Chapter 2
Alexis
Damn, old pervert!
What's his purpose, and why is he interfering with my nightlife too?
There are countless bodyguards scattered all over the mansion. I can't even swim in the pool.
Damn him!
"Alexis, dinner is ready. Your mom says to come down now," said Yaya Loring.
How can you even eat there with bodyguards watching your every move?
What can I do? It's been three days since I've had a nightlife.
I miss the noise, the music, and of course, the drinks with my bebe, Rond.
He's been texting me nonstop, and he's available tonight. I still haven't told him about my arranged marriage.
Let me think of a way.
Hmmm...
Then, ting!
An idea popped into my mind.
I slowly made my way downstairs to the kitchen, pretending to get a drink of water.
My target?
Jasmine, Yaya Loring's daughter.
I quickly pulled her into the restroom. She was startled, but I signaled her to be quiet.
Fortunately, she understood.
And inside the restroom, a mysterious transaction took place!
Well, it's obvious, isn't it?
I swapped clothes with Jasmine and took her eyeglasses too. I gave her 5,000 pesos to buy new ones.
I successfully made it out of the mansion and headed straight to see bebe Rond.
When I arrived at the club, I changed into a new outfit. Luckily, his friend had an extra dress.
Debbie wasn't around today, as she didn't want to disturb my "baby time". She's a kind and supportive friend.
"Bebe, I miss you," Rond said, embracing me.
I hugged him back. I missed my baby too!
He smells so good, fresh from a bath.
I, on the other hand, smell awful!
In my rush to escape, I didn't get a chance to shower.
No big deal, though - I showered yesterday.
"I miss you too, baby..." My voice was all squeaky, like a duck.
Whatever!
"Let's party tonight, bebe!" Rond exclaimed, pulling me onto the dance floor.
I'm going to dance my heart out!
Rond is a great dancer. We're a perfect match on the dance floor.
We're currently dancing to "The Time of My Life." Luckily, my dress matches perfectly.
The crowd around us is applauding, and we're killing it with our dirty dancing skills!
I almost threw my back out, but I'm just going with it - I guess I'm flexible!
That's it, I've finally shaken off the stress from that annoying Zac.
Dancing is one of the best remedies for releasing pent-up anger.
As Bebe Rond and I were drinking, a crazy idea popped into my head.
Or should I say, a wicked plan?
I've had enough already. The thought alone is hilarious.
But seriously, I don't want to go back to the mansion; I'll stow away!
"Bebe, let's elope – right now!" I said seriously.
Rond, who was sipping his beer, nearly spat it out when he heard me.
I was tempted to laugh, but I'm serious.
"Are you serious? What's gotten into you, Bebe?" Rond asked, incredulous
I skipped dinner and ran away!
"I'm serious: my parents arranged a marriage for me with an old man!" I replied.
Rond's only reaction was to burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" I asked, exasperated. "I'm dead serious, Bebe. Marry me now, or my beauty will be wasted on that old, ugly man."
I was on the verge of tears, but Rond just couldn't stop laughing.
Finally, he snapped out of it and turned serious. This guy can be clueless sometimes.
But he loves me so much!
"Don't worry, Bebe, I won't let it happen. You're mine and mine alone," he said, his eyes burning with intensity.
I lost all control and grabbed Bebe, kissing him passionately.
It was the perfect reward.
And judging by his dreamy expression, he was in absolute heaven!
We were walking hand in hand to the parking lot when suddenly, shadows emerged!
Zac's goons - or rather, bodyguards.
But they looked like a group of mafia gang members, their serious faces and mustaches making them appear even more intimidating.
To put it simply, they were terrifying!
Our romantic moment suddenly turned into a horror movie.
Rond wrapped his arms tightly around me.
"Ma'am Alexis, Sir Zac wants you to go home," one of them said.
I had to admit, these tough-looking guys were surprisingly polite.
But I'm a stowaway!
Why would I go home?
Never, Zac!
"I refuse to go home. I'll be homeless before I obey! You can't make me!"
Yeah, right. I was talking tough, but, honestly, I am terrified and shaking now.
"Ma'am, we'd rather not force you if possible. However, we have direct orders from the head bodyguard to bring you home, no matter what."
Wow! He spoke perfect English! And I have to admit, I was impressed.
She's just like Mommy - calm and composed, with a serene expression.
I wonder how he'd look when angry?
Snap out of it, Alexis! Focus.
What do you care if he gets mad or not?
Look at the situation: you're caught, girl! And you're going to marry Zac now.
I was about to respond when Rond suddenly stepped in front, shielding me.
Aw, my Bebe is so sweet!
He's protecting me. But this is real life, and I don't want anything to happen to him.
I stepped out from behind him – and that's when I saw the guns pointed at us!
"Stop it! I'm coming with you." Let's be serious for a moment, girl—I don't want my beauty to get shot.
But Rond restrained me. "Don't!" he exclaimed. "Are you going to marry that old man?"
What am I supposed to choose?
Getting shot?
"Bebe, let's calm down and think. There's a solution to this too. For now, let's just separate, okay? We'll get through this," I assure him, gently caressing his handsome face.
Fortunately, I was able to calm him down.
He can be stubborn sometimes, and who knows what he might do?
Before joining Zac's bodyguards, I gave my Bebe a goodbye kiss.
Deal with it, bodyguards!
I wanted to assure him that I'm here for him, that we'll fight for our love.
Then, we shared a passionate one-minute kiss.
Wait a bit, bodyguards... haha!
I left Bebe looking sad...
Hold on, Rond. I have no intention of marrying that despicable Zac.
If I ever do get married, it will be to you, Bebe.
*******************
I'm back in this gloomy mansion, feeling uncertain. I don't know the real reason behind all this.
Why is Daddy rushing me to marry that old man?
Whenever I ask if there's a problem with the company, they don't give me a straight answer.
Next week, there's even an engagement party. It's going to be a national announcement about our upcoming wedding.
I'm sure it'll be trending in the business world. After all, both our families are incredibly wealthy and influential.
Is this what my dad is after?
The power and the money?
Don't bother asking, it's obvious, isn't it?
My phone suddenly rang.
What a mood killer!
The number was unknown. Who could this be? Calling at the crack of dawn!
Answer your phone to find out, sometimes you're so clueless, Alexis.
Shut up, Brain, stop it! I think I'm going crazy!
"Hello?" I asked.
And all I heard was a deep, drawn-out breath. What is this, some kind of horror movie?
"Hello! Who is this? If you're trying to freak me out, you're not succeeding. I'm getting annoyed. So, stop calling me!"
I was about to press the end call button when the person on the other line suddenly spoke up.
"Just don't do it again..." Oh, that voice. It sends shivers down my spine!
His voice is full of authority and power, and it's unnerving me in a way I don't understand.
"Do what? And who are you, anyway? To talk to me like that?" I'm not going to back down.
I have a feeling about who's on the other line, but I want to make sure it's him that I'm talking to.
"Baby, this is your fiancé. Zac Rogen Walker," his voice alone sounds so handsome.
But don't think you can fool me! You're an old, ugly man!
"I'm not your baby! And I'll never marry you, not even over my dead body!" I'm just cursing him out, but to be honest, I'm getting scared!
"He just chuckled and let out a small laugh. 'You're funny! Is your body, that beautiful?" he asked.
This ugly is really something. Has he seen my perfect body? His question was laced with sarcasm.
"Oh yeah? Are you handsome or something? You're the ugly one!" I shot back, refusing to back down.
He laughs again. He's even crazier than I thought.
"We'll be meeting soon... You are my bride, and that's final," he replied with an authoritative voice.
I shuddered. Am I hopeless now? Am I going to be trapped with this old, ugly man?
Just the thought of it is suffocating me. Go to hell, Zac!