THE CROWDED MARRIAGE

Prologue (Book 1)

Ivory Kyson Mortimeroz

"What are you going to do about it? The engagement will be announced publicly, and you are still in a relationship with someone? The poor girl deserves better."

I open up with Shaun even though I know he's nosy, but I know I can trust him. He'd been my friend since our law school days, and we'd even known each other in college days, but we were just getting to know each other at that time, and this time, our bond becomes stronger.

"I don't want to break up with my girl," I almost whispered.

I saw Shaun's face-palm while listening to my nonsensical rants.

"But that's not enough to make your parents stop making you marry the woman they want. How much do you love your girlfriend, anyway?"

I flatly looked at Shaun with an are-you-serious look on my face.

"Of course... I love her. Hindi na dapat tinatanong yung bagay na 'yan."

"Then be against them. Sus, simpeng problema pinapalaki mo."

Simple problem? What?

"It's not that easy."

Out of frustration, I removed my glasses and then ruffled my hair as I pinched the bridge of my nose.

Shaun shifted his weight to face me.

"You know what? I don't think you need my advice. Kahit ano namang sabihin ko rito, mas susundin mo ang parents mo, hindi ba?"

He's right. I couldn't be against them.

My shoulder just fell at the thought that I really couldn't be against them.

I need to talk to my girlfriend. She already knew about this, but I'd been avoiding her because I somehow knew what would be the end of us.

"Sino ba yung pakakasalan mo? Puwede mo siyang kausapin... baka ayaw niya rin sa set-up niyo at siya na lang ang mag-against sa parents niya?" suggestion ni Shaun na nagpanlumo muli sa akin.

"She's Maeve Dominique Valencia."

Shaun's lips slightly parted in shock. "As in the only daughter of the Valencia Group of Companies?"

I nodded for my answer. "Yeah, the spoiled daughter who always gets what she wants."

"And I bet she wants you?"

I grimaced at his words.

Shaun stops talking and moving while staring at me with confusion.

"What?" I asked because his eyes started to irritate me.

"Nagtataka lang ako. Anong nakita niya sayo? Puwede naman ako, diba? Mas pogi nga ako sayo. Tapos wala ka pang sense of humor katulad ni Lorcan. Tapos lagi kang seryoso, walang kuwenta kausap, gano'n."

Nanglait pa.

Except for the fact that he's more attractive than me, everything he said was true.

I don't know either what came into Maeve's mind for pushing our marriage. I thought she no longer wanted me. It's been years since we talked with each other. Mga bata pa kami noon hanggang sa nawalan na kami ng komunikasyon sa isa't isa.

I haven't talked to Maeve Dominique yet. I need to talk to my girlfriend first to clarify things.

"Thanks for your heartwarming suggestion," I sarcastically said in a serious tone.

He patted his hand on my shoulder so much that my face almost fell to the ground, so I glared at him while he was laughing.

"You're very much welcome."