BILLIONAIRE SERIES4: ARRANGED MARRIAGE TO MY ENEMY: ETHAN HARRIS MONTELLO

CHAPTER THREE

Habang papunta na ko sa hagdanan para bumalik sa aking kwarto, nang kanya-kanya akong hinawakan ng aking mga nakatatandang kapatid na babae sa aking mga braso.

“I still can’t believe you’re getting married. To Ethan Harris of all people! You’re so lucky.” Saad ni Ate Charlotte na kinangiwi ko.

“He’s amazing. We’ve all heard the stories, but seeing him here in the flesh... He’s fúcking gorgeous, Chiara. He’s going to be you’re husband.” sabat naman ni Ate Chelsea na mas nakakatanda sa aming dal’wa ni Ate Charlotte.

“Thanks for the reminder. As I could forget?” nakangiwi kong saad.

“Oh, come on, Chiara. Huwag mong sabihin sa amin na may pagaalinlangan kapa, ha? Like si Ethan Harris na yon, sis.” saad muli ni Ate Charlotte.

“His looks doesn’t matter to me. Isa pa din siyang Montello. That means hindi siya mapagkakatiwalaan. Hinding-hindi ako mapapanatag na makasama siya for the rest of my life.” lumapit naman si Ate Chelsea sa akin at hinawakan ang braso kong muli.

“Relax, girl. Father says they aren’t our enemies anymore. Napatunayan na yon ng magaganap na kasal ninyong dal’wa.”

“And who knows? Maybe you’ll end up finding happiness with Ethan. Never say never.”

“Tama si Ate Charlotte, Chiara. You may learn to love each other one day.” pagsang-ayon naman ni Ate Chelsea na kinabuntong-hininga ko.

“Do you really think so? Parang imposible naman kasi.”

“Come on, Chiara. With a face like that, I’m sure falling in love with him will be easier than you think. There’s a powerful magnetism around him.” saad pa muli niya at napailing nalang ako dahil kahit gaano pa kagwapo ang mapapangasawa ko, I still can shake the feeling that this marriage is doomed.

Paano ko matututunan mahalin ang isang Montello? And of course how could a Montello ever learn to love me? Isang napakalaking kalokohan talaga ang kasal na ito.

_________

THE WEEKS goes by in blur. Soon enough, it’s my wedding day.

Pinuntahan ako ni Daddy sa dressing room, para sunduin at ihatid papunta sa aking mapapangasawa.

“I know this isn’t what you wanted. I can see you haven’t even put much though in your wedding dress. But I hope you’ll find happiness. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you and our family.” saad nito na kinangiti ko ng mapait.

“I know, dad. I―I’ll try my best.”

“Hija, Ethan is a lucky man. I’m sure he’ll feel the same when he sees you walking down the aisle.”

“Thanks, dad, but I’m sure he won’t. He made it quite clear that this marriage wasn’t his idea. In fact, he told me he never wanted to get married at all.” saad ko.

“Is that so?” there’s a glint in his eyes, as though he knows something I don’t. But before I can question him on it, his expression grows serious.

“You do understand the importance of what you’re doing here, don’t you? This marriage is going to complete the peace deal. The success of both your families is being forged here through you and your groom. You can make or break the future.” mahabang paalala niya na kinatango ko.

“Yes, dad, I‘ll try to make the most of it. Hindi naman siguro ka-bad idea ang ikasal sa isang Ethan. Baka magwork din ito in the end.” hinawakan naman ni dad ang magkabilang balikat ko.

“The two of you are better matched than you may think.”

“Naga-alala lang po ako sa intensyon niya sa akin. Mapagkakatiwalaan ko ho ba siya? Ako ho, will he ever trust me?” mga katanungan na naglalaro sa isipan ko simula ng malaman kong ikakasal kami ni Ethan.