2:14

01: New Goodbyes, New Hello

"Dad, come on. Bakit ba ako? I won't marry someone without falling inlove to them" I answered to my father.

"Well, you'll know her naman. There's a big chance na mainlove ka rin naman sa kaniya"

"How can you say that, Dad? It's my love life not yours. So stop forcing me, I'm not into arranged marriage"

"I know, son. But this is for the better of you and our families. Rodrigo's daughter is so nice for you!"

I scoffed and shook my head. I don't know what will I say anymore. What? until now he's still like this? making me look like a dog that would follow every order of his as if I'm not an adult anymore?

"This agreement is very important for me and Rody. Kaya pumayag ka na-"

"Then why me? why not anyone else who's a member of our family?" I sighed and drank my beer can.

"Did you just cut me off?"

My lips parted as I realized what I did. "Sorry, Dad but I- "

"Ferdinand, you're my son. My only son, this is your chance to prove something and to do something for our family, simple lang naman just marry that girl and there!"

Is working so hard under his pressure not enough for him? Did he just literally said that marrying an unknown girl is just a thing that I can make him proud? What about the efforts I made so he can finally recognize me?

Did he just cared for me just to be under him and be the next 'him'? All that just to groom me?

I closed my eyes for two seconds, I sighed and answered him again. "You don't understand, Dad"

"I understand you, anak"

For the first time in few years, huh. 'Anak'?

"But let's don't be embarrassing to the Dutertes, it's ridiculous for the Ferdinand Jr. to decline them"

"I'm a human with a rights, Dad. Of course, I can decline them!" I was almost raising my voice. Damn this alcohol.

"Bongbong. Whether you like it or not-"

"No"

He just sighed and avoided my gaze. He stood up properly and leaned his hands on the counter top.

"Here, let's have a deal"

Oh there's his special card again, his main weapon. The 'Deal' thing.

"Dad, please-"

"Just hear me out first. Marry Duterte's daughter and you'll inherit the seat from your mother's construction firm" He smirked. He knew it was my dream, my weakness. I knew it, I shouldn't have shown this man what truly am I, I'm so stupid.

But will I just let that chance slip down to my hands? It's right there, it's already right in front of me. Just one yes and I'll get the seat.

All I have to do is marry the girl, inherit the seat and then divorce. Yes, that's it, break up with her after that. Kahit ilang taon pa ang pagtiisan ko just to get that seat.

But will I let myself lose from this man again?

Fuck.
Fuck it.

I don't even know anything about the woman, I don't even know who the hell is she or what's her name aside from being Tito Rody's daughter.

"Ikaw nalang ang maaasahan ko, Ferdinand. You're my son, you'll carry this family's name soon," The old man said. He's making me look like a stupid again and I hate it. I hate his games so much.