Chapter 1 - Arranged Marriage
In the middle of the wealthy and bustling city; a well-known multi-billionaire and sole heir to the Alejandro Group of Companies planned a seaside escapade.
He is Mr. Jaiden Alexis Alejandro is a well-known playboy and spoiled brat. Even his not a biological son of Don Felipe Alejandro.
His friends, learning of his plan, took vacation leave to join him.
"Ha! Another girlfriend, Alex?" Brix said while laughing, using Jaiden's nickname.
"Alex, every woman you meet always falls for your charm. When will you find someone who settles you?" Carlo teased, his voice light but laced with concern.
"Maybe she hasn't been born yet," Cj said, adding to the lighthearted banter.
" I remember Alex, nasaan na ang childhood crush mo?" Carlo asked teasingly.
"Oh man, you have a childhood sweetheart!?" Jiro asked surprise.
" Yap, and she's the one I want to marry" Jaiden replied with a smile.
" Oh! nasaan na garud siya?" Brix asked.
" I don't know and I don't remember her full name...I only remember her nickname; Mira." Jaiden replied.
Meanwhile a dignitary and well-known person arranged a marriage for his daughter.
"Papa, he's not for me!"
"We're only friends, I already love someone and we've made a promise" Mira said.
"Quiet! what promise?
A childhood promise for that brat! No way!"Sen. Jerome said.
"You're marrying General Akihiro De Leon in eight days. Starting now, you need a chaperone to leave this house." he added.
"Please consider my feelings, Dad! I'm not a robot, I've grown and can decide what I want," Mira said as she cried.
"My precious daughter... What if I tell you that you're only adopted? Might that shift everything?" Senior Jerome's voice was heavy with a chilling revelation.
"Papa... adopted? Is that... is that true? Ampon lang ako!?" Mira's voice was a whisper, her world crumbling around her.
"Yes. You're adopted, and so you have no right to defy me." Senior Jerome declared as he left.
Señora Lycha rushed in, her face etched with sorrow.
"Mama... I don't want this..." Mira sobbed, collapsing into her mother's arms, her body wracked with grief.
"My child... I'm so sorry. There's nothing I can do; my heart aches for your situation," Lycha said while crying.
"Mama, it's not your fault. I am very grateful that you became my mom, but it really ached and I can't accept the reality."
"I feel like I'm melting like a candle"
Mira sobbed bitterly; when she calmed, señiora Lycha left but Mira cried again.
" Jade where are you? Can you come now and help me escape?" Mira said while crying.
"I don't want to marry anyone; I only want you... please come to me now .."
Days passed in a blink of an eye, only three days remained until Mira's forced marriage.
" Sweetheart, please... eat something," Lycha begged.
"Leave me alone, Mama. I want to die. You're not my biological mother, so it doesn't matter if I disappear," Mira whispered, her voice audible, a chilling acceptance of her fate.
"Mira, though you're not my blood, I love you more than my life. You're the reason I've clung to life all these years. Please, be strong; I will get you out of this mess." Lycha said.
Her determination is a mother's desperate promise and unwavering love shining through her tears.
***
Thank you for reading!
See you next episode.
