I woke up when my eyes were hurt by the bright light that entered the room through the window. I pulled up my blanket to cover my bare - morning face when I heard some noises next to my bed.
I didn't want my stud muffin to see my sleepy face.
"Mr. Ares! If you have woken up, have the breakfast."
The voice?? I peeped through the blanket and it was Miss Angethes.
I smiled at her. That day I realized how stupid I often can be!!!
I tossed and turned on my bed for some more time and unhurriedly took a bath. Then I casually put on whatever I saw on the closet and went to have my breakfast.
Miss Angethes was working in the kitchen and the other two maids were cleaning the rooms.
"Mr. Ares! Are you looking for Mr. Skyler?"
At first I was shocked by her question and had nothing to reply. I slightly nodded my head left and right.
"Mr. Skyler went to the office early today." She spoke again.
I sat on the dining table and half-heartedly had my breakfast.
"Did you two sleep late last night?" She asked.
"No! I watched a movie alone." Saying that I looked back at the table where the maid was cleaning the cans and chips' crumbs spread on the carpet.
Wait!!! As far as I remember, last night I slept on the couch. How did I wake up this morning on my bed?? Did I sleep walk??
"Is the food not to your liking?" She asked me looking at my confused face. "Or should I make you something else?"
"No thank you for now, maybe later."
I got myself busy with my half done assignments later.
I almost completed my work when mom called.
"Hey Mom!"
"Ares! What are you doing?"
" Nothing much. Just doing my assignments. Next week I will have to submit it."
"So you'll be going to college next week? Finally my son will be continuing his research work."
"Yes mom! I've already missed enough classes. Can't afford to miss any more now?'
"I hope you won't have any more financial problems now. I hope Mr. Eric provides you every thing that I couldn't."
"Mom! You know my intent was not to get money for me, right?"
"I know dear! I feel enough guilt for putting you in such a situation when I asked you to accept Mr. Eric's marriage proposal.(sob...sob) I hope I made a right decision for your life."
"Mom! You didn't force me to do anything. I have made the decision myself. No one will blame you."
"Ares! Just endure if anything happens. It's just a matter of 3 years."
"3 years...1095 days..." I sighed and continued "Did you have your meds mom?"
"Yes! But..."
"I'll wire some money. Buy the medicines you need. Mom! Remember you need to take care of your health."
"Ok! You too."

As I held my pen, my thoughts shifted to the day this all started.

***************
2 years before~~~~

Like any other regular days, I came back from the college when I saw a car leaving our neighborhood path.
Mom had a smile on her face as she looked at the proceeding car.

"Mom! Who was it?"
"Mr. Neville Skyler." And she hugged me.
"Who?"
" He's one of the richest man in the town. He owns millions of acres of land including our neighborhood. Every year he donates more than our 5 years expenditure."
"So?" I went inside my house.
"He even owns 4 top international companies. Last year recently he started his own brand clothes in the name of his son..." She glued near me.
"So why such a person dropped in our meagre neighborhood?" I threw myself leisurely on the couch.
"Not neighborhood. He came to our house."
"What? Why?" I sat down in astonishment.
"As I was telling you, he has a son for whom he wanted your hand."
My eyes popped out hearing that. "Why me?"
"According to him, he said there is a video circulating about you and his son."
"What video? Don't believe anyone and anything mom. Maybe he is a swindler."
"Stop talking rubbish. I also saw the video. Probably you two were having some conversations and then suddenly an incident happened which got captured in the video."
My mind was blank. I tried to scan my recent activities. Suddenly I got a name.
"Mom! Is his son's name Eric?"
"Yes! Eric Skyler. See I told you. You have already met him."
"No way mom! I would never want to see that scoundrel's face. He is the meanest person I've ever met."
"Every person can't act to your likings Ares. You need to accept every good and bad of a person."
"I'll mom! But not that person."

Back to the present day.....

Now here I'm in the person's house I hated the most.

Soon it was dawn. I came out of my room when my stomach rumbled.
I ate an apple and again went back to do my work. Meanwhile Dean called me, inviting to go shopping with him to which I agreed.