Lost in May, Chasing a Forbidden

Prologue

"Do not talk back to me, young lady. I am still your father, you ungrateful child!"

"Oh, for pete's sake! You're not my father anymore. Your daughter is long gone. Get out—"

My words were cut short by the sudden, stinging slap across my face. It wasn't just the force of his hand but the force of betrayal that silenced me.

"Your stubbornness never ceases to amaze me! I didn't come here for your permission, I came to inform you, so you wouldn't be shocked if you see me sitting in your couch." His lips brushed against my cheek, a mockery of tenderness, tainting the skin where his hand had just landed.

He turned to leave, and through the bitter taste of tears, I whispered, "Don't expect any kindness from me. My house, my rules, old man."

He walked away, indifferent to the venom in my voice. How I loathe him, and more so, the woman he now calls his wife.

Do you know why my heart burns with such anger? How I despise him and his so-called wife. My blood boils at the mere thought of him.

This "great father" of mine married another woman a mere week after we buried my mother, her grave still fresh with the scent of earth.

I am convinced, with every fiber of my being, that he was having an affair long before my mother's death. Who else would rush into marriage so quickly, if not someone already entangled in deceit?

My thoughts, dark and swirling, were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Miss Olivia, someone delivered hot chocolate for you. I'm sorry, we accepted it. The delivery guy insisted, saying he'd lose his job if he didn't."

I sighed, the weight of the day pressing down on me. "Just put it on my table."

Who could it be? Surely someone enamored with me. I mean, come on, I'm Olivia Ace Amora Lee. To call me pretty would be an insult; I am exquisite, radiant, a beacon of beauty. My wealth is immense, my body is a masterpiece. I can sing like the wind whispers through the trees, dance like flames in a midnight bonfire, and draw with a hand that seems kissed by the muses. But no, I can't cook. Sinubukan ko naman! 'Di na rin sila lugi sa 'kin, 'no!

I am utterly, unapologetically, in love with myself.

---

"Olivia, can you still walk?" Emily's voice struggled to be heard over the pounding music. The world seemed to spin around me, and a wave of nausea threatened to overtake me.

"I can still walk, Elly. Let go of me." I rolled my eyes, shaking off her concern, and swayed my body to the rhythm of the night.

"I'll be right back, I need to pee so badly." Emily darted away, clutching herself as if holding back a flood.

A tall man emerged from the sea of faces, his hand encircling my wrist, pulling me into his orbit. "Let's have some fun in my car, gorgeous."

"I know I'm gorgeous, but kindly remove your filthy, creepy hands from my waist. If she sees this, she'll be furious. She's very protective of me." My words tumbled out, a mixture of bravado and truth, as I struggled to free myself from his grip.

"Are you a fucking lesbian, or are you talking about your mother? How sweet. A family-oriented." His breath reeked of alcohol, and his intent was clear as he leaned in, lips poised to invade my space.

But before he could make contact, a stronger hand clamped down on my wrist, as tight as shackles, pulling me away.

"Hey, not so tight! And please, stay away from me. She'll be mad at me. My baby will get mad." I pouted, the intoxicated words spilling from my lips.