Love or Vengeance

Louise's POV "Hello," I mumbled, barely awake, as I picked up the call. My eyes drifted to the large wall clock. Ten a.m. No classes today—who in the world is calling me this early? "Alejandra Louise!" I squinted at the screen. Crap. Dad. I'd been dodging his calls since yesterday. "Dad—" "Where are you?! I've been calling you a thousand times! Where are you?!" I sighed quietly. Here we go. Yes, Dad... still busy avoiding you. "Dad, I'm so sorry, but I can't come. I'm not ready—and honestly, I don't think I ever will be for the plan you and Mom made." I knew he was mad now. Well, he was always mad at me—nothing new there. "What!?" I could already picture his face turning red with anger, steam practically shooting out of his ears. "Look, Dad, I'm sorry. But I can't." Why did I even have to get engaged at such a young age? I just didn't understand him. I tried to keep my voice calm, even though frustration was bubbling up inside. I didn't want to give him more reason to get angrier. "We'll talk when I get home!!!" Then he ended the call. I stared at my phone screen. Guess I better start rehearsing my excuses before he gets here. Everyone always told me I was "lucky"—beautiful, intelligent, talented, and, above all, rich. Deep sigh. If only they knew. I would give all of that up just to have my family whole again. My life used to be perfect—back when Mom was still alive. But when she died three years ago, everything changed. Dad changed the most. He used to be sweet, caring, and understanding—above all, he made sure my brother and I always felt loved. But now... not so much. "Hija, it's Yaya," the older woman called softly, her voice laced with concern. "Are you awake? "Come in!" I shouted, and Yaya Dolores came in, smiling as she sat beside my bed. "Hija," Yaya said softly as she ran a brush through my hair, "your daddy called. He didn't sound too happy. What did you do this time?" Yaya was in her fifties now, unmarried, but had cared for Kyle and me like her own since we were little. "Same old story," I said, forcing a small smile. "He wants me to meet my so-called future fiancé." Her eyes filled with quiet sympathy. She didn't say anything, but she didn't have to. "Since Mommy died, he hasn't loved me like a daughter anymore. He's always grumpy, always angry. Sometimes I even think... maybe he blames me for what happened to Mom," I said sadly. "Don't say that, hija," she replied softly. "Your father loves you." I gave her a bitter smile. "Just try to understand him, okay? Explain yourself calmly when he gets home. Don't say anything that'll upset him more." She sighed. "I understand why you feel this way, but he's still your father." "Yes, Yaya," I said quietly, even though I knew deep down it didn't make sense anymore. No matter what I do, Dad will always be angry at me—and I've already gotten used to it. "Yaya, do you know when Kuya will be home?" He'd been on a business trip in Italy for almost a week—my only ally. Like me, Kuya was also set to marry someone he didn't love. Arranged marriage—the worst idea ever. I hate the thought of marrying without love. I've always admired my parents' love story, and I want the same for myself: to marry someone who loves me back, not just because of an agreement. "He's here," Yaya said. I jumped out of bed, suddenly full of energy. Kuya's always been the obedient one, unlike me. Since childhood, he's been my superhero—always there when I needed him, even when I didn't. When Mom and Dad were away, he took care of me, never arguing even when I threw tantrums. He's my ideal boyfriend, which is probably why I haven't found anyone like him yet. We used to say we wished we'd never grow up so we could stay together forever. "Why didn't he call me?" I pouted. Yaya chuckled. "He came to your room earlier, but you were sleeping so soundly he didn't want to wake you. He told me to tell you to visit him in his room." I hurried to his room in the North wing—my room was in the South wing. I never knock when I go in. "Kuya!?" I called, but he wasn't in his room. His luggage was scattered around, but he was nowhere to be found. I checked the bathroom, the veranda, even his closet—nothing. I sighed and stepped out. "Yolly!" I called to one of the maids coming down the stairs. "Have you seen Kuya?" I asked. "He's in the dining area, Miss Louise," she replied. "Thanks!" I hurried off. I hadn't seen him in a week, and I missed him. Halfway down the grand staircase, I saw him walking up—but he stopped to check his phone. I walked faster and then noticed someone approaching him. His fiancée. The one who's always trying to impress Dad. I didn't say anything. The stairs were carpeted anyway. "Kuya!" I called softly as I got closer. I jumped into his arms, and he caught me easily—he knows me well. "I missed you," I said, kissing his cheek. He smiled and ruffled my hair. "Hey, little sister." Kuya gave me a quick hug. He's always called me that—even Dad used to, back when things were different. "Missed me?" Even though I'm eighteen, I still feel close to Kuya. I don't want that to change. "Yeah, a lot," I said, linking my arm with his. "We need to talk," Danica, his fiancée, said seriously. "About what? I thought you already left," Kuya replied, clearly annoyed. "About the wedding," she said, turning to me with a fake smile. "Hello, future sister-in-law. How are you?" She stressed "sister-in-law" way too much. I can't stand her. If it were up to me, she'd stay far away from Kuya. I still prefer Ate Miley—Kuya's ex—whom Dad hated because she was poor. "I'm fine," I said politely, forcing a smile. Kuya's brow furrowed. I felt bad for him. Since Ate Miley left, I'd never seen him genuinely happy or heard him laugh like before. "Go home, Danica," Kuya said coldly. "The wedding's next year. No need to rush." "But—" "I want to spend time with my sister. You should leave." I couldn't blame Kuya for disliking Danica. She's the reason Dad hated Ate Miley even more. She plays dirty. "Come on, let's go to the garden," Kuya said, holding out his hand. I took it, and we left Danica fuming behind. "This will get back to your father, Kyle!" she shouted. Kuya paused but didn't react. "Then let it," he said flatly. "That's all she does anyway." We headed to the garden. "Miss me?" I asked with a small smile as we sat on a bench with ice cream. "Of course," Kuya said. "How's school?" I'm in my third year studying Business Administration at Einstein's International School, where our family happens to be a major stockholder. "It's more than okay, Kuya." "That's good to hear, Princess. Oh, and before I forget—here." He handed me a long box. I opened it to find a heart-shaped bracelet with tiny flowers and keys. "Wow, it's beautiful! Thank you." I hugged him. "Let me put it on," he said, clasping it on my wrist. "Perfect." He started telling me about his trip to Italy—bags, dresses, souvenirs. But what hurt was when he said he still hadn't found Ate Miley. He'd hired private detectives, all without Dad knowing. "Don't give up, Kuya. You'll find her." "I won't, little sis." He wasn't eating his ice cream, so I took it. "Lucky you, you don't gain weight." "Takes after Mom," he said with a chuckle. "I hope if I ever have a daughter, she'll be like you and Mom." "Baby?!" I gasped. "Not with Danica as her mom, though," he laughed. "Well, Dad says she's the one you'll marry. I'll start a prayer rally if I have to. You're stressing me out," I groaned dramatically. "If you find Ate Miley, will you still marry Danica?" He sighed. "Honestly, I don't know. I just want to know she's okay." I frowned. That's kind of... dumb. He could fight for her. Then I remembered my own mess. "I'll probably end up like you." "What?" He asked. "I'm about to get engaged to the Riveras' only son. That means marriage for me, too." Sadness flickered in his eyes. "Do you know why Dad's doing this?" "The deal between Chairman Rivera and our late Chairman Lopez," he said. "Yes. If I refuse, I lose everything. I don't care about the inheritance much, but Dad won't back down—just liked with you and Ate Miley." "I don't want that for you," he said softly, holding my hands. That's when the tears came. "Why can't we have freedom? I can't even leave the mansion without bodyguards. Since Mom died, I feel trapped." He wiped my tears. "Don't cry, little girl. You know why the bodyguards are there—we don't want a repeat of the past. And about your engagement... I'll talk to Dad." "But Kuya, I can handle myself." He just stared. "Fine! Keep the bodyguards," I gave up. He smiled wide. "Thank you." He ruffled my hair. Just then, Rea came over. "Miss Louise, Miss Jass, and Miss Aisha have arrived." "Tell them to come here. And bring some caviar cake and juice, too." I have three best friends—each completely different. Jass, is my cousin but more like a sister. Aisha has been my friend since childhood. Our mansions are next to each other. Then there's Emilie, my best friend since high school—whom Jass and Aisha don't know about. "Bestie!" Jass squealed, hugging me and planting cheek kisses. "It's not like we just saw each other yesterday," I teased. "Such an OA," Aisha laughed. "Hi, Kuya Kyle! When did you get back?" Aisha greeted him warmly. "Just a little while ago. How are you girls?" "We're good! Did you bring me a souvenir?" Jass asked, hands outstretched. "Me too!" Aisha chimed in. My big brother is also close with them. After giving his gift to them he left. "Don't you have a shoot today, Aisha?" I asked. Aisha's a famous teen celeb—multi-talented and always in the spotlight. I used to dream of being an actress too. Love the spotlight. But, of course, Dad said no. Still, I have my own collection of music videos. Singing and dancing are my jam. "Nothing today," she replied, digging into the cake. "How about you, Jass? No fashion shows lined up?" She just smiled and shook her head. "So, what's the latest with your future fiancé?" Jass asked suddenly, making me sigh. "My phone died last time, so I missed the rest of the story. What's his name again?" "Uriel Rivera," I said. Jass choked on her drink, and Aisha and I burst out laughing. "I'm not agreeing to marry him—or even be his fiancée," I added quickly. Both nodded hard. "Right! Right! Don't you ever say yes!" Jass declared. We stared at her, surprised. "Yeah, he was my childhood crush. But now? Ugh, I can't stand him!" she added. "Wait, why so mad?" I blinked. "Weren't you head over heels for him before?" Aisha asked, puzzled. "That was before, Aisha... He humiliated me at Timothy's party! Seriously? Of all people, it had to be him?" "Ask my dad," I teased. "No way! Your dad's grumpy," she pouted. Her mom and my dad are siblings, but she's always been scared of him. "Uriel Rivera..." Aisha said dreamily, eyes sparkling. "Name like an angel, looks like Adonis, right?" She gave Jass a mischievous look. "W-what? H-how would I know? And stop looking at me like that!" Jass stammered. I smiled at the mental images forming in my head. Ha! "Why are you stuttering?" I teased. "I'm not!" she shot back, blushing. "Eeeee!, you're flustered!" Aisha and I squealed, teasing her even more. Jass stood up, fanning herself with her hand. "Hot, right?" Aisha smirked. "Ehh? Since when was that jerk ever hot?!" Jass snapped. Aisha and I exchanged looks — then burst out laughing. We couldn't stop giggling while Jass kept fanning herself furiously. "That's not even what we meant!" Aisha clarified between laughs. "Tch!" Jass grumbled. "Back to Jass," Aisha pressed. "Uriel Rivera—wasn't he your childhood crush? Why the sudden change?" I've been wondering too. She used to gush over him nonstop. "I don't like him anymore!" Jass suddenly shouted. "No need to yell. Just spill it," I coaxed. "Because he already has a girlfriend, besties." "What?! My future fiancé has a girlfriend?!" I gasped. "Does my dad even know this?!" "That's why I'm telling you—don't say yes! He has a girlfriend!" "Fine, but if he has a girlfriend, why are you mad at him?" Aisha asked again. "Because he humiliated me at Timothy's party," Jass said quietly. "His girlfriend wasn't there, so he thought he was free to flirt." Flirt? Uriel? Not the image I had. "What exactly happened?" I asked, curious. Jass blushed. "He kissed me. In front of everyone." Aisha and I looked at each other— We squealed. "Shouldn't you be celebrating? He kissed you!" I teased. "Oh yeah, bestie, I should throw a party," she said sarcastically. "But he has a girlfriend. What if she finds out? That totally turned me off." "You're something else, bestie," Aisha said. "If it were me, I'd be thrilled. Couldn't care less about the girlfriend." Honestly, same. "I haven't talked to Uriel yet, but I heard... he's a certified playboy," I added. "Just rumors, though." "Have you heard he almost married Arah Min Garcia... because she supposedly got pregnant? Luckily, it didn't happen," we gossiped. "That's why you, Jass, need to be careful," Aisha warned. "Why me?" Jass pointed at herself. "She should be careful," she said, pointing at me. "I'm the one getting married, not her." "Geez... I trust Louise to do whatever so she won't get married. But you? How sure are you over him?" "I am now. I'll be careful," Jass said, surrendering and holding out her hand. "You forgot to tell her, Aisha, to say 'I don't like Uriel anymore,' but he might still like her—hello, from elementary school to college?" I said. Aisha nodded. "We need to keep Jass's heart away from Uriel." "Sounds like a plan, huh?" "I know how, and I'll take care of it," Aisha said. She's the cold-hearted one when it comes to love. Her ideal guy isn't even real—it's Takumi Usui from Kaichou wa Maid-sama. That's her "boyfriend," so don't ask if she's single—she's always "taken." The media's already curious about her "unknown boyfriend." If only they knew. "I'm entrusting her heart to you," I joked. "So, Jasmine, you better watch out if you don't want to fall completely for that playboy!" She nodded like a kid, pouting. "Good." .................................................................... Hi-Yu