Never Choose 20

Prologue

Akala ko, ako na ang pinaka-swerteng anak sa buong mundo. Itong marangyang buhay, mga magagarang kasuotan, libo-libong pera na nawawaldas linggo-linggo, akala ko lahat ng ito ay sapat na para kainggitan ninyo ako.

Pero ang lahat ng ito ay unti-unting nauubos at ang masaklap, buhay at kasiyahan ko ang naging kapalit.

"Dad, that was ten years ago!" Napataas na ang boses ko matapos ipaalala sa akin ni Daddy ang nilalaman ng papel na iyon.

He closed the newspaper and looked at me. "There is no difference even if it was from decades, Alora! You should do this! We need this!"

"Kayo lang ang may gusto!" Pinipigilan kong hindi umiyak sa harap ni Daddy.

Dad took a deep breath as he massage his head. "Alora, don't argue with me. We cannot run the company as best as we can if Liangji Group is not our investor."

"That has nothing to do with me."

"Yes, it does have! Don't be a hard-headed, Alora. Kung hindi ka makikisama, saan ka pupulutin? Our company will be at stake and even if you don't like, you will get married soon!" He stared at me for about seconds before he opened again the newspaper.

Why does he need to push me? Getting married at my most unexpected view? I am still young!

"If you think that I'll suffer after refusing this nonsense agreement, you're wrong." Matapang kong sinumbatan si Daddy sabay hablot ng limited edition kong gray hand bag.

For about five steps, he cleared his throat and chuckled as if I am an idiot in front of him. I didn't face him.

"Anong pinagmamalaki mo? Your so-called friends? Sa tingin mo kakaibiganin ka pa nila kung malaman nilang wala ka ng pera? Don't tell me you have real friends if their only motive is your money. Definitely, not you, Alora."

Mahigpit ang hawak ko sa aking bag. I managed not to cry but tears betrayed me. I left Dad in his office without saying a single word.

Doon ko pa lang napagtanto na kung gaano ka-authentic ang mga nabibili kong collection, ganoon naman ka-peke ang sayang nararamdaman ko.

Isang bagay ang pinagsisihan ko, ang piliin ang 20 bilang edad ko para magpakasal.

Kanino?

Hindi ko kilala...