Chapter 2 - Shocks

Cal’s POV

I was on my way to the café where I was supposed to meet my friends.

When I arrived, I immediately saw Trixie—and of course, Raika was with her.

“Finally, the forever late one has arrived,” Trixie teased.

“Excuse me? I’m only late this one time, duh.” I rolled my eyes and sat next to Raika.

“Where’s Daphne?” I asked.

“She already left. You were taking too long—she said she had to go somewhere,” Trixie replied while sipping her coffee.

“You guys ordered already?”

“Wow. You didn’t even wait for me? That’s harsh.” I pouted.

I called the waiter over to place my order.

He handed me the menu, and I ordered a Spanish Latte. I added a slice of cake too—I was starving. I didn’t feel like eating at home; I was still annoyed about what happened last night.

Once the waiter left, Raika leaned in. “So? Spill, girl.”

“Well…” I began slowly.

“Didn’t your mom and dad bring you to that event last night? At that hotel—ugh, I forgot the name.”

“Yeah, they brought me there, and I ended up looking like a lost rat, completely out of place.”

Trixie laughed. Of course she did. She’s basically the queen bee in our group and lives for events like that. Her parents drag her to every high society gathering, but let’s be real—she never shows up for business. She’s just there to flirt and stir drama.

“Stop laughing! I’m being serious!”

“Come on, keep going. Don’t leave us hanging,” Raika said, clearly invested.

“So… do you know Mr. Dela Vega? He and his family hosted the event—they also own the hotel.”

“Girl, everyone knows the Dela Vegas,” Trixie replied instantly, while Raika nodded.

“Well,” I said, drawing out the suspense. “I just found out that… drumroll please… I’m engaged to his son.”

Both of them froze in place. I couldn’t tell if they were shocked or secretly thrilled.

“WHAT?!” they screamed in unison, nearly spilling their drinks.

“Girl, oh my god?! Engaged?! To THE Kean Alistair Dela Vega?” Raika asked, looking like she was about to faint, while Trixie looked torn between squealing and crying from excitement.

“Can you not say his full name? It’s so annoying.”

“You know those drama shows where the kids are forced into an arranged marriage for the sake of business?” I said. “Yeah. Welcome to my life.”

“Why didn’t you tell us this immediately, girl?! That’s a jackpot!” Trixie gasped, taking another dramatic sip.

“He’s so freaking hot! If that were me, my panties would’ve dropped on the spot.”

I smacked her on the arm. “You’re disgusting!”

“Actually…” I said, letting a small smile slip. “He’s… not bad. Super handsome. Definitely looks rich. But…”

“But?” they echoed in unison.

“He’s arrogant. Like the kind of guy who knows he’s hot and thinks every girl will fall for him. Ew.”

“But you’re the one he’s marrying. So, what now?” Raika suddenly asked.

“Correction—this is just an arrangement. There’s not a single drop of love in this deal,” I replied flatly.

My order finally arrived, and while I ate, they wouldn’t stop pestering me about the so-called hot and grumpy fiancé.

Yes, he’s grumpy.

Flashback

I still couldn’t believe my parents were selling me off to that guy. Sure, his family’s rich, but I don’t love him.

After dinner, I excused myself to use the bathroom.

On my way back, I saw him leaning against the hallway wall. He wasn’t looking at me, but I knew he followed me.

“What are y—” I didn’t get to finish because he cut me off.

“Don’t expect much. I’m only here to warn you.”

My brows furrowed. His tone was sharp, cold. Zero emotion.

“Warn me? About what?” I stood tall. I wasn’t about to let him think I was intimidated.

“About this arrangement,” he replied, still staring down the corridor. “I don’t care what our parents want. I’m not marrying a stranger just because it’s good for business.”

I bit my lip. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be mad or laugh. I mean, I agreed with him—but did he have to sound so smug?

“Well guess what, Mr. Dela Vega,” I said, stepping closer. “I don’t care either. I’m not some raffle prize they can just hand out. So if you think you’re the only one who hates this? News flash: same.”

That’s when he finally looked at me—directly. Bold. Unapologetic.

And then… he smirked. Not the friendly kind. More like he was amused. Or taunting me.

“Well, at least we agree on something,” he said, then turned around and walked away, leaving me standing there.

Jerk.

That’s the only word that came to mind. One massive jerk.

End of Flashback

I got home eventually. Thank god Mom and Dad were both at work. At least I had some peace and quiet.

“Aling Lety!” I called out.

“Just a second, dear! I’m coming!” she called back from the kitchen. Moments later, she emerged, holding a damp rag and hands on her hips.

“What is it, sweetheart?” she asked, already reading my mood like a pro.

“Nothing really. I just want a hug,” I said dramatically as I flopped onto the sofa.

“Tsk, you’re being dramatic again,” she chuckled, placing the rag down. “What happened now, hmm? You look like the sky just fell on you.”

“Nothing…” I sighed. “I was just thinking… what if I do end up marrying Kean? What if I’m forced to go through with it even though I don’t want to?”

Aling Lety has practically raised me. She’s been our housekeeper for years, but she’s more like a second mom to me. I can tell her everything—especially the things I can’t say to my own parents.

“You know, sweetheart,” she began gently, “sometimes life throws things at us that we never chose. But sometimes, the things we never expect… they end up teaching us the most. And—just maybe—they make us happy too.”

I looked at her and paused, thinking. She had a point. But still, the fear and frustration lingered. I mean… arranged marriage? In this economy?

“But Aling Lety… isn’t it unfair? Like I don’t even get to decide my own future?”

“It is unfair. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have power, Cal. You have a voice. You have a heart. And even in an arrangement like this, if you learn how to stand up for yourself—you can still change the story.”

I smiled slightly. Aling Lety really had a PhD in life advice.

“Thanks, Aling Lety. Can I ask for garlic rice and eggs? I’m starving.”

Yeah, I was hungry again. Don’t judge. I only had coffee and cake earlier.

“Goodness, why didn’t you say so earlier! I thought all this drama was about love, but you’re just hungry!” she laughed.

“Can’t it be both?” I shot back, laughing with her.

As she headed to the kitchen, I stayed on the couch, staring at the ceiling. Just thinking. Maybe I should rebel. Just to break the arrangement.

I smirked at the thought.

I’m not the type of girl who stays quiet.

And if he thinks this whole arrangement is going to be easy?

Well…

Let’s play, Mr. Dela Vega.

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