Threads of Love

Chapter 2

Lea's POV

The room was filled with the pungent aroma of alcohol as the dim light flickered, casting a somber ambiance. I raised the vodka-filled glass to my lips, feeling the burn as the liquid slid down my throat. I lost count of how many shots I'd taken.

Dawn's concerned voice cut through the haze in my mind. "What exactly happened?"

We're here at Vice's place. I contacted the two of them as soon as I left the mansion.

I stared into the void, trying to piece together the events that happened earlier. The alcohol had blurred the edges of reality, but I still know what I'm doing, I'm still aware of the surroundings.

"Girl, sabi ko dinner, hindi inom—" Vice began, attempting to make the atmosphere light.

"Guess who's getting married," I interrupted, my voice tinged with bitterness.

Their faces registered shock, confusion, and concern. "Who?" Dawn asked, her voice gentle, knowing the fragility of the moment.

"Sino?" Vice echoed.

I raised a shaky hand, pointing at myself, forcing a smile that barely concealed the pain welling within. Tears running down my cheeks, betraying the facade of strength I attempted to maintain.

Dawn moved closer, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. Vice, too, shared in the silent support.

"H-How? You never mentioned having a boyfriend," Dawn inquired softly, careful not to push too hard.

"Dad arranged a marriage for me," I confessed, the weight of the truth heavier with each syllable. Dawn tightened her embrace, offering a silent solidarity.

"They took my right to choose who to love. They took everything away from me," I lamented, my voice cracking with a mixture of despair and anger.

Vice said, full of sympathy. "Ilabas mo lang lahat, Lea, andito lang kami palagi."

"Sorry, this was supposed to be a happy get together moment kasi kauuwi mo lang and then I ruined because of this family drama." I apologize to Vice

"Shh huwag mong sabihin yan. Basta andito lang kami."

I woke up the next morning with a pounding headache, the aftermath of the alcohol-fueled emotional outburst the night before.

As the sunlight streamed through the curtains, I groaned and buried my face in the pillow, wishing I could erase the memories of the previous night.

After taking a long shower to clear my head, I decided to face the day. I slipped into a casual outfit and tied my hair in a messy bun. As I stepped out of the condo, I was greeted by the bustling noise of the city.

I went inside the café, a quaint little place with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, and the soft hum of conversation surrounded me. I ordered my favorite of coffee, determined to start the day on a positive note.

As I waited for my order, my phone buzzed with a message from Dawn. "How are you feeling today?" it read. I sighed, realizing that my friends were genuinely concerned about my well-being.

"I'm okay, trying to move on from last night," I replied, mustering a smile.

With my coffee in hand, I strolled through the nearby park, enjoying the serenity and greenery. The cool breeze and the laughter of children playing lifted my spirits. I decided that dwelling on the past wouldn't do me any good, and I needed a distraction.

I received a message so I checked it. While reading the message I bumped to someone causing the coffee to stain my top.

"Watch where you're going," I snapped, more out of habit than genuine irritation.