Courting a Princess

Chapter 13: Arranged

Chapter 13: Arranged

Athena Elle's POV

Tahimik akong kumakain nang mapansin ito ng aking ama. "Princess, are you okay? Is something bothering you darling?" I did not answer him. Instead, I gave the three of them glares.

"What did you do to my princess?" Said mommy while brushing my hair gently.

"OUR!" Pagtatama nilang apat dito.

"Oh sorry, my bad. So ano nga ang ginawa niyo sa kaniya?"

We all looked at kuya Ash when he suddenly stood up. Having that serious look again. "Excuse us, mom and dad. You three, follow me."

Sumunod kaming tatlo sa kaniya.

"It's okay. They'll be fine, my love." Dinig kong sabi ng aking ama bago ako tuluyang umakyat at dumiretso sa kwarto ko.

Pinaupo nila ako sa bedroom bench habang sila ay nakatayo sa harapan ko.

"Now, tell us. Bakit ka nagkakaganyan?"

I don't know either, that's why I did not answer and kept on looking down.

"Princess, look. Hindi naman sa kinokontrol ka namin but please, understand that this is all for your own good." Said my kuya Alas.

"We're just a little jealous whenever we see you looking at other men. Masyado kaming nasanay na kaming apat lang ang lalaki sa buhay mo." Added my twin who is kneeling in front of me.

"And we don't want you to get hurt. I know none of us experienced that thing yet–but hopefully never–pero nakikita mo naman siguro ang mga nangyayari sa mga broken hearted 'di ba? Some of them even go insane. And we don't want that to happen to you."

Tumango-tango ako. I somehow understand them.

"But if you really like someone, go on. We'll try–no, we will understand. For you, we will do everything. Because you are our princess. You are priceless but our most valuable treasure."

Tumayo ako tsaka nakipag-group hug sa kanila.

"Ugh... princess, what's that red stain on your bench?"

Now I know why...

.

"Hey, everything alright?" Said my older brother, Ace, when he saw me sitting in the middle of the garden.

"I think, I should see Dr. Rosario." I replied pertaining to our family doctor.

"Why? May masama ba sa'yo? May nangyari ba o masakit ba sa'yo? Tell me princess." Dread is visible through his face. It makes my heart jump everytime na makikita ko that they really care for me. And I love them for that. So much.

"My heart–"

"Damn. H-how? Wala naman history ang pamilya natin ng sakit sa puso. You're living a healthy life–" natataranta nitong wika.

"Kuya, listen to me first. My h-heart, my heart, it's beating so fast and loud that moment. All I can hear and feel is my heart."

"Oh, that's normal. You'll start to feel that during a certain moment, nangyari na rin saakin iyan dati. But Dr. Rosario said that I am totally fine. So I guess it's the same thing as yours."

"You think so?" Paninigurado ko.

"Not a hundred percent sure, but hopefully it is. But in case you really feel something call our family doctor or us."

"I will," ngumiti ako at ganoon din ang ginawa niya. "Sige kuya, akyat lang ako sa itaas. Won't you come with me?"

"No, I'll stay here for a bit. I'll enjoy the sunny weather for a moment." Nagpaalam na ako sa kanya at pumasok na sa loob.

Ng makaakyat ako ay nakita ko ang kambal ko. Eavesdropping in front of our parents' door.

"Anong ginagaw–" sinenyasan niya ako na huwag mag-ingay kaya lumapit ako sa kaniya and mouthed 'what are you doing?'

I did the same and placed my ear on the door.

"What now, Edward? You can't just do that to your son! You're taking away his freedom and right to choose!"

"What else can I do Althea? I promised George, we already signed the contract."

"Then just freaking terminate the contract! Magkaibigan naman kayo, I'm sure maiintindihan niya."

"Althea, it might affect our partnership with their company."

"Oh, your partnership with their company? But what about your relationship with your son? My god, Edward Martinez, what are you thinking?! Ano na lang ang magiging reaksiyon ng anak mo?"

"Althea look, the contract's signed, and we can do nothing about it."

Nagkatinginan kami ni kuya Archer. We know what's the meaning of this, it's an arranged marriage.

But who?

.

"Guys, guys, guys!" Sigaw ni kuya Ash.

"What's the rush and that exciting face?"

"Well, as you know, the Operation: etc, etc did not work that well but I got some idea. It's a trend nowadays."

Nasa may terrace kami ngayon. Pare-pareho kasi kaming walang magawa.

Iniharap ni kuya Abo ang laptop niya saamin at ipinakita ang magiging kalalabasan. It's nice, I like it. Ngayon pa lang, I can already see myself wanting to spend most of my time relaxing there.

"You can play while eating with your friends. And we'll also provide private rooms para sa mga gustong mag-movie marathon na mga VIP costumers." He explained.

"Wait, I have a question," his twin said, raising his right hand. "Magkakaroon ba ng reconstruction sa main branch or the sec–"

"Excuse me, sorry for cut your conversation." Our father said, interrupting my brother.

Lahat ng atensiyon namin ay nasentro sa kaniya. Mommy is on his back, looking so nervous.

"Ash, may we talk to you in private for a minute?"

"Is it urgent? You can talk to me here. Remember our rule, no secrets within the family." Yeah, our parents made that rule.

Daddy sighed heavily before dropping the bomb. "Fine, since malalaman niyo din naman, Ash Easton, you're getting married."

So it's him.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

So, yeah. Another arrange marriage. Sorna po. Sa pangatlong story talaga wala na. Pero meron ulit sa fourth hehe...

Sorry sa late update.

Your tamad na author,
YEON_RI❣️