Flames of the Night (Flames Series #1)

PROLOGUE

WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE SCENES

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Prologue

“Congratulations to our newly wed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez!” Everyone congratulated and it was followed by their continuous loud applause. I also clapped my hands because it’s my best friend Jana who just got married to Ellie today.

“Thank you, everyone. My word isn’t enough to thank you all, but today my heart really overflowing with joy. Thank you for coming and for witnessing this very important day of our lives. Ellie and I will do our best to become a good husband and wife and good parents to our future children.” Jana stated and when she took her glass up, we all clinked our glasses and continued with our foods.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" I teased. Sinegundahan naman iyon ng ilang mga bisita kaya walang nagawa ang bagong kasal kundi ibigay ang hinihiling namin.

With a smile pasted on my face, I took them couple of shots while they are kissing. Later on, I checked those photos. While swiping each photo, I couldn't help but feel happy for Jana. Simula kolehiyo kasi namin ay sila ng dalawa and I witnessed how their relationship works, from their experiences, through their ups and down and everything. And now, I just witnessed how they tie the knot together.

“Your best friend is now married. When do you plan of settling yourself, Rhian? You’re not getting any younger.” Hearing what she said with deep meaning, I continued eating as if I heard nothing.

“Your Mom is talking to you, Rhian Cassandra,” Dad interfered. I can see that he’s now looking at my direction.

“She’s not my mom,” I whispered, making sure that it won't reach their ears. When I realized that they are waiting for my response, I put my spoon at the side of my plate. “Just because my best friend is married, that doesn't mean I have to get married as well. Marriage is not a contest.” I replied back with greater emphasis.

Erica, my stepsister who’s sitting beside me, tsk-ed, and even rolled her eyes.

“But hija, you’re engaged with Harold for a long time now—”

“You all knew I don’t love him. Let’s quit this conversation.” I gave in. Wiping the side of my lips, I immediately stood up and went my way out of that reception area. Just by hearing it, I already lost my appetite.

I closed my eyes as the cold water from the shower is now streaming down my body. Pagkatapos kong magwalk out kanina, nagkulong na lamang ako sa suite ko. My Dad sent me a message, asking where am I, but I didn’t bother to reply him back.

Everyone knew I was engaged, but I don’t love him and I don't know if there’s a chance that I would fall for him. I know Harold felt the same way because we don’t have feelings for each other. We’ve been engaged for almost seven years now. That happened when I turned 18. All thanks to that family’s traditional way of marriage, we’re now engaged.

Mas nilakasan ko iyong shower na kulang na lang ay burahin nung tubig ’yung katotohanang engaged na ako. Darn that fix marriage.

After taking a bath, I went to my small luggage and took the first clothing that my eyes caught. It’s a black long sleeve V-neck crop top. I could just pair it with a white fitted jeans and a boots, and a black Gucci belt. I didn’t bring much clothes. Maybe this would do, right?

After wearing those clothes, I curled my hair a bit and put some accessories to match it with my outfit. Later on, I found myself hailing a cab until I reached a nightclub. Malapit lang naman ito sa hotel kung saan ginanap ’yung kasal.