Love, Lies and Survival.

nsidered an ideal time for matrimony, even for arranged unions. The vibrant energy of the city, combined with the clear summer skies, creates a perfect backdrop for love

irresistible, even more so than the air we breathe. Yet, for Philip Taylor, love is a dangerous game, one he would rather av

e to tech, he had spent his life mastering the art of negotiation and power plays. His mornings were spent in boardrooms, his evenings at exclusive cl

turn failing ventures into profitable enterprises. When he suggested that Philip mary Esther Hanendez , the niece of a longtime family friend, it seemed like a calculated move. Despite Uncle Matty's in

focus and compromise his success? Uncle Matty's persuasive arguments were impossible to shake, as he convincingly made the case that Esther was the only one who could rescue Philip from his downward spiral. With unwavering confidence, he highlighted Esther's rem

lied, his skepticism evident. "Why did she grow up in a mi

er age. Her mother moved to the U.S. from Mexico and raised her and her tw

ly satisfy him. There was something about the arrangeme

ound himself questioning everything. He adjusted his tie for the third time, his fingers trembli

ompanied by Uche, Philip's best friend and trusted advisor. Uche was th

the bathroom on your wedding day," Uche sa

moment. Philip coughed, and Uche immediately patted his back. "Y

d. "Thanks for

hilip, you've got this. Esther will fit in perfec

acing. "Why does the groom lead the proces

can behold the priceless beauty who'

ut smile. With a deep breath, he straighte

he was taken aback by his own reflection. The usual air of confidence that accompanied him everywhere wa

cufflinks. It was a gesture he'd performed countless times, yet today it seemed forced, almost nervous. He

eminded himself, his inner voice firm but r

cteristic sparkle. He smoothed out his tailored suit and flashed a practiced smile at h

ere the Priest was waiting and they all waited fo

ssip at the corridor, seeing that Philip and his comrades emerged from the bathroom, "Hmmm?" she resp

hroom mirror, looked stunning, like a blooming lily in full glory. Her white gown cascaded around her, a perfect blend of eleganc

athtub, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, brow furrowed with worry. "As

o marry but about the countless times Nita had pulled her out of disastrous relationships. Their childhoo

the silence, a mix of frustration and de

out luxury, material comfort, and a way out, regardless of the cost. The shadow of Bethlehem,The

deep breath. "This marriage will change everything, Nita. After this, we'll finally have peace. David

side of Esther emerged. But Nita's expression turn

s how you lost Bethlehem." The name cut through the air like a blade, reopening old wounds. Nita's ey

mention Bethlehem?" she whispered, the words barely audible.

ears?" Nita's voice trembled with anger and sorrow. "And I'm the o

was a devastating blow to Esther, and Nita blames her for the tragedy. Esther's reckless decisions, particularly her choice of partner, l

ally warm, were now blazing with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I

her voice rising in desperation

" she yelled, slamming the door behind her

o spill over. Slowly, she forced a smile, her reflection transforming into the perfect bride everyone expecte

PLES Hotel, one of Los Angeles' most coveted destinations. As the flagship property of Philip's ho

enery and vibrant flowers expertly designed to create an intimate sanctuary amidst the urban bustle. The garden'

ing champagne and admiring the stunning floral arrangements. The atmosphere was electric, with Los Angeles' e

on the entrance where Esther would soon appear. As CEO of BIG APPLES Hotel Gr

owd. Her gaze locked onto Philip's, and the room's gentle chatter, the soft rustle of leaves

e aisle. Just then, Nita, Esther's younger sister and maid of honor, swiftly appeared at her side.

atitude. "I always count on you, baby sister,"

with love. "I know, sis. Now, let's mak

r, they took a deep breath, and Uncle Franklin offered his arm to escort

o the glamor. As Esther walked in, calming the attention of all the audience. Her steps are calm and gentl

like clothes, if you feel good, you dress well; if you feel great, you dress great. Let's celebrate this beautiful beginning,

sther Hanendez . If there's anyone or anything that should stop this marriage, speak now or forever hold

ther as the Priest began with the groom. "Desirable, we start with you," the Priest said, turning to Philip. Philip opened a note on his palm a

pain of her strange feelings about what the future might hold, proceeded, "I, Esther Hanendez , take you, Philip, to be my husb

you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Quickly, Philip

hes and souvenirs for each distinguished guest. The warm environment was full of joy and celebration, res

a flawless wedding celebration. From the precision-cut crystal glassware to the bespoke wedding

umptuous reception menu featuring the finest seasonal ingredients. This dynamic duo, cel

lenos, Traditional Chinese specialties, including Peking duck and sush

g been the go-to choice for the world's most influential billionaires. Their impressive client

ntal opportunity – a chance to elevate their culinary expertise to

hef Gabriel jumped at the opportunity. Their team of expert chefs, sommeliers, an

amlessly with Rock clásico and Chef Gabriel's

ng lights, laughter and music filling the air. Philip and Est

ip found himself alone with Esther. They stood on a balcony

" Philip said, br

sion thoughtful. "It's ov

ment. "I have to admit, I d

. "Neither did I," she said softly. "But I belie

aw a glimpse of the real Esther – a woman carrying the weight

respect. Perhaps this arrangement wasn't just a means to an end. Pe

words. Marriage was indeed a partnership, and maybe, just maybe, this

elt a newfound sense of purpose. Together, they would navigate the challenges ahead

gust of wind disturbing still waters. "Hey, we gotta make a toast," he said, grinning as he beckoned Philip. Without waiting for

naked girls lounged around, some laughing, others deeply engrossed in their activities. One girl was delicately snorting lines o

most drowned out by the pounding bass. "We do this for

away. "I can't, Uche. It's against the

ransparent packet and emptied its contents onto the thigh of one of the girls. The powder contr

s been Philip's Achilles' heel. The temptation clawed at him, drowning out reason

ong drag, and the room erupted into cheers. The applause grew louder as Philip, now emboldened, asked f

her, left vulnerable in the vastness of the world. Her phone was pressed against her ear as she tried desperately to reach her sister, Nita. The

eeking solace in the view. From the rooftop of Big Apples Hotel, one of Los Angeles' tallest skyscrapers, the city sprawled beneath her in dazzl

could extend her hand and touch its shimmering facade. But even with the breathtaking view, a

e steady and reassuring. "But believe me, I've put everything in place to make it ea

ack inside, only to find chaos unfolding. Philip was on the floor, convulsing violently. His eyes rolled back, hi

e. She cradled his head, her wedding dress now smea

him to the hospital, her pristine wedding dress now a stark contrast to the sterile environmen

ice cracked. "I need you he

Nita replied wi

, then stood again, unable to find comfort. The sterile scent of disinfectant mixed with the faint buzz of the overhead fluorescent lights, amp

concern and disbelief. At the time, Esther had dismissed her sister's interrogative questions, defending Philip w

ver running down her spine despite the warmth of her wedding dress. Her mind raced, torn between guilt, fear, and a nagging sense of pity for

who wasted no time laying into Uche. "What the hell were you t

onfidence was gone. "It's a tradition for n

is life and death!" He gestured sharply toward the emergency room doors. "A man in Philip's condition shouldn't b

him. "I didn't force him," Uche muttered defensively, though his confidenc

round you, Uche. Does this look like a celebration to you? You've turned

s was undeniable, and the weight of Philip's

on, she closed the distance and immediately pulled Esther into a firm embrace. "I'm here now," she whispered, her v

nd she shot him a taunting look, a silent rebuke that spoke volumes. She had always been skeptical of his so

ster's shoulder as they sat together. She held her even tighter, as if trying to shield her from the chaos and uncertainty that surrounde

mask and spoke calmly. "Philip is stable. He had a severe overdose, but we manag

gret, and unanticipated trials. Uncle Matty stepped away from the waiting room, his phone pressed tightly to his ear. After a brief, tense conversation, he hun

, his voice calm but firm. "The car's

. "You will stay here and keep watch. Update me the moment Philip wakes up." His word

a to follow him. Uncle Franklin trailed behind them, his expression a mix of guilt and concer

he said, his voice low and

the hell can you be sorry in this mess that you helped create

right hand to calm her sister. "Nita, please," she said

of her tongue. Esther climbed into the car, followed closely by Nita. Matty moved to the second car beh

, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. The iconic Hollywood sign loomed in the distance, its glamorous aura a stark contrast t

ents, and the Big Apples Hotel logo embossed on the ceiling all spoke of wealth and splendor. It wa

mplative. "I know you must think all your warnings and advi

e turned to face her sister, her eyes searching for understanding. "Yes, spit it out, Nita. I'm Dad's favorite girl. I'm spoiled. And Uncle Franklin? He's the

no longer hold back. "You know what?" she said, her voice cutting through the tension. "

thing, allowing Nita to unl

emember what her room looks like? And Dad? When did you last visit his grave? When did you place even a single flower there?" Nita's voi

shook her head in disbelief, her anger spilling over. "You know what? I'm done

glancing at Esther in the rearview

it," Nita

pushed the door open and stepped out into the quiet street. Esther lea

uickly got out, rushing to the scene. "What's goi

have a hell of a night for all I care." With that, she turned and began

ently held her back. "Let her go," he

silence. As the city lights flickered past, Esther rested her head against the window, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.