing that voice. Why isn't it a youthful voice?

It seems like the voice of a man-very manly and too cold. It sends shivers down my spine. I don't know why.

"Lazel, hijo. We've met again." I glanced at my grandfather.

"Yes, Sir Ced." Did he recognize my grandpa so quickly? Does he already know this guy too? Is that why they asked me earlier if I wanted to know what he looks like? Or his attitude?

I turned to look at him to see his face, but he quickly averted his gaze. I raised an eyebrow because he seemed...snobbish and indifferent to others.

"I'm sorry for his late arrival. He had to park our car," the lady said. She seems kind.

"Nah, it's okay. We just arrived," my grandpa said.

I picked up an empty glass, and someone immediately poured water for me.

"Thank you," I thanked the waiter. He just nodded, and as I sipped the water, I felt two pairs of eyes staring at me.

So when I finished, I looked at that person. I raised an eyebrow because the man I'm going to marry is looking at me.

He looks good. He has a unique charisma, and at first glance, his sex appeal is really strong. His way of looking is also different.

He's sitting in front of me, so I can see the natural color of his eyes up close. Gray. He's not the first man I've seen with this eye color, but when he looks at you, it's so deep, as if you'll drown, and it's also very blank.

His nose is well-shaped, the tip is beautiful. His lips are naturally red, and are they kissable? No blackheads or pimples on his cheeks or anywhere on his face. He's perfect as a man, so he might also be suitable as a woman. Hmm, maybe it's not just women who are attracted to him.

The only thing is, he lacks emotion, and it's hard to read his thoughts. I lowered my gaze to his Adam's apple. I won't doubt that he's famous in VU because of his handsome face.