Chapter 38: Revelations and Reckoning
Riley's Point of View
Restless energy buzzed through me, each second ticking like an eternity in this plush Cebu hotel room. Today marks the fateful encounter with Mayari, where my parents will orchestrate the charade of introducing me as her intended future spouse.
A week has crawled by since the day I stood her up, abandoning our planned escape to parts unknown. Shame and fear have clenched my throat, suffocating any resolve to reach out to explain my absence. Damn it! I know, I know, I'm the prime definition of a colossal jerk.
"Are you okay, honey?" Mom's concern sliced through my turmoil. I nodded in response.
"Yes, mom," I uttered curtly, a silent tempest of curses swirling within. Dressed in finery, I awaited my parents' finishing touches,
