My Secret Husband

Fiancée

(GAIE'S POV)

What if I act like I’ve passed out? Will someone come to my aid? How will I stand up after this? How will I face them? This is so embarrassing!

"Until when were you planning on lying here?" I opened my right eye to see Vhiencent, raising an eyebrow at me. He was squatting, his face expressionless.

"Help me. What’s the deal?" I whispered, irritated that he wasn’t even thinking of helping me. "Hurry up," I whispered again, but he just ignored me.

"Why would I do that?" he said, continuing to stare at me.

He had no intention of helping, so I pulled on his arm myself. I clung to his neck as if we were hugging.

"What are you doing?" he whispered, annoyed, and tried to push me away. I held on like a leech, forcing a sweet smile at him.

I peeked at his family, who were clearly puzzled by what we were doing, so I shifted my attention back to Vhiencent and pinched his side. "Let’s go, hurry," I whispered, and when he didn’t follow, I pinched him again.

I couldn’t help but smile as he gave me a dirty look but eventually complied. He lifted me up and started walking toward where he had been sitting earlier.

"You’re heavy, you know that?" he said seriously, though I kept smiling, trying to make it look like we weren’t fighting.

"Thank you," I whispered, even though it was hard to say.

Ugh, the cheesiness I’m feeling is so gross.

"Are you okay, Gaie?" Grandma Marina asked, concerned, as Vhiencent carefully placed me beside her and next to his seat.

My attention was drawn to a very shocked Paige. "Why is Gaie here?" she asked Vhiencent, but he didn’t even acknowledge her, as usual.

"The real question is, why are you here?" Grandma Marina said, looking at Paige. "Gaie looks better in that dress, doesn’t she, Hile, my grandchild?" she asked Vhiencent, who merely nodded quietly.

I saw the hatred in Paige’s eyes. What’s really going on?

"Mama, it’s so obvious. Paige stands out in that dress. She’s perfect compared to that…" Ma'am Helena didn’t finish her sentence, but gave me a look full of disdain.

I lowered my head in embarrassment, and Grandma Marina took my hand and smiled warmly. "To me, Gaie is the most beautiful," she said, cupping my cheek, her smile easing my discomfort.

Mr. Cleo cleared his throat, catching everyone’s attention. "Ma, Vhiencent, this is Paige De Silva. Your real fiancée," he announced, causing my jaw to drop.

I slowly turned to look at Paige, and she smiled as if she were a goddess. "It’s my honor to marry Vhiencent Hile Tañedo," she said, standing up and extending her hand for a handshake with Vhiencent.

Fiancée? Is she the one Usher was looking for that day?

I glanced at Vhiencent, noticing the tension in his jaw. I was also stunned by the news. A part of me felt relieved at the thought that I wouldn’t be tied to Vhiencent anymore. I didn’t even know if I still had a place here or if I should just leave.

Can I leave, friends? I’m just going to celebrate my freedom today!

I smiled secretly, but it quickly faded when Grandma Marina spoke up. "Gaiety Devhea Castañares is Hile’s fiancée. That’s final!" she said firmly, and I could tell most of them, including myself, disagreed.

"But Mom, I’ve already promised Ms. De Silva about the marriage. Besides, that woman is trouble. What does she even know about our lives?" Mr. Cleo countered, and I secretly agreed.

"Also, Mom, our reputation will be ruined if everyone knows about that girl. They don’t match. She’s beneath us!" Mr. Cleo pointed at me, his words cutting deep.

These rich people are so cruel! Well, I don’t need your wealth!

"Silence! Did I stop you from marrying that pathetic Helena? If you don’t like my decision, I’ll find someone else for Gaie, and they’ll be the new heir!" Grandma Marina said sternly, scaring them all.

"Mama, please," Mr. Cleo pleaded.

"I agree with Grandma’s decision. I’m going to marry Gaiety Devhea Castañares," Vhiencent said in support of Grandma Marina, which irritated both his parents and Paige.

Why is this nuisance still sticking around?

I nudged Vhiencent, causing him to flinch in pain. "Aww," he groaned.

"Hey, what happened to you? Are you okay?" I feigned innocence. He shot me an angry look, so I widened my eyes at him.

"What happened, son? Is something wrong?" Ma’am Helena asked, glaring at me as she raised an eyebrow.

So rude.

"Nothing," Vhiencent replied coldly to their questioning gazes.

Good dog—uh, good job, Vhiencent.

"Let’s eat," Grandma Marina said, signaling the waiter who was waiting nearby.

Our attention was drawn to Paige, who was now standing up. Her eyes were visibly teary. She smiled at Grandma Marina and said, "Well, it’s not right to be here when this is a family dinner in the first place." She shot me a furious look, even sneering at me before continuing. "I’ll leave first. Enjoy your dinner."

Ma’am Helena tried to stop her, but Paige didn’t listen.

Sorry, Paige. If I could give you my spot right now, I would.

(VHIENCENT’S POV)

"Gaie, why aren’t you eating much? Don’t be shy," Grandma said, clearly fond of her.

What is it about her that makes her catch Grandma’s attention?

"I’m really hungry, but my dress is too tight. I might burst from overeating," Gaie awkwardly said, trying to sound embarrassed.

Grandma suddenly laughed, which only made Mommy uncomfortable. Daddy, on the other hand, didn’t seem to like what was happening, but like me, he didn’t know what to do about it.

"Mr. Delantero, please buy new clothes for Gaiety and bring them here," Grandma ordered, directing her request to Daddy’s secretary, who nodded in response.

I had just learned that Mr. Cleo’s secretary and our Statistics teacher were siblings. They always seemed to have a grudge against Gaie and me.

"It’s embarrassing, Grandma," Gaie said shyly, which was honestly so irritating. She was such a good actress in front of Grandma.

"Just eat, hija. After all, you’ll be part of this family. Expect more dinners like this in the future," Grandma added.

It seemed like only they had the right to speak. "Ma, I need to go. I have something to take care of," Daddy said, his voice lacking any enthusiasm. He clearly didn’t like what was happening.

"Take me with you. I need some rest," Mommy added, her dislike obvious as she glared at Gaie.

"Go ahead. But next time, I won’t let you leave," Grandma Marina warned.

Once Mommy and Daddy left, Gaie started devouring her food. She clearly had no idea what the words poise or elegance meant. She looked like she hadn’t eaten in months.

"Take it easy, Gaie," I reminded her, trying not to let my frustration show.

"I'm just so hungry," she said, her mouth full.

I just closed my eyes and gritted my teeth, barely holding back the urge to yell at her. Grandma, however, was just laughing away.

I really hate this! This is bullshit!

Suddenly, her shoulder bag fell, and she tried to grab it. We all froze when we heard something tear. Gaie’s eyes shifted back and forth between us and Grandma, and she lowered her head.

"My dress... it tore," she said, starting to blush.

She’s really embarrassing!