I took a deep breath before slowly opening my eyes. I was wearing a white gown that hugged my body, making me look even more beautiful. I glanced at the bouquet of white flowers in my hand and smiled before walking into the garden. I was amazed because the theme of our wedding was in my favorite color, and there were butterflies happily flying around. I was happy because the family of the man I had dreamed of accepted me. They wanted our wedding, even though it was sudden, and I was happy despite it being an arranged marriage in an unexpected situation. I thought this only happened to rich people, but I was wrong because it happened to me too. If only I could scream and shout that I am the luckiest woman in the world because the man I once dreamed of is now mine. "Love is a choice," he said, so I trusted him a lot, but he had one request for the right time. There was no problem because he was mature enough when it came to relationships, and we loved each other. But fate is truly deceptive because a time came when many "what if" questions flooded my mind. What if I couldn't fulfill his one request and dream? What if his former lover could give it to him instead? What if I saw him happy with her because of that dream? Can I stay with him even if he says he loves me but prioritizes her? What if fate tests us, and even though we love each other, he chooses her because that's what he's making me feel now? "I don't want to hurt you, but they are my family now," he said seriously, and I lowered my head and cried in front of him. I could still hold on, but I could feel that he didn't want to anymore. Should I still fight for him even though it hurts so much? I wondered. "Do you want me to leave?" I asked bravely, hoping he would say no, but I was wrong. "If that's what's best. Leave," he said for the last time and hurriedly turned his back on me. I couldn't do anything but cry and cry, so I made a decision. "For the sake of your dream, I'll do it," I said softly and started packing my things. I hope you'll be happy when the time comes that fate brings us together again. I'm Christian Rana Reyes. And he is Frank Lin Mondragon.
Chapter 1 A maid
Chapter 1
I come from a poor family. My mother works as a maid in the Mondragon mansion, and my father is no longer around, having passed away early in my life. It's only my mother who supports me, and fortunately, the Mondragon family is kind. They've provided me with a scholarship, allowing me to study despite our difficult circumstances.
One day, I visited the mansion because they needed extra help. Don Simon and Doña Margaret were preparing for a grand feast as the twins were coming home.
Just hearing their names sounded intimidating, but my mother had already advised me on what to do and what not to do, so I wasn't scared anymore.
The first twin I met was Lauter. I got to know him as Lauter since he was the first to arrive from Manila. I served him a snack, and I felt comfortable around him. Maybe it's because he's friendly and approachable, not arrogant like others. I wished he could be my older brother.
While Brother Lauter and I were happily chatting-he's a great storyteller-his older brother, Frank Lin Mondragon, suddenly arrived. To my surprise, he seemed angry for no reason.
"Relax, Brother. You're scaring her," Brother Lauter tried to calm Frank Lin, so I looked at him.
"When did you start talking to the child of a maid, Lauter?" Frank Lin sternly scolded Kuya Lauter, making me automatically lower my head. Frank Lin's attitude was terrible, so unlike Brother Lauter.
"brother" Brother Lauter called him softly, so I raised my head again, but Frank Lin just turned his back on us as if we didn't matter.
"Don't mind him, Rana. My twin must just be stressed," Brother Lauter reassured me, and I simply smiled in response.
Frank Lin was a serious person who rarely smiled, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He was intimidating, like he'd shout at you over the slightest mistake. I placed a hand over my heart because I felt it beating fast. I took a deep breath, unsure if it was anxiety caused by Frank Lin's aura. It was so different from Brother Lauter, who was cheerful, smiling, and had a pleasant demeanor.
"Come here, Rana," brother Lauter said, pulling me outside to the garden. He sat me at a garden table and gave me a thoughtful smile.
"Stay here, Rana. I'll be right back," he said before turning and running back into the house.
"Wait, Brother Lauter!" I called after him, making him stop and come back.
"I still have work to do. Nanay might scold me," I explained as I stood up.
"I'll handle it, Rana," he said with a smile before leaving me. I had no choice but to sit where he told me.
"What's taking so long?" I muttered to myself, looking up at the house when I sensed someone watching me. Our eyes met, and I stood up suddenly. It was Frank Lin again, with his usual serious expression, so I forced myself to smile, but he didn't return it.
"He's so mean," I muttered again.
"Who's mean?" brother Lauter asked, startling me. I hadn't noticed he had come back.
"N-Nothing, Brother," I stammered.
"Alright, Rana, sit down," Brother Lauter instructed.
"Okay, Kuya."
"What are you doing, brother?" I asked out of curiosity, causing him to glance at me.
"I'm drawing you," he said shortly, making me clap my hands in excitement.
"You know how to draw, Kuya?" I asked.
"I'm an architect, you know," he replied.
"Oh, sorry! I didn't know," I said apologetically, since we had only just met.
"Stay still, you're moving too much."
"I want that drawing, Kuya Lauter, so you'll have a gift for me," I said playfully, but he just kept concentrating on his work, so I let him be.
"Is it almost done, Kuya?" I asked after a while, starting to feel stiff.
"Almost, just a little more patience, Rana," he said with a smile.
"Kuya, you're so handsome," I commented, and he simply smiled and nodded. He could be a bit cocky, too.
After another five minutes, he finally handed me the drawing, and I was amazed. He captured me perfectly.
"Wow!" I exclaimed.
"You're so talented, Kuya!" I told him, jumping up and down in front of him.
"That's just basic stuff, Rana," he said modestly, ruffling my hair.
"I'll keep this for now, Rana. Next time, I'll paint you, and that one you can take home," he said, taking the drawing from me.
"Okay, Kuya," I agreed, and he excused himself to head to his room, leaving me alone.
I glanced back up, knowing Frank Lin was still there. I smiled at him, even though he didn't smile back.
"Goodbye!" I called, waving at him before running inside to find my mother.
"Rana?!"
"Hey! Rana?" someone called out to me.
"Chrisian Rana?!" The voice was firm, and I turned to the person next to me.
"I've been talking to you for a while now. You're just staring into space," she said irritably.
"Come again?" I asked my friend, Alexa. She frowned at me and glanced at Jon Peter, another friend of ours.
"What were you saying?" I asked to appease her, sensing she was upset. She sighed and ran her fingers through her long hair.
"Sorry, Alexa, I just remembered something from the past," I apologized.
"They say we have a new professor from Harvard University for a Ph.D. program," she informed me.
"That's all you were trying to say?" I replied, resting my chin on my hand.
"They say he's handsome and young, only around 29 years old."
"Even if that's true, it won't change anything. They'll still bully me," I said, pouting.
"You let them bully you," Jon added.
I took a deep breath, feeling anxious, worried that my clothes might get soaked again from their bullying. I even carried an extra uniform and everything else in my locker because not a day goes by when the wealthy students here don't pick on me.
"Have you seen the new professor?" I overheard Jon asking Alexa.
"Not yet. I think he's starting tomorrow," she replied.
"I hope he's nice."
"I'm sure he is," I added, hoping to end the conversation.
"Let's hope you're right, Rana!" they both said in unison, and we sat up properly as the class was about to begin.
They know I'm a scholar here at the Mondragon school, which is why I get bullied. They say I don't belong here. Ever since I started, my life hasn't been peaceful, but I'm okay with that. That's just how life is. I thought I wouldn't have friends who would accept me because I'm poor, but I realized that even if you come from nothing, people will accept you if you have good intentions in life.
I'm happy and thankful to the heavens because I have friends who are always there to defend me.
"Dismissed!"
Class ended, but nothing stuck in my head because my mind was wandering, and our professor called me out several times for not paying attention.
"Oh, life," I muttered, which made everyone look at me. Yeah, I'm really stressed out right now.
The three of us stayed behind because that's what we usually do, letting the others leave first. I didn't want to be pushed around again since I'm quite clumsy, and I don't like trouble. I just want to study hard.
"Hey!" Jon called out to me.
"What's on your mind, girl?" Alexa asked.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Alexa pressed.
"I just don't feel well," I replied.
I was startled when my phone vibrated and a message tone rang. I quickly grabbed it to see who sent the message and stood up in shock.
"What happened?" they asked. My hands shook as I opened the message and read it. He said he'd pick me up from school. What do I do? I scratched my head, feeling nervous.
"What's going on, Chrisian Rana? You've been out of it for a while now!" Jon asked. I took a deep breath, not knowing what to do.
"A-Aren't you going home yet?" I stammered and quickly grabbed my bag.
"We'll go home together," Jon replied, heading out first, so we followed him until we reached the gate.
"You go ahead. I have something to take care of," I said, pretending.
"Weird!" Alexa remarked, nodding.
"Oh, life!" I said, relieved they didn't ask any more questions. They eventually left after their rides arrived, and a few minutes later, Frank's car pulled up in front of me.
My heart started racing in surprise. There were still a lot of students around, so before getting in, I made sure no one was watching. I didn't want this to turn into an issue tomorrow. I kissed him on the lips before settling into my seat.
"How's your studies, baby?" he asked, adjusting my seatbelt.
"Everything's fine, Baba. Just a normal day at school," I replied, kissing him on the cheek and hugging him tightly. I love kissing that part of his face because I know he loves it, too.
"Where do you want to eat?" he asked me. I smiled because I used to only dream about moments like this, and now he's mine.
"Anywhere, as long as I'm with you," I answered, and he playfully messed up my hair before kissing me on the lips.
To Be Continued...
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