LOVE MONEY AND PRIDE

Alissa’s POV Tok tok. “Miss Alissa, your aunt says you should come down now,” Manang called from outside my door. “Alright, Manang, I’ll be right there,” I replied, finishing the last strokes of my hairbrush. I caught my reflection in the mirror, adjusting a few loose strands. Tink. The soft sound of jewelry hitting the floor made me pause. I crouched to pick it up—an earring—and as my fingers touched the cold metal, a memory of Papa washed over me. “If only you were here… maybe I wouldn’t be in this situation,” I whispered to no one, my voice almost breaking. I quickly wiped away the tear threatening to fall. If you’re wondering why I’m being so dramatic… you’ll understand soon enough. I stepped out of my room and began making my way toward the staircase. “Hahaha, please excuse my niece,” my aunt’s voice carried through the hall. “She moves at her own pace.” I sighed. Is this really my fate? “Oh, here she is,” someone said, and all eyes turned to me. Five people stood at the bottom of the staircase, looking up expectantly. “Hello, Lissa!” An elegant older woman greeted me warmly. Everything about her—from her neatly styled hair to her tailored dress—spoke of wealth. “Hello, ma’am,” I replied politely. My aunt tugged me to her side. “Lissa, dear, this is Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz.” The elderly man beside her extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir,” I said, shaking it gently. “And this,” the woman continued, “is our son, Steven.” I glanced at the tall man beside her. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw told me one thing—he didn’t want to be here any more than I did. “So, shall we move to the dining area? Before the food gets cold,” my aunt suggested with a bright smile. If you’re wondering what this is all about… today is the day my aunt arranged for me to meet the family of my future husband. Yes, you heard that right—I’m getting married. At twenty-three. And to make matters worse—it’s an arranged marriage. But I have no choice. This marriage is the only way to save the company my father built from the ground up. We sat through lunch, my aunt and his parents chatting endlessly while I silently focused on my plate. Their conversation was a blur to me. Afterward, we moved to the garden to “discuss wedding plans.” I stayed quiet. Honestly, I didn’t care how that event turned out. Steven excused himself halfway through—apparently, he had a meeting after lunch. And just like that, my first encounter with my so-called fiancé ended.