Beginning Of An End (GM Series #5)

01

"But mom! I'm just sixteen," she protested.

Her mom just told her what will happen over the dinner her family and the Samaniego's—their family friend—has set for the night. Apparently, the two families have agreed on granting her great grandfather and her best friends' promise to each other; an arranged marriage between the two families to tighten their bond, as if they weren't that close enough.

And to her luck, they decided to grant it using her and her best friend, Grant Alexus.

"We're not saying that you'll marry now, Bree! Of course, we will wait until Grant and you reach the right age," her mom answered.

But there's no reason that will make her understand the situation her parents are giving her.

Whose family still does that in this generation?

Ah. Her family and the Samaniego, of course.

"Won't you ask me first if I will agree on that?" she asked.

Because she honestly knows why she has to grant a promise that was even hers! And Grant, hell! He will surely think that this whole situation was a big joke. She knows him, he doesn't like being dictated.

Her mom shook her head disappointedly. "Come on, Bree. We have told you about this a long time ago. Don't be stubborn and follow what we said," her mom said.

"But mo—" her mom cut her off mid-sentence.

"No more buts, Abrielle. Do as you told," her mom said, leaving her alone in her room.

And the moment her mom leaves, she immediately grabs her phone and tries dialing Grant's phone number, but he wasn't answering her calls because it frustrates her more.

"Grant!" She called him and immediately dragged to their garden the moment his family arrived at their house. "Why aren't you picking up my calls? I have been calling you," she told him.

"I was driving, Bree," he answered, putting both of his hands inside his jean's pocket. He seems unbothered and it irritates her more.

"Were you informed about what is about to happen tonight?" she asked.

Grant nodded. "Yeah," he answered.

"Great! Now, what's our plan?" she asked, standing firmly though her body's been shaking out of frustration.

But to her dismay, Grant took a deep sigh and shook his head afterwards. "There's no plan, Abrielle. We will follow what they want us to do," he said.

Her eyes widened and she couldn't help but slap him on his shoulder. "Are you for real, Grant? You will let them set us up just like that?" she asked, hysterically.

Grant shrugged and said, "Calm down, Bree! We can't do anything against it so let's just follow, okay?"

She shook her head and stepped backwards, Grant tried to hold her but she slapped his arm again. "The hell, Grant! We can do something! There will surely be a way for us to stop them," she insisted.

But Grant didn't listen or say anything, instead, he walked out and headed to their dining hall where their family is already settled, having a fun chit-chat as they waited for the food to be served.

"Oh, there you are guys," Grant's mom greeted them, opening her hands for her to come and greet them.

Agad naman siyang lumapit dito para bumeso, ganun din sa Daddy ni Grant at nag mano naman siya sa Lolo nito bago siya dumiretso sa upuang nakalaan para sa kanya. She was glaring at Grant as she takes her seat, but the latter didn't even bother. He was shaking his head as he looks at her.

Damn, Grant Alexus! If you won't do anything for this nonsense deal to stop, then I will. She muttered mentally.

And that's what she did. When their engagement was announced to the whole family and their parents were discussing when the wedding would happen and they were asked about their thoughts, she wasn't surprised when Grant shrugged and left everything to their parents.

But not her. She has already thought of how she will at least prolong the wedding. "I was planning to take up medicine, maybe after my fellowship?" she said.

"That will take at least ten to twelve years, hija," Grant's mother said.

She just shrugged as she sliced on her steak. "Is ten to twelve years too long po ba? My mom said that you'll let us reach the right age, so I thought maybe after we graduate?" she asked.

She can see her mom's glares on her but she just shrugged that off. If she can't stop it, then, she will make them wait until they decide to give up.

"Aabutin ko pa kaya ang kasal kung sampung taon pa mula ngayon iyan mangyayari?" Grant's grandfather asked.

"Of course po, lolo. You're young pa naman po," she answered, smiling sweetly.

The old man, on the other hand, laughed at what she said. "Alright. If that's what you want, then have the wedding after you fulfill your dream. Besides, Grant here has to prove as well that he's deserving of you."

"Don't worry, Lo. I will do everything I can," Grant answered.

She wanted really hard to roll her eyes on him but she stopped herself, instead, she just arched her brow.

"Then, it's settled!" her mom spoke. "I hope you won't mind waiting for my daughter that long, Grant."

Grant shook his head. "It's not a problem for me po, Tita. If that's what Bree wants, I will support her," he answered.

"I'm glad to hear that. I know my daughter will be in good hands with you," her mom said and she suddenly wanted to vomit hearing that.

Huh! She can't believe she will feel betrayed this much. Of all the people surrounding her, why does it have to be him? She expected him to disagree with this agreement that she cannot believe that he just let them control their lives, dictating them to whom they will marry.

And from that day on, I started hating him with a burning intensity. Every time I looked at Grant, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and resentment. As the years went by, my feelings towards him didn't soften or change; instead, they transformed into a deep sense of disgust.

The trust that once existed between us was shattered irreparably by his passivity and willingness to let others dictate our lives. I couldn't fathom how he could accept such a fate without putting up a fight. My respect for him dwindled until there was nothing left.

His words held no weight, and his promises meant nothing to me. I saw him as weak, someone who had surrendered to the whims of others instead of standing up for what he truly wanted. The disappointment I felt in him was profound, a constant reminder of the betrayal I perceived in his actions.

In my heart, I knew I could no longer rely on Grant. He had become a stranger to me, someone I could no longer confide in or depend on. The bond we once shared had been severed, replaced by a deep-seated aversion that couldn't be ignored.

As time passed, I grew distant from Grant, emotionally detaching myself from him. Our engagement meant nothing to me anymore; it was merely a hollow arrangement that held no significance. I couldn't bring myself to pretend, to go along with a charade that had lost all meaning.

I had become resolute in my decision to forge my own path and pursue my dreams without compromise. Grant's presence in my life no longer mattered. He was no longer the person I thought he was, and I couldn't bear the weight of his presence any longer.