27

Chapter 27

Everyone around me is telling me to slow down, to take a breather but I just can’t. I feel like if I let myself rest I will get comfortable and I don’t want that because I have to keep working and striving hard because I only have myself and I owe it to me for my future… no one is going to save me from this mess but myself.

“It’s okay to rest, your body needs it and life isn’t about working hard and I’m sure everything will just work out fine, don’t stress yourself out too much.”

I nodded to Aunt Candice even though deep down I know that I won’t listen to her. She says that to me but she’s also a hustler like me. She just wouldn’t stop and since I live with her I kind of start to adapt that, and I’m not complaining, I’ve learn things that I didn’t learn when we were privilege enough that I don’t necessarily have to do because we have our maids and we have the money so I could live a luxurious life but now I learn how to save and I learn how to do household chores and most importantly… I learn not to depend on anyone but myself because at the end of the day I will have to save me.

“Kate? Is that you?”

It was a normal day at work, I work at day now too since I don’t have classes and I was shock to see the people I least expected to see… my old friends. The one who came at my engagement party, and I feel so ashamed that I didn’t know how to react nor approach them.

“We were worried! I thought you had gone abroad.” They came to me and hugged me and I look around, good thing no one was paying attention.

I bite my lips and fake a smile. I wasn’t really close to them and we were only friends because it was convenient for us and I know them… they back stab people and for all I know they have already been talking behind my back and they can’t wait to tell everyone that they saw me here… and the thought of it makes me scared.

I’m not exactly hiding from them… I just don’t want anyone to know my situation because no one can save me at this point so what’s the point?

“Why didn’t you contacted us? You know that we’re always here to help you right?”

I smile and shake my head. “I’m fine. It’s for the best, I just don’t want the media to know about my whereabouts, I want to keep my life private now… I would really appreciate if you won’t tell anyone that I’m here… it’s the least you can do for me.”

They look at each other and smiled. “Of course… but how about dinner? Our treat.”

I want to say no but they didn’t gave me a choice because they kind of waited for me until my work is done… and I kind of feel awkward that they’re watching me work.

I cut the dinner quick because they just kept asking me about my situation and mocking me in a subtle way but I notice everything and I’m not going to let them to do that to me… not anymore… I also ask them not to tell anyone about my whereabouts but I don’t think I can trust them for that… but it’s worth the shot.

“You sure you don’t want to be a model?” Ana asked me.

I shake my head at her and gather her things. She asked me to come with her for a go-see to be her assistant for the day and now that we’re here she keep convincing me to audition to but I don’t think that’s for me.

“I’m fine being your personal assistant though. You might want to get me… I’m pretty efficient.” That made her smile.

“Let’s discuss that we’re done here.”

True to her words when we were done with the audition we immediately went to a near coffee shop and we talked about her plans and we aligned out schedule and of course the salary. I was actually shock and become shy regarding it but Ana was really professional and at first I thought that the rate was high because we’re friends but she told me that’s the starting rate.

“This is really happening… I’m your personal assistant.”

“Well, I’ve thought of making you a model and I will be your manager but I guess you don’t want that… and I know you’ll do good… I trust you.” I can’t help but smile at that.

Days went by fast and I become extremely busy because of my new job and I had to quit my job at the bar because Ana was getting more and more projects now that it’s summer vacation and she has a lot of time, and I’m not really complaining because I like my job, and all the work I’m doing makes me forget about the things that worries me.

A lot of agents also asked me to become their model while coming with Ana but I always decline despite the big offer but I just don’t see myself becoming a model and also because I’m scared in this industry… the chances of getting found by my parents’ creditors and also people I know from the past knowing my whereabouts is the least of what I want right now.

“Are you sure you don’t want to get dropped by your house?” Ana asked as I asked her to just drop me by the nearest mall.

“I have things to buy for the house, don’t worry and you should rest you had a long day.”

Good thing we don’t have any work tomorrow since Ana has a family meeting she needs to attend, I will have time to rest and clean the house while I’m at it.

I watch Ana’s car leave and before I could enter the mall some familiar faces stopped me and my heart immediately began to pound as I realize who this people are and what they want from me.

I look around asking anyone for help but before I could do that I was captured and was enter to a van. My heart is beating so fast as I think of a way to escape this people but I turn weak when I realize that I have no way of escaping because inside the van is a bunch of men… and for all I know they’re armored, I don’t want to risk anything.

“What do you want from me?! I said I don’t have the money to pay my father’s debts!”

They’re silent until the car stopped and they let me out of the van. My brows creased upon realizing that I’m in a private resort… a man in his late 40s came to me with arms wide spread with a smile on his face.

“I’m glad you came.” He said that made my brows creased.

“I don’t remember coming here voluntarily.” He chuckled at that and hugged me.

I was stiff and I was scared to push him away because of the men surrounding us… I feel like one wrong move and they will shoot me… and that scares me shitless.

“I don’t think you’re getting it, Kate.” The man said and gestured me to come with him.

I sigh and followed him inside the house. It’s big and majestic, I feel like I’m at the Greece because of it’s architecture, there are maids running around and cleaning the house and so much more, and it made me think why they are so eager to get me when I’m sure that the money my dad owed is nothing compare to what they have… they’re wasting their time and energy. I know I have to pay for those debts, it’s only right but they just don’t understand that I don’t have anything right now and that’s why I’m working hard to pay them back. I want to say those words to his face but instead I choose to keep quiet.

“You do realize that I’m going to be your husband right?”

My brow creased at that but them remember the papers that I signed. I bite my lips and finally realize what’s happening here.

“You and I are to be married before your family passed… we are destined to be together and I’m not after your money nor the debt that your father owed me… what I want is you… he promised me to you and even though he’s gone now… the promise still remains.”

“I am in my legal age and I don’t want to marry you… I have my choice and no matter what my dad promise I cannot fulfill that because I didn’t make that agreement.” I try my shot but he shook his head and laugh a little.

“You signed the contract, Kate. There’s no turning back now.” He said and creased my cheeks, I immediately look away and step back. His eyes turn dark as he looked at me. “We are to be married tomorrow. End of discussion.” He said and left.

I want to scream at his face and I want to escape but I know that would be impossible… and in my heart and mind I know that I don’t really have a choice… and my heart is breaking in the thought of it.