Chapter 1 - The Arrogant Daughter

“In terms of financial implications, we have prepared a detailed budget that outlines the necessary resources and investment required,” I explained.

I scanned the entire room with my eyes. I noticed the nods from all the board of directors, a sign that they understood what I said in front.

Good for them because if not, I would make them repeat everything. I set aside a week of my vacation just for this project. I want this to be a success because it's a big deal for the company.

"So, I guess everything is clear now? I want to know your suggestions and–"

"Excuse me, Ms. Megan."

I immediately turned my attention to my secretary. Fear was evident in her eyes because she knew I didn't want to be disturbed in the middle of a meeting. That's when I also noticed Marco by her side.

"Yes?"

My secretary glanced at Marco, as if seeking help. Marco just shook his head and approached me. I excused myself to everyone for a minute before turning to this man.

"Make sure it's important because if it's not..."

"It's about your father," he said and handed me his cell phone.

As I looked at it, I immediately saw an article about a wedding of the century. I read the information about it, and I couldn't help but curse.

"What the fuck is this?" I hissed, not caring whether my board of directors could hear my swearing.

I ignored that and quickly left the conference room after instructing Amanda to finish the meeting. My heels almost sank into the tiles due to my marching towards my office.

"What nonsense is this? Wedding of the fucking century? Really?" I exclaimed again to Marco.

My heart continued to rage as I read this article again, which had just been released today. As in 20 minutes ago. I was sure that my dad's publicist was behind this.

Ava Choi. A 26-year-old woman?

"This can't be real. What is he thinking? We're almost the same age, Marco!" I shouted at him.

I was about to throw the phone I was holding, but Marco quickly snatched it from me, making me curse even more.

"This is mine, Megan. Throw away your cell phone if you want," he said and sat down. "The said wedding is scheduled for next month. If you go home to the mansion now, you'll find Ms. Choi with your dad."

My ears seemed to ring even louder at that. I laughed, almost trembling with anger. That damn old man is insane. Is he serious about what he's doing? He's going to marry a woman almost my age and a commoner? I mean, her lifestyle is in that fucking article!

She's just a poor woman, and it's evident that she has long wanted to escape from where she is now. And she's probably using dad to get away from that kind of life.

"I can't leave early, Marco. Mr. Walton is arriving today. I can't ditch him this time," I said and cursed again. "But I will definitely talk to him. He's not thinking right."

Marco chuckled. "You know you can't oppose your father, Megan."

I gave Marco a sharp look. I almost cursed him for what he said. Of all people in this company, he's the only one with the audacity to speak to me like this. He's been using our friendship too much to disrespect me like this.

"Get out before I fire you," I declared firmly and turned my attention back to the papers on my table.

I heard Marco's grin again, so I looked at him again.

"Fine, fine. Call me if you're going home tonight. I'll go with you."

"And why would I do that? Are you ordering me?"

His jaw tightened, and he sighed again. "I know you can't face your father alone, Megan. Call me. I'll go ahead."

I was left there, feeling the weight of Marco's words. I couldn't deny it to him because he knows me inside out—an aspect I detest. Marco knows my weaknesses, and I can't hide any of my emotions from him anymore.

In this terrifying world, Dad is the only one I avoid becoming enemies with. I can't oppose his rules and regulations. I can't refuse or disobey any of his orders because I love him.

And that's how I was raised by my mother. She loves Dad so much that she also wants me to love that old man wholeheartedly. But what if I'm tired of loving him? Does that make me a bad daughter just because of that?

I quickly wrapped up my meeting with Mr. Walton that day because I decided to go home to the mansion tonight. It had been a long time since I last went there, and I didn't know what awaited me in that house.

Ever since Mom died, I hadn't stayed there. I hated how empty that house was right now. It was no longer the familiar home I used to know, especially now that it was possible Dad's new bride would live there.

While I was on my way, I received a call from Marco. I didn't follow his order to call him when I got home because maybe this was the right time for me to face him alone.

"What do you want?" I retorted.

I sped up my driving because I didn't want to get caught in traffic. I frowned when I noticed a silver sedan seemingly racing with me. What the fuck!

"Where are you? I'm in your office."

"Well, I'm not there anymore, Marco, so leave," I said and overtook this silver sedan.

My irritation began to build up because of what this driver was doing, especially when I saw in the side mirror that he was trying to overtake me. What the hell! Is he trying to get himself killed?

"Fucking dumbass!" I hissed as I momentarily opened the window next to me and cursed loudly at this sedan. "Are you stupid? Do you even know how to fucking drive?!"

"Megan? What's happening? Where are you?" Marco asked again, sounding concerned about what he heard.

"This fucking asshole—let's talk later! I'm on my way to the mansion, and you better not follow me there because if you do, you won't see me again!" I yelled, throwing away my earbuds and focusing on the driver of this sedan.

He continued to race with me! When I noticed that we were both going to turn at the intersection, I quickly overtook him and abruptly stopped my car. This forced him to stop too. I didn't even care if I got into an accident or if he did.

I nearly damaged my car door when I got out of it. I headed straight for the sedan and kicked its bumper with all my strength.

"Fucking moron! If you want to die, don't involve others! Get out of there, stupid fucker!" I shouted while attempting to peer inside, but the car had heavily tinted windows.

I was about to knock on the driver's seat when it suddenly opened. I was left gaping as a tall man emerged, headed straight to the front, and checked the bumper of his car that I just kicked.

I just stared at him, waiting for his next move. He was wearing black pants, a white shirt, and a jacket. After inspecting his car, he stood upright and took a deep breath before finally locking eyes with me.

"Are you going to pay for the damage you've done to my car or..." He trailed off, looking me up and down with judgment evident in his eyes. "Are you just going to stand there and create a scene?"

My jaw dropped once again. The irritation I felt intensified with his words.

"What the fuck did you say? Do you even know how stupid you are at driving?" I exclaimed, scanning him from head to toe.

He looked at me with even more disdain. He checked his phone, and for a moment, I saw a hint of concern. It seemed like he was in a hurry.

"Just say whether you'll pay for the damage to my car or not. I don't have much time for this, miss," he said, about to approach me, so I quickly stepped back.

"I'm not going to pay for that. You deserve it because you're a dumbass driver—"

"You talk too much. Just say you don't have money to pay, miss," he said in a cool tone, pushing me slightly away from his car and opening the driver's seat.

My anger deepened. Was I seriously hearing this from this man? It was as if I suddenly ran out of things to say to this guy.

"What the fuck are you saying? I can buy you another car, moron, just so you know. Fucking arrogant dumbass!" I shouted and was about to kick his car again, but he quickly grabbed my hand.

"Try to kick my car again, and I'll kiss you."

"Let go of me!" I shouted and pushed him away from me.

All I could see in his expression was coldness. He had this icy pair of eyes. No emotion. His face was blank, and he seemed serious about what he said.

"You're an idiot and a pervert! Fuck you!" I exclaimed.

He sighed and briefly took something from his wallet. He handed me a small piece of paper.

"I don't have a business card, so here's this. My details are there. Make sure to pay for the damage you've done to my car, or I will have you reported, miss. I already have your plate number," he said and turned away.

Before I could react, he looked back at me. "Or you can also call me if you want that kiss."

I was left speechless. I couldn't say anything until he left. I suddenly ran out of words. I'm not usually like this.

When I looked at the paper he gave me, I saw his full name, contact number, and address. It was a business card, but not from a company or anything. This was a self-made card. Did he make this himself? It said he was a freelancer.

"Javier Salvatorre? Handsome name, but a pervert and an idiot."