That Campus President is my Fiance (CAMPUS SERIES #1)

Chapter 5

Chapter 5💍

Kyianna Point of View

As I descended the grand staircase, each step felt heavier than the last. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang bigat ng mga mata sa akin. My silver mask covered most of my face, pero kahit pa itago ko ang mukha ko, it was my eyes that they were drawn to-sharp, unwavering, kahit pa ang totoo, ayoko talagang andito.

The ballroom was filled with all the typical grandeur. Crystal chandeliers glittered above, casting rainbows of light across the crowd. The guests were busy talking about business deals, alliances, and power plays that I had no interest in. This wasn't my scene. Not that anyone here cared what I thought.

Pero ang mga magulang ko-oh, they loved this. They thrived in rooms like this, kasama ang mga power players of society. Ang tawanan nila ay parang melody that I couldn't stand. Tonight, I was just another piece in their chess game, ready to be moved and manipulated.

Then, I saw him.

Luhence Hawthorne.

Nakatayo siya sa kabilang dulo ng ballroom, like he owned the place-which, to be fair, he practically did. His tall figure, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, stood out. He looked like the epitome of confidence. Pero ako, I knew better than to be fooled by that charming exterior.

Our eyes met across the room. There was no warmth there, no friendliness. Just recognition and... irritation. Like we both knew this was another one of those forced meetings that neither of us wanted. Pero, we had no choice. Hindi ko siya gusto. At alam ko, hindi rin niya ako gusto.

"Kyianna," my mother's voice cut through my thoughts, bright and overly enthusiastic. "Come, let me introduce you to Luhence."

Oh, right. The big moment. I forced a smile as I approached them, knowing exactly how this would go. Polite greetings, fake smiles, and the underlying resentment simmering just beneath the surface.

Luhence stepped forward, his smile sharp as a blade. "Good evening, Kyianna," he greeted, his tone smooth, too smooth. "I've heard so much about you."

"I'm sure you have," I replied, keeping my voice light but lacing it with sarcasm. "All good things, I'm sure."

"Of course." His smile widened, pero hindi umabot sa mga mata niya. "You've made quite the impression in the community."

"Thanks." I gave him a tight smile. The tension between us was palpable, even with our parents beaming nearby, probably thinking how perfect we looked together. If only they knew.

There was a brief silence as our parents exchanged more pleasantries, pero alam kong hindi na kami mapupuwersa to entertain this conversation much longer.

"You must be enjoying yourself," he said after a beat, ang boses niya ay casual pero sarcastic ang undertone.

"I always love being paraded around like some prize," I replied, crossing my arms in front of me. "It's just the highlight of my year."

He chuckled, the sound low and almost mocking. "Ah, I thought you might. You seem to thrive in situations like this."

I shot him a glare. "I'm not the one who enjoys playing pretend, Luhence."