Submerged: The Earth's Remains

Chapter 11

Mother & Daughter

Phoenix's POV

"I didn't expect there to be so much drama earlier this year." Phoenix states, puzzled as she walks through the halls with all of her team. They ponder about their situation a while back.

"Yeah, I didn't either." Amethyst agrees, nodding her head slowly.

"I guess we won't know what to expect later." Callista says, sighing. "I hope Oasis is fine."

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Aluna's POV

Sitting inside the vice principal's office alone with her mother, she ponders of what happened.

"Mother, why are you cheating on Father? What do you even see in Principal Zheng?" With a depressed tone in her voice, she asks, looking into her eyes for a genuine response.

"I've never wanted to marry your father. Also, I don't love Yan. It's simply convenient if I have him in his hands." With an expressionless look on her face, she explains. Quietly, she leans closer to Aluna's face and brushes a strand of hair away from her mouth.

"Don't fall in love. Men only use women. You need to be strong."

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Rina's POV

~18 years ago~

I've never cared much about people. After all, they all came to me without hesitation. They were lured in by not me, but by my wealth.

"Rina, I believe that if you marry my son, your company will have many benefits."

"A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be handling all the pressure from your company. If you marry my son, he can help you a lot."

"You're at the age of marrying. Why don't you marry me?"

Boys are so easy..

"Father, I've finished sorting out these documents. I believe my decisions will prove helpful towards our company."
Papers in hand, Rina presents herself to her father sitting inside his desk as the sun sets.

"Very good." He replies, viewing her work. Rina stands in front of him, waiting for something. "I've been thinking."

"Yes?" Excited, Rina curls her toes, waiting for a response. On the outside, she seems expressionless. However, on the inside, it seems as if she could burst from excitement and anticipation.

"How old are you? 20?" He asks, still looking at her documents.

"Ah yes, what about it?" With excited eyes, she replies immediately.

"I think it's time. You're at that age to get married, aren't you?" He states nonchalantly. Rina's face goes dark. Her heart drops from his statement. It is not what she had hoped for.

She starts shaking in anger.

I worked so hard. And now I can't become the heir of this company? Am I not worthy?

"What's the reason." With a cold tone, she asks harshly with anger bubbling inside her.

"There haven't been any women that have been successful in managing other companies. So, I would like you to marry someone." After viewing her work, he finally looks up at her.

"But, I've been preparing for so long! You even gave me classes." Distraut, she tries to reason with him, desperate to become the heir.

"But it might not be enough and I cannot take those chances." Placing down his documents, he stands up, looking at her seriously.

"B-But," Before she could even reason with her father, she is interrupted.

"No more buts', you are excused." With his command, Rina bows and takes her leave angrily.

"This is so unfair." She mutters under her breath, frustrated.

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~Rina's wedding day~

Walking down the isle, she holds beautiful flowers with a happy expression on her face. However, on the inside, she feels extremely disgusted.

This is disgusting... Out of everyone, I have to marry him. All he does is comment on my looks.

She arrives at her soon to be husband, surrounded by people in suits and dresses. She blanks out during the whole thing.

"Rina Rose, will you take Tze Lin as your beloved husband?"

"I do."

I don't

"You may kiss the bride."

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~A year later~

Sitting on a bed, Rina holds her newborn surrounded by doctors and her husband. Expressionless, she looks at her baby.

"It's a girl." Her husband clicks her tongue after looking at his baby.

A female. If I couldn't make it, maybe you can. You better make me proud.

"Her name, what's her name?" She whispers quietly.

He ponders not knowing what to name her as he expected a male to be born. Finally, he makes up his mind after hesitating to answer for quite a while. "Aluna. Aluna Lin."

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~Present day~

Aluna's POV

"Mother, I don't want to think that way anymore. I want to think positively from now on." She smiles, thinking of her best friend, Xyphia. After all the times Aluna has neglected Xyphia, she realizes that Xyphia has never given up on her. Not once.

"Also, I don't think I'm worthy of the title of President. I'd like to resign." She adds to her statement, surprising her.

"But, I will indefinitely not give up in becoming the heir." She finishes her sentence off, making her mother smile.

"Okay, I believe in you." She hesitates for a bit but then proceeds to hug Aluna.

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