I really prefer eating in the garden over the cafeteria. The fresh air and quiet atmosphere help me relax.
"Where have you been? I've been looking for you," Mica said as I returned to my seat. She followed me and sat on my desk.
"I was at the garden. I always go there during recess." I took out my notes to review for our quiz later-I don't want to fail.
"If I were you, Mica, I'd start reviewing too. You don't want to fail the quiz," I said. She pouted at me before heading back to her desk to review.
The quiz was over, and all I can say is-it was really tough. Stressful.
"Why are you frowning like that?" I laughed, looking at Mica's sulking face.
"I failed the quiz! Just one more point, and I could've passed. Ugh, it's so frustrating. Now I have to retake it." She stomped her foot before slumping back in her seat.
By the way, we're in our fourth year of college, so we'll be graduating next year.
"Bye, Luna. See you tomorrow." Mica hugged me tightly, as if we wouldn't see each other for a year.
"Bye." I waved as she got into her dad's car. I wish Dad could pick me up like that, but he's always so busy.
I drove home but decided to stop by the park first. I didn't feel like going straight home-I wouldn't have anything to do there anyway.
The park is my go-to place after school. It's relaxing, and the view is beautiful.
When I got home in the afternoon, Mom greeted me as she came down the stairs. I approached her and kissed her hand.
"Where did you go, Luna?"
"Just at the park, Mom." She nodded, and I excused myself to change and have dinner.
During dinner, no one spoke. I was surprised when Dad came home early to eat with us. He's usually home late because he's so focused on our company.
After dinner, I excused myself to go to my room. Mom and Dad seemed to be discussing something serious.
I lay in bed, bored. I got up and went to the kitchen to look for something to eat. I felt like a stray cat rummaging through our fridge late at night. I found my favorite mocha cake and made a glass of milk to go with it before heading back to my room.
On my way back, I overheard Mom and Dad talking in the living room.
"Are you sure about this decision? It will bring major changes to our family," Mom said, her tone serious.
"Yes, we need to discuss this. I've already made up my mind," Dad replied firmly.
Curious, I wanted to eavesdrop, but I decided against it-Mom might catch me and pinch my side.
What were they talking about? What changes are they referring to? I'm so confused.
I tried to sleep, but my mind was restless. I kept thinking about their conversation.
The next day, I came home from school and greeted Mom.
"Mom, I'm home!" She kissed me on the cheek and said, "Come to the living room. They're waiting."
"They?" I had forgotten we were having guests.
In the living room, Dad was busy chatting with someone.
"Oh, Luna, you're here! Come here," Dad called. I sat beside him.
"This is my daughter, Luna," Dad introduced me.
"Your daughter is beautiful, just like her mother," one of the guests said with a smile. I nodded politely.
"They're a perfect match for our son. Good thing they're getting married soon!"
Wait, what?! Getting married? I stared at Dad, completely confused.
"Excuse me, what do you mean I'm getting married?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"Oh, sweetie, didn't your parents tell you? You're in an arranged marriage with our son," the woman said with a smile.
I turned to Mom and Dad, my confusion growing.
"You must be mistaken. Are you sure you're talking about me?" I joked nervously.
"No mistake, dear. It's an agreement between your parents and us-your marriage is in exchange for our help with your family's company."
What? Our company is struggling, and I didn't know?
"But I'm too young to get married!" I whispered, barely holding back my frustration.
"Don't worry, dear. Our son is kind," she assured me. I wasn't convinced.
The door opened, and the maid announced the arrival of their son. I turned to look and saw a tall, well-built man-undeniably handsome.
"Oh, you're here, Cloud," the woman said, standing up to greet him.
Cloud walked over, and his cold gaze sent chills down my spine.
"What?" he said curtly.
"This is your fiancée, Luna Rodriguez. And these are her parents," his dad said.
Cloud glanced at me with piercing eyes, then greeted my parents politely without looking at me again.
I escaped to the garden, my heart heavy. Why did I have to be the solution to our company's problems?
"So, this is all your plan?" A voice startled me. It was Cloud.
"What?" I asked, confused.
"You're just like every other girl-desperate to marry me," he said coldly.
"Excuse me? I didn't even know about this stupid arrangement!" I snapped, my frustration boiling over.
He stepped closer and gripped my arm tightly. "Remember this-I will never like you. I'll make your life miserable," he hissed before walking away.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I returned to the house. This can't be happening.
"Hello, sis. Why do you look so sad today? Your eyes are swollen too," Mica asked me with concern.
I cried so much last night. Why do I have to get married? I don't even love that person.
I skipped breakfast earlier because I didn't want to see Mom and Dad. I know it sounds rude, but this is how I feel right now.
"Ahh, I just didn't get enough sleep. I watched a movie last night, and it was a tearjerker, so my eyes are swollen," I lied to Mica, but she squinted her eyes at me suspiciously.
"You sure?" she asked again, still doubtful.
"Yes," I replied. She nodded, and I finally felt relieved.
"By the way, have you finished your project?" I changed the topic, hoping she'd drop the issue about my puffy eyes.
"Uhm, almost done. I went out a lot these past few days, so I didn't finish it right away," she said, grinning mischievously.
"You're something else. You prioritize going out over your project," I teased, and she just laughed, scooting closer to me with a wide smile.
"Let's go boy-hunting at the mall later!" Mica suggested enthusiastically, but I just glared at her.
"No. And finish your project first before you go boy-hunting," I said, making her pout and cross her arms.
"It won't take long. We need to enjoy our college life too!" Mica exclaimed, but I just shook my head at her.
"I'll see if I have time later," I said nonchalantly. Mica beamed and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you so much, sis! I knew you couldn't say no to your pretty friend," she said, winking playfully.
"You're so full of yourself, Mica. I only agreed because you look like a sad stray kid," I teased, causing her to roll her eyes and cross her arms. She stood up and started pacing.
"I feel like that handsome engineering student in the other building has a crush on me," she said dreamily.
"And what makes you say that he likes you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"He helped me out," she replied.
"Helped you with what?"
"I tripped, and he saw me, so he helped me," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I facepalmed at my friend's delusional thoughts.
"Mica, why don't you just go to sleep? I give up on your fantasies."
"Why? It's true! He likes me!"
"Stay away from me before I strangle you," I joked, trying not to laugh.
"Come on, sis! It's rare for me to assume that a handsome guy likes me!"
"Rare? You're always assuming guys have a crush on you."
"Sorry, okay? I can't help it. I'm just so pretty," she said, dramatically flipping her hair.
"Yes, you're pretty-pretty annoying!" I joked as I stood up and walked away. Meanwhile, Mica was still fixing her school things, which mostly consisted of her makeup.
We're now in our room, having just finished lunch. Mica, as usual, couldn't stop sneaking glances at the handsome engineering students eating by the side of the cafeteria.
"Mica, finish your food," I told her, but she simply signaled for me to hush.
An idea suddenly popped into my head. I stood up and walked toward the group of engineering students sitting at the edge of the cafeteria.
"Hello," I said, and they all turned to look at me, visibly confused.
"One of you has a secret admirer," I said, pointing at Mica, who was now blushing furiously.
"She wants your number," I added, grinning mischievously. Mica looked like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole.
After a brief pause, one of the guys handed me a calling card with a smirk.
"Here, give this to her. Tell her to call me later," he said. I nodded, waiting to see if the others would offer anything, but instead, the first guy stood up.
To Be Continued...