WIFE BEFORE HELLO

Prologue

WIFE BEFORE HELLO

written by: vngowllyy

PROLOGUE

Faye's Point of View

“MA, how many times do I have to tell you that I’m not ready?” I groaned, rubbing my temples as my brows furrowed in frustration. She’s here again. And of course, she's brought up the same topic — marriage.

My mom, who had just flown in again from Australia, was now standing in the middle of my Manila condo like she owned the place. Why couldn’t she just stay there and enjoy her retired life with dad? Why does she always have to meddle in mine?

“My daughter, you’re also twenty-five,” she said, voice filled with gentle concern. “Soon, you’ll be out of the calendar, come on.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I’ve heard this line so many times before I could recite it in my sleep. “Ma, it is really okay with me if I grow old single. I don’t mind it at all.” I muttered, letting out a deep sigh as I sank into the couch.

My mother’s face twisted into a familiar expression of maternal worry — the kind that made you feel like you were a complete failure even if you were literally a billionaire CEO with branches across continents.

“Faye, I’m just worried about you,” she said softly. “I’m okay with your decision, note to get married, okay. I just wish you’d at least give me a grandchild. I wan’t to see my grandchild of my only daughter. Look, you’re brother beat you, he got himself a wife and now they’re pregnant”

My brows shot up. "Ma, you know that Alek and his wife have been together since they’re in highschool. So I’m not surprised they’re now pregnant." I said bluntly, rolling my eyes again. My brother couldn’t even commit to a Netflix show, let alone a real relationship.

“Faye, please.” she pleaded, her voice almost breaking.

There it was again — that guilt-laced plea. It was her ultimate weapon. And somehow, it always hit right where I was weakest: my heart.

I sighed again, this time longer. “Fine. Here’s a deal…” I looked her straight in the eye, trying to sound serious. “If I turn twenty-six and I’m still not married, go ahead and set me up on a date with your friend’s son or whatever.”

Her eyes lit up instantly, but she wasn’t satisfied. Not yet.

“Twenty-five,” she said firmly, her tone sharp.

I narrowed my eyes. “No, Ma. Twenty-six.”

“Twenty-five, Faye.” she insisted, stepping closer like she was ready to arm-wrestle me for it.

I knew that tone. I’ve heard it when she negotiated million-dollar deals before she retired. She wouldn’t back down. This woman could out-stubborn a mule.

I groaned internally. I really can't win with her. “Fine. Twenty-five.”

A huge smile spread across her face like she just closed a deal with the universe. “Hmm. Deal! See you on your twenty-fifth birthday!” she said cheerfully, kissed my cheek like she didn’t just ruin my life, and headed out the door with the energy of someone who just won the lottery.

As soon as the door closed, I dropped my head back on the couch and stared at the ceiling.

Five months. I only have five months before my birthday.

Five months before I’m either married… or handed off to some stranger.

Fuck this damn life.

HIS Point of View

“WE can’t really change your mind, my son?” my mom asked for the hundredth time, crossing her arms like she was preparing for a court trial.

“No, mom.” I answered without hesitation. “Lyna is my life. I don’t want to let her go.”

I expected another lecture, another attempt to reason with me, but my father just laughed and shook his head...

“Don’t crawl back to us when you change your mind, when you finally put sense in your pea sized mind.” he said, wearing that trademark smirk that only annoyed me more.

I clenched my jaw, not in anger — in conviction. “Fine. Then I won’t invite you anymore to our wedding.” I said sharply.

That did it. My mom’s eyes hardened as she turned her back on me. “Let’s go, Mateo.” she snapped, grabbing her purse. “Do whatever you want.” My dad followed quietly, but not without giving me one last glance — like he knew something I didn’t.

As they walked out, I stood in silence.

No blessings. No support. Just rejection.

But it didn’t matter. I had made my choice.

Even if it meant walking alone down the aisle.

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VNGOWLLYY