Can't Escape My Terror Possessive Fiancé

"Always remember to smile, Chantylle. You are not allowed to be rude at him, do you understand?" Papa instructed to me as he started driving our car.

I rolled my eyes and remained silent. As I watched the rain from the clouds fall on the earth, my head was leaning against the window. I observed others using umbrellas to attempt to dodge it on the sidewalks. Some of them started to run.

Funny to think how a lot of people hate rains. While I love it so much...

If it weren't merely for the unexpected meeting my dad stated I need, this would ostensibly just be a typical day for me in my room, going about my usual business. Meeting, my ass! I am aware of the type of meeting we will attend. I'm not a moron. My parents are quite easy to read, especially my father.

Papa came to a stop in front of a dining establishment close to our neighbourhood. Before turning to me, he glanced at Mama, who was discreetly observing me in the rearview mirror.

"I'm sorry if you have to deal with this, Princess.."

I smiled fakely. "It's okay, Papa. Like I have a choice."

"Chantylle..." Mama uttered with a warning tone.

My eyes immediately watered. I felt a pang in my heart as they both turned away after seeing it.

I had knew better. Life isn't just about happiness.

The person I most looked up to in the world was my father, who I now hardly recognize. Back then, he was a father who loved me and was kind and understanding. He makes an effort to make me happy all the time... satisfies all of my needs and all of my wants. My all and my savior, he was. But now? I'm uncertain.

"Please don't make this hard for us, Chan. You know the reason why we are doing this," Papa said in a calm tone.

"Yeah... because of the company." I snorted.

"This is for you! How many times do we have to say that?" Mama said firmly.

I used the rearview mirror to have a look at her. I inherited her tiny lips and chinky eyes. I have always loved staring at her, which is why. But looking at it now just makes my pain grow.

Here too, my mother, whom I adore above all others, is the one who breaks my heart into a million pieces. She is the first woman to have taught me everything I need to know. To be kind, decent, timeless, and affluent... However, she was steadily ruining me as well.

I initially shared their initial belief. That is why I always tried to understand back then that they couldn't attend any events at my school due to our business. The business is experiencing an issue. There is an event. There is a crucial appointment. They occasionally fall short.

I swallowed all the pain from it. Because those were really a valid reasons...

"This is Maria Chantylle Lanzetta, my daughter," Papa said as he introduced me to the two people in front of us.

They are both male species. One of them looks old like my father, and one is, I think, just a few years older than me. The old man's hair is turning white already, like my papa's. His mustache tells me that he is a handsome man even without it.

My eyes darted to the younger man. My lips pursed as I check on him.

He was wearing a black suit, worn with a white shirt and a black bow tie. He looked too formal. He has black messy hair, a proud pointed nose, and thin lips. His dark, intense eyes are intimidating.

"Chantylle, this is Mr. Raymond Marzon and his son, Vren Lucifer Marzon.."

His thick brows were furrowed while he looked at me like he knew all the mistakes that I had made since I was a baby. I felt like he knew the naughty things and dark secrets about me. I felt like he knew me so well.

I've known a lot of lads my age and men who are years older than me. The majority of them were jovial, witty, kind, and nice. Additionally, I have male buddies that share my mood. Being around them is relaxing. They eventually made interacting with other males so simple for me as well. However, this man in front of me exudes overwhelming danger, forcefulness and violence. It's alarming.

I looked away from him. My heart is pounding so loudly and I don’t know why!

"Chantylle, greet them," Mama commanded when she noticed that I was just staring.

Acting like a robot, I twitched my lips to form a smile before I bowed my head to them.

"Hi! It is such an honor to meet the both of you!" I greeted in a very exagerrated happy voice which I don't care if they will notice it.

The old man, Mr. Raymond Marzon laughed as the wrinkles on the side of his eyes showed. "You have a very sweet, and beautiful daughter, Anthony," he said.

Papa and Mama laughed too, maybe to hide their embarrassment at what I did. Because their laughter is just so stiff.

I frowned as I looked down. Why am I here? If I stayed here until they finished their talk, they might think I agreed to this! When the truth is, I will never, ever, agree. Screw these Marzons in front of me! I should've stayed in my room.

I was breathing rapidly when I lifted my head again only to see Vren Marzon's deep eyes staring directly at me. Never minding the shame of his stares, I raise my eyebrows at him. His expression changed with that. He now looked amused, and his lips even twisted.

My mood went down even more when we were already eating. My parents are smiling widely, like they've just got a big fish. Yes, it is definitely a big fish.

"So you graduated in Harvard University? And now, you are an engineer?" Mama uttered in a quite loud voice.

"Yes, Mrs. Lanzetta," Vren answered.

I rolled my eyes. He probably graduated with the help of his smart friends. A rich man like him pays other students to maintain their high grades. I am not saying that we are not rich. But my boy friends told me that they usually do that. Boys are lazy. That's why they do that.

Delighted, Mama clapped her hands. Papa smirked before drinking his water. Of course, they are so much pleased to hear that.

They carried on speaking. Although I am speaking as well, I am usually quiet. I was growing increasingly bored when my phone beeped. I received a message, and as I read it, I became even more problematic.

Alec: Where are you?

I bit my lips and shook my head before I put down my phone. The loud laughs of the people around me filled my ears.

"Mama, I need to go to the washroom," I whispered to my mother.

I saw how Vren's eyes shifted their gaze to me, making me stop leaning at my mother. But Mama heard it. That's why she turned her head to look at me.

"Okay. Make it fast, Chantylle," Mama said in authorative voice.

Yes!

I nodded at her and smiled. Sweetly. "Thanks, Mama.." then I looked at Papa and Mr. Marzon. "Excuse me..."

I stood up and didn't glance at the younger man who was sitting in front of me, even though he was already gawking at me. My heart is beating so fast. His stares are making me comfortable. It was deep, like he'd dug all of my secrets! It was like he knew what I was going to do.

This is not right. Not right!

I moved quickly as I headed towards the women's restroom. I didn't enter, though. I skipped straight over that. I briefly paused in the hallway before pulling my phone from my sling bag. Already, Alec has left two messages. I cursed.

Alec: Are you busy?

I was about to reply when my phone rang from his call. I immediately swiped it to answer.

"Hon!" I exclaimed and sighed.

"Why are you not answering my texts, hon? Where are you?" he asked in a worried tone.

"I.. Uhm.. I'm currently having a dinner outside with my parents.."

"Dinner? Outside? With your parents?" he asked ridiculously. "Are you kidding me, hon? Your parents don't do that.."

"I am not kidding. However, to clear your thoughts, maybe this is not really a family dinner. We are eating with some of Papa's business partner and his son!" I blabbed furiously.

"What?! Go home now, hon," he ordered it because he knew what it was all about too.

My eyes widened when I came back to my senses. I shook my head repeatedly. "I.. I can't."

I am so not into this. I am mad at my parents, but I don't want to do that. That is not the right thing to do.

"We both know what's going on there, Chantylle! You know what your parents are thinking!"

"Yes, I know, hon.. That's why I am going to set this up in the right way. I will fix this as soon as possible. You don't have to worry..." I said calmly, even though I was not sure.

"Chantylle"

Before I could finish hearing his sentiments, someone took my phone abruptly. Feeling shocked, I gasped as I turned around. But when I saw who was the one who did it, I immediately became annoyed.

"What the hell are you doing? Give me back my phone!" I shouted irritatedly at Vren.

He was standing proudly while holding my phone. The side of his lips rose, and I could see amusement in his eyes.

"How rude you are, Ms. Lanzetta. Talking to your boy while having dinner with us?"

My jaw clenched. "So what? This is none of your business! Give my phone back!"

I tried to grab my phone out of his hand. I succeeded when he let me. But when I lifted my gaze up to him, I caught him staring at me intently.

"This is my business, Ms. Lanzetta. You are my business. Because as of now, I'm already your fiancé. Remember that," he said before he left me.

"What took you so long?" Mama asked strictly when I came back to my seat.

Papa was busy talking with Mr. Marzon. They seem to not have noticed my presence yet.

I bit my lip and felt a little bit shy, especially when I saw Vren's eyes were on me. Again, it made me uncomfortable. He's like a predator watching his prey. Wait.. what?

I cleared my throat. "The restroom was full, Mama. I had to wait for minutes because of that," I answered.

Mama arched an eyebrow but made no comment. They chuckled with Mr. Marzon once Papa regained her attention. Vren continued to fixate attentively on me in the meantime. My brows drew in.

Why does he keep on staring at me? Do I have some dirt on my face?

Because of that, I unconsciously dunk my head to look at the screen of my phone. It is clean. Still beautiful. No dirt. What's wrong with him? I rolled my eyes as I inserted my phone back inside my sling bag. Is this the first time he's seen a radiant woman like me?

Oh well..

"So when is the wedding?" Mama asked so suddenly.

I was busy looking at the whole place when she asked that, which is why my head instantly turned to her.

For a fleeting moment, I want to be dumb. I don't want to understand it. I want to ask, "What wedding?" or "Who's wedding, Mama?" But God knows I know what she means by that!

Mr. Marzon laughed and so as Papa. Like they both knew what Mama is talking about. I was caught off guard and my whole face paled.

"Well... We are not in a hurry, right?" Mr. Marzon said grinning as he looked at me.

Mama laughed loudly, waving her hands on the air. "Oh, no! Not really!"

"I will let my son decide on that. He is the groom anyway..." Mr. Marzon looked at his son.

They all look at the person in front of me. When they went silent, I got tempted to look at him too. I gulped as I slowly glanced at Vren. He was silently sipping on his glass while his eyes lingered on me intently. I gasped.

He swiftly placed the empty glass on the table after he drank all the water in it without even looking away from me. My breathing hitched. I couldn't take my gaze away from him either, and it's bothering me! My heart is throbbing rapidly. I am terrified of what he's going to answer!

His lips twisted, still looking at me. "My bride isn't ready yet..."

I gritted my teeth.

"I will let her decide on it, too. We will still talk about it.."

This jerk!

"That's great!" Mama clapped her hands in so much enthusiasm.

My jaw fell open. I stared at my parents. They both look happy and excited without thinking about their daughter's feelings. My heart ached with that. I cannot believe it! I really could not believe it! I feel like they are not my parents anymore. They don't care about me anymore.

That made my tears begin to start, but I had to hold it back because the man in front of me was not taking his eyes off of me. I tried to look at him too, but it only lasted for a second. I immediately avoided my gaze.

I clenched my fist under the table as I took a deep breath. Calm down, Chantylle. Please do not cry here. You are strong. You can do this.

My parents started to change when our company started to fail too. At first, I did not even care about it. As long as they still give me anything I want and everything I need, I am good. Not until my father began to hinder me from going out and messing up with my plans. They even restrict me from buying different kinds of branded bags, watches, and shoes! Even the jewelry I'd love to buy.

But I knew so many of their rules that when I tried to break them, they took away all of my cards. reason why I couldn't say no in this meeting. I had to be good to get back my cards.

"Thank you so much for inviting us in this dinner, Raymond," Papa said when our dinner has ended.

"I am pleased that you came, though.." Mr. Marzon laughed.

"Are we going to expect a next call?" Mama joked and the three of them laughed.

I did not laugh, though. And so as Vren but I snorted. Vren and Mr. Marzon both looked at me. Papa and Mama laughed again however Mama was the one who held my shoulders tightly. I looked up to her and she gave me a leering look.

My parents bid their goodbyes to them hurriedly. Tonguetied, I bid my goodbye too.

"Chantylle!" Papa called when we went home.

I acted like I did not hear him. I acted like I did not care about anything. I acted like I was not hurt. I acted like I was cool. But the truth is I am at the very edge of crying. I am just pulling myself up.

We just entered the house, yet here he is, going to start with his litanies again. I am tired of it. All I want is to go and lie down in my bed to sleep.

I only had a few steps to the stairs, then I was off to my room. Papa called me again.

"Chantylle! If you are not going to face me, you will end up outside this house!"

I gasped. My eyes watered immediately. My lips trembled. My heart hurt so much with the fact that he could throw me out in the middle of the cold night! Where is my loving father now?

Slowly, I turn to face Papa. His enraged gaze shot toward me. The flames on it were practically visible to me. Additionally, I can see Papa's neck veins, which indicates that he is not happy with what I've done.

"You were so silent and rude during our dinner, and now you're like this? Where are your manners? I told you not to be rude, but what did you do?!"

"Tone down your voice, Anthony," Mama said calmly.

I looked at Mama. And even though I didn't want her to, I still wished she would support me. But then, she turned aside with a stern scowl when she realized I was staring at her.

With that, my tears fell down to my cheeks.

"Stop using those tears on me, Chantylle. You know it will no longer work," Papa said firmly with a piercing look.

I know, Papa. You don't have to say that. Because I know... that company is more important than me. More significant than your daughter.

Papa continued his long litanies, and I was silently crying all the time. Mama went up to their room as if nothing was happening here.

That time, I stopped hoping that my parents would be back to the way they used to be.

After hearing from my father, I hurriedly locked myself up in my room and cried loudly. I lost my care even if they heard me and assumed I was doing it on purpose to make them feel guilty.

My laptop rang while I was still sobbing. I wiped away all of my emotions when I noticed that my buddies were calling and accepted the video call right away.

"What happened to you? Why are your eyes swollen?" Eliana's concerned voice was the first one to speak after they scanned my face.

"Did you just cry?" Vivien asked.

"Just a little bit," I lied as I smiled.

"What? Why? Wait... tell us what happened!"

"What happened to the dinner you told us about?"

I sighed and started telling them what happened... starting from the meeting until how Papa scolded me. And to my wonder, they both looked shocked.

"Are you kidding?" Vivien asked ridiculously.

My brows furrowed. "Do I look like I'm kidding?" I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

"Vren Marzon? Really? Vren? You must be kidding us! It can't be!" Eliana said.

"Yes. Vren Marzon. What's with the reaction, girls?"

They looked at each other like what I asked is so ridiculous. Then they both laughed.

"That's Vren Marzon you are talking about! The Vren Marzon! And oh my. You also met Raymond Marzon, his father! I can't believe you don't know them!"

"And you're saying that Mr. Marzon and your parents are planning the both of you to be wed?" Vivien shook her head while laughing.

"What?"

"My God! An adonislike entrepreneurial prodigy, Vren Marzon! He's wellknown to all. He owns a variety of companies with locations all over the world. Despite coming from an affluent family, he had his own fortune. Chantylle, we can't believe you're missing something like this!" Eliana exclaimed.

What...

My jaw fell open after hearing my friend's report to me. They showed me information about the Vren Marzon that I was unaware of. What a filthy rich man he is. Even though his family is already rich, he still tries to make his own name in the industry. He is a multibillionare himself, to be exact. Not to mention his inherited wealth from his family. They told me even the tiniest things about him.

For a few seconds, I was amazed by him. I was definitely amazed that I had forgotten that I had met him earlier and how I was irritated at him every time. I had forgotten his equally rude attitude towards me. What exactly did he say? And how arrogant he is in my eyes.

And now these two are telling me that he is a successful man?

Hell. I had not even thought of that. even a bit! It is not obvious! The truth is, I thought he was just a simple son of a rich man. That idea honestly didn't enter my mind. Really!

"Seriously, Chan, in what planet were you from?" Vivien asked in a serious tone.

"You do know that I am not interested with business!" I groaned.

"But atleast you could've made some research!" Eliana said while fixing her short hair.

"I do not have the time to make a reseach when we were in the car, alright? And I still didn't know him that time," I explained.

"OMG! So you are really serious?!" they said in chorus.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. If I could just tweak their hairs right now, I would. These two..

"So you think I'm a liar?"

"Of course not! We just... Couldn't accept it! Oh my goodness! How did that happen? We know that Marzons are not doing arrange marriages!"

"And Vren is okay with it? I thought he has a girlfriend?"

My brows shot up at what Vivien said. girlfriend? He has a girlfriend? Well... He has the looks, so he probably has. It is impossible if he doesn't have it, though. But why did he tell me that he was already my fiancé? What? A fiancé that has a mistress?

Oh you, Chantylle!

I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. I shouldn't think of that. He is not my fiancé. It will never be! For whoever's sake, I have a freaking boyfriend! I shall stop those plans of my parents'. That wedding they are planning to have, it shouldn't come.

That's what I was thinking until I fell asleep. When I woke up the next day, I took a bath quickly and wore a simple floral dress paired with flat shoes. All my things were in my sling bag.

When I went down, Mama was in the kitchen, cooking our food since they fired all of our maids. Meanwhile, Papa's at the dining table with his newspaper, coffee, and usual. I stopped and stood there for a minute to stare at them. I couldn't help but feel sad again. Staring at them made me feel that everything was alright when it was not.

I continued walking towards them. I saw Papa glance at me then back to his newspaper. Sighing, I still kissed his cheeks.

"Papa.. Uh, I am going to meet my friends after breakfast..." I said, crossing my fingers.

But I know better, he would say no...

"Okay, you can go."

I gasped softly as my eyes widened in surprise. Still couldn't believe on what I've heard, I stared at Papa, thinking if is it really him who talked.

"Pardon, Papa?"

He hissed and looked at me again. "I said, you can go. Should I repeat it the third time?"

"NNo, Papa.." I shook my head repeatedly, scared on his tone and that he might change his decision.

I sat down, still amused. Mama was looking at me with her brows furrowed, but I ignored it. Because of the happiness I was feeling, I ate energetically. I almost forgot that I was with my parents. My mind is clouded with the thought that finally, after a week of being locked in this boring house, I am finally free.. Or not. Because I still know my father. This will only be for today.

At the same time, I am nervous and confused. What happened to Papa that led him to decide like this? But maybe he is guilty that he scolded me for so long last night.

I winced at that thought. I should just be happy with it.

"Mama, Papa, I'll go now," I excitingly said when I finished eating. I kissed them both on their cheeks before turning around.

"Stop right there."

I frowned and turn around to face them again. Papa put down his news paper and sipped on his coffee.

"Papa?" I said, confused.

"Wait for Vren because he's going to drive you. You are not allowed to go anywhere today without him."

What the...

"Papa" Before I could finish talking, I already heard an engine of a car.

My face paled as I took a glance at the window and saw a luxury car parking outside our gate. Vren Marzon came out of the car. He looks stunning in a black tshirt that slightly hugs his welltoned body and a pair of pants. And again, he doesn't look like the businessman my friends are talking about. He looks like a model to me.

That is why I understand why our teen neighbors went out of their houses just to look at this handsome freaking man who is now walking towards our house.

But I am fuming mad, despite how he looks right now!

What the hell, right? I thought Papa was in a good mood, which is why he allowed me to go out. And now, this? This is the real reason!

"Chantylle, open the door. It must be Vren..."

I breathed in and out before following Mama. Vren was about to knock when I opened the door.

Funny how even though I intended to avoid his gaze, ours nevertheless locked. Like the first time I saw his ominous, enigmatic, and threatening eyes, I was uneasy. Once more, fear made my heart beat rapidly. I've never experienced this emotion before, but I know it's bad.

"Your parents?" he asked in a deep voice.

"In the kitchen..." I answered in a cold tone.

I opened the door widely and stepped back a bit to let him come in. When he did, I unintentionally slammed the door, and I was even surprised by it. I looked up at him only to see his blank stare at me. My brows shot up on him.

"What?" I arrogantly said.

He just stared at me again, blankly.

I rolled my eyes at him before walking towards the kitchen. He followed me, and when we got there, he greeted my parents. I could not help but be fascinated by how he talked to my parents like a normal person. His wealth is not far from ours. When, in fact, it is. And he was so formal in the meeting and right now, but there was something about him that made me amused.

"Papa, I'm going," I said again, when I noticed that their talk was getting longer and longer. Though, I was hoping that Papa was joking earlier.

"Vren, take care of my daughter. Call me when she did something unpleasant. Alright?"

What?

"Papa, I can commute"

"I said Vren's going to drive you," Papa said in a loud and authorative voice that made me shut.

I blinked twice and gulped. I couldn't look at Vren in embarrassment.

Mama walked near me and whispered, "Don't do anything stupid again, Chantylle. I am warning you." Then she stepped back.

"We'll get going now, Sir, Ma'am.."

All they did was nod. Once more, I evaded Vren's stare as he turned to face me. However, I was almost startled when he stepped over to me and put his hands around my waist before leading the way out. I ripped his hands off of me as soon as we were out of my parents' line of sight. I gave him a sneer.

"You don't need to do that!"

He just shrugged and walked towards his car. He opened the shotgun seat for me, and I silently went in. I stopped myself from being amazed by his car, but I couldn't! This is fantastic!

"Aren't you busy? Why did you accept this favor of my father?" I asked, frowning but my eyes were roaming around his car.

"This isn't your father's favor."

"What?" I looked at him, confused. "Then who's favor is this? My Mama?"

Vren did not reply. He just looked at me with a grin on his face before he started the engine of his car.

"Just take me to the nearest mall. My friends and I are going to meet there. After that, you can go wherever you are goin,," I said while fixing my hair and checking my make up.

I saw him glance at me while driving the car. My brows shot up and I turned my head to look at him. He gave me consecutive glances that made me think he wouldn't answer.

"No. Your father said I will accompany you"

I did not let him finish his sentence, for I had stopped myself and let out a soft chuckle. His brows furrowed and he glanced at me again, but it was quick.

"What are you? A bodyguard?" I chuckled again because him being a bodyguard would also pass for me. He really doesn't look like a business man!

His perfect jaw clenched, but he did not talk. I shook my head, still laughing, to make him more annoyed.

"You don't want me mad."

I stopped and nearly got chills because of how deep and gruff his voice was.

I felt nervous about his tone. I took a glimpse at him. His eyes were fixed on the road, yet he got a hard grin and his jaw kept on clenching. With that, my mouth was zipped the whole ride and my eyes were trying to busy themselves on the buildings we were passing.

This is going to drive me insane. Everything is! I don't know how Papa and Mama can stand doing this to me. And what did they do to make the Marzons say yes to their proposal? Obviously, I am thinking that all of these are my parents' doing. In particular, my father. Because I have seen them desperate just for the sake of our company. And now they would even make their daughter an instrument just to save it.

I am sick of it now that everything they do for the company irritates me and makes me hurt. My parents' line, "This is for you," makes me want to puke.

If they were only not attending meetings in my school, I would still probably understand it. But now? What exactly is this? This crazy arranged marriage? No! These are not enough valid reasons for me! I will never accept this!

The car stopped in front of the mall but my eyes were on the other side of the lane.

"I'll go now. You go somewhere else and don't disturb me," I said, craning my neck to get a better view on the shop. I wonder if my friends are already there.

"Okay but I will tell this to your father"

I immediately turned my head to him. "Alright! Alright! But please, stay here! I will just meet my girl friends!"

"You are going to meet your friends yet I am not allowed to come with you?"

"Oh, come on! Who would bring a guy on a girl's date? My friends will ask. They will probably be awkward with it. And we will talk about girly things. I bet you don't want to hear those!"

With that, he let me go. That is the reason I was beaming when I walked into the coffee shop. But he gave me conditions; he asked for my number and told me that I only had one hour. I gave him my phone number, but I'm not going to do the second thing he said. I have an hour to talk with my friends? Hell, one topic takes 2 hours! Who is he to give conditions, anyway? I do not know him. I only know his name. So, if he thinks he can make me obey his commands, he should think again, because I won't.

"Chantylle! Here!" Eliana, who was sitting beside Vivien on the east side of the coffee shop, waved her hands at me.

I waved back as I walked towards their direction. On the way to their table, I noticed how the men turned their heads to me, which I was used to seeing. A grim line formed in my lips.

"Are you okay now?" Vivien asked when I sat down.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, Vivien."

"Is that Alec's new car? I saw that you came out from it. You two have plans today?"

I looked at what Eliana was looking at. It was Vren's fortuner. I did not notice that our table was in front of the window where Vren parked his car. Now I don't know how to answer Eliana. I knew this would happen! I should've commuted instead!

"I'm thirsty, I will order now. You two didn't wait for me," I said, looking at their coffee, and carefully avoiding Eliana's question.

"That's because you're late!" Elaina whined.

Laughing, I picked my bag and stood up immediately. Before they could even notice what I did, I had already made my way to the counter. The men were again drooling over me. And even if they saw that I caught them looking at me, their faces were so thick that they did not even get embarrassed by what they were doing.

I shook my head and was about to walk past their table when one of them stood up on my way. My brows furrowed as I stopped.

"Hi. I'm Errol," the man who was standing in front of me said. He was wearing a black jacket and black pants.

"So?" I rolled my eyes and continued walking, but I still heard how his friends laughed at him.

I don't like to be rude, but in this circumstance, I don't have time to get to know new individuals. I already have a lot of difficulties right now, and being around new people will only make them worse.

While I was ordering, my phone buzzed. I recognized the sender even though the message came from an unknown number.

Unknown number:

Buy me a coffee too.

Rolling my eyes, I put my phone back in my sling bag and ordered two coffees. That's why when I came back to our table, Eliana and Vivien were wondering why I ordered two when I couldn't even finish one cup of coffee. Again, I did my best to avoid their questions.

"I still couldn't believe what you have said last night, Chantylle," Vivien said after she sipped on her coffee.

We had been talking for almost an hour now, and I thought they had already forgotten about it. And now that they opened that topic, I have to urge you to think of ways to avoid it again.

"Don't believe it. It's not really true," I lied.

"What? You... You almost made us believe it!" Eliana pouted and hit me in my arm.

Meanwhile, Vivien shook her head. "I thought I already got the chance to meet Vren."

I laughed, thinking if she's serious or not. "You were the one who told me how different he is to us. I mean, we're rich, but definitely not as rich as he is. Our worlds were still not the same. That's absurd."

I hope I'd still go in heaven.

Maybe I should keep the truth to myself for the meantime. It will never happen, anyway. So telling them would also be useless.

"Oh my gosh! You're a liar, Chantylle!" Eliana pulled my hair a bit making me snap out of my thoughts.

"What?"

I looked at her, but she wasn't looking at me. She was looking out the window. And when I turned my head to it, Vren was already closing the door of his car. Worse, he even approached me in the coffee shop, which made my jaw drop.

What the hell is he doing? Didn't I tell him not to go out? Now what?

However, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The way he swiftly held the glass door to open it, my eyes went down to his firm arms. And I saw how people turned their heads at him. Girls from somewhere even squealed when he entered the shop.

My brows furrowed. I put down my cup and crossed my arms while looking at him walking to our table. His eyes were darkly making their way through the crowd, but when our eyes met, his eyes dimmed. He licked his red lips, and that made me look at it.

Oh goodness, Chantylle.

"What are you doing here?" I fired to him when he already reached our table.

He glanced at my friends. It made me look at them too. They were both stunned, staring blankly at the person in front of them. I couldn't help but to massage my temples. When Vren turned to me, I sat properly to keep my pose.

"You are not yet giving me my drink there, so I went out to get it myself," he said huskily.

"You should've texted me," I said firmly.

He licked his lips again and shrugged before he turned to my friends. He bow his head at them politely.

"Vren Marzon," he introduced himself. "I am Chantylle's fiancé.“

My eyes widened. "What are you doing?!" I asked as I glanced at my friends who were still both stunned.

He held my hands and forced me to stand up. In surprise, I immediately tried to get my hands off of him, but I couldn't. "Times up. Your one hour is enough," he said.

Before I could protest, he already dragged me out of the coffee shop.

The only thing I despised was when someone forced me to do something I didn't want to do. I mean, who wouldn't hate it, right? My parents, when I was young, did not force me to do things they knew could make me hate them. They would even spoil me with all the luxury they could give me. But everything really changes for a reason. The problem is, I don't know what that reason is.

And now I am so irritated with Vren, who is now dragging me without any care. When I almost got tripped, he just looked at me like he was telling me 'Are you stupid?' Can you believe that?

"Can you please let my hand go?" I said, trying to remove his hand on mine.

We stopped in front of his car. I immediately turned my head to the glass window to look at my friends inside the coffee shop. They were still looking at us with their jaws dropped. Hell. I wish they could help me with this, but in their state? I know they couldn't.

Vren let my hand go and faced me with creased forehead. "Shut your mouth up. You are annoying."

I was taken back on that but immediately got over with it. "You know what? I quit! Take me back to our house!" then I entered his car.

I slammed his door before I sat and fastened my seatbelt. I did not care if he'd get mad because I was more than mad. After that, I crossed my arms, frowning. My mood was really ruined. Taking a deep breath could not even lift my mood, which is making me more frustrated.

Seconds had passed but Vren was not yet coming inside the car, so I had no choice but to look at him, irritated because of his slow movement. And there, I saw him still standing in his position with his hands on his hips and elbows turned outward. His eyes were directly looking at me, despite the tinted window of his car. He could even see me through it. I felt like he knew that I was looking at him too.

But I came back to my senses and opened the window. I furrowed my brows as I looked at him.

"What are you still doing in there? Aren't you going to drive? Or you don't want me here? Just tell me so I could find a taxi."

He licked his lips before moving. When he came in, our eyes met again, and I snorted. I saw him shake his head, and after that, he started the engine quietly.

I tilted my head because of that, but before I could speak to ask him about his problem, my phone vibrated inside my sling bag. I slid my hand inside to get my phone. My dear boyfriend texted.

Alec: Let's meet, hon. I miss you. Where are you?

"Wait. Stop the car!" I blurted.

"What?" Vren turned to me with a confused face, but he did not do what I said.

"I said, stop the car! I am going to pee!"

He was confused he did stopped the car on the side of the lane. "Can't that wait until we get in your house? We're almost there"

"It can't!" I said while quickly unlocking the seatbelt. When I finally unlocked it, I immediately opened the door, but a firm hand held my arms tightly. My brows automatically furrowed as I looked at him. "What?"

"Where are you going to"

"None of your business!" I said as I pulled my hands back, went out and slammed the door.

I looked at my wrist watch and decided to run. But before I could do that, I heard him get out of the car too. When I looked back, he was standing outside his car. His hands were on its roof.

"Chantylle!" he shouted, his eyes were so dark.

I rolled my eyes after that I ran towards the mall. My phone rang as I ran. I answered it without looking who the caller was.

"Hon, you did not reply. Where are you?"

"I'm at the mall near our house. Let's meet here. Park your car on the back."

"Huh? Are you okay? Why is your breathing like that?"

"I am running!" I breathed.

"Running? Why are you running? Is someone following you?!" his voice became critical and loud.

"What? Following? No! Damn. I will explain it to you later when you get here at the mall. For now, I will end this call because this is obviously disturbing me," I stated as I hung up the call.

I did not waste any time. Vren is not dumb, I know that. As of now, he might have realized that I was just fooling him around. That is why when I entered the mall, I bought clothes and changed inside the public restroom. I made sure that I wouldn't be easily recognized.

Alec texted me again after a few minutes. I replied that I would wait for him near the escalator where there are lots of people.

"Chantylle?" Alec's voice filled my ears after how many minutes.

"Hon!" I exclaimed as I gets up. I hugged and kissed him in his cheeks. "You're late..."

"Hon, what are you wearing? You look like a kidnapper."

I sneered and took a step back because of what he has said. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow on him.

"This is my style for today," I hissed.

"What about what you said earlier? Why are you running"

"Don't mind it. I was just running away from Vren Marzon," I said nonchalantly while checking my nails. I grimaced on it. The last time I went to a spa was last month!

"Vren Marzon? I didn't know you are connected to him. You're friends with him?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and lifted my gaze up to him. That is when I realized what I had just told him. Slowly, I bit my lip to stop myself from telling him more information. I nodded my head at him.

"Yup. Just a friend.." I lied.

He was about to ask again when I decided to ask him sweetly to watch a movie. He immediately nodded and forgot everything. His mind was already clouded with dating. He was the one who bought our tickets and never let me go with him. His reason? He doesn't want me to be uncomfortable.

"Here, hon. Hold this first. I can't take the change," he said, chuckling.

I smiled and took the popcorn. He kissed me on my cheeks before he walked towards the counter again. Meanwhile, I checked my phone and lots of messages from Vren appeared in my eyes.

Vren: Where are you?

Vren: Answer my fucking calls!

Vren: You sneaked out with your boy?

Vren: You will be doomed.

I was scared by his texts, so I put my phone back in my sling bag. Alec, who was walking towards my direction, saw what I did. His eyebrows furrowed as he handed me our drinks.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

I gulped and shook my head repeatedly before standing up. "Let's go?"

I had been seeing Alec for about two years. He courted me when I was 16 years old. After a few months of dating, I said yes to him despite my belief that the duration of the relationship should take precedence over the courtship. He is a lovely, happy, and entertaining boyfriend. I was certain he would be ideal for me.

Naturally, my parents were unaware of it. I intended to tell them back when everything was still okay, but they were so busy that I was unable to say anything at all. That's why I decided against telling them right away. However, given how chaotic everything is right now, I don't believe notifying them is the wisest course of action. I'll keep our relationship private for the time being. I'll tell my folks right away when the moment is appropriate.

"Thank you, hon. I really had a great time today.." I said when I went out of his car and the cold windy night hugged my skin.

Alec smiled and kissed my forehead. "No problem. Anytime, hon. Next time again?"

"SSure.."

He said goodbye to me and then walked away. I stopped as I turned to enter our home. I looked at the person standing in the doorway with wide eyes, like a fool.

"PPapa..."

"Get inside," he said firmly and with full of authority. I almost shivered in fear at the seriousness of his expression.

A man appeared behind Papa. My gaze went to him, and an enormous rage flared up in me. Vren, who was looking at me with blank eyes, was standing cool and proudly behind my father with his hands in his pockets.

Papa came inside, and so did Vren. I immediately followed them with so much fear and fury for the person who was on Papa's back.

"End your relationship with that man," Papa said when he sat on the long sofa in the living room.

"Pardon?" I acted.

"Vren here told everything to me." Papa looked at me angrily. "You cut all your ties with him or else, Chantylle..."

My mouth fell slightly open to talk but I dared not to utter any word.

I was grounded. Papa did not allow me to go out again, for two weeks now. I beg that time without even caring if Vren was still watching and listening to us. Papa's voice was very serious when he said that but I still hoped he would not take it seriously. I still hoped that he still have mercy on me. However, it really did happened. I stayed in our house and the guards that my father hired were so tight that I never got a step outside the door.

Sitting on a wooden chair in my room while staring at the sun outside with teary eyes, I clenched my fist. This would not happen if it is not because of Vren Marzon. That evil jerk! Every bits of him despise me. How dare him tell Papa about Alec?

A tear from my eyes fell. What did I do for him to do this? I do not know him. We just met. Is it because my parents is so fond of him that is why he thinks he has the rights to do that? Or is it because... Of what he said? That he is my fiancé? That is so ridiculous!

"Chantylle. Go down for a bit to eat," Mama said coldly when she knocked in my room, one afternoon.

"I am still full, Mama," I lethargically answered.

"I said, go down for a bit to eat."

I had no choice but to go downstairs. My food was already in the table, so ready to eat that made me laughed with no humor. Atleast they are still feeding you, Chantylle..

Because of no appetite, I ate slowly. Well, I usually eat my food like that but this time it is more slower. Each time I bite, I was lazy.

My plate is on the way to be empty when I heard Mama's loud laugh in the living room. My brows immediately frowned. I know that laugh of my mother. She will just laugh like that when she's pleased over something. Even though I was so curious, my laziness to stand up forced me not to find out what's happening. I have a hunch that there's a visitor out there.

If it is my mother's visitor, they will just stay in thr living room. But if it is my father's and a very important visitor, then they will walk pass here. My father's office is located in the second floor and the stairs is just next to the dinning area where I am currently eating. So I will have the chance to take a peek on the visitor. And base on the footsteps that I am hearing right now, it is coming into this direction so I bet it was my Papa's.

"I am really very sorry for the inconvenience, Vren. My husband is just so persistent that he wants it to be finish quickly..."

My eyes widened in the name she mentioned. Vren? Vren Marzon? He's here?!

I sat properly and minutes did not pass, I saw Mama's wide smile as she walks. She was looking at her back, and there, Vren Marzon appeared onto my eyes. In an instant, my eyes were filled with hate.

"It is totally fine, madame. My full support is still on it, like what I have said.." Vren answered and his eyes drifted to me.

If looks could kill, he is probably now lying on the ground and not breathing. He saw it, I know. The desire of me, punching him. And what's making me upset more is his blank reaction.

"Oh, well..." Mama laughed again, so overwhelmed, then her eyes accidentally dropped in me. "What are you doing there, Chantylle?"

"Eating," I simply answered.

Grimaced, Mama shook her head before she turned to Vren again. Vren, on the other hand, is watching me darkly.

"This way, Vren. Anthony must have been waiting for a quite long now."

"Yes, madame.."

I turned away my eyes off him, slightly moved my body and bowed my head because of the uneasiness his stares was giving me. It was so deep that he was like digging my entire life. Like he is reading my mind.

On purpose, I waited for them to leave before finishing my food. Absent minded, I washed the dishes. After that, I went upstairs to my room but before I could go there, I stopped infront of my father's office when I saw the door is slighty open.

"You do not know how grateful I am and my wife right now, Vren. If it is not because of you and your father, maybe we have nothing now. We will forever be indebted to the both of you..." I heard Papa said.

"It was nothing. It may benefit to the both of us, so..."

"Still. We did not expect this. I mean, we know how wealthy your family is, Vren. Everyone knows you are not into this.."

Vren's soft chuckle filled my ears before he talked, "What's wrong having an arrange marriage? I see no problem in that."

"But I could not believe that it was you who"

My brows furrowed, wondering why Papa did not continue his sentence. I peeked on the slight aperture of the door. It was dark that made me confused. I know what my father's office look like. Supposedly, I should now br seeing a bookshelf and a painting. But I couldn't see anything except a white botton in front of me. I blinked twice. Wait. Botton?

Before I could comprehend everything, the door I am lying at opened, making me almost fall down on the floor if I did not just grasp my hand onto the clothes of the person who opened it. He was standing infront of me and held my elbow so I would not really fall.

"Chantylle? What are you doing there?" surprised and worried was written all over Papa's voice.

I looked at him and saw him standing at the back of his table. His hands were resting on it.

"UUh, PPapa," I muttered before I stood up properly and arranged my pose. "II was just..."

"She is obviously listening on us."

Like an automatic robot, my head turned to him with blazing eyes. I gritted my teeth as my forehead creased. He isn't looking at me but to my father. What made me angry even more is when Papa's reaction suddenly changed due to what have he said. From shock and worried, his face told me that he is not pleased that I am here and on what I did.

"Get out, Chantylle! What you are doing is not going to make my decision change!"

I almost startled at Papa's loud and thunderous voice. Afraid and hurt, tears formed onto my eyes as I rushed to my room.

Even though Papa changed for somehow long now, I am still not used to it. I am still hurting for it..

I cried and tried to sleep but I couldn't so I decided to go in the veranda. The warm wind touched my skin immediately as I opened the screen door. My sight automatically darted to the guards that my father hired. They were walking towards the gate, as if they are leaving.

My eyes lit up in an idea. I changed my clothes, fixed my hair and put some makeups in my face before I went down to the living room. As I sat on the long sofa, I took a glance on the main door.

It's open!

My mind knows how I wanted to run to it but I need to be patient...

Looking around, there is no CCTV camera. But who knows? Maybe Papa installed a very tiny one. Oh gosh. This is really crazy!

I slowly stood up and came close to the window beside the main door. The guards are no longer to be found when I pushed aside the curtains to look for them. I almost jump in enthusiasm. But I need to be calm.. I walked slowly towards the door now..

My heart is beating so fast and loud when I finally held the door knob. I was about to twist it so I could finally go out when someone talked behind my back.

"Looks like a naughty cat is going out, huh?"

Stunned, my eyes stared at the doorknob. My hands were shivering and I feel like the blood on my face were no longer in there.

"You are not allowed to go out. You know that," he said again with a serious voice now.

I breathed in deeply and gathered all my guts to face him. Vren is standing in the stairs, watching me intently. His hands were resting firmly on the staircase and his body built told me that he is physically strong. Our eyes met and his lips twisted into a grim line.

But despite of his image, it could not hide the fact that he is evil. He is a heartless man. What he did to me is too much!

"Why do you keep on meddling with my life?!" I almost shouted, tears were forming into my eyes.

"Why would I not? I am your fiancé"

"You are not! And you will never be!" I shouted at the top of my lungs before I angrily ran towards him.

He stepped back that made me think that he thought I'll attack him. It made an easier access for me to ran pass him, though I still pushed him with all my might before I went straight to my room.

Another week had passed before Papa finally allowed me to go out. He would not do that if I did not agreed to him that I would date Vren, that I will really not. Hell, why would I date him? I have a boyfriend and that is cheating! Besides, I am not forgetting that he is the reason why Papa grounded me for three weeks!

"Finally, after weeks of being uncontact, you answered your phone!" Alec whined over the call.

It was a sunny Saturday and I was sitting on the bed of my room when I called him. He was the first one whom I called after Papa handed me my phone because he has been calling my dead phone for over 100 times!

"I'm sorry.. Something happened"

"Something that is more important than me?" he spatted.

"IIt's not like that"

"Chantylle! You have no idea how worried I am!"

My brows furrowed. I do not know what to feel. I just got my phone back, now free to go out and this is what I get? After weeks of waiting? Really?

I want to be mad. I want to explain to him right now even if it is just over the phone, that I was grounded. That he should not greet me that way because of the pain I was feeling for the past few weeks. But I know I shouldn't. Alec did not do anything wrong about it. He does not know everything.

And for years of being in a relationship with him, I have memorized his way of thinking too. I know that he would not understand what I am going to say unless.we talk it on person.

"I am sorry, hon. I will explain it to you, later. Let's meet again on the"

"I will be the one to choose the place. And make sure your explaination is reasonable enough for me to not hate you," he said before he ended the call.

What the hell? Hate me?

I sighed. I know he was worried. Who wouldn't? He could not contact his girlfriend for weeks. If I were him, maybe I'll go crazy for it. However, his tone had offended me. But who knows? He's worried so I could not blame him on it.

Minutes after thinking, I decided to call my friends. Especially Vivien and Eliana. But then I remembered the last time we had a meeting. It was when Vren did not follow what I have said that he should stay in his car reason why my friends found out that I was lying.

But it was too late because when I thought of that, my phone was ringing. And when I came back to my senses, they already answered it.

"You have a lots of things to explain," that was the first thing Eliana said when they answered my call.

If I could just end the call rudely, I would do it.

I sighed, slowly killing Vren in my mind. That man is really getting into my nerves. Whenever I see him, he is making my whole life a mess. I should really do my moves now. He should be out of my world before I go crazy for it!

"Chantylle.. So it's really true? Vren Marzon is your fiancé or.. We just misunderstood it? Maybe you are friends with him?"

"I am not friends with him, Vivien," I said in grimaced.

"Then what? And why did you lie?" Eliana spatted loudly on the other line that made me almost put my phone away.

I told them every detailed things they need to know. Starting from the restaurant and now. When I finally finish my long talk, I thought Eliana won't be mad anymore.

"You should've not lied, Chantylle! I thought we're friends!"

"Eli..."

"It's okay, Vivien.. Eliana is right. I know I'm wrong. I am sorry.." I whole heartedly said.

"You should be sorry. You don't know how shock we were when we saw Vren!" Eliana exclaimed.

I bit my lips. I know how surprise they were. I've seen it. And now, I couldn't help but to silently laugh with it. Looking back, they just seems to be epic.

"What's your plan now?" Vivien asked seriously.

I immediately sat properly and became serious too. "I will make sure that my parents would not tie me in the knot with him.."

"Oh, Chantylle! Have you seen how Vren held your wrist firmly as he dragged you out? Have you seen his muscles? God. I haven't seen a man so charming as he is! If I were you, I'll just accept the marriage!"

My brows furrowed. "Eli!"

"What?" she asked, laughing, like she did not know that what she said was wrong.

"I won't accept it just because of his looks! I'm not that kind of girl, you know that. Even if he'll be the only guy left in the world, I won't marry him. Period!" I said in an irritated tone.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, calm down!" she said, still laughing.

"You know Chantylle doesn't like a guy just by handsome, rich, or what..." Vivien.

"Besides, I have a boyfriend. If you could not remember."

Eliana just shrugged but the smirk in her lips are still there and it irritates me like hell.

"Right.. Speaking of Alec, does he even know all of these?" Vivien asked.

"No.. But he knew my parents were linking me into someone. He doesn't know that it's like this now," I answered, slightly remembering what we have talked about earlier.

Alec has always been sulking and angry when I am out of reached, yet he couldn't stay being like that. But what bothered me right now is what he said. That was new. He will hate me just because of that? What if I was kidnapped? He'll worry and get mad? Without hearing my explainations?

"Where are you going again, Chantylle?" Papa's voice echoed around the living room.

Slightly gripping the hem of my pink fitted dress, I stop midstep on the stairs as I sighed heavily. "I am meeting my friends, Papa."

From the newspaper Papa was holding, looked up to me with a cold eyes. "Make sure it's really friends, Chantylle. Not your bastard boyfriend."

I gulped and gathered all my confidence to look straightly at Papa's eyes. "No.."

His eyes went back again on the newspaper and flipped it unto the new page. Meanwhile, I was trying to stand firmly even though my heart was beating so fast ang loud. My hands were sweating a bit.

"I am going to think that you broke up with him already by that answer, then.."

I did not replied.

"Be home by five. You have a dinner date with Vren. In case you forgot," he said without looking at me.

"II did not forget, Papa.."

My guilt was still hunting me even when I am already driving. Papa would hate me to the moon if he'll know that I lied. But no one will stop me. Alec is all I have right now, except for my friends. My parents, whom I loved the most changed and I do not know if I could still go to them whenever I have problems. So I cannot lose Alec.

I drove to the hotel that Alec messaged me before I went down to our living room. When I came to the parking lot, I could not help but to make a bad face.

This hotel... This is owned by the Marzons..

I shook my head and my eyes wandered around while driving, looking to a familiar car. When I saw Alec's BMW, I immediately parked my car beside it.

"You are late," that was the first thing Alec said when I entered his car.

I sighed. "I'm sorry.. The traffic was kinda heavy"

"Explain now, hon. Please.. I was really worried. And I am sorry too about what I have said earlier. I was just... Really mad and worried. You did not contact me for three weeks.." he said before reaching my cheeks and kissed it.

My lips formed into a grim line. I knew it. He could not stand being angry at me for long. Now, who wouldn't want him to stay forever?

"I was grounded. Papa confiscated my gadgets and"

A knock from the window in my side made me paused from talking. Irritated for the disturbance of the person who knock, I instatly tilted my head to see who it is. But my jaw dropped when I saw who it was.

"Vren Marzon? What do he want?" Alec said in a confused tone.

I am now sure that my face paled. I was about to talk to say they we should igore him but Vren knocked again.

"Hon, open the window. Maybe it's important.."

I do not want to follow what he said but I know it would make him more confused. So in a trembling hands, opened the window.

Vren's murky eyes was focused on me. The way he look, I immediately knew that I would regret my decision.

"Get out," his voice was so firm and cold.

Shit!

"What? Dude.. What's the problem? We are still talking.. If you have something important to tell, you can say it now," Alec said in a very confused way.

Vren ignored him and looked at me. "You are not allowed to meet that bastard. If you are not going to go out I am going to call your father right this instant."

I gulped. I immediately looked at Alec who is now annoyed by Vren's actions. His brows were furrowed deeply.

"Bastard?"

"AAlec.." I touched his arms to calm him down even though my heart was palpitating.

Alec turned to me with jaw clenched. "He called me bastard. You heard that, right?"

"Maybe we should go. He's crazy"

Alec moved his hands away from me. His breathing was fast and it scared me. He looked at Vren again with so much fury in his eyes.

"What the hell is your problem, man? Are you sick? Don't you think what you said was so rude? You called me bastard!"

"I know. And I won't deny it." Vren smirked.

"Vren!" I called angrily to make him stop but he did not looked at me.

"Fuck you! Who the hell do you think you are to call me bastard?"

I held again my boyfriend's arm. Oh God. Alec is really mad now! And if Vren won't stop they might end up fighting!

"I am Chantylle's fiancé," Vren said that made Alec stunned in surprise.