Forcedly Yours

Chapter Two

The last two weeks were a blur. I couldn't stand the regretful look on my parents' faces, and I couldn't look at my sister. I wanted to blame her. Wanted to blame my parents. Naisip kong hayaan silang makulong at ayusin ang gulo na ginawa nila.

But just imagining them in prison or even my sister dead makes me nauseous. So I did what I had to do, I agreed.

Napatingin ako sa isang malaking box ng dress at sapatos na nasa kama ko.

I'm supposed to wear these on my engagement tonight. Tonight, I'm signing my life away. I will be meeting Karina's savior and my custom-made devil.

The man who wanted to marry me didn't want to waste time.

When my parents offered to tell me who he was, I ignored them because I already knew.

It killed me not to know who I was signing my life away to so I snooped and found the 'agreement' between him and my father.

It had my name and his, it said something about him marrying me when I was 'of age'. I hated that part because it was almost as if I was nothing but a business transaction. Nothing but a means to an end. It also indicated how I had to be transferred to an all-girls high school.

That explained why my parents insisted for us to transfer schools. Alam kong mahal ang tuition 'don pero hindi ako nagtanong ng marami. Ang naalala ko lang ay excitement dahil magaling na si Karina at makakabalik na siya sa pag-aaral. Sa St. Agatha Preparatory school for girls ko din nakilala si Sonia.

Leyton Andres Rossi, the document said.

I spent the next few days tirelessly looking him up on the internet and was mildly surprised to find out that he doesn't have any social media. There were a few mentions of him in some articles but that's it. No pictures, no nothing.

His family is very private. I know nothing other than the fact that they are on the real estate side of the business.

Hindi rin kaya ng pride ko na magtanong sa magulang ko. Hindi ko pa din sila gaanong pinapansin.

I felt so alone and helpless and wanted to escape from reality. And that's what I did. I went on dates with Aiden and gave him my first kiss. I even thought of giving him my virginity as a final act of rebellion but I can't do that to Aiden. I was going to hurt him. It is going to hurt him when he finds out.

Wala sa sarili na binuksan ko ang kahon at sinuot ang thin-strapped pale blue long dress. Pareho 'yong may tatak ng mamahaling brand na may letrang 'C'.

I would have admired it under normal circumstances but I'm too numb to care about how luxurious and expensive the dress and the freaking sandals are.

I applied minimal make-up, not wanting my future husband to think I wanted to look beautiful for him.

Patapos na ako nang kumatok at pumasok si Karina na naka ayos na rin. Isang sage green dress naman ang suot niya. She curled her hair while mine is in a pony tale secured by a blue ribbon.

"Ate, I'm sorry," nakayukong sabi niya. "Alam kong dahil sa kin kung bakit ka nahihirapan ngayon. Sana nga ako nalang yung ipakasal eh."

Lumapit ako sa kanya. Tinaas ko ang mukha niya. My sweet sister. It hurts how I would do anything for her.

"Kar, wala kang kasalanan," niyakap ko siya. "Don't ever think this is your your fault, understand?"

----------------

I spaced out on our way to the venue. Hindi ko mapigilan ang panginginig ng katawan ko. I'm on the verge of hyperventilating. Habang papalapit ng papalapit kami ay lalo akong nasusuka. Tahimik kaming apat na nakasakay sa sasakyan.

Alam kong nininerbyos si mama at si Karina. My father is being eaten by guilt. Me? I'm drowning. Desperation and fear filled my veins. God, there must be some way I can get out of this.

Di ko napansing huminto na yung kotse sa isang hotel.

'Manor Suites Hotel', the bright big sign say

Alam kong isa din 'yon sa pagmamay-ari ng pamilya niya.

Nanginginig ang tuhod na sinundan ko ang pamilya ko papasok. Nasa likod namin ang isang butler na siyang nagmaneho ng limousine na sumundo sa amin.

Please don't let this guy be a psycho. Sinong normal na tao ang pupulot lang basta-basta ng mapapangasawa?

Pumasok na kami sa hotel at umakyat sa rooftop.

I don't know much about how wealthy people conduct their family dinners but this doesn't look like your regular family dinner. It certainly is not intimate.

A group of people playing the violin, piano, and cello made exquisite tones.

I instantly noticed some celebrities when we arrived there. May mga politicians rin.

I feel like throwing up. I let out some deep breaths. I'm panicking, I'm panicking. I never had an anxiety attack but I think this is one. My body started to shake and my mother immediately noticed. Niyakap niya ako. She murmured loving and calming words.

Sunod-sunod ang pag iling ko. "M..mama, please," nanginginig ang boses na sabi ko. "Hindi ko kaya. I don't t-think.."

Napapikit ako ng naramdaman ko ang pag init ng mata ko. s**t, I'm about to cry. I'm shaking and I'm about to cry. I want to escape. And that's what I did.

Nanginginig ang tuhod na umalis ako sa yakap ni mama. I vaguely remember asking one of the catering staff where the poweder room was. Napasandal ako sa dingding pagkapasok na pagkapasok ko sa banyo.

I tried doing breathing exercises, trying to calm myself down. Wala sa loob na napatingin ako sa salamin. I looked like I was having a nightmare. My eyes were a bit red due to the unshed tears and my lips were pale.

"Tin? Are you here? Okay ka lang ba, anak?" nag-aalalang tanong ni mama sa labas ng pinto.

"Y-yes, ma. Mauna na kayo. L-lalabas din ako. I just need a few minutes." nangingig na sagot ko. Hindi na sya nakipagtalo at umalis pagkatapos ng isang malaking buntong-hininga.

I counted 1-100, letting my mind fly somewhere else. Forcing myself to think happy thoughts. Matapos ng ilang minuto ay naramdaman kong kumalma ang kalamnan ko.

I shakily reached for my lipstick from my purse and reapplied it to my lips. Red. He specifically asked for red. Nagpupuyos na kumuha ako ng tissue at pinunasan ang lipstick sa labi ko.

I'm not giving him what he wants. He's not getting everything.

Napatigil ako nang biglang bumukas ang pinto. I stood frozen, my mouth slightly opened.

It can't be...

"Y-you.."

Greyish eyes pinned me on my spot. His eyes shamelessly roamed all over my body and I could see the appreciation in it.

Humakbang siya papasok at sinarado ang pinto. He turns the lock, effectively trapping me in the small confinement with him. His long legs ate up the space between us.

I started shaking. I'm legit panicking at this point.

Napapitlag ako nang bigla nyang hawakan ang magkabilang braso ko at wala sa loob na napatingala ako sa kanya.

He was very, very tall even with my high heels, bahagya lang na lumagpas ang ulo ko sa balikat niya

"You're shaking, Kitten," mahinang sabi niya habong hinahaplos-haplos ang braso ko, attempting to calm me down but it did the opposite.

He was touching me as if he had all the right to do so.

"Sshhh," he whispered hugging me at this point, his lips on my right ear. "Everything is going to be okay."

Sunod-sunod ang pag-iling ko. Halos mapaluhod na rin ako sa panginginig ng tuhod ko.

He is as handsome as my mind remembers him. I'm a liar if I don't admit to having thought of him. In fact, I was hoping to see him again. For some strange reason, I wanted to see him again. I've dreamt of it, dreamt of him.

Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit siya nandito. Is he one of the guests? That makes sense because his grey tuxedo looked luxurious. He belonged.

Puno ng desperasyon ang boses na nagsalita ako. "P-please...t-tulungan mo'ko. I d-don't want to go there. I don't want to-"

He 'tsk tsk' and pushes me a little bit to stare at my eyes. "You're asking for help from the wrong person. You don't want to go outside and get engaged to me?"

Nanlalaki ang matang napatanga ako sa kanya. I can feel myself shaking my head.

No, no, no, no.

He's...

Tila nabasa niya ang tanong sa mata ko.

He smiles, enjoying my terror-filled face. "Leyton Rossi, at your service," he introduced himself mockingly.

"P-please..." hindi ko na napigilan ang unang luha na tumakas sa mata ko. "I-I can't go...I can't m-marry you." nauutal na sambit ko.

His eyes flared dangerously, "Why the f**k not?"

I blurted the first thing I could, "I-I have a boyfriend."

My back is on the wall before I can even blink.

"Don't f*****g say that again," he gritted out. "Don't you ever say that in front of me again."

"P-please..."

Nilapit niya ang mukha sa akin hanggang sa halos magkalapat na ang labi namin. "You think I don't know what you've been up to the past two weeks?" he gritted out. "Giving away what's mine, that is. You're going to end it with that boy if you know what's best for you."

"I-I don't know you. Please, just choose someone else."

He narrowed his eyes. "Fine, you want your parents in jail then." Binitiwan niya ako bago inayos ang tuxedo niya. "Your little boyfriend wants to play professionally, doesn't he? I wonder if that's going to be possible if he accidentally breaks his knees." He smiles widely, his eyes manic.

Sunod-sunod ang pag iling ko.

"No? You don't want that, do you?" he taunted. "So what is it going to be?"

Napalunok ako, "My parents...please don't..don't send them to jail."

He laughs, his eyes cold. "Ah, but you said you don't want to marry me."

I glare at him, "I don't."

"Hmm,"

"Just p-please don't ask me to go out there," I can't stop my voice from shaking. "I can't do it in front of.."

He smiles, his eyes twinkling. "Fine. Only if you promise to be a good girl for me."

I glare at him. He wipes the tear that just escaped my eye, rubbing my cheeks in a deceptively gentle way.

"Say it. Tell me you'll be my good girl." he coaxes. "No? You want me to drag you out then-"

"I'll be your g-good girl." I gritted every word.

He smiles before reaching for something from his pocket. He took my hand and slipped the ring with an Opal in the center and diamonds surrounding it. I would have loved this ring under normal circumstances. But right now, it felt heavy on my hand.

How did he even know I loved opals?

He raised my hand on his lips and trailed his lips to my wrist, lightly kissing the pulse point there, his eyes on my face watching my cheeks burn.

He smiles, straightening up. "I'll take you home. One of the drivers will drop your parents and sister off.

I was unable to object, my eyes on my ring. My head pounds when I realize what it means. What it symbolizes. How my freedom just got stolen in front of my eyes.

Napatingin ako sakanya nang hawakan na ang labi ko.

He stares at my lips before rubbing my lower lip lightly. Tiningnan niya ako sa mata.

"You let him kiss you again, and I'll make sure he regrets it for the rest of his painful life, got it? In fact, I might allow you to watch," he smiles coldly. "You're mine. Understand?"

------------------------

He led me to his parents' table where my parents also sat. They looked like they were done eating. Gaano kaatagal ba akong nawala?

I should be aware of the eyes that followed us but the only thing I can think and feel is his hands on my back. Ramdam ko ang init ng palad nya sa balat ko.

His father lifts his head and looks at us, his gaze intimidating. He got his eyes from his father and the aura. I almost wanted to shrink in my seat when he swiped his gaze at me, pausing and looking at me like he wanted to figure something out. Baka 'di niya rin maintindihan kung bakit sa dinami-rami ng babaeng pwedeng pakasalan ng anak niya eh ako pa. He eventually cuts his gaze and looks at Leyton who is also looking at him. I couldn't read their eyes, not that I had the intention to. Instead. I started thinking about how I could get out of this situation. There must be a way.

My mind is still reeling about his threat not only to my parents but to Aiden.

Malalaman mo talaga na influential ang tao by the way they carry themselves. So at ease, like they rule the world. My father and mother are barely saying anything, they too, are quite shocked. Siguro akala din nila na simpleng dinner lang ang pupuntahan namin.

"My parents, Leandro and Liza Rossi," pakilala ni Leyton. "Mom, Dad, this is Kristina, my future wife." the possessive way he said it gave me chills.

His mother, however, stood up and hugged me. Nagulat ako sa mainit na pagtanggap niya. I tried to read her face, looking for anything malicious but her excited smile seemed genuine.

"It's so nice to finally meet you, hija! Oh my, I can't believe I'm going to have a new daughter," nakangiting sabi niya. "Leyton's sister, Silver can't be here with us but you'll meet her soon," dagdag niya pa.

I tried to give her a real smile but I think it came out awkward. If she noticed, she didn't make it obvious. Instead, she smiles with understanding in her eyes.

"I assume you already know what this is all about hija, " direktang sabi ni Mr. Rossi sakin.

Napatingin ako sa magulang ko habang wala sa loob na nilalaro ang silver bracelet ko.

"Yes sir," I replied, mildly proud of myself for not stuttering.

I'm no longer shaking, at least. My back tingled at the possessive way Leyton is touching it.

"It's settled then. Your wedding is in three months from now. We'll start organizing and arranging everything tomorrow," he added.

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. Three months? Lumipad ang mga mata ko sa mga magulang ko. My eyes silently begged for them to do something but my mother avoided my eyes and my father just nodded. Freaking nodded.

My heart is about to burst, I've never felt more alone than I do now.

"Uhm, don't you think it's too soon sir? I mean, I'm still in college and-"

"It's fixed. Your parents already agreed to this. No need to waste time. In fact, I prefer you marry my son tomorrow to get this over with but of course, we'll give you a wedding any woman would wish to have." The finality is evident in his tone, leaving no room for any objections.

I want to tell him I don't want it but Leyton's threat is still hanging on my head so I shut my mouth.

Tama siya, sa yaman nila, they could certainly afford an expensive wedding but it will never be a happy day if you're marrying a stranger.

The question remained unanswered.

Why make his son marry me when they are surrounded by all these wealthy people? It doesn't make sense. Also, his son is probably the most handsome man I've ever met. Surely he can find someone else, snap his finger at some other girl to marry him.

"I'm bringing her home," sabi ni Leyton na bahagyang ikinagulat ng tatay niya.

"How about the engagem-"

"It's done," Leyton lifts my hand, showing them my ring as if to prove his claim.

His father's jaw clicked. "I thought we were going to announce it. The media-"

"Oh my, what a beautiful ring!" bulalas ng mama ni Leyton. "It suits you, darling." nakangiting dagdag nito. "Come on, honey. They can have a private engagement. It's fine. Kinda sweet, don't you think?"

Yeah, if you classify a proposal in a comfort room sweet.

Tumayo ang magulang ko.

"I want to drive her home if you don't mind, Mr. Sayson," sabi ni Leyton kay papa. "The same driver can drive you home," he adds, leaving no room for argument.

Lumipad ang tingin ni papa sa akin at tumango lang ako.

He gritted his jaw, controlling himself not to glare at Leyton. Hindi man kami mayaman, alam kong may pride pa din ang papa ko. He usually doesn't let people tell him what to do.

"Fine. We'll see you at home, Tin," he sighs and hugs me. "I'm so sorry about this anak, I love you, okay?" Bulong niya.

Tumango lang ako. I know he does. Tumango lang din ako kay mama para ibsan ang pag-aalala sa mata niya. Puno ng tanong ang mata niya. Akam kong gusto niyang malaman kung saan at paano nangyari ang proposal.

Karina hugs me. "Kwento mo sa'kin sa bahay, please." Tumango lang ako at hinalikan sya sa sentido.

"Thank you for coming, Roger and Kate. Let's meet again." pormal na sabi ng papa ni Leyton.

His mom hugged my mother. "We'll meet again soon. Tayo-tayo nalang. I didn't realize this gathering would be too much for you," she says regretfully. "We have to stay to entertain all these guests. Take care, okay?"

We all said our goodbyes and started to leave the party.