Amethyst's POV
When I got to my room, I immediately fell onto the bed. It felt like all my strength had been taken away, or more accurately, stolen.
What happened? Am I not dreaming? Is this not a nightmare? Was that for real? Why didn't I slap him? Why didn't I punch him? Kick him?
"My first kiss. My second kiss. Gone." I said to myself, not realizing what I was saying. I lay on my back and looked at the ceiling.
"You're so shameless. Why did you do that, huh?! Do you know I could sue you for harassment?! I could totally punch you! You jerk! Son of a--"
"Honey?"
I suddenly sat up because of my mom's voice. She was at the door, peeking in. I stood up and walked toward her. I opened the door and hugged her.
"Hi, Mom." I said. I pulled away from the hug. "Have you been home long?"
"Your dad and I just got here. How about you? Looks like you just got home, too. You should have texted that you were coming home so we could have picked you up." she replied.
"A-ah... Haha, I had a hard time finding a taxi, so it took a while. I didn't text you either because I thought you might get home late. I didn't know you'd be home early today."
She nodded and looked at me closely. I smiled.
"Are you in a fight, Ami?" she suddenly asked.
"Huh? N-no, I'm not. Why would I be in a fight?" I pretended to laugh and shook my head.
"I heard you earlier, like you were fighting with someone and talking to yourself. You haven't gone crazy, have you?" she teased.
"Mom! Of course not!" I shook my head as I denied it. "It's nothing. I was just letting out some frustration on something." I reasoned. I didn't want her to know what happened earlier. And besides, it was so embarrassing.
What would I say to her, that someone kissed me earlier? That a rich heir and one of the wealthiest people in the Winter Society stole my kiss? She might just worry. So, no. I'll just think about how to solve this myself.
"Are you sure, honey?" she asked, concerned.
"Yes. Don't worry, Mom." I said with a smile.
She sighed and stroked my hair.
"Just tell me if someone bullies you at school, okay? Don't hesitate to tell me. I'll tell Mrs. Silverstone that you won't be studying there anymore--"
"Mom, I'm really okay." I interrupted her. I don't want to stress my mom out about something that I can handle myself.
"Please... Don't worry about me. If I'm not okay, I'll tell you right away. You know you're my number one confidant, right?" I said with a smile, hugging her. "So don't worry. I can handle myself. I'll turn them into a ping-pong ball, haha."
"You'll never change!" she said and gently tapped me. "Alright then. I'm going to cook our dinner. Come down later when I call you, okay? We'll have dinner together. Your dad is probably resting. You can greet him later. Go and change your clothes."
"Okay." I nodded in reply.
She walked away, so I went back into the room and sat on the bed. I took off my shoes and the thick coat that I had been itching to take off.
I touched the symbol of Winter Monarch University on my coat. The faces of the students, who you could tell were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, suddenly came to mind again.
WinMon is so vast. It's double or triple the size of West Hill. The buildings are tall, and the fields are wide. There are lots of trees around and their huge, enclosed gym.
I haven't been able to tour the whole university yet because of the problem earlier. I want to visit all their facilities so I can familiarize myself with them in case there are any upcoming activities. I want to tour the school without any pests annoying me.
♪Bazinga! Your hate is my fuel~♪
I felt my phone vibrate suddenly. I took it out of my pocket and looked at the caller. It was an unregistered number.
I answered it.
"Hello?" I asked softly on the other line.
"Ohh..."
I frowned at the voice. Who is this?
"Hello? Who is this?"
"Amethyst Benson."
My eyes suddenly widened at that voice. I couldn't be wrong. That was Ace Park's voice!
I looked at my phone screen again. It was an unregistered number. How did he get my number?
I hung up and quickly changed. I just put on pajamas and a white shirt. I heard my phone ring again, but I ignored it. I sat on my bed.
"How did he get my personal number? Does he already know I'm from the middle class? What if he's calling because he's going to blackmail me? What's that guy's deal now? Why won't he leave me alone?" I said, annoyed.
I heard it beep, signaling that I had a text. I took my phone and read his text... his.
Unregistered Number: Answer the call.
I don't want to! Get a life, you jerk.
Huh! What does he think of me, that he can scare me again? No way! Whatever he does, I won't be afraid of him. Even if he's the son of... yeah, right. He's the heir of the Park Family. But...
"How can I avoid him?" I asked myself.
My phone suddenly beeped again, signaling another text. I read it.
Unregistered Number: I said, answer my call!
His number suddenly registered on the screen. He was calling. I hesitated whether to answer or not, but I chose to answer anyway.
I put the phone to my ear to hear him. I didn't want to use the speaker in case my mom heard.
"How did you get my number?" I asked immediately. "What's your problem now? Why are you still bothering me?" I asked, annoyed.
"Nothing." he answered simply.
What the nerve!
"O-oh, well, if you don't need anything, I'm just going to hang up--"
"Stop. Don't you ever do that."
"You don't need anything, right? Please, stop calling me. Stop pestering me."
"Nope. I don't want to. You know what? I heard you're a table tennis player! Wanna play with me?" he said, and he sounded happy about what he found out.
"I don't want to." I refused firmly. He can find someone else to play with. This is so freaking annoying. "Ace Park."
"Yes?"
"Do you not have anyone to play with? Are you bored?" I asked and stood up.
"Yes. And I want you to play with me."
"Really?" I asked again.
"Yes."
"And... what if I don't want to?" He was silent for a moment.
"Hmm..." he said, as if thinking. "If you don't want to, then I'll kiss you again. But this time, in public."
I clenched my fists. I knew he was going to blackmail me, but not like this. But if he does that, his image will be ruined. So he won't do it.
"I'm sorry to say this, but I don't want to. Just stay where you are and leave me alone! Because I don't want to! You can do whatever you want! You're so annoying! I've been wanting to tell you that you're so immature! I don't care what you do! You want to kiss me?! Go ahead! I don't care! You already did it earlier, right?! Twice! So I don't care! You've got some nerve, you guy!" I ranted angrily and ended the call.
I sat back on the bed and held my chest, where my heart was beating so fast. I felt hot. Is it because I finally said what I wanted to say to him? Or is it because I'm nervous about what will happen tomorrow?
What will he do now? Why is he talking to me? We're not even close. Especially since our first interaction was so bad. And I don't like him. Doesn't he feel that, or is he just clueless?
Whatever! He can do what he wants. I'll just avoid him tomorrow. I just need to stick with Scarlett so I have company and he can't get near me. That's what I'll do.
Annalisa's POV
"Oh, my daughter!" My Mom greeted me as soon as I entered the restaurant where the meeting was going to be held.
I didn't want to go, but since it was my Dad's order, I had no choice. He is the law of the family. You must obey.
"Good evening, Mom. Good evening, Dad." I greeted both of them. Dad just nodded.
I sat in the seat for me. There were three more empty seats, and I think they were for the Valderamas.
I was wearing a plain pastel pink dress and heels. My long, dark hair was in a bun, which emphasized my bangs. I looked at the ring I was wearing. I wanted to take it off because it felt like I was being choked.
"How's your school, Anna?" Dad asked.
"It's okay, Dad. Since it's just the first day of school." I replied.
"Do you have any plans to apply as the School Council President of WinMon? You should try. I'll help you." he said.
I shook my head. "I won't win. Washington has been consistent in his position. I can't easily kick him from his position." I replied. "And besides, I want to focus on my grades. Maybe I can kick him off the number one spot." I added.
"He really did inherit his intelligence from Governor Randy. Smart and hard to beat." Dad said, shaking his head.
Right. Art's father is a Governor in the Winter Society. The Washingtons are rich and powerful, so it's not surprising why Art has those characteristics. He runs the school effortlessly. Even if Art doesn't review, he's sure to get a perfect score on his exams.
"Oh, they're here!" My Mom said happily while looking at the restaurant entrance. "Hello, Valderamas."
I stood up to greet Mr. and Mrs. Valderama. Mom and Dad kissed and shook hands with them. I smiled at Mrs. Valderama when she looked at me.
"What a beautiful lady," she said, and we kissed each other's cheeks. I did the same with Mr. Valderama.
Then I looked at Axel, who had just entered. I wanted to raise an eyebrow at him. Not because he was late, but because I really didn't like his presence. He's too sarcastic.
"Hello, Tito and Tita." He greeted my Mom and Dad. "You look so fine, Tita."
Mom laughed and gently hit Axel. He's so good at flattering my Mom.
"Thanks, son."
He looked at me, so I secretly raised an eyebrow at him. He did the same. He gave me a fake smile and walked over to me. He hugged me, so I hugged him back.
If I could just suddenly become invisible, I would have done it. I feel so choked by this pretense. I never dreamed of marrying this despicable guy.
"I miss you, love." he greeted and tightened his hug on me.
"I miss you too, love." I replied, faking it, and immediately pulled away from him. He had a plan to kill me with that kind of hug.
We sat down, and as usual, Axel was next to me. There was never a time when he wasn't next to me. Whenever our families have a gathering, we're always next to each other to show that we have a good relationship.
Axel and I were already engaged when I turned 18. His family and my family are business partners, and our moms are best friends. I guess ever since we were in our moms' wombs, they had already planned for us to get married.
But we never felt anything for each other. We are so against our families' plan. Especially him. He already likes someone, and he's told me that. I understand that, but he keeps pushing that I was the one who insisted on marrying him. Like? Hellooo, I'm not desperate. And besides, I don't like him.
I told him I don't have any feelings for him, but I don't know if he believes me. He never listens to my side.
"Anna, how's your day? Was your first day good?"
"Uh... Yes, Tita. I'm fine, and I can handle myself. You don't need to worry." I replied.
"Good to hear that. But if you have any trouble at school, you can always ask Axel for help. Right, son?" Mrs. Valderama said.
"Yes," he replied and turned to me. I looked at him, too. "And, knowing Anna, she's brave," and he gave a slight smile.
I secretly rolled my eyes. He's so good at pretending.
"By the way, we're planning to build a house for both of you. So that when you're married, you won't have to worry about anything."
I almost spit out my iced tea because of what Dad said. I also felt Axel stop eating. Dad must be kidding!
"Haha... That's a bit early, Dad. I-it's still a long way off," I replied awkwardly. I wanted to refuse.
"The more advanced, the better, Anna. So that everything is ready for you." Mrs. Valderama said. "You won't have any problems if you already have a house. You can focus more on your family."
Family?! What family? Why are they so far ahead?! We're only engaged, for crying out loud!
"Mom, why don't you just leave it to us? So we can plan it ourselves." Axel butted in.
What is he talking about?!
"I-isn't it too early for that plan, Tita? W-we don't know what will happen in the future." I said. "And besides, Axel and I are still studying."
"That's why it's better to have a house early on. And yes, we don't know what will happen in the future. We might just find out that we have a grandchild on the way," and she laughed.
"Mom!" Axel scolded his mother.
Sometimes Mrs. Valderama thinks too far ahead. I sometimes don't like her ideas. She's getting ahead of everything. If only she knew that Axel and I curse each other, she might be the one to cancel the wedding. But it's not like that.
"Mom, maybe Anna and I can take care of it ourselves. We're the ones getting married." Axel said with no enthusiasm. "We can handle it."
"Yes, and so we can decide on the exterior and interior design of the house." And it's still too early!
I lost my appetite, so I excused myself and said I was going to the restroom. When I got inside, I looked at myself in the mirror.
I wanted to punch it. I wanted to go crazy. I raised my left hand, where the ring was. It's beautiful. It's sparkling. And you can tell it's expensive. But for me, it's so ugly. It's choking my being.
"I can probably take you off, right? You are punishing me." I said. "You are ruining me. You are a shackle that is hindering me."
I suddenly remembered what Amethyst said earlier about her old school. People will let you walk in the hall peacefully. No one's eyeing you. You are just free. I want to experience that. I want to feel free, even for a moment.
But how? I can't even say that I don't want to marry someone I don't even like.
I fixed myself and walked out. But I stopped when I saw Axel leaning against the wall near the female restroom.
What does he want to say now? I'm getting annoyed with him.
"Ali."
I clenched my fists and stopped. Here he goes again.
"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!" and he walked closer in front of me. I didn't move. I just looked at him to see what he would do. "You are really desperate."
"So what?" I replied and raised an eyebrow. He laughed as if he was fed up.
"Did you tell your Dad again that you want us to build a house? Did you tell him again that you want to rush the wedding?" he asked sarcastically.
"What's it to you?"
"Huh!" he said, incredulous. "Why are you being so desperate, Ali?"
"Don't call me Ali, will you?" I said firmly. "What if I am desperate? You're the only one who knows anyway." I replied sarcastically.
"Why don't you just tell your Dad to stop this? Tell them that you don't want to be engaged to me anymore."
"If you knew what I was going through, Axel. If I could just call all the saints to convince Dad, I would have!"
"Then call them!"
"F*ck you." I said under my breath. He immediately went quiet. "I really hate you to the moon and back. I never wanted to get engaged to you--"
"Liar." he cut me off. "You are such a liar, Ali."
"I said stop calling me Ali!" I exhaled.
This conversation is going nowhere. I always end up explaining myself, and he always calls me a liar.
"I'm leaving so you won't have a problem anymore. You can believe what you want. I've been telling you for two years. What's new?" I said and walked past him. "Don't worry. The person who will end the sadness in your life will arrive soon."
I walked back to the table where we were earlier and said goodbye to Dad, telling him I was going home because I had something to do for the Club. He nodded, so I left the restaurant.
"Ali."
Damn it!
I closed my eyes in frustration. I turned to him.
"I'm going home, so don't bother me, okay? You can go home too or go wherever you want!" I said, annoyed, and got into the car. "Let's go."
I looked at him first before the car started to move. He was just standing there with his hands in his pockets. What is he thinking now? He's probably thinking of what to say to me again. I don't care anyway because I'm immune to what he says.
Ever since we got engaged, he suddenly changed, and I can't blame him for that. But I didn't know his hatred and annoyance toward me were this extreme. I understand that he doesn't want to because he likes someone else, but why do I seem so disgusting to him? Is he really that against our engagement? I don't even say anything bad about him. He's so annoying.
If he wants the wedding to not happen, he should have been the one to tell my Dad or his Mom! I always try to convince Dad to stop the wedding, but in the end, my tongue just backs out. Dad is too superior. Even Mom sometimes can't talk back to him when he scolds her. What more me?
My phone beeped, signaling that I received a message. I took it out and opened it. It was from Scarlett.
Scarlett: Hello, girls. Wanna hang out tomorrow? My treat. Please?
I just shook my head. And I typed a message for her.
To Scarlett: Okay. I need to unwind.
I put it back in my pouch and looked out the car window.
As we drove on the road toward the Villa, my eyes caught a store. I frowned. I couldn't be wrong. I saw Art and Forsythia. What are they doing there?
"Manong, can we go back? To that store." I said. He nodded and turned the car around.
We stopped in front of the store, but I didn't get out yet. I just watched them. Forsythia was putting food in a basket, and Art was putting a lot in his, too.
Why are they buying food at a 7/11?
I got out of the car and went inside the store. I just watched them walk, and I did the same. I turned a corner to meet them.
"Hi." I greeted.
Forsythia suddenly stopped walking and looked at me. I smiled at her slightly. I also looked at Art, who also stopped, but he didn't seem surprised to see me. He looked so serious.
"Anna... W-what are you doing here?" Forsythia asked, confused.
"Same as both of you. What are you doing here, guys?" I returned the question.
"We're buying." Art replied. And he held up his can of coke. "And you?" he asked back.
"Just passing by." I shrugged. "Why are you buying here?" I asked, confused.
"Ah, we're just buying a few things, so we just came here. And it's less of a hassle." Forsythia replied. "Looks like you have somewhere to be?"
I looked at my clothes and then theirs. They were still wearing their school uniforms.
"I just finished. I'm on my way home, and I saw you guys here, so I stopped to ask." I replied.
"I see. I appreciate your effort for passing by. You can go home now since we're done buying." Art said.
Winter Flowers are all the same, spoiled brats.
"Art," Forsythia warned.
"What?" he asked, feigning ignorance. He looked at Forsythia.
"Let's go home," she said and looked at me. "I'm sorry, Anna. Let's talk tomorrow at school." she said apologetically and gave me a slight smile.
"Don't feel sorry. I should go home now. I shouldn't have been so curious. And yeah, we should talk tomorrow. I guess Scarlett sent you a message. If you haven't read it yet. I'll go ahead. Bye." I said my goodbyes and didn't look back at Art.
I went back to the car and left. I was so drained today, and I still have a lot of things to take care of for the Mathematics Club. I'm the President, by the way.
Next week will be the whole week for the WinMon Club Day. Lots of clubs will be open for the recruitment of new members. And this year, I need to recruit a lot for our Club. Students should apply to our Club so they can hone their Mathematics skills.
I exhaled and closed my eyes. I'll take a nap first so I can take care of what I need to later. It's such a hassle to be an heiress.
Forsythia's POV
I just sat quietly on the side of the car. I didn't say anything. He was very quiet, too. If he doesn't speak, I won't either. We were both silent.
I thought about why Anna suddenly appeared at the store. How did she see us? What could she be thinking about us?
Art and I are not very close because he's too aloof. I don't know why a lot of students at WinMon have a crush on him. Sometimes students ask me what his favorites are. I don't even know that.
He doesn't care about me, and I don't care about him either. We're cousins, indeed. I'm also not comfortable talking to him because he's too high up. I mean, he's the President of WinMon, and he's also Governor Randy's son.
After a while, we arrived at the mansion. When the car stopped, I immediately got out, and so did he. I got my groceries from the trunk and went inside. When I opened the door, the maids immediately greeted us.
"I'll just--"
"No, I can manage." I replied and went straight to the kitchen.
I put my groceries on the table. I sat on the stool. My feet were hurting from my heeled boots. These are required for all female students at WinMon. No flats allowed.
"Bring me sliced fruits in my study room," I heard Art say.
"Yes, Sir."
I watched the maid do his order. She got a peach and was about to peel it when I stopped her.
"He doesn't like peach. He has an allergy." I said. The maid looked at me, so I gave her a slight smile. She seemed new here.
"Are you new?" I asked.
"A-ah... yes, Ma'am."
"You don't have to call me 'Ma'am'. Just Forsythia or you can also call me Thia." I got a green apple and gave it to her. I took the peach from her hand. "He prefers green apples. And just four slices. Don't worry, I'll be the one to bring it to him. Just get it ready, and I'll just change quickly." I said.
"Y-yes, Ma--"
"Don't say Ma'am. Just Thia," and I smiled at her. "Okay. I'll just go change." and then I turned around to go to my room.
My room is on the first floor to make it less of a hassle to go up and down. My Aunt Dahlia, Art's mother, asked me which room I wanted. So I said the first floor to avoid any hassle. She agreed.
Meanwhile, Art's room is on the second floor, and his study room is on the third floor. Their house is a three-story house, or more accurately, a mansion. The interior design is beautiful because Aunt Dahlia is an architect. So it's not surprising that Art also likes things about arts. Maybe that's why he was named Art? I don't know.
I exhaled as I reached the third floor. I was only a few steps away from Art's study room. My stomach suddenly growled, so I continued walking to bring it to him.
I knocked first before entering. When I came in, the surroundings were quiet. I could smell the pages of the books on the bookshelves again. His study room is so peaceful, so sometimes I want to hang out, but he doesn't want me to, so I have no choice.
I put the tray with the sliced green apples on the table. I looked around because I didn't see him. Maybe he's not here yet?
I shrugged and was about to leave the room, but I stopped because he was already behind me. I held my chest because I was so surprised. He almost gave me a heart attack!
"You scared me. Are you planning to kill me?" I said, incredulous, and inhaled and exhaled.
"I'm not a psycho. Why did you bring it? Where are the maids?" he replied and asked curtly, then walked toward the table.
"Manang is old, and she might not be able to handle your third-floor study room, so I volunteered," I replied and stood up straight. "This is what you asked for. I'll go now. I still have something to take care of." I said my goodbyes and was about to walk away when he spoke.
"Forsythia."
"Hmm?" I asked and looked at him. He was looking at me, so I waited for him to speak. "Why?"
"How many pairs of red pajama silk do you have?"
"H-huh?" I asked, confused. Why would he ask that?
I looked at what I was wearing. It probably doesn't look bad on me, right, for him to ask something like that? His mouth can be a bit careless sometimes.
"Two." I replied. He nodded. "Why do you ask?"
"Nothing," he said simply and shook his head. "You can go now and do your stuff. I also have something to take care of."
"Okay," I nodded in reply and turned my back on him.
Maybe he's planning to buy some, that's why he asked. The quality of the fabric is good because it's made by Elixelle Company. There must be a male version of these pajamas. Can't blame him. Elixelle's products are good. It wouldn't be a top company if it didn't serve high-quality products.
I just ignored it and walked down the floor. I went straight to the kitchen because my stomach was really growling. I looked at my groceries and got the cup noodles. I guess I'll just eat this for now.
I got it ready and put hot water in it. I also cooked the sausage I bought. I looked at the other food and frowned.
This isn't mine, is it? Maybe it's Art's.
I shrugged and put the food on a tray. I went straight to my room. I sat on my chair and opened my laptop. While waiting for it to load, I ate the food I prepared.
"Club Day is next week. Just a few more days," I said. I got my phone and opened it. "Oh?" I frowned and opened Scarlett's message.
Scarlett: Hello, girls. Wanna hang out tomorrow? My treat. Please?
I smiled and replied to her. Scarlett rarely treats us, so I should take advantage of it.
I've known her since high school. Of course, she's a women's trendsetter in fashion and a model for Elixelle. Scarlett is famous because she's beautiful and talented. She loves playing musical instruments. She may seem a bit snobby, but she's really nice.
Every female student at WinMon looks up to her, even me. So it's also sometimes surprising why Black doesn't like her. She shows so much that she likes him. We always tell her that there are many other guys out there, but she keeps telling us that she's only into Black Fletcher.
I don't know why. She's perfect, but Black still doesn't like her. I guess he really doesn't like her. I don't know why or what the reason is. But I just don't know why he doesn't like Scarlett.
I exhaled and started doing what I needed to do. I won't think about these things anymore. I already have a lot on my mind, and that's just adding to it. Tch.