CHAPTER 1 -I Have Changed
15 YEARS LATER
The loud sound coming from my phone woke me up from my deep sleep. I tried to ignore it thinking that whoever the caller will just give up after a few attempts. But for the love of God, the caller seems to be so persistent. I tried to find my phone on my side table without even bothering to move or even open my eyes. I finally found it and answered it without looking whose the caller.
"Hello? Who's this?" I answered sleepily.
"Good morning to you too Leila." I heard my father said sarcastically. I slowly opened my eyes and sat down on my bed and there my headaches.
"Dad! what's up?" I looked at the clock which says it's only 6:40 in the morning. I frowned then scratched my head. What made him call me this early? Oh gosh, my room started to spin. I held my head hoping that it will stop my room from spinning. Damn hangover!
"Alexander is running as our city mayor. I'm just wondering if you wanted to bring your stubborn ass here to support your future husband perhaps?"
"Dad seriously! Alexander and I talked about this. He understands how hectic my work is here in Manila." Yes, we're engaged since I was 9 years old and yes I was the one who gave our parents that idea. I've regretted doing that a long time ago now.
5 years ago when Alexander returned home. I was not really expecting that he'll take seriously our "childish deal" when we were kids. Yes, our parents casually mentioned that "engagement thing" before but I never corrected them thinking that they were just teasing me about my childishness then. Through the years, I cannot even say that Alex and I developed something special between us. We lost that closeness along the way. He was busy with his own life and so I am. We casually exchanged online messages but that's it.
But what made my world really spun 360 degrees was that night, his welcome party. Tito Ted and Tita Melise, his father and stepmother, prepared a welcoming celebration for his arrival. Because why not? He finished his Political Science in some prestigious school in the US with flying colors and currently pursuing her master's degree through an online class now that he's in the Philippines. As expected I and my parents attended the party. I was having a great meal on the corner when my father called me to join them on stage. Without a single clue that it will change my life from that night on. Had I ever known, I would've never joined them on that platform nor attended that party at all. And there and then, he formally announced our engagement without even telling me first about it. I was shocked and I don't know how to react really. But what shocked me most is that when I look at Alex after releasing that bomb, he seems not bothered at all. It is as if it is the most normal thing that happened. He's actually smiling from ear to ear. I even wondered if he is actually in love with me. But it is impossible. Later on, I realized, it was maybe because of his political ambition. I'm the daughter of a governor which will be very good for his political race. I was disappointed, hurt, and used. Yes, he's attractive, smart, and everything that every woman would dream of. But not me. I changed a long time ago. A LOT. I'm not the sweet young Leila anymore.
I love my freedom now. Away from my overprotective and super conservative parents. I love my life in Manila. Here, I can decide for myself, I can do what I really want. Without bodyguards or house helps to shadow my every move. It was tiring and suffocating.
Right after graduation, my parents wanted me to go home to the province. I cannot just do that. Alexander defended me. He told my parents that he wanted me to explore my chosen career before we settle down. It was the only choice I have to stay here in Manila. He was my only escape. That's the reason why we've stayed engaged this long. And I hope will not stay for long.
"Leila, why do you have to work for those stupid banks. We have our own banks here that needs your attention, and a husband-to-be waiting for you. Until when will you stay there?!" We have lots of business ventures in the province and managing a bank is just one of them. Our family is one of the most prominent families in our place. Currently, my father is the elected governor in the province which is somehow a good thing. Because of his busy schedule, he cannot really bug me about the marriage, until now. Which might be because of the upcoming election. I closed my eyes tightly and inhaled sharply to stop myself from answering back. I still respect and love him as my father.
"Dad, give me more time, please. I need these experiences."
"Until when? I and your mom is not getting any younger, we want to see our grandchildren as soon as possible."
"Dad, it will happen it time. I'm still young please." My patience is slowly slipping away out of my hand. "Okay, I'll try to find the time." I said in resignation.
"Good. We missed you you know." His voice became softer while saying those words. I was touched when I heard him said that and a bit guilty as well. I'm an only child. That's the reason why they became so overprotective. I know they love me, a little too much actually. To the point that they wanted to control my life. I sighed.
"Okay, I'll file a leave so I can see you and mom."
"And Alex." he added that made me rolled my eyes.
"And Alex. Dad, I have to go now, I have some works to do. I love you." I lied so as to stop him from bringing up the topic of marriage.
"Okay, goodbye and I love you."
I cut the call off then let my body fell back to bed to grab some more rest. Oh God!
