Rebellious Love

Rebellious 07

Just when things were slowly processing for me, the world seemed to like punishing me.

I don't know what's with fate today. I don't even believe in it. But with things that are happening lately, I am so close to convincing myself that, yes, fate must be playing with me to justify these uncanny encounters. It was funny, but my insides were terrified as my eyes were glued to the guy who was sitting across from me, looking so relaxed and unbothered as he listened and talked to my father— who, by the way, kept on talking about me as if I didn't exist at that moment.

"Lili can be so stubborn and very handful, Rayver. We have been dealing with scandalous news and I'm grateful to you for helping us solve this problem which is caused by my daughter."

Rayver— whose attention was on my father, drifted on to me and I almost gasped at the sight of him. I diverted my gaze to the food and gulped hard, trying not to look so affected by his presence.

I mentally shook my head. Affected?! Yes, but it is not a good way. I still remember those pieces of the drunken night I shared with him. I still remember the heated and wild night in the hotel, the insults and disappointments I received from him the previous day, and the look of playfulness and disdain. Those things lingered in my mind and even if it had been a day since that, it was still fresh. I felt like the soreness in between my legs came back and this time, it was very unpleasant that I wanted to take back the time to avoid having a one-night stand with him.

Of all people, why does it have to be him?

I glanced in front of me and immediately skimmed away when he caught my eyes.

Everyone is here. My brother, Liam, is sitting next to me while Jayden is beside Rayver. My mother is on my left side, and Papa is at the head of the table as he usually does.

My fists are clenched underneath the table as the memory of him— insulting me flooded my mind.

I feel my blood pressure rise every time I think about it. I didn't understand his reaction, some guys would wish to be in his position that night. After all, some asshöles still treat taking virginity as a goal, a victory, a trophy.

But with him, I felt like none of those mattered.

The thing that also pissed me off a lot was the fact that he was my first person, the guy to whom I'm going to get married to.

That night, I swore to celebrate my bachelorette party. To not give my husband-to-be everything, to not give myself to him, was and still is my goal.

Unfortunately, fate must be fücking with us.

"I'm glad I could be of help," he uttered. "I've watched the news and it was... chaotic. It's really not good publicity, especially now that you are running for a Mayor position in this election, sir."

I scoffed and I think everyone heard about it. I coughed fakely and looked at him.

"If you've watched the news, you could have at least read my statement. For your information, my name was just dragged and I never use any substance."

His upper lip rose up. Yet he didn't even bother to talk and just proceeded to speak to my father.

"Well, the wedding should be held as soon as possible. If you're worried about the venue and everything, then don't. I am here to help but you two should make your way to divert the attention of the people to your wedding. You guys will have to publicly announce your relationship, go on dates in public, and the likes. Convince them," Mama said. "Most importantly, no one shall know about the hidden agenda for your wedding. Let it be known that you are together for romance."

"Do we really have to do that?" I looked at Rayver intently. "Besides, have you asked Rayver if he's single or not? Maybe he is in a relationship and just hiding it from us." I didn't hide the irritation in my voice. "A lot of guys would hide it, Papa. Remember, we are a Madrigal. A lot would do everything— anything to be part of our family and he is not an exception."

"Nah," Rayver let out a chuckle. "I'm not in a relationship."

My lips twitched. I just really don't like his presence. I'm irritated and I just want to get him off the table now. Why is he even here? Ah, right... For the reward of marrying a Madrigal.

"Well... we should all finish our lunch before the food gets cold," said Mama.

Even if I've lost my appetite to eat, I still dig in silently. I could feel his stare at me, but I didn't bother to entertain him.

"Ah, I'll leave after this one, Pa. And Mama... I still need to finish something back in Boracay," Liam uttered in the middle of our lunch.

The talk was diverted to him and Jayden.

My mood was all over the place as I continued feeling Rayver's stares. That's why, when our lunch was over, I immediately excused him so we could talk in the garden. He followed. I heard every step he took towards me and even that was irritating to my ears. I faced him when we got enough privacy from them to talk. I folded my arms above my chest and gazed at him angrily.

"Change your mind," I started. "Tell Papa that you are no longer interested in whatever he promises you. Tell him not to push through the wedding. Tell him that you are already in a relationship—"

He cut me off. "I told you, I am not in a relationship. If I were, we wouldn't even share the same bed that night if I was seeing someone else, Lili..."

I shook my head, not believing in him. "Well, you seem the type of guy who's capable of doing wrong things. I don't trust you, Rayver Clemente. I will never do so, tell my father the truth and stop bothering my family for that— nonsense marriage! You could have declined the moment my father asked you!"

"I can't..." He seems to be having a hard time there. "I already agreed, Lili. I don't take—"

I raised my hand in the air. "Stop calling me Lili, will you? You are not a family, so, refrain from addressing me with that name. We're not that close to call me Lili."