Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Love #3)(On-Going)

Chapter 23

"Kailan mo pa po alam?" tanong ko nang iwan kami nina Mommy at Daddy sa sala.

"Six years ago," he responded, "I had no inkling that I would be marrying someone like you."

"Why didn't you refuse?" I inquired again, unable to come to terms with our predicament. "I hope you didn't consent."

"I apologize," he admitted. "I comprehend that my actions were selfish in that regard."

"Do you recall when I mentioned at the campsite that I aspired to be a politician? Do you believe gaining approval to transition to a teacher was easy? Certainly not. To pursue that aspiration, I had to make choices that conflicted with my desires."

He averted his gaze. "I relinquished the woman I loved for my ambition."

"And who is that woman?" I probed.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because in my quest to locate her, I may need to search for her to invalidate this arrangement. Who could have orchestrated this agreement?"

"Do you still hold affection for her?" I inquired.

"Why? Are you immediately feeling envious?" he retorted. "Just kidding. But genuinely, I love her, even more."

"That cuts deep," I remarked. "By the way, when did you consent to this agreement? And why did you comply despite being unaware of the identity of the woman you were betrothed to?"

"We have crossed paths. I was eighteen years old at that time, while you were around 12 or 13 years old," he revealed. "After encountering you, I assented to the proposed marriage."

"Love at—"

"No," he swiftly interrupted. "I didn't agree to the union because I fell head over heels for you at first sight; that's not my style."

"I consented because I believe you are easy to love."

"I'm puzzled, Sir," I admitted confusedly.

"You may perceive yourself as isolated at school, presuming that no one understands you and assuming that everyone regards you as the offspring of a flawed man engaged with numerous mistresses. However, I was there. Since your inception at the school, I never left your side. Yes, I am aware that you faced bullying in my absence, but I always shielded you when I was present."

"Kaya ba sobrang bait mo sa akin?" naluluha kong tanong. Na-realize ko kasing kung hindi niya ako mapapangasawa hindi niya siguro ako gano'n ipagtatanggol at tatratuhin.

He shook his head twice. "I am not doing this because I am going to marry you," he stated. "No one should endure emotional or physical harm."

"Yes, I confess, I do it because you are my soon-to-be wife. But even if I didn't know, I would still defend you. People might assume that you cry easily due to your gentle demeanor."

"Why is it that you appear certain about our marriage when you speak?" I inquired.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I have simply accepted my destiny; at least I have realized my dream. That's all that matters to me," he replied. "Let's head to the kitchen; my parents are waiting."

With a sigh, I followed him. Upon entering the kitchen, I overheard Mommy's gentle laughter. She was conversing joyfully with a woman whom I presumed to be Sir Zade's mother. When they turned to us, the woman offered me a warm smile, while an older man nodded in acknowledgement.

"Help your fiancé to a seat, Zade," the elderly man instructed Sir Zade. Sir Zade indicated two vacant chairs. I nodded in response and took a seat. I felt as though I were suffocating.