Episode 2

He was constantly at the dating scene. He had no permanent girlfriend and settling down or walking down the aisle was never a part of his plans. He just wanted to live his life to the fullest.

All he cared about was his job and family. That’s why he was challenged by his grandfather. Lolo Jorje wanted him to marry the granddaughter of his best friend if he wanted the capital for the business he wanted to start with his friends and to make ammends with his past faults.

“That’s why we were shocked when you said that you are getting married,” Lucian said. “Is that really serious?”

“I have to marry her. I want to break away from my grandfather’s chain. I want our dream cruise ship to push through.”

Their group had been dreaming of having their own cruise ship since they were in college. They had been under their family’s thumb, slaving on their family’s companies. Deive was trained to manage Hontiveros Coco Industries, a company which exports coconut products.

It was not his dream but it was what his grandfather wanted. Marrying Callea was his only chance to do whatever he wanted. His younger brother, Keiran, was ready to take over. But the old man didn’t want to let him go. His loan won’t get approved and he couldn’t get the capital infuse he needed if he won’t follow his grandfather’s condition.

“Do you think it is right? This is the new millenium!” Sidney complained and raise his arms. “I can’t believe arranged marriage is still practiced in the modern world.”

“I think it is fitting,” Lucian commented. Then he glanced at him menacingly. “Your womanizing reputation nailed you down.”

Deive whispered an oath. Ruby Canales, a daughter of their client from Argentina wanted him so badly but he turned her down. When he didn’t accept her advances, she announced that she was pregnant and he was the father. It was almost a shotgut wedding. His client wanted him to marry Ruby but he refused. He didn’t even kiss that lunatic. Could she get pregnant just by breathing.

So they lost a huge client and it affected their business.

It was not his fault that women wanted a piece of him. He was guilty about enjoying women’s company. But where Ruby was concerned, he was innocent.

“You are running away from a shotgun wedding only to marry another,” Sidney mumbled while shaking his head. “I don’t get it.”

“Any woman will do except Rubie Canales! And besides, Callea is so fine. She’s sweet and innocent and she has a face of an angel,” Deive voiced dreamily. She was his savior.

The last time he saw Callea, she was just fifteen years old. She was already beautiful then. And according to Tomasino Lopez, Sr. she’s still an angel. He was living in solitdude at the Lopez’s mansion in Nagcarlan, Laguna. No boyfriend since birth. How lucky could he get?

“Hmmm… not your type!” Averill interjected. “She’s too sweet for your taste.”

He liked his women wild and sophisticated. Those who were not interested with commitment. But he didn’t have a choice now, did he? He would get what he wanted if he will do his grandfather’s bidding. He had to endure it.

He stood up then tapped Lucian’s shoulder. “I have to go, guys! Don’t worry. I can handle this perfectly,” he declared with full confidence.

I am in total control of the situation.

His deep dimples showed up on both of his cheeks when he thought about it. He could easily ask Callea to do this bidding. He already had a contract for their arranged marriage. He could discuss it once he got close to her. He could easily charm her.

But his confidence started to dwindle as he was trapped South Luzon Expressway. It was still an hour or so from Nagcarlan, Laguna. And he freakin’ hated traffic because it ruined his mood.

It was already nine o’clock when he reached the end of the expressway. He was supposed to arrive at eight in the evening for dinner. His grandfather said so.

It was his first meeting with Callea and he was late. Not a good sign.

After an hour, he finally entered the town of Nagcarlan. He flinched when his cellphone rang. He grimaced when he saw his grandfather’s name registered on the phone screen as the caller. He breathed deeply before he answered the call. “Hello, Lolo!”

“Where are you, Deive? Do you now what time it is?”

He gulped when he saw that it was already half an hour after ten in the evening. “I am here at Nagcarlan, Lolo.” He tried his best to be cheerful. “I am near Villa Celesta.”

“Where exactly are you?”

“Ahhh…” He looked out the window and tried to check out the establishments in the dark of the night. “I just passed Neneng’s Sari Sari Store.”

“Where is it?”

“Near the two mango trees beside the tamarind tree.” And he was not sure if it was tamarind tree because there was no street lights.

“Are you trying to be funny? I am telling you, you are not!” his old man blasted that almost ruined his eardrums. “I already told you that Callea prepared dinner and you must be there by eight. Where have you been? To your paramour?”

He twisted his lips. “Of course not. It was traffic.”

“You are driving my patience! Have you forgotten that your womanizing landed you into trouble in the first place? You shoudl be grateful that I am still considerate with you. Look what I got you. A perfect wife. Callea is beautiful and kind.  She knew how to take care of the house. And she’s very cultured. She’s an artist, too.”

“Yes. I know. She’s perfect. Thanks for choosing well, Lolo.” He tried his best to hide the sarcasm. He couldn’t imagine what his future would be with Callea. He never thought about settling down with a woman. So many girls, so little time. And because of Callea Lopez, his fun time was over.

“Better keep that in mind. Give my kisses to Callea.” Then his grandfather ended the call.

“Callea! Callea! She would be perfect if she had a sound mind for business as well. ” A naughty smile formed on his lips. “And if she’s scorching hot in bed.”

Deive let out a whistle. A lady in public but a vixen in bed. Now that’s the idea.

He was busy dreaming about his bride when he noticed something cross the road. “Whoa!”

Deive’s car screeched into a halt. He was breathing hard. Did he hit someone or something? Where is it? Did he kill it?

Some men who were drinking at a makeshift store rushed to him. “Hey, handsome! Are you okay?” one of them asked and knocked on the windshield of his car.

His heart was pounding wildly when he opened the window of his car. “Don’t mind me. I am sure I am hit something. Can you c-check it?” He must get his wits together. He must bring it to the hospital. He hoped it was stll alive.

“You didn’t hit anything. The black cat crosses the street,” answered the small man. Then he saw a black shadow that was running away.

“Just a black cat? I-I didn’t see that one.” He was worried over nothing.

“When a black cat crosses your way, that is a bad omen,” said the old woman.

Deive gave the old woman a bewildered look. She looked serious as if that statement about the superstitious belief on black cats was a fact. It was already the modern times. Who else believed in mystical beliefs anymore?

“I am sorry but I don’t believe that. But thanks for the warning. I must go now,” he said to the group.

He would really experience bad luck if he didn’t get to Villa Celesta soon. Even if he was forced to marry Callea, he didn’t want her to think that he hated the idea. His old man will be more pissed off and he would find himself in the dump soon.

“Where are you going, child?” the old woman asked him.

“In Villa Celesta.”

Everyone hitched their breath as if one person. Extreme fear reflected on their faces.

“Are you an exorcist or a paranormal expert, young man?” the old woman asked. “Do you want to help the suffering souls in that house?”

He shook his head. He imagined the traditional healers who perform rituals to communicate with spirits and elements using their chants and wearing their bandanas on the head. No, that image on his head was a far cry from him. “No, ma’am. I will visit my future bride there.”

“Oh, my god!” exclaimed the old woman and clutched her chest. The rest of the men put their hands together as if in prayer.

The biggest of the bunch gulped. “Aren’t you aware that bad spirits lurked there? Ghosts abound that place. It is a haunted house.”

“Yes! Last night, we even saw a white lady standing at the verandah. It was really eerie,” said the man who was mostly bones and skin.

His face twitched as he tried not to laugh out loud. Ghosts? White lady? Haunted house? These men must be really drunk with all the weird things they see.

“I have to go now. Thank you very much,” Deive said.

He was about roll the car’s window when the old woman stopped him. “Wait!” Then the old woman put her hand on his head and murmured a prayer. “Please protect this man from the evil spirits.”

The other men also put their hands together and joined the prayer. “Amen.”

“Always pray, young man,” said the old woman and took his hands. “I hope that God won’t leave your side.”

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