Humiliation
1226 Words
(HELENA'S POV)
“Cleo, have you lost your mind? How could there possibly be a mistake?” I asked, my voice a mix of worry and disbelief.
“Paige De Silva, the heiress of the De Silva family. She’s the one who’s supposed to marry Vhiencent,” Cleo explained, pressing his fingers to his temples.
“We’ll announce it later. Hile and Mom need to hear about this,” my husband said with a firm tone, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
He gestured to his secretary and instructed, “Mr. Delantero, inform Ms. De Silva, my son, and that Castañares girl to join the dinner tonight.”
“Yes, sir,” the secretary replied promptly.
I felt a wave of satisfaction wash over me. My son would soon marry someone as wealthy and exquisite as Paige De Silva. At last, we could sever ties with that undesirable Castañares.
---
(PAIGE'S POV)
Why is he even talking to Gaie?
In the first place, he hates socializing—especially with people like her. What is he up to? Is he planning something?
I rolled my eyes in irritation and focused on what William and I were doing. I was interrupted when my phone rang. “Just a second,” I excused myself and quickly answered the call.
“Hello? Is this Ms. De Silva?” the person on the other line asked.
“Yes, who’s speaking, please?” I asked seriously, feeling a pang of anxiety in case something bad had happened.
“This is Mr. Tañedo’s secretary. He requests your presence at dinner tonight. It’s regarding the marriage.”
My eyes widened, and I wanted to jump for joy. I held myself back since I was in public. “Yes, I’ll be there,” I replied, barely containing my excitement.
“A car will pick you up at 7:00 PM. Thank you, Ms. De Silva,” the secretary said before ending the call, leaving me giddy with excitement.
William gave me a puzzled look. “Oh, sorry,” I apologized, unable to wipe the smile off my face.
I knew it!
Vhiencent and I were meant to be!
---
(VHIENCENT'S POV)
My phone rang, but I ignored it. My hands were covered in paint, and I was focused on finishing my painting.
“Hey, are you deaf? Your phone’s ringing,” my irritated companion remarked, clearly annoyed I wasn’t paying attention.
“Just end it. Hurry,” I ordered, not breaking my concentration as I painted the delicate outline of a tree.
“Don’t boss me around,” she retorted, but my piercing gaze made her sigh and give in. “Fine, whatever.”
“It’s in my pocket. Get it,” I instructed, still not sparing her a glance.
When I realized she wasn’t moving, I shot her another glare. “What are you waiting for? Are you going to take it or not?” I gestured toward my left pocket, where the phone continued to buzz. She groaned but reluctantly leaned forward to reach behind me.
“You’re not going to reach it like that, i***t,” I muttered in irritation as she struggled.
“Ugh, fine!” Instead of standing, she awkwardly leaned over my lap and fumbled for the phone.
“What are you doing? J-Just stand up already!” I protested as people nearby began to stare.
“Stop moving! I’m almost there!”
“Careful, you might grab something else!” I warned through gritted teeth, shaking my legs in frustration.
“Got it! Ow, stop moving!” she grumbled, brushing against… something.
Does this girl have no shame?
---
(GAIE'S POV)
I smirked triumphantly as I finally retrieved his phone. “Got it!” I pushed myself up using my elbows, but my awkward move seemed to backfire.
“My… Argh!” Vhiencent groaned, and I froze. Embarrassment flooded through me as my face burned red.
What did I just do? Did I… break his egg?
“You’re such an i***t,” he muttered, visibly annoyed as he swallowed hard.
To escape the awkwardness, I quickly answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Why did you answer it?” he whispered sharply, as if I’d just caused a massive problem.
“This is Ms. Castañares. I’m with Vhiencent,” I said politely, but the other end of the line fell silent.
“Give it to me,” he demanded, still focused on his painting. I handed it over without hesitation.
“Hile speaking,” he said coldly, his tone suddenly intimidating. The person on the other end must have given him some important information because his expression hardened further.
“End the call,” he commanded flatly, gently brushing paint across the canvas.
Why is he suddenly so scary?
“There’s a family dinner tonight. Get ready,” he added, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Family dinner? I’m not ready for this!
---
[LATER THAT EVENING: DORMITORY]
(PAIGE'S POV)
I walked into Gaie’s room and found her frantically rummaging through her closet. “What’s with all the fuss? Do you have plans tonight?” I asked casually, acting as though we were friends. Though I pretended to be kind, I couldn’t ignore how she was creeping into Vhiencent’s life.
“That red dress is lovely. You should wear it,” I suggested with a sly smile, pointing to the dress.
I’ll remind her exactly where she stands compared to me.
I’m sorry, Gaie, but you’re in my way.
---
(GAIE'S POV)
I stared as Paige walked out, wearing the same red dress I had chosen. My jaw dropped—she looked stunning, far more elegant than I did.
“I didn’t realize we had the same dress design. Don’t worry, we’re heading to different places, so it’s fine,” she said sweetly, flashing me a smile. I nodded hesitantly.
“Paige, do you think my hair looks better tied up or left down?” I asked shyly, looking at my reflection in the mirror.
“Let it down. It looks unique that way,” she said with a smile.
“Thanks, Paige.”
She hurried out before I could ask for more help.
My phone buzzed with a message from Mr. Delantero: Mr. Tañedo and I have left. A car will pick you up shortly.
I took a deep breath, slipped on my sneakers, and whispered to myself, “You’ve got this, Gaie,” before heading out.
---
AE RESTAURANT
“Ms. Castañares, they’re waiting for you inside,” Kline, the chauffeur, said as he opened the car door.
The restaurant’s extravagant interior took my breath away. Even if I saved for years, I wouldn’t be able to afford a meal here.
As I entered the VIP room, I could feel all eyes on me. The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at me, their gazes flitting between Paige and me. Paige offered a small, polite smile, but her presence made me feel even smaller.
Why is she here?
I adjusted my glasses and took a step forward, but my shoelace snagged on my other shoe. I stumbled forward, landing face-first on the cold floor.
The room was filled with awkward silence, disappointment evident on everyone’s faces. I shut my eyes, fighting the pain in my knee and the humiliation burning in my chest.
- Writer
