Forcedly Yours [R-18]

Chapter 5

Two months later
---
Days went by so fast.

Pagkatapos ng insidente sa parke ay hindi na ako pinansin ni Aiden.
Not that I was expecting him to, anyway.

Ilang beses ko siyang sinubukang kausapin pero di niya ako pinapansin. He'd either walk away or pretend I didn't exist. Torture ang halos araw-araw ko siyang nakikita pero parang di niya ako kilala. I deserve it though, after stomping on his heart, I know I do.

Aiden and I were great friends. He was one of my only two friends in the world. So, I did not just lose a boyfriend, I lost one of the few people I trusted, too. All for the mess my family got involved with.

I certainly can't think of my life without my sister, I can't even imagine what would have happened if we lost her. But it practically cost my life, and that is something I find so unfair.

In a way, we really are in debt with that asshole. As much as I hate to admit it, he saved us from the misery we would have to face if Karina never made it.

I blink, my mind bringing me back to the present.

My lifeless eyes stare back at me in the mirror. I am in a fancy bathroom with several beauty products scattered in front of the vanity. I recognize the brands, but I can't bring myself to care about how much my makeup costs at this point.

My makeup looks flawless, my hair in a stylish, messy bun, a pair of diamond earrings that I don't remember owning, and a sapphire necklace dangling on my neck. And yet, I feel so hollow.

"That's perfect!", sabi ng make-up artist na mukhang nasiyahan sa gawa niya,"Now, it's time for your gown." He then starts to ramble about how lucky I was to be wearing the gown, how the designer was sought after, how crazy the price tag is, and so forth. And yet again, I can't bring myself to share his feelings.

I look at myself. My gown fits me perfectly, showing my subtle curves. It's a tube gown na medyo makikita ang cleavage. Leyton's mother mentioned Leyton's sister designed it herself. Something like mermaid cut, whatever that meant.

I never met his sister. May tinatapos daw kasing collection para sa nalalapit na fashion show.

Again, rich people live life as they please. I inhale, feeling suffocated.

I hear a knock. Nagtama ang mata namin ng mommy ni Leyton sa salamin.

"Is it done-" Naputol ang sasabihin niya. "Oh wow, you look stunning, Kristina." she smiles as she walks closer to us. Agad namang tumabi ang make-up artist nang pumwesto sa likod ko si Tita Liza.

I gave her the best smile I can muster at the time. Hindi ko pa rin makuhang masanay, ang hirap parin e-digest na may byenan na ako.

"Thank you po. Kayo rin po, sobrang ganda niyo."

"Oh, please. This is not my day. And you can start calling me mom. You will be officially joining our family in an hour so don't call me Tita anymore." she offered me a smile, she gave the make-up artist a nod and he went out and shut the bathroom door.

Nagsimula akong kabahan. Is this the part where in mamalditahan ako ng magiging byenan ko? I was holding my breath when she gently caressed hair.

"This obviously comes as a shock to you," she said giving me an empathetic smile. "It was to us, too. But like his father, Leyton really goes after what he wants. I know this is not what you expected to happen during your college years, Kristina, but I am glad you're here. My son is a bit difficult but you'll know that he takes care of what he considers his own. I hope to see your genuine smile in the near future."

I was too shaken at her kindness and acceptance to answer. What did she mean about what Leyton wants?

Nabalitaan kong kakauwi lang kahapon ni Leyton galing sa France. He's been there for the past two months doing some business errand. Hindi ko na kasi siya ulit nakita simula 'nong iniwan niya ako sa kwarto ko.