André

It's been exactly one day, four hours, 7 minutes and 13 seconds since I last saw Charles. Okay, maybe that wasn't accurate, but I was about to lose my mind if I didn't see her.

After that night I told Charles about my feelings for her, I knew she probably didn't believe it. I was drunk that night, but not drunk enough to be spewing nonsense.

Scrolling through my phone, a text message popped up on my screen.

From Grandpapi:

Meet me now at the restaurant

I sighed, massaging my temples. May idea na agad ako kung ano ang sasabihin niya sa akin.

I stood up from my seat, put on my jacket and cap over my head before heading out of the penthouse.

Not long after, nakarating ako sa hotel. I found Grandpapa inside the same restaurant at the ground floor. He was wearing his favorite suspenders and brown trousers yet again as he sipped on his mug.

"Papi!" I greeted with a big smile on my face as soon as I reached him.

"Axe, what's your plan now?" He asked, placing his mug on the table. I just knew it was coming.

Sitting across him, I folded my hands over my chest. "Papi, kaka-graduate ko lang. Can't I enjoy my free time for at least a year?"

"Axe, the company needs someone," he stated in a serious tone. "I'm getting old."

I pouted. "Am I next in line? Why don't you ask the older ones?"

"Izo got his hands full and Chain is in space," he explained.

"The hell? Chain is in space?" I wondered how my other two younger brothers were doing. I suddenly realized I knew nothing about my brothers anymore. I wanted to ask more, but a woman's voice interrupted my momentum.

"Good afternoon, Don Aurelius Laurent."

When I looked up, I saw a lady all dolled up with her cream tube mini dress. "Olivia?" I furrowed my brows, looking at her.

"Oh, hey, André!" She greeted with her cheery tone.

"Sit down, hija. And please, just call me lolo," Grandpapa answered.

Olivia sat down on the chair next to me, while I tried to process what was happening. I didn't want to think of the worst case scenario, but I guess it was already happening.

"Axe, I've already discussed this with the Figuerres' and Olivia here would be your soon-to-be wife," Grandpapa casually stated.

My eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

"Don't give me that expression. Besides, I've given you plenty of time to fool around. I already told you that you're bound to get married soon."

"But, papi!" I protested, standing up from my seat. "You could've asked me first."

"I did, quite several times. And remember the condition?" Grandpapa glared at me.

My jaw stiffened, remembering about his condition that time I asked for his help regarding Charles.

"Try to get along now, will you?" Grandpapa told the both of us before he left.

Aalis na rin dapat ako when I suddenly felt Olivia's hand on my arm. "André..."

I turned to her with a forced smile. "Sorry, Livie. I was just surprised with all these."

"Don't worry, I was surprised myself. But, I'm doing this for mom and dad."

I nodded. "I'm not really thrilled with the whole arranged marriage thing. Don't get me wrong. You're beautiful, Livie. But, marriage is not for me."

"I understand. But, we can try to make it work, André. It's too soon for you to say that."

I heaved a sigh. "Fine. I guess so."

Fuck me. How can I get out of this stupid arranged marriage?

#

Omega Sardines

7:32 pm

Jale Enrico:

Kell is in the hospital

I'm here now with Konstant

Alexandré the great:

WTF?

Logan Max:

Otw

I was in the middle of a very important online game right now, but I immediately left my desktop screen and dashed out of the penthouse.

The moment I reached the hospital, I saw Kell's mom crying with Liatris hugging her infront of the ICU room.

"What the hell happened?" I mumbled, directing my question to the doctor infront of me.

"Kell is currently covered with burn wounds. He's fighting with his life right now," Jale explained.

"Burn? From what? Where was he?" I asked again in a hurried tone. I was still confused as hell.

"Nasa bahay siya nina Fina nung mangyari ang sunog," Logan answered this time.

I squinted. "Fina? So, nasan siya? Is she okay?"

Koleen stood up from her seat, worry and fear painted all over her face. "Nasa ibang kwarto siya at stable naman ang condition niya."

I nodded. "Okay. That's good."

"We'll do the treatment in the States. Whatever it takes, doctor." That was Kell's mom speaking to the treating doctor. We overheard it loud and clear.

"You think Kell will like it if he wakes up and not see Fina beside him?" I muttered.

Mrs. Atkinson suddenly turned towards my direction. "I just want the best for my son. I'm sure you don't understand it yet as you're not a parent."

"Tita Mindy," I mumbled. "I'm just speaking for my friend. I know very well that you just want Kell to be treated. But, I hope you're not just doing this to break him and Fina apart."

"André," Logan stopped me by the arm.

I flashed a thin smile. "What? I'm just stating a fact."

"Ellis will definitely not like it," Jale mentioned.

"You don't know what you're saying. You're just kids," Mrs. Atkinson stated.

I inhaled a breath, calming myself. I hated hearing those words. Why do older adults think like we know nothing? That we're stupid?

"Mom, please..." Liatris pulled her mom's hand, stopping her. "Kuya Kell needs us right now."

"Tris is right. We shouldn't be arguing like this," Jale finally said.

"André, tama na yan," Koleen told me.

Nodding, naglakad nalang ako palabas ng ospital. I couldn't handle being in that kind of situation anyway. It just brought back memories of when our youngest brother passed away.

Instead of going home, I decided to go visit a certain someone I hadn't seen for a very long time. I knew I shouldn't be doing this, but I just wanted to see her now.

After driving for an hour and a half, I finally reached Valenzuela. I wanted to call her and let her know that I wanted to meet her, so I brought out my phone and found a few missed calls and messages from Olivia.

From Livie:

Where are you?

André?

To Livie:

I'm here at Sky Lounge Club

Wanna join me?

I put my phone back inside my jeans pocket and proceeded to the night club just in front of me.

As soon as I entered the club, a few women already came flocking my way. It was nothing new. I was used to their attention. But, it wasn't the kind of attention that I needed right now.

"Sir, may kasama po kayo?"

"May VIP room po kami. Baka gusto niyo?"

"Ladies, I just want a drink," I told them as I sat on the corner of the room.

I didn't know how long I had been drinking. But, when I saw a pair of white designer heels in front of me, I immediately knew Olivia was here.

"Livie, you're finally here. Hik!" I greeted her, waving my hands.

"André, are you drunk?"

"I am not!"

"Mom and dad wanted to have dinner with us."

I chuckled, my mind getting hazy by the minute. "Tell them I'm busy. Or better yet, tell them I don't want to marry you."

"What are you saying, André?" She mumbled.

"I'm sorry, Livie. I really can't. There's someone out there better and who will love you the way you deserve to be loved. But, that's not me."

"Did you really have to be so honest about it?"

"I hate sugarcoating my words."

"Fine. But, you don't get to break up with me. I'm breaking this engagement off, André." She stomped away, leaving me on my seat.

Yes, this would be better for the both of us.

#

I woke up with a massive headache the next day. Sanay na ako sa ganito. Even without the alcohol, I always get these headaches. It was part of my sleep apnea.

Removing the CPAP machine over my face, I sat up on bed and took an elixir pill from the bedside table.

I couldn't remember a thing last night. Basta alam kong nalasing ako sa club.

When I reached the living room, Logan was already there, busy with his phone. "Oh, gising ka na?"

"Yeah. Sinundo mo ako kagabi?" I asked him.

"Sino pa ba susundo sa'yo? Tinawagan ako ni Olivia kahapon, umiiyak. Ano ba ang ginawa mo?" Logan nagged.

"Dude, why do you always assume that I did something bad?" I tried to deflect it.

"So, ano nga? Nag-date ba kayo? Bakit kayo magkasama sa club?"

I sighed, sitting on the couch next to him. "Apparently, she's my wife now."

"Tangina?" Logan yelled in my ear.

"Jeez," I covered my left ear, rubbing it gently. "Our families arranged it, of course. Tingin mo ba mahal ko si Olivia?"

Logan shook his head. "Buti nalang hindi kami ganun kayaman para ma-arrange ako sa babaeng hindi ko mahal."

I glared at him. "Yeah, well, good for you."

"Nga pala, nabasa mo na ba yong message ni Jale sa group? Si senator pala ang nagpasunog sa bahay nina Fina," Logan stated.

"What the fuck?" I cursed out loud. "Their dad is something else." But then again, I could imagine my dad doing the same thing.

"Kaya nga. Hindi rin ako makapaniwala," Logan muttered. "Tapos binigyan rin ng restraining order si Fina kaya hindi siya makalapit kay Kell."

I gritted my teeth. "That's messed up. I hope okay lang si Fina."

"Kasama nina Jale at K si Fina. Ngayon ang reading ng Last Will and Testament ng lolo nina Kell. Si dad ang na-appoint na Executor na magbabasa ng Will."

"Hopefully it goes well." Tumayo ako sa aking kinauupuan.

"Oh, san ka pupunta?" Logan asked.

"Magso-sorry kay Olivia," I simply stated.

Kanina ko pa siya tinatawagan. She wasn't answering my calls or texts. Maybe this was her way of getting back at me.

I had to see Olivia now and tell her the truth... that I like someone else and not her.

While parking my bike at the front of Safe Haven Suites, napatingin ako sa isang babaeng nakaupo sa harap ng swimming pool just in front of the hotel.

Even my eyes were playing tricks with me now because I swore I thought I saw Charles.

It can't be. Why would she be here, right?

Shaking my head, nagtungo ako sa lobby ng hotel at sa reception area.

"Hi, sir, how can I help you today?"

"Miss, is Olivia Figuerres here?"

"Sorry, sir. Hindi po allowed ang mag-disclose ng private-"

"I'm her fiancé," I cut her off.

"Ah, sorry, sir. Wait lang po." Agad na tumawag ang receptionist sa phone. "Uh, hintayin niyo nalang daw po siya dito sa lobby."

I flashed her a smile. "Thank you."

I scanned the lobby, finding a good spot for me to sit on. There were only few people there right now, so it wasn't really busy.

Ten minutes later, Olivia still hadn't showed up. My bladder was about to burst, so I decided to go to the comfort room.

As soon as I walked in the hallways, I saw Olivia standing infront of an old woman, who oddly resembled her. It was probably her mom.

"Mom, I said I don't want to marry André," Olivia muttered.

"What are you saying? Didn't you say you like him for years?"

"But, mom... he doesn't even like me," Olivia continued to say.

"Then, make him like you. Ito na nga lang ang hinihiling namin ng dad mo hindi mo pa magawa?" Her mom argued.

"Mom, please..." Olivia begged, her voice cracking a bit.

"You have no say in this, young lady. You will marry him whether you like it or not."

I wasn't supposed to meddle, but I hated seeing people cry, especially girls. Maybe that was my weakness. That's why I always ended up sabotaging myself.

"Mrs. Figuerres, hello, I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm just here to take Livie out if you don't mind," I casually stated. I saw Olivia's eyes lit up in confusion.

"André?" Olivia mumbled my name.

"Oh, hijo, I didn't know you're here," Mrs. Figuerres immediately flashed me a smile.

"Can I take Livie po?" I asked.

"Of course. You'll be her husband soon anyway. Just make sure to take care of her," the older woman reminded.

I nodded. "Don't worry, I will take care of her. And I do like her. I guess I just failed to mention that to her, that's why she's confused."

"I'm glad to hear that, hijo. I'll get going now and oh, don't worry about the curfew," Mrs. Figuerres finally left after that.

Olivia was still quiet next to me, so I cleared my throat, catching her attention.

She looked down, avoiding my eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to apologize for what happened yesterday," I explained.

"That's it?" She finally raised her head, looking at me. Her eyes glistened as if tears were about to burst. "Then, why did you tell mom that you like me? I know for a fact that you don't, so stop lying, André."

"Livie, I know how it feels like to have your hands tied..." I paused, biting the inside of my lower lip.

She shook her head. "You don't have to pretend to like me to make me feel better."

I took a step closer to her. "Then, how about this? Just let me stay beside you for now. I don't like seeing you getting hurt because of your mom, or anyone else."

Her lips trembled as tears started trickling down her cheeks.

Without much thought, I wrapped her around my arms, hoping she'd feel better even just a little bit.

While tapping her back, a familiar figure caught my eye, standing only a few meters away from where we were.

She was wearing a white collared uniform and black trousers. Only her eyes were visible because of the mask covering half of her face, but I memorized her features even in my sleep. It was definitely her.

My eyes fluttered in slow motion as Charles stared at me with her innocent eyes. I didn't know what she was thinking, but I was hoping she wouldn't get the wrong idea.

I just wanted to confess to her, and yet, I got entangled with this mess again.

This was fucking worse than wrong timing.