Beneath Lies [F reader / Aiah Arceta]

Chapter 9

Y/n Pov

She stepped closer, her presence almost overwhelming as she stopped just a few feet away. Her eyes held a mix of frustration and something deeper, something I couldn't quite place. The tension between us was palpable, and I could sense that whatever she was about to say wasn't going to be easy.

"I need you to stop this," she began, her voice low but firm. There was an edge to her tone that made my heart skip a beat. "Whatever's happening between you and Aiah... it needs to end."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I blinked, trying to process what she was saying, but the confusion must have shown on my face because she quickly continued.

"My friend Mikha told me about you and Aiah," she said, her voice softening slightly, though the urgency remained. "And I'm telling you, Kasi it's going to get complicated—more complicated than you realize. Itigil mo na to before it's too late."

I could feel anger bubbling up inside me, my patience wearing thin. "And why do you care?" I snapped. "What does it matter to you? You're not exactly the relationship expert here, Gwen. You and Sheena barely have anything real between you, yet you're telling me what to do?"

Her eyes narrowed, but I could see the flash of hurt behind them. "This isn't about me and Sheena," she said, her voice tight. "It's about you and Aiah, anong mangyayari pag nalaman to ng parents mo?. They own this hospital, Y/n. They have power, influence—and if they knew about you two, it could ruin everything. Nag-aalala ako sayo."

"Nag-aalala ka sakin?" I let out a bitter laugh. "You're just worried about your precious business deal, about keeping up appearances. Don't pretend this is about me."

Gwen's jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out. But instead, she took a deep breath, her eyes hardening. "Hindi mo naiintindihan, Y/n. I'm trying to protect you, whether you want it or not. But if you don't care, fine. Just remember that this isn't just about you anymore."

Before Gwen could leave, the door opened, and my parents walked in. My mom's eyes widened in surprise at seeing Gwen. "Gwen? Iha What are you doing here?"

My dad stepped forward, his expression serious. "Y/n, we need to talk."

I turned to them, stunned. "Mom, Dad? What's going on?"

Dad took a deep breath, his face resolute. "We've made a decision. Once you're fully recovered, you and Gwen will be getting married."

I stared at him, the words not fully registering. "Married? But why?"

Mom glanced at Gwen before focusing on me. "This marriage is a strategic decision. It's important for both our families and their business interests."

Dad stepped forward, his gaze firm but his tone surprisingly gentle. "Y/n, you'll need to change into something more formal. We have a dinner meeting with Gwen's family to discuss the marriage details."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Tonight?"

Dad nodded. "Yes, and don't worry about your condition. I'll make sure Dr. Vergara is available to attend the dinner, just in case anything comes up."

I didn't say anything, just nodded in response.

Mom looked between us, her concern evident. "Are you two really okay?"

Gwen immediately stepped in, her tone soft and reassuring. "Yes, Mrs Y/L/N we're fine. Just a little disagreement, but nothing serious." She reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face with a tender touch, her fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary.