Forbidden Relationship (Forbidden Series #3) (Completed)

Chapter 23

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

"Six years ago," he replied, "I had no idea I would end up marrying someone like you."

"Why didn't you refuse?" I asked again, still struggling to accept our situation. "I wish you hadn't agreed to it."

"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I realize now that my actions were selfish in that regard."

"Do you remember when I told you at the campsite that my parents wanted to me become a politician? Do you think getting approval to switch to teaching was easy? Of course not. I had to make decisions that went against what their truly wanted."

He looked away. "I gave up the woman I loved for my ambition."

"And who is she?" I asked.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Because if I have to find her to cancel this arrangement, I will. Who even arranged this whole thing?"

"Do you still love her?" I pressed.

"Why? Are you feeling jealous already?" he teased. "Just kidding. But honestly, I still love her—maybe even more than before."

"That hurts," I said flatly. "By the way, when exactly did you agree to this marriage? And why did you go along with it without even knowing who you were supposed to marry?"

"We met before. I was eighteen back then, and you were about twelve or thirteen," he revealed. "After meeting you, I agreed to the proposal."

"Love at—"

"No," he cut in quickly. "It wasn't love at first sight. That’s not who I am."

"I agreed because I believed you'd be easy to love."

"I'm confused, Sir," I admitted.

"You may feel alone at school, thinking no one understands you—that everyone sees you as the daughter of a flawed man with many mistresses. But I was always there. From the day you entered that school, I never left your side. Yes, I know you were bullied when I wasn’t around, but whenever I was there, I made sure to protect you."

"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.

Once again, I held my breath, casting a menacing glance at Daddy. Mommy feigned a smile in my direction, conveying the need for pretense. But the eyes cannot deceive.