CHAPTER 5
Ciandre's POV
"Yeah, you're right. You're a grown up woman because in few months you'll be meeting your husband."
My who? Do I hear it correctly? Since when did my mom become humorous? I don't know what she's talking about. I raise a brow urging her to talk further but she just give me an encouraging smile.
" Mom, why are you talking about marriage? I'm still young and I don't even have a boyfriend."
" That's exactly the point, you don't need a boyfriend, because you'll be needing a husband."
The heck? Is she serious?
"Mom? What are you trying to say?"
"Just kidding, my baby. I'm just trying to make you laugh. It seems that you're too stressed."
Wow, unbelievable. I wonder what's in their trip that she came back lively and full of energy, hmm? Maybe because dad and mom were making my sibling? Tsk, that would be gross. But it's possible. Nevermind, whatever it was it's up to them. I went to the dining and waited for my mom and dad to be there so we could've start eating. But heck, I wasn't expecting that the helpers would prepare a lot of foods. Like who's the guests? Am I this special inorder for them to prepare this much? I am busy thinking when I heard my dad laughing. I look at his direction only to find out that Mr. Arrogant was behind him and next is my mom. Wow, such a good day. I thought he'll just take me home but why does he's here?
" Mr. Skynard, suit yourself."
My dad motioned him to sit beside me. I am about to complain when Mr. Arrogant laugh.
" Thank you, sir. But it seems that CG's would be uncomfortable if I have to sit beside her. She want me gone in her sight badly."
What? He even laugh after stating his remark. Rude! And how can my father laugh with him.
" Excuse me, if you're finished laughing then maybe we can eat now.
I said out of annoyance. I glance at my mother who's smiling from ear to ear while looking at me. Tsk, weird. I fill my plate with different kinds of foods. I miss eating this kind of foods.
"Ciandre, how's school? Are you doing well?"
My mom ask me while were on the middle of our meal. I didn't answer right away because my mouth is full. I am chewing my food when Mr. Arrogant suddenly speak.
"She's actually doing great madam, in fact most of her professors were praising her."
"That's great, Gianna's always on top. She always excel even before so it's not shocking to hear such a good news."
I'm just listening to my mom and Skynard talking to each other. My dad keeps on bragging about how kind and smart I am. I know that they're proud of me but I feel uncomfortable because it seems to me that there are hidden agendas attach to it. I'm already done eating when my father give his attention to me.
"Since you're doing well in school Gianna,I I have nothing to worry about it. But I would like you to focus on it and boys aren't allowed yet. You'll get yours in a perfect time."
Tsk, no boys but I'm living with a man. Does they even think that I'm a woman now and at this stage we generally have a strong hormonal change which would result to a strong s****l desire. I'm just stating base on facts but I'm not saying that women at this stage should follow what their body craves for. After thinking such thing, I look at my father and nodded as a sign of agreement. But he even talk further asking some inappropriate questions. Inappropriate because there's someone who's listening and he's a total stranger to us.
"Since you're not into men, then I don't have any problem. Continue doing that, Gianna."
I nod again showing a bored expression.
" In few months, you'll be meeting someone that would be part of our family. And I hope you'll like him."
I keep on nodding to my father's remark because I don't want to argue with him. Honestly, I'm not listening to him. I'm bored as hell and all I want is to be in my room. But dad can't stop talking.
"Dad, can I excuse myself? "
My dad look at me and nod, they're busy talking about business with Mr. Arrogant. After getting a response I I went to my room. Oh, I miss my spacious room. King size bed with soft and comfortable mattresses, simple yet elegant ceiling, expensive art display and most especially a celestial themed censored light and not to mention my cosy bathroom. I roll on my bed and hug my pillow. I miss this, my room still smells like me, very feminine. After rolling over on my bed, I stood up and went to my make up area. I checked all my accessories in my drawer and they're completely fine. I opened the last drawer and I noticed that there is an envelope in it. I didn't remember putting an envelope in here. Maybe some of my love letters I have in my grade school. I smile and suddenly I have the urge to open it at least I could have a memory trip back when I was a child. Wow, secured. I really glued it. I can't help but to keep on smiling because somehow I'm excited to see what's inside. Part of some stupidity I did when I was in Jr. High School. When I tore the envelope, the first thing I noticed is a picture of me when I was in high school, so I take a look and I can't help but to giggle, a photo when I was thirteen. Next thing I found is a short brown envelope inside it. I take it and opened the envelope then there's a letter inside it. Tsk, maybe this is my letter to somebody. I started unfolding the letter it then I noticed that it was not my penmanship because it was an encoded letter. So I became curious and I read it away.
"Ciandre Gianna delos Reyes - Heiress of delos Reyes Hotel and Casino, delos Reyes Highland Beach Resort, delos Reyes Hacienda and delos Reyes Airline Company."
What? Is this for real? I'm an heiress? I mean, I knew that we're into businesses but I'm not aware that my family has this kind of businesses. I continue reading the letter.
"On the 28th day of October, we the delos Reyes clan had agreed to be united with the Young clan. On the exact day of our union, both of the clan will gain countless benefits. "
Signed Charmain delos Reyes and Mr. Young. I finished reading the letter and I even read it once so I could've get an idea. What's the connection of my name to their union? Does that mean, someone from our clan will marry from their clan? Because I don't see any way for two clans to be united except from this. But why does my name is involved? Wait, I will be turning eighteen on the 28th of October, then the letter is dated exactly as my birthday. My mom mentioned a while ago about husband? It means I'll be going to marry someone I don't even know? I started building theories and conclusions on my head. I put back the letter and my picture on the envelope and sat on the chair in front of the mirror. I stared myself and I can see how my face turned into red. I was about to cry when my door suddenly opened. I waited for someone's reflection to appear on the mirror. And when it did, it was my mom. I didn't say a word because I am confused and my mind is battling wether to ask her for a confirmation or not. But I'm not that stupid not to figure out this things. It was crystal clear that I will be marrying someone. It was my picture with my profile attached to it.
"Gianna, are you okay?"
My mom asked me and I look at her on the mirror's reflection. She's sitting on my bed at the moment.
"Mom, do you have something to say?"
I ask her pertaining the letter I have read. I want her to tell me honestly without forcing he.
"Like what, Gianna? About our trip? It was successful."
"Aside from it, what about my future mom? Do you have any plans for me? Like where do you want me to go or to work after I finished college? At what age do you want me to marry?"
I saw how my mother's expression change. She looked away and sighed. Maybe she'll tell me the truth.
"Hmm, I don't know yet. Maybe there are things that you wouldn't understand yet. But I'm sure you'll have a great future."
She gave me a fame smile and she stand up and went closer to me then she give me a hug.
"Really? You don't know anything?"
I ask her showing my real emotion. I was disappointed the way she lie to me. Judging from her looks, I know she knew something but she didn't bother telling it to. I deserve to know the truth. It's my life and I should be in charge of it. I don't want to be mad at them, but if they keep on directing me what to do then maybe I should start going against their direction. I stood up and ask her for one last time.
"Really mom, you wouldn't tell me anything? Because right now, I feel betrayed?"
I saw my mom's teary eye. She sigh and again she said nothing.
"Okay, if you don't want to say then keep it to yourself. I won't force you and when the time comes, don't force me too."
With that, I went downstairs and decided to went back to my condo. I didn't inform then that'll be going back to my unit. I was upset, totally upset. I don't want to cry because I feel like I would be a loser. When I came out, I noticed that Mr. Arrogant's car is still in the garage. I called the grab and after few minutes I was already on my home home. I can't help not to think about what I have read. I wanted to forget this. Or maybe, I should enjoy my life while I'm still free. Maybe partying would be great. I get my phone and called Landon.
"Hey, what's up?"
"Thanks for answering my call and sorry to bother you, Landon. But I would like to ask if you knew some bar where we could have fun?"
"Hahaha, why are you asking? "
"Just tell me."
"Yeah I knew some great bar, but I wonder if they'll let you in."
"They will, nothing's impossible when money works".
" Haha, seems that you're pissed. I'll text you the address later. Well meet their."
"Okay, thanks Landon. Have a great day."
Good at least I have company. Maybe I could start living my life under my command.
"Ms. we're here."
"Thanks, sir. Have a good day."
Even if I'm not in the mood but I still manage to smile to every person I meet while I'm on my way to the elevator. Tsk, they thought I'm dumb to not know anything in this world. They may treat me like a baby but I'm a grown up woman now with an Intelligent Quotient of 140. Tonight's gonna be fun. But of course my study is still the top priority. When I reach my unit, I slide my key card on the door's security lock. I opened it and I directly went to my room. I need to finished all my assignments so at least if go to a party tonight I will have plenty of time to sleep tomorrow. So far I only have two tasks so I did it in less than an hour. I look at my wrist watch and it is still three in the afternoon so I decided to take a nap. But suddenly my phone started beeping. I check it and it was Landon.
“Landon?”
“You, what’s up? I’ll pick you up Gianna, send your address right away and we’ll have fun.”
“Really? But isn’t it too early?”
“We're not going to a bar. We’re going to a beach. So pack up cause we’ll stay there for a night. Don’t worry I’m with our friends.”
“Oh, if that’s the case then I’ll text you my address. Bye Landon.”
I drop the call immediately and prepared my things. One night is enough for me to let go of all the burden. I bring my 3 pairs of bikini and a tank top so I can have an extra. I also bring my toiletries, weird but I’m not comfortable whenever I don’t have it of I’m on a trip. I also pack some extra clothes just in case we want to stay over. After preparing my things, I took a quick shower and prepare myself. I choose to wear a black sleeveless paired with a black denim short and just an ordinary sleeper since we’ll be going to beach. I put some make up on my face cause I feel like I’m too pail if I won’t. I texted Landon and I’m good to go. I was carrying my bag while locking my door when someone took my bag on my hand. I was shock but then I remember that I am living with someone.
“Where are you going?”
Mr. Arrogant here we go. Don’t tell me he’s going to stop me. I raise my brow on him and challenging him to step back and put my things.
“None of your business.”
“Okay”
Tsk, as if I’m going to tell him. I get my bag and went to the elevator. When I was at the guard house waiting for Landon, Mr. Arrogant’s car passed. Good for him. Maybe he’s going out with her girlfriend.
“Hey, Ciandre! Come on!”
I saw Landon waving so I went to his car and he help me settle with my luggage. I do appreciate Landon's kindness. He’s such a good guy. While we’re on his car, we played different songs of Olivia Rodrigo. I don’t know why but that’s his playlist. We even sing together. It was a 2 hours drive and it’s already past six in when we arrive at La Consulasion Beach Resort. We we’re escorted to the villa that Landon had booked for us. And I was surprise that some of my friends were already chilling inside the villa. Boys has their own room and girls has different rooms, too. So it’s safe because we have our privacy.
“Hello Gianna, I thought you won’t come. It’s nice to see you.”
“Hi, Cai. Yeah, it’s nice to be here. I’m excited.”
“Me too, I heard that we’re going to have a night swimming.”
“That’s cool.”
Cailyn is a new friend. But I like her because she’s genuine. She’s always herself. While my friends are busy preparing themselves, I saw a nice spot outside the villa. And it was tempting because there’s a cute chair under the coconut tree where you can sit and you could’ve the full view of the resort. It was really nice. I went there and sit on the chair. I opened my phone and took a lot of selfies. I reviewed my photo and I really like the background. I wanted to get a whole body shot but how can I? I’m alone in here. So I decided to put my phone on a timer mode and put it on the chair. I was doing random posts when I saw someone very familiar approaching me. I immediately get my phone and pretended not to see him but I’m late already.
“CG, nice to see you here.”
Damn, Mr. Arrogant. I turned to face him and give him an evil smile. I was about to make a sarcastic response but I saw a woman walking towards him. The woman is taller than me, I guess. She walks like a queen and she looks so expensive. She gives an intimidating aura which you could really ask yourself if this woman a goddess. Skynard looks at her and they both hug each other. I looked away and started to walk away from them. Tsk, love birds. But before I could go far from them, I heard the woman asked Skynard in a seductive manner.
“Sky, what brought you here?”
“I’m here to check on my future wife.”