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Chapter 1
I'm Ariyah Suarez, I'm a half independent half dependent girl. Although my parents are still alive, I was raised by my grandmother. My parents divorced when I was young and eventually found their significant others forgetting about me. Grandma's dreams were too high for me that's why when I was in college she took me out of the province and brought me to Manila to study at a prestigious university where I met my two best friends, Prima a certified gay and Lou who is a certified boy hunter, because he cannot be freed.
The three of us are all the same, that's why our friendship is happy. But of course, in times of trials, we are one.
Out of the three of us, I'm the only one without a boyfriend since birth. Because I'm afraid of having a boyfriend, afraid of men specifically. I was just thinking about having a boyfriend, what a wonder I was thinking. Also, that's not my priority yet because all I want is to do my best in school to make my grandmother proud because she loves me so much. This is it and he entrusted me with 1.2 million so that I can buy a house where I can stay because he is always worried about me. And of course, when she comes out of Manila after her retirement as a teacher in our province, she will have a place to stay. It's just that... Fate is too cruel to both of us.
I was excited and happy arranging my future room here in the house I bought when grandma called.
"Grandma!!! Hello, I missed you!" I exclaimed energetically as I answered the phone call.
"Oh grandpa, how are you?" Grandma also happily exclaimed.
"Oh it's grandma, I'm fixing my room right now...do you want to see this house, let's have a video call." I promise excitedly.
"Oh grandpa, I really want it because I didn't charge that one of my cell phones. This keypad is what I'm using, so I'll use it next time I'm in town."
"Oh, is that so, okay?"
"Oh, how is the house you bought?"
"Oh, that's right, this house is beautiful and in good condition. It's not big, but it's sturdy. It has two bedrooms, so it's just right for the two of us."
"That's good, but wait, whose house used to be?"
"Oh what is he, he belongs to a family that has migrated to another country. My best friend Lou's mother knows him, they live next door to my house, their house is just on the other side of the wall. They are next to each other because the house is here."
"Ah, is that so, oh well, it's good that you and your friend are close, at least you have someone to hang out with."
"Oh no, it's okay, we're okay here. This will be your retirement home when you get out of here."
"Hey, I'm happy grandpa, it's good if that's the case, especially since I'm old. All my savings for the two of us have gone to that house, so I have nothing else to expect but my little pension when I retire ."
"Oh, don't worry because I will graduate in just one and a half years. After that I will immediately look for a job so that I can take care of you and the beautification of this house because remember, I am a future interior designer this is your grandson!" I was bragging and that's why he laughed.
"I wish it was a grandson."
"Of course, believe me. When that happens, you'll just use your money for maintenance because I'll take care of everything. Besides, I'm also planning to work part time now so I can take care of the school my fees. Just allocate your salary for your medicines."
"Oh, are you sure, grandpa, you won't be in too much trouble?"
"No, I can handle it, so don't worry."
"Ah, is that right, but if you need money, tell me anyway, send a letter or tell your cousin Kyle so he can tell me."
"Yes, I'll take care of it. Just take care of your health."
"Ah, okay, grandpa, always be careful. My co-teachers are already calling me saying we're going home. Besides, give me a tour of the house when I get back to town."
"Oh go ahead, bye. I love you." After saying goodbye, I continued to tidy up and decided to go to the department store to buy kitchen supplies that evening.
I didn't expect that this would be the first time we crossed paths with the man who would become a big part of my life.
"Gosh! This is crazy...why is it taking so long!" That man frowned when looking at his watch.
It was opposite the knife section while I was in the pots a few meters away from him.
"Ah hi Sir, this is the knife you want." A little while later, a woman who had just arrived panted.
I was about to ignore them when I was surprised because the man raised his voice.
"This is not my order!" This irritated promise that was still a bit weak at first.
"Ah yes, sir, that's not it, but they are the same, the one you want is out of stock." The woman explained worriedly but the man suddenly became angry.
"What?! So you mean, I have waited for like thirty minutes for you to just say the item I want is out of stock?! That item is right here on your display, so basically I've seen it and I didn't like it, that's why I'm getting someone else, isn't it, and then that's what you're going to give me saying they're the same? Come here, look at this item in this brochure that I like and that item you're giving me. Now tell me what are their differences?" He said angrily.
"Ah S-Sir, the knife you want is more expensive." The woman's response was trembling.
"And why do you think it's more expensive than the one in your hand?"
"Ah Sir, he's stronger because he's thinner, bigger, and rust proof." There was fear in the woman's voice as she promised again.
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