I Dare You To Marry Me, Would You Dare To Accept?

Chapter 3

A WEEK LATER...

I am now sitting on the edge of a fancy sofa in Zeebede’s big house, trying to make sense of everything. This marriage isn’t something I wanted or planned for, and it's time to set things straight.

I remember the broken vase that fell from the spiral staircase yesterday. It was a stunning and very expensive piece. I was so taken with the chandeliers that I didn't notice someone who was in front of me which caused the vase to fall. It shattered when it hit the clear floor, and I felt a pang of regret and guilt. The sight of it was a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

Zeebede walks into the living room where I sat, holding two cups of coffee. He looks calm, but there’s something unreadable about his expression. I asked him to stay at the house today to clear everything.

“Here.” He says, handing me a cup. “Mukhang kailangan mo ‘to.”

“Thanks.” I reply, taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee helps ease the tension. I glance around the huge living room, high ceilings, big windows, and more space that I don't know what to do with. This place is too grand, too big to feel like home.

Umupo si Zeebede sa tapat ko, mukhang relaxed pero nagmamasid. “So, what’s this about? You said you wanted to talk?”

I nod, putting my coffee down. “Yes, we need to talk about this whole marriage situation. I think we need to make things clear. Let's set rules.”

His eyes narrow slightly, a hint of surprise mixed with interest. “Rules?”

“Yes, rules.” I said, straightening up. “We both know this marriage was a mistake, a drunken dare that got out of hand. So, let’s make an agreement to keep things simple yet clear. No mess, no drama.”

Zeebede leans back, his gaze fixed on me. “Okay, I’m listening. What kind of agreement are we talking about?”

“Three rules.” I start, feeling a bit more confident. “First: This is just an arrangement. No feelings involved. We’re just two people who happen to be married for now. Second: In front of your family and friends, magpapanggap tayong mag-asawa para maiwasan ang mga problema. But here, in the house, we keep it professional. And third: After five months, we'll end this quietly through an annulment.”

Zeebede doesn’t say anything at first. He’s thinking, and I can see the gears turning in his head. Napatingin siya sa kape niya. It’s like he’s torn between agreeing or not.

“Limang buwan?” Tanong niya, na tila nag-iisip. “At paano kung isa sa atin ang ayaw matapos ito?”

“At bakit naman ayaw nating matapos ito? This marriage is just a mistake, right?”

He chuckles softly, but there’s a seriousness behind it. “Right. Just keep it easy.”

I watch him carefully. There’s a part of him that looks hesitant, like he’s weighing his options. Alam kong lasing din siya ng gabing iyon. Mas lasing nga lang ako. Pero may iba pang bagay sa kanyang mga mata, isang bagay na hindi ko mawari.

“Look, Zeebede.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “We both didn’t plan for this. And I’m not looking for a relationship. I’m just trying to make the best out of a weird situation.”

He nods slowly, still lost in thought. I can see him glancing at me, he's like he’s trying to understand something. Parang nahihiya na ako sa lalim ng kanyang titig. He’s always been too observant since the first time I saw him.

“Okay, deal.” He finally said, exhaling deeply. “We’ll do it your way. Five months, no strings attached.”

I feel a wave of relief wash over me. “Alright. Then we have a deal.”