Visual of Elysian (Abstract Series #2)

Chapter 1

I've read a lot of novels about parents controlling their children, driving them to perform well in school, and forcing them into fixed marriages.

Looking through the reviews, I noticed that some individuals thought it was ludicrous. Why would a parent do such a thing? They will never understand without first experiencing it.

There are random times where I find myself asking, If people hate kids so much, why do they have so many of them?

And as the only child being raised by a patriarchal Ledesma, the answer is much sadder than the question.

"I already prepared a dinner meeting with Peralta on Sunday."

Nilingon ko si Daddy na seryoso lang ang expression habang kumakain ng breakfast. Sighing, I continued to munch my food.

I already expected this time will come. Highschool pa lang ako, walang palya sa pagpapaalala sa akin ang ama ko.

My freedom is limited.

"Mukhang nagmamadali naman, Dani. Ava is still in college. I am sure it can wait," Mom said when I decided not to speak.

"The adults wants to meet their daughter-in-law, Sandy. Talagang hindi iyon maiiwasan."

Halos hindi ko na malunok ang kinakain. The conversation is too much for me to handle. They wanted me to agree with their plans of executing me into a fixed marriage.

And what a mere daughter like me can do? Nothing. Ang maging sunod-sunuran ang role ko sa pamamahay na ito.

"Pumayag ako sa gusto mo kasi akala ko after college pa ni Ava ito pag-uusapan. 2nd year pa lang siya, Danilo!"

Mom mentioned the whole name of my father which only means she's really furious about this. 

The whole setup is not okay for me but I already accepted it long ago. Kaya wala akong nagiging relasyon simula nang malaman ko. I know I would marry for business, not for love.

At kung 'yon ang magpapasaya kay Daddy, I am willing to be submissive to his plans.

"Para rin naman ito kay Ava. I made sure she will marry a good man. I am doing this for her own good," Dad calmly replied despite my Mom's angry remarks.

I wanted to laugh. Ganitong-ganito ang mga linyahan na nababasa ko sa mga libro. It's funny how I am hearing it in real life.

"Kad and I bought a condominium so Ava and her fiancee can live together."

Iyon ang nakapagpanting sa tenga ko. With wide eyes, I looked at him. Kalmado pa rin ang mukha niya sa kabila ng mga titig na binibigay namin ni Mommy.

"Don't you think it's too much, Dad?" I switched into a calm demeanor.

I know him. Hindi siya madadaan sa agresibong usapan.

"Hindi ako makakapayag n'yan! That would be immoral! Living in one roof without a sacred blessing?" gulantang na saad ni Mommy.

"It's for them to create a bond, Sandy!" Nilapag ni Dad ang ginamit niyang kubyertos sa may laman pang plato. "Do you want Ava to have a failed marriage? Mas mabuting habang maaga pa, magkasundo na sila sa mga bagay-bagay."

He's right but I don't want to agree with it. Ang magpakasal na hindi ko gusto ay sobrang bigat na sa pakiramdam. 

But again, kung 'yon ang makakapagpasaya kay Daddy. I lived my life pleasuring his whims, this is not different.