Significance of Marraige

Chapter 1

"That's right! To the left Cosette." Tumagilid ako tsaka nagposing at tumingin sa camera. "Give me that fierce look sweetheart!" I did what Lana said. "Perfect! Now give us your sexiest pose and look." I lean on the wall and fold my left leg. I put my right hand on my head tsaka nilagay sa lips ko yung hintuturo ng left hand ko. Then I look at the camera seductively. "Bravo sweetheart you look amazing!" She said while clapping her hands another shot from the camera and it ended. "That's all for today good job everyone!" Lumapit ako sa PA ko at pinaayos ang magulo kong buhok.

Pinaalis ko sa kaniya ang make up. The make is too bold kaya ko pinaalis sa kaniya. Sanay naman ako pero hindi kagaya nito na sobrang bold talaga ng make up. Pagkatapos ay napagdesisyonan ko nang umuwi. Gusto ko nang magpahinga sa sobrang pagod ngayong araw. Andaming ginawa at nangyari sa buhay ko ngayong araw.

Pasakay na ako ng kotse ko nang naka tanggap ako ng tawag mula sa mommy ko. "Anak, where are you?" Ah yes, I almost forgot. May family dinner pala kami. "I'm still at my workplace, mom." I opened the door of my car and went inside. I heard a sigh on the other line. "Can you hurry up a little bit, sweetheart? Ikaw na lang ang inaantay namin." I bid a goodbye to my mom and step on the gas. I drive my car faster than my usual speed.

I finally reached the destination but before that, I changed my clothes. I need to look presentable, because mom said that there will be a guest. I wore a light pink sequence spaghetti fitted long dress and a white stilettos. I just bun my hair to finish my look with pearl necklace and earrings.

"Oh my! Cosette!" I almost rolled my eyes when my cousin Svaine approached me. Just like me she's a model too. "You look pretty ah, manang mana sakin." Mahina pa itong tumawa at kinalas ko naman ang kamay niyang naka pulupot sa braso ko. "Sungit!" She mumbled.

I saw everyone at the dinning table as we reached the dinning room. I guess everyone waited for me. My mother sweetly smiled at me and my father motioned me to sit down with a small smile on his lips. I sat on the chair like a lady should be.

"Is she your daughter, Conrad?" A middle age man spoke. I immediately recognize his accent, a russian accent. He does not look old despite of his age and I can see the russian features on him. The man looked ruthless. "Yes, she is my daughter." I inhaled and composed myself. I suddenly feel anxious and the atmosphere became heavy. The man looked at me. "So how are you?" Again I felt nervous. My parents looked at me waiting for me to answer. I just realized that the question was intended to me. "I am doing great po." I groaned at the back of my mind. I want to go home gosh! "I already know your name so I wanna know you more. Your highest educational attainment or perhaps your life after college. " I scanned the whole table and I almost cursed when I saw the person I never wished to met again.

It's her, the same girl I hated when I was still studying. Our eyes met and it made me more nervous. Her eyes were cold and piercing. What's her problem? Ang taray ha. "Uh, I'm currently a model. I graduated my degree at Cambridge University as a Summa c*m Laude of my batch." He nodded at took a sip at his wine. "Don't be too formal and call me Uncle Fyodor." Tumango na lang ako at wala nang sinabi pa. I looked at her again na mataray na naman ang mata. I rolled my eyes at her.

"What's your degree in college?" Uncle Fyodor looked at me like I was an interesting person. He must be a remarkable person kasi hindi naman makikipagdinner si dad sa kaniya kung hindi, maliban na lang kung family friend. "Bachelor of Science in Accountancy po. After I graduate, nag-aral po ako ng law. So after that, I became a CPA Lawyer. Then, I took my master's degree." It became quiet again. I continued my food and that's when he spoke again. "You have an interesting profession. Why modeling and did not continue your profession?" Dinner ba talaga 'to or interview? What's the purpose? "Aside from my profession, modeling is also my passion. I did continue my profession while being a model." His laugh echoed in four corners of the dinning room. It's not irritating or anything though.

He cleared his throat and looked at me again. Does Russians always look cold and ruthless? "I see, you have an interesting daughter. I must say your daughter is brilliant, Conrad." My father only smiled at him. "Alright, I want you to meet my daughter." I looked at her and my ghad! Ang taray padin. I cannot deny the fact that she looked gorgeous.

She's on her corporate attire. Navy blue long sleeves and white slacks. She's my academic rival when we were young. In every field that I step, she will always be there. That cold brown eyes never changed. I'm surprised na siya pala ang anak ni Uncle Fyodor. I looked at the right side of her father and there I saw a lady who looked exactly like her. Her mother looked more soft, unlike her and her father.

The lady smiled at me so I returned the smile. "I already know her po. We're batch mates." I pursed a smile. I suddenly feel irritated. Yung dating nararamdaman kong inis sa kaniya noon ay bumalik ulit. "So, what's the deal? I know there's a reason why this dinner happened after all." I look at them including my family and the guest. Mapang asar namang ngumiti si Anzhelika na kaibigan ko. Talagang kasama siya sa dinner dahil bunsong anak siya ni Uncle Fyodor. "You're grandfather must have told you." This time my father spoke. Told me about what? Don't tell me?!

"Marraige?" I'm not sure with my answer. I saw my father nod his head. "W-what? Who am I going to marry?" Why does it feel like I'm in danger. "Me." A feminine yet dominant voice appeared. Oh come on ganito na ba ako kamalas at sa kaaway ko pa talaga ako ikakasal?

Nasa garden ako ngayon nagpapahangin, because I excused myself when we finished the dinner. They're talking about business so I took the chance to excuse myself. I may be an accountant but I hate business. Hinubad ko ang heels ko tsaka umupo sa edge ng pool habang naka lublob ang dalawa kong paa sa pool. I always love this part in my parents' house. I move out when I graduated in college and pass my board exam. Binibisita ko naman sila whenever my schedule is not that busy. I heard a cute small voice called my name.

I immediately smiled when I saw my best friend's daughter walking towards me. She looks cute with her cute pink chiffon ruffle dress and two bows at the both sides of her head with the same color of her dress, as well as her doll shoes. She's Anzhelika's daughter my best friend. She's named after her mom and that is Anzhekia Katria but I prefer her second name.

"Tita, I missed you po!" She exclaimed happily tsaka dinamba ako ng yakap. "Careful sweetheart, baka mahulog ka sa pool." I kissed her cheeks and made her sit on my lap. "You will save me naman po if I got drowned on the pool." I really love this kid, despite of a young age; she's bright and cheerful. I will not bother to wonder where did this kid got her attitude, dahil alam kong namana niya sa mommy niya. She's six years old by the way. I brush her hair using my fingers while listening to her little stories. She look exactly like Anzhelika, like a mini version of herself. "Are you really going to marry my Tita?" I just nod my head dahil kahit ako ay hindi makapaniwala, at higit sa lahat ay sa taong kinaiinisan ko pa talaga. "Sorry po, am I being nosy? I just heard it when we were eating po." It made me smile. I know my best friend raise her well. She may spoil her daughter but she will not forget to teach her a proper manner. "It's okay baby but you have to remember that whatever you heard from the elder's conversation wag mong sabihin sa iba, alright?" She nod her head and smiled after. "Then it's true po? You're going to be my real Tita?" I nod my head again. "Sweetheart, even if I'm not marrying your Tita Anzhelina I will still be your real Tita. Baba ka muna sa lap ni Tita you're heavy na." I chuckled when I saw her pouting as I place her beside me. "Hey don't be sad na, you're heavy na kasi big girl ka na." She beamed after I said that. This kid badly want to grow up fast but I wish she wouldn't because I know, she will regret it as time she grow up.

Her smiled became wide and her eyes beamed with happiness. "Really po? I'm a big girl na po?" I was about to agree with ger when a familiar presence showed up. "Anzhekia." She called her niece with softness. So she have this side huh.

Lumapit sa kaniya ang pamangkin niya at hinalikan siya nito sa pisnge. "I'm talking to Tita Cosette po. She's your finacé po?" As much as I hate her I restrained myself giving her the attitude she wants dahil ayokong makita ng bata. "Alright, get inside me and your Tita Cosette has something to talk about." Bahagyang napasimangot ang bata dahil alam ko na gustong gusto nito sa akin. The kid kissed my cheeks before she left.

Tumayo ako mula sa pagkakaupo sa pool. I grab the towel beside the lounger chair and dried off my feet. "What are we going to talk about?" Sinusuot ko ngayon ang heels ko. "I want to know what's your opinion about the marriage." Diretsiyahan niyang sabi and I did not expect that. All I thought is that she does not care about the marriage.

I sighed before speaking. "If I said something, will it change the decision?" Suddenly, it went silent. I looked at her and she's just looking at me. "Then tell me." There I lost all of my control after she said that. "I actually do not like the decision, honestly. Aside from I hate you I am not a fan of fixed marraige and it intensified when I knew you're going to be my wife. Who would not be? Marrying the arrogant doctor and prosecutor. I despise you Anzhelina so do not expect me to be nice to you once we get married. Don't worry hindi kita tatakasan but I will make sure that you will regret marrying me. I hate you with all of my life." Her eyes were still cold. She's looking at me as if my words were nothing.

Muntik pa akong matumba nung hinila niya ako papalapit sa kaniya nung iniwan ko siya. She's holding my waist and shamelessly kissed me. Oh my ghad! No! I push her away from me but she hold both of my wirst and deepen the kiss. "You may hate me darling but I will make sure you will crawl your way back to me and if that happens, bear in your mind that you won't be able to escape from me." She whispered to my ear that sends thousands of electric current in my body that made me shiver. I was left dumb founded as she went back inside. F*ck.

After that exhausting dinner I can now finally rest. I sighed thinking that the marriage will surely happen. I only agreed because grandpa asked me to. "Is the decision final?" Is this some kind of joke? I'm not against with same s*x marraige but seriously? Of all people why her? "Do you still hate her?" My brother Cassian, asked me. "You know the answer." Bigla siyang tumawa kaya binato ko sa kaniya iyong pouch ko. "Cosette, even if you hate her that won't change the decision." I groaned upn hearing his words. "Right, I have no choice." Tumayo agad ako at umakyat sa taas. I don't usually stay here at my parents' house. Ngayon lang dahil gabi na and I'm tired from work, also at what happened at the dinner.

I closed my eyes as the water cascade from my body. I need some time to think. Why the hell she kissed my like that?! And what's with the escape thing? Seriously, how f*cked up my life can be that I have to marry her?

I grab a pair of silk pyjamas and blow dried my hair. I'm laying down on my bed when my phone ring. "How's the talk with my sister bestie?" Then again I feel annoyed. This woman know how to piss me off she should be lucky that I love her daughter, I might kill her if time comes. "Just a normal talk. She asked me what's my opinion about the marriage." The other line went silent for a minute. "That's all?" Does she think something happened-oh f*ck it. Yeah right she kissed me. "Yeah that's all."

I don't want to admit that her sister kissed me. "Goodness that dumbass. I told her to make a move on you but I guess she just pissed you off." She mumbled but I did not hear entirely what she just said. "Is there anything you want? I'm going to sleep." Pinatay ko ang tawag dahil hindi naman na siya sumagot. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Bunamaba na ako for breakfast, but before that I made sure I took a nice shower and tidy up my room. I'm wearing a white ralph laurent fitted cardigan and black mini skirt. I have plans for today and the first thing is to go shopping. I have no stocks at my house. I will just pair it with shoes na lang later kapag aalis na ako.

My mood suddenly changed because I saw her sitting prettily at the dinning table with her blue and white striped polo shirt na hanggang siko ang tupi, a white shorts and 2 inch sling back heels. Seriously? Ang ganda ng gising ko tapos siya agad ang maabutan ko sa kusina? Ang dati kong naka ngiting mukha ay napalitan ng simangot. I sat silently and eat my food. Bakit ba kasi siya nandito. Tahimik kaming kumain at kahit ni isa sa amin ay walang nagsalita o kahit ano man. I wipe my lips as soon as I finished eating.

Tumayo ako para kunin na sana ang shoes ko sa taas nang nagsalita siya. "You're going upstairs, right? Pack your clothes." Huminto ako para mabalingan siya. "What for?" I don't her why she's here and telling me to pack my things. "Didn't your father told you, yet? Or you forgot about it." That hit me, I just realized that yesterday as they talk about our marriage they decided that the both of us should live in the same house while we prepare for the wedding. "I have my own house and you can go back home. I have many things to do today so I can-ano ba?!" I shrieked when she pulled me close to her. "Get off me nga! Andami kong gagawin today. Stop bothering me, Anzhelina!" I'm fuming mad right now. I badly want to hurt her. Nang gigil ako sa kaniya pero naalala ko na dapat mabait na ako. "Just do what I said." She commanded at me. Wow ha ang demanding. "No you cannot order me around." Tinalikuran ko siya at naglakad palayo. Kinuha ko ang 2 inch white ballerina doll shoes ko at saktong tapos na ako nang maramdaman kong umangat ako.

"Ano ba put me down!" I tried kicking my feet. ut she did not even budge. "Ksenia kapag hindi mo ako binaba magagalit ako sayo lalo." Thank god and she did put me down. I glared at her and fix my wrinkled clothes. "What do you want ba ha? Ayoko nga sumama sayo. Marami akong gagawin today kaya lubayan mo ako." Sa dami nabg sinabi ko ay sinabihan lang ako nito na pumasok na sa kotse niya. Again nagpumiglas ulit ako pero ewan ko sa babaeng 'to bakit ang lakas at naipasok niya ako sa passenger seat. "Ano ba palabasin mo sabi ako. Marami akong gagawin, maggrocery ako and I have appointment at my agency. Can't you hear me? Are you-" I went silent when she stepped on the break at halos mabunggo ako sa hanapan. "Ksenia!" Natahimik ako bigla when I saw her reaction. She's mad. "Can't you just be silent? Look, I'm trying my best to be patient with you, because Tita told me to be patient whenever I'm with you." So what? Ayoko nga kasi. "I told you diba? Ibaba mo ako. Ayaw mo pala na maingay ako e, edi ibaba mo ako-" She held my cheeks and shamelessly kissed me. I gasp for air and her tongue slip inside my mouth. She pinned my hands at the window when I tried to push her away. "Ksenia!" She bit my lower lip and kissed me again. "This is a better option to shut your mouth, honey. What do you think?" I cannot utter any word. My ghad she shamelessly kissed me!

Tahimik ako buong byahe hanggang makarating kami sa mall. Nauna akong bumama at hindi na siya hinintay pa. I put ny sunglasses on para hindi ako makilala it will be hassle for me kasi kapag na recognize nila ako ay maraming magpapapicture at magpapa autograph sakin. The freedom of walking alone did not last when I felt her walking behind me. Hindi ko siya pinansin and grab a cart for my groceries.

I did not even talked to her dahil baka halikan niya ako. I don't want to wake up next morning tapos nasa front line ako ng news saying that "The famous model Cosette Pastrana was caught kissing a woman at the Mall." It would be a night mare for me, oh goodness. She followed me hanggang sa matapos ako maggrocery at wala nang magawa kundi ang magimpake because when we got home my mom told me to move at her house. It's their decision and I feel like I have no right for myself. I hate it and I hate her.