AND THE LIES BEGAN

ATLB - SIMULA

Simula

It's every girl's dream. Halos lahat siguro hinahangad ang pangyayaring ganito. A candle lighting dinner for two with your favorite food in an expensive and high end restaurant. A sweet tune of music in the background to make it more romantic and enticing. Scented candles everywhere, petals scattered on the floor, good wine, fancy dress, and a jaw dropping luxurious diamond ring.

What could you ask for more? Wala na sigurong makakahigit pa dito. It's like everything has been planned carefully. And everyone had put in an extra effort just to make this night worth remembering for your whole life. It's beyond perfect.

''Marry me,'' he said, in a voice so manly and promising.

My lips stretched for a smile.

Those words. It's not even a question. Those two words that could send your hopes high in the sky as it sounds like a promise of affection, security, and endless love for eternity.

Tila ba pagumayaw ka ay pagsisisihan mo ito habang buhay. You'd be in misery your whole life that you just want to evaporate. A once in a lifetime offer that could last forever. Besides, who could turn down such an offer if the man in front of you is also every woman's dream?

A man with high honor, conviction, and dignity. Righteous, confident, and a business magnate. He's known for being ruthless in his field but humble outside of it too. He's just quite arrogant... but does it matter though?

Especially with a look that could sweep you out of your feet and richness that could last until the second, third, or even fourth generation, would you dare say no?

This could've been perfect actually. You'll feel like floating with the clouds because this feels beyond dreamy and magical.

It's just that... I couldn't feel it.

I knew this man more than anyone else. His greed for wealth and power is what makes him strive to reach the top. I know he'll use anything to achieve his goals. Even using me as a ladder to stay in a world where everyone bows down to him. He is that type of a person.

''You really made sure I will remember this night, Azereus.'' I said as I sip in my wine glass.

He chuckled darkly.

I smirked.

This man is intense personified. With dark and deep eyes, menacing and cold, but burning with passion as the fire flickered in it. A foreign color but beautiful. Nose regal and mighty. Thick alluring eyebrows. Strong jawline. Long dark eyelashes. And a sinful luscious lips that could take your senses away with one kiss.

One look and the butterflies in your stomach would be flying all over like wildfire, your body will be electrified, and heat will gush down there even without doing anything yet. That's how they praise and love him.

And that's everything I hate about him.

''Are you surprised?''

''No,'' I replied, taking another sip. Not daring to look at his soulless eyes. ''It did not even move me, not a bit. It takes more than that to sway me.''

''Right.'' he chuckled mockingly. ''Even without all of these things, you'd still end up marrying me.''

Shameless, I thought.

What a waste of time. Hindi ko siya pinansin at muling uminom. Nagulat ako nang hulihin niya ang kamay ko at ibinaba ang aking baso. Natapon pa iyon ng konti dahil sa biglaang paggalaw. Hinigit ko ang aking kamay pero mas mahigpit ang hawak niya.

I glared at him.

''Stop drinking and focus on me.''

Umismid ako. Pati ang paginom ko pinapansin. ''You never changed. Napakaseloso mo pa rin-''