"Love, let's go to the park." I went down the stairs, filled with hope, and approached Cloud, hoping for a softer response. "Please, Luna, can you stop this? And don't call me 'love'-I don't love you. Ours is just an arranged marriage, and maybe you've forgotten that you're the reason Stella and I broke up." "Is it my fault, Cloud? I'm a victim too. Do you think I wanted to be tied to a man I don't even love? I'm struggling just as much as you are, Cloud." My voice trembled, pleading for his understanding. "Why don't you just leave me? Oh, right, because you won't have anyone to leech off of if you leave me." He laughed, but his every sneer was filled with anger, especially when our eyes met. "You have no right to say that, Cloud! I've never asked you for money!" I shouted back, holding onto what little dignity I had left. "I'm getting the divorce papers finalized today, and you need to sign them as soon as possible. I can't stand seeing your face every day." But the truth was, every word he said felt like a knife cutting into my heart. "C-Cloud, maybe we can still talk about this." I reached for his hand, still hoping there was a chance, but he pulled it away. "What's there to talk about? Isn't it clear that I don't want you and that I don't love you?" His voice thundered through the mansion, his words like a storm shattering my world. "Right, you don't love me." I laughed, but it was filled with bitterness. I looked at him, trying to hide my tears. "You know, Cloud, I wanted to stay by your side until you learned to love me. But I can't, because you've already given up on us. Yes, you don't love me because I'm the reason you and Stella broke up." "Cloud, I studied how to love you. I admit, at first, I didn't want to be with you. But I couldn't help it. Slowly, I started falling for you, and I foolishly thought that maybe one day, you'd learn to love me too. But no, I was wrong. I just wanted to be loved by you, Cloud, but you denied me even that. My chest felt heavy, and trembling, I stepped back." "You know, I dreamed of you loving me the way you loved Stella. But I guess that's impossible." I laughed again, but this time, it was empty, filled only with sadness and pain. "There's no point in forcing myself on you anymore. Maybe I've suffocated you so much that you're begging for your freedom. I'm sorry for being the reason you and Stella broke up. Don't worry, I'll talk to her." I forced a smile, even as I felt myself breaking inside. "Since your birthday is coming up, my gift to you is my signature on the divorce papers. Just call me when they're ready. I'll start packing." Once inside my room, I collapsed to my knees, letting the tears I'd been holding back flow freely. "Why does it always have to be like this? I just wanted to feel his love..." After I finished packing, I went down the stairs. I found Cloud in the living room, standing with his back to me. "Ah, Cloud, I'm leaving now. Just call me when the divorce papers are ready. Thank you for everything, Cloud." I forced a smile and walked out of the mansion, carrying the feelings I wanted to bury but couldn't let go of. "You're free now, Cloud. You can be with Stella. Even though it hurts, I'll endure it. I took a deep breath. This time, I won't beg for your love."
Chapter 1 New boyfriend
Chapter 1
"Mica, let's have lunch together," I said as I packed my things and placed them in my bag. I walked over to her desk and sat down. Mica Jolena-she's my cousin, Uncle Ethan's daughter.
"Uhmm, I'm eating with my new boyfriend. Wanna tag along?" she teased, flashing me a mischievous grin while packing her stuff.
"Uh, no thanks. I'd rather eat alone than watch you two being all lovey-dovey. Gross." I walked out of our classroom and headed straight to the cafeteria to grab some food. I decided to eat in the garden instead-it's peaceful there. I don't like noisy places.
I really prefer eating in the garden over the cafeteria. The fresh air and quiet atmosphere help me relax.
"Where have you been? I've been looking for you," Mica said as I returned to my seat. She followed me and sat on my desk.
"I was at the garden. I always go there during recess." I took out my notes to review for our quiz later-I don't want to fail.
"If I were you, Mica, I'd start reviewing too. You don't want to fail the quiz," I said. She pouted at me before heading back to her desk to review.
The quiz was over, and all I can say is-it was really tough. Stressful.
"Why are you frowning like that?" I laughed, looking at Mica's sulking face.
"I failed the quiz! Just one more point, and I could've passed. Ugh, it's so frustrating. Now I have to retake it." She stomped her foot before slumping back in her seat.
By the way, we're in our fourth year of college, so we'll be graduating next year.
"Bye, Luna. See you tomorrow." Mica hugged me tightly, as if we wouldn't see each other for a year.
"Bye." I waved as she got into her dad's car. I wish Dad could pick me up like that, but he's always so busy.
I drove home but decided to stop by the park first. I didn't feel like going straight home-I wouldn't have anything to do there anyway.
The park is my go-to place after school. It's relaxing, and the view is beautiful.
When I got home in the afternoon, Mom greeted me as she came down the stairs. I approached her and kissed her hand.
"Where did you go, Luna?"
"Just at the park, Mom." She nodded, and I excused myself to change and have dinner.
During dinner, no one spoke. I was surprised when Dad came home early to eat with us. He's usually home late because he's so focused on our company.
After dinner, I excused myself to go to my room. Mom and Dad seemed to be discussing something serious.
I lay in bed, bored. I got up and went to the kitchen to look for something to eat. I felt like a stray cat rummaging through our fridge late at night. I found my favorite mocha cake and made a glass of milk to go with it before heading back to my room.
On my way back, I overheard Mom and Dad talking in the living room.
"Are you sure about this decision? It will bring major changes to our family," Mom said, her tone serious.
"Yes, we need to discuss this. I've already made up my mind," Dad replied firmly.
Curious, I wanted to eavesdrop, but I decided against it-Mom might catch me and pinch my side.
What were they talking about? What changes are they referring to? I'm so confused.
I tried to sleep, but my mind was restless. I kept thinking about their conversation.
The next day, I came home from school and greeted Mom.
"Mom, I'm home!" She kissed me on the cheek and said, "Come to the living room. They're waiting."
"They?" I had forgotten we were having guests.
In the living room, Dad was busy chatting with someone.
"Oh, Luna, you're here! Come here," Dad called. I sat beside him.
"This is my daughter, Luna," Dad introduced me.
"Your daughter is beautiful, just like her mother," one of the guests said with a smile. I nodded politely.
"They're a perfect match for our son. Good thing they're getting married soon!"
Wait, what?! Getting married? I stared at Dad, completely confused.
"Excuse me, what do you mean I'm getting married?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"Oh, sweetie, didn't your parents tell you? You're in an arranged marriage with our son," the woman said with a smile.
I turned to Mom and Dad, my confusion growing.
"You must be mistaken. Are you sure you're talking about me?" I joked nervously.
"No mistake, dear. It's an agreement between your parents and us-your marriage is in exchange for our help with your family's company."
What? Our company is struggling, and I didn't know?
"But I'm too young to get married!" I whispered, barely holding back my frustration.
"Don't worry, dear. Our son is kind," she assured me. I wasn't convinced.
The door opened, and the maid announced the arrival of their son. I turned to look and saw a tall, well-built man-undeniably handsome.
"Oh, you're here, Cloud," the woman said, standing up to greet him.
Cloud walked over, and his cold gaze sent chills down my spine.
"What?" he said curtly.
"This is your fiancƩe, Luna Rodriguez. And these are her parents," his dad said.
Cloud glanced at me with piercing eyes, then greeted my parents politely without looking at me again.
I escaped to the garden, my heart heavy. Why did I have to be the solution to our company's problems?
"So, this is all your plan?" A voice startled me. It was Cloud.
"What?" I asked, confused.
"You're just like every other girl-desperate to marry me," he said coldly.
"Excuse me? I didn't even know about this stupid arrangement!" I snapped, my frustration boiling over.
He stepped closer and gripped my arm tightly. "Remember this-I will never like you. I'll make your life miserable," he hissed before walking away.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I returned to the house. This can't be happening.
"Hello, sis. Why do you look so sad today? Your eyes are swollen too," Mica asked me with concern.
I cried so much last night. Why do I have to get married? I don't even love that person.
I skipped breakfast earlier because I didn't want to see Mom and Dad. I know it sounds rude, but this is how I feel right now.
"Ahh, I just didn't get enough sleep. I watched a movie last night, and it was a tearjerker, so my eyes are swollen," I lied to Mica, but she squinted her eyes at me suspiciously.
"You sure?" she asked again, still doubtful.
"Yes," I replied. She nodded, and I finally felt relieved.
"By the way, have you finished your project?" I changed the topic, hoping she'd drop the issue about my puffy eyes.
"Uhm, almost done. I went out a lot these past few days, so I didn't finish it right away," she said, grinning mischievously.
"You're something else. You prioritize going out over your project," I teased, and she just laughed, scooting closer to me with a wide smile.
"Let's go boy-hunting at the mall later!" Mica suggested enthusiastically, but I just glared at her.
"No. And finish your project first before you go boy-hunting," I said, making her pout and cross her arms.
"It won't take long. We need to enjoy our college life too!" Mica exclaimed, but I just shook my head at her.
"I'll see if I have time later," I said nonchalantly. Mica beamed and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you so much, sis! I knew you couldn't say no to your pretty friend," she said, winking playfully.
"You're so full of yourself, Mica. I only agreed because you look like a sad stray kid," I teased, causing her to roll her eyes and cross her arms. She stood up and started pacing.
"I feel like that handsome engineering student in the other building has a crush on me," she said dreamily.
"And what makes you say that he likes you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He helped me out," she replied.
"Helped you with what?"
"I tripped, and he saw me, so he helped me," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I facepalmed at my friend's delusional thoughts.
"Mica, why don't you just go to sleep? I give up on your fantasies."
"Why? It's true! He likes me!"
"Stay away from me before I strangle you," I joked, trying not to laugh.
"Come on, sis! It's rare for me to assume that a handsome guy likes me!"
"Rare? You're always assuming guys have a crush on you."
"Sorry, okay? I can't help it. I'm just so pretty," she said, dramatically flipping her hair.
"Yes, you're pretty-pretty annoying!" I joked as I stood up and walked away. Meanwhile, Mica was still fixing her school things, which mostly consisted of her makeup.
We're now in our room, having just finished lunch. Mica, as usual, couldn't stop sneaking glances at the handsome engineering students eating by the side of the cafeteria.
"Mica, finish your food," I told her, but she simply signaled for me to hush.
An idea suddenly popped into my head. I stood up and walked toward the group of engineering students sitting at the edge of the cafeteria.
"Hello," I said, and they all turned to look at me, visibly confused.
"One of you has a secret admirer," I said, pointing at Mica, who was now blushing furiously.
"She wants your number," I added, grinning mischievously. Mica looked like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole.
After a brief pause, one of the guys handed me a calling card with a smirk.
"Here, give this to her. Tell her to call me later," he said. I nodded, waiting to see if the others would offer anything, but instead, the first guy stood up.
To Be Continued...
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