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002

They walked out of the room and sat on a bench in the front garden of the restaurant.

"It seems like you don't agree with this arranged marriage," said Lona casually.

"I do agree. You're the one who seems not to agree," said Ares.

"I'm just being normal. I already said I agreed."

"Well then, good. If you agree, just remember—no need for drama."

"What?? What do you mean? You're the one who's being dramatic. Maybe you're the one full of drama, sheesh."

"Whatever."

"You brought me out here just to say useless stuff like this? Geez, you're such a boring guy."

"I'm not trying to talk about useless stuff. I'm talking about boundaries—things you shouldn't cross during this arranged marriage."

"What do you mean? Wait, are you serious or not? If you're not serious, then don't bother, because I don't want to play around. I don't want to waste my life."

"So you really want this to be real?"

"Of course, Ege. If you're not serious, then just say you're not agreeing and end it."

"You think it's that easy?"

"That's why I said from the start—it’s not that easy. But if you're not serious, then just don’t go through with it. That’s it. I don’t want to be left hanging."

"Okay."

"Okay what, monkey?" said Lona, starting to get annoyed at the person in front of her.

"Your mouth is so rude," said Ares while reaching for Lona's mouth to cover it with his hand.

"Ugh, don’t just grab my face like that," Lona said in annoyance.

"Well, that’s why you should watch your mouth, girl."

"Who are you to boss me around?"

"Your future husband. We just got arranged to be married, and you agreed to it too, remember?"

"But you didn’t agree, right?" said Lona. "You’re probably just scared your girlfriend will find out about this arranged marriage, huh?" said Lona again.

"I don’t have a girlfriend. I don’t even want one. You’re the only one who can own me."

"Ugh, I’m not interested in owning you."

"You sure?" said Ares while raising his eyebrow, trying to tease Lona. It seemed like he might start to like this girl.

"I’m sure. Arrrggh, are you serious or not about this arranged marriage thing? That’s the point."

"Agreed."

"Are you really serious?"

"Serious, if you’re serious too."

"Okay."

"Should we talk about the rules?"

"Okay, quickly."

"There can’t be a third party, meaning you can’t have another guy besides me. You can’t get close to any guy besides your dad, my dad, and me. No lying, we have to be honest with each other, get to know each other better, and take this arrangement seriously. Do you accept or not?"

"You're so possessive. Why can’t I be close to other guys? That’s annoying, you know!" said Lona, annoyed.

"Are you close to any guys, huh?"

"Well, no. So fine, okay, deal," said Lona, reaching out her hand.

"Don’t you have any requests?" asked Ares, not yet shaking her hand.

"I want to know your friends. You should know mine. I want to know everything about your life. You said we have to get closer, right?" said Lona.

"Okay, no problem. But you're not allowed to flirt with my friends. Remember, starting today, you—Bellona Marley Barrett—are officially owned by Ares Orion Wilson, got it?" said Ares, staring sharply at Lona.

"Excuse me? You can’t just claim me like that! I don't belong to anyone until I'm officially married. Understand?" said Lona, matching his intense stare.

"No, starting tonight, I claim you as mine."

"No one can control me before marriage."

"Fine, whatever. But I have the right to manage you because I’m your future husband."

"Ugh, fine whatever, but don’t be too pushy with me, okay?"

"I don't want to remember that we're not married yet, so you don't have full rights over me."

"Deal, okay?" Ares now reached out his hand.

"Deal," said Lona, responding to Ares’ handshake.

That night, they officially got engaged by putting rings on each other's left ring fingers.

"Lona, how is Ares? He’s good, right?" asked Papa Carlos.

"He's handsome too, right honey? Even I like him," said Mama Bella, instantly earning a glare from Papa Carlos.

"Eh, that’s not what I meant, Pa. I meant I like him for Lona. Why are you still jealous, Pa?"

"Hey, don't provoke Papa like that."

"I'm not provoking Papa, really. But if I do, it could be dangerous. Lona might get a sibling soon," joked Mama Bella, making Papa Carlos blush and Lona laugh.

"Oh Mama, poor Papa. Don’t tease him," said Lona, still laughing.

"Lona, you feel bad for Papa but still laugh at him?" said Papa Carlos.

"Hehe, it's just so funny, Pa. I couldn't help it," Lona said, still laughing.

"Alright, now that we’re here, go on in. Do you have classes tomorrow, Lona?" asked Mama Bella.

"No, Ma. I don’t have any classes tomorrow."

"Then just go straight to bed."

"Okay." Ilona then got out of the car and went into her room.

"Ma, let's continue."

"Continue? Continue what?" asked Mama Bella, confused.

"Don’t act like that. Your man wants you, Ma. Come on."

"Ugh, why are you like this, Pa?"

"No more resistance. Come on, Ma. Papa can’t hold it anymore."

"Alright then, come on, but let’s go inside first," said Mama Bella, giving in—she knew resistance was pointless when her husband was already in the mood.

"Come on, Ma. Want Papa to carry you?" asked Papa Carlos excitedly.

"No need, Pa. Let’s just go."

“Get out,” said Mama Bella while stepping out of the car, followed by Papa Carlos.

Lona threw herself onto her bed, then reached for her phone from inside her bag.

Group: Money Seekers

Lona: "Anyone up for a hangout tomorrow?"

Maili: "I can’t tomorrow, I have to accompany my mom shopping. Ugh, it’s so annoying."

Leena: "Same, my mom told me to come shopping with her. Why though? She usually shops alone."

Alluna: "I can't either. I'm going to visit my grandma at her house. She misses me—I'm her favorite grandchild."

Lona: "Hmph, okay then."

Lona put her phone back on the table beside her bed and got up to go to the bathroom to clean up and sleep.

"Huff... where should I go tomorrow? Ah, whatever, maybe I’ll just lie down all day. Ugh, so annoying."

"Aaah, should I really just sleep? Maybe I should ask that flat-faced guy to hang out," Lona thought.

"Yeah, good idea. A chance to get to know him better. But I don’t have his number. Does mom have it? Or dad maybe?" Lona wanted to get up but stopped herself, thinking her parents were probably already asleep.

"Alright, I’ll just ask in the morning. He doesn’t look like someone who’s too busy. Yeah, I’ll try to get his number tomorrow," Lona thought as she lay down properly in bed, closed her eyes, and drifted off into her dreams.