Chapter 3

On My Own

Kia was taken aback and asked Ares, “What are you talking about?... You want to marry me?”

Ares soon became sweaty when Kia asked the question. “I am man enough to be responsible and make her feel protected.” He thought to himself.

Ares inquired anxiously, “Mhmm... Will you marry me?”

Will she accept? She is quite fortunate to have me as her husband. Take a look at me. Is it possible that I’m still not up to her standards? Ares said to himself.

The question caught Kia off guard. She can’t believe the man in front of her is planning to marry her right away. Why doesn’t he seem to understand the term marriage? It’s not a humorous affair ... Anyway, after we get married, we can file for divorce, right? ... Wtf! What exactly am I thinking? Kia, stop it! Are you blind? He has the appearance of having been born into wealth. We must stay away from individuals who are wealthy since they will only cause us pain. Kia said in her mind.

“Oh, no,” Kia exclaimed, “forget it. Can you find me a dress? I really need to go!”

Ares couldn’t believe Kia had refused him.

What exactly are you saying?! You’re going to say no to me? Do you realize who you’re rejecting, lady?! I’m your typical comic president!

He only grinned and said nothing in response to Kia’s words. “I know we’ve only met, but I guarantee you that I’m a trustworthy person; I wasn’t kidding when I said I wanted to marry you; I’ll treat you well!” Ares replied.

Kia’s face and eyes were filled with rage. It was as though the words she’d heard were all terrible and she didn’t care for any of them. “Didn’t you hear me? I said, find me a dress because I have to go! I just want to remain away from the rich world! I’m tired of being duped!” Kia was irritated.

Ares was taken aback by her acts. She simply wants to avoid... the wealthy world? What has she been through these years? I need to come up with a new plan... Ares, think!

Ares laughed, “Rich people?” “You seem to be mistaking what you see... I’m just an assistant... Do I look rich?... I’m overwhelmed... But sorry to disappoint you, I drank with my bosses last night and I was shitfaced. They felt awful, so they prepared this place for me.” Ares merely scratched his head over the words he left out that he didn’t expect to slip out of his mouth so easily.

Kia raised her gaze to Ares and seemed to be analyzing every detail of his face. “Are you telling me the truth?” Kia’s innocent query.

When Ares noticed that Kia seemed to trust what he said, he smiled. “Sure, do I appear to be lying?” Ares asked, smiling. “But, as I previously stated, I want to be responsible for you, so I want to offer you a home.”

Ares’ words made Kia smile despite her headache and the fact that she was still dizzy from the wine she drank the night before.

Kia

A home… What a nice word…

The only home I knew back then was my family. Mommy, daddy, and their only daughter, me. After my mother died in a car accident, everything changed... I was quite depressed during that time. Knowing that mom is no longer here, I don’t know how to get up and start my day every day.

My father married his mistress and returned with their daughter. I’ve felt as if I’ve lost my family since then. The old special treatment for me disappeared like a bubble. Daddy was more concerned with his new wife and, of course, his new child. He seemed to have forgotten that I was also present, that I was his child. They now own the house in which I once lived. They own that property. Not me…

Is this going to be the most anticipated day of my life? Is this the loving and caring home I’m yearning for? Maybe it’s time for me to make my own decision. There’s nothing wrong with attempting to live a regular social life. He appears to be trustworthy and kind...

“Could you please do what I asked?” I asked.

I couldn’t take my gaze away from his. His visage was so commanding that it reminded me of an angel from heaven. Lucky man, there are still individuals who are gifted with incredible genes.

“What is it?” He inquired.

“Are we going to get married by agreement?” I inquired again. He nodded and still couldn’t take the smile off his face. “I want us to finish the contract and split ways as if nothing happened after two years...” I said.

He was taken aback as his smile vanished from his lips. His reaction made me nervous. Was there something I said that he didn’t like? Isn’t that what he wants?

“Uhm— We’ll divorce in two years, but don’t worry, I’ll fulfill my duty as your wife during that time...” I couldn’t help myself.

Will he say yes? Why is he staring at me, completely speechless? Is there something stuck in my eye? Is my face dirty? I can’t stand his awkward look any longer. Please, Lord, swallow me whole. I think I said something wrong…

“All right, let’s call it a deal!” he exclaimed.

Surprisingly, he granted my requests without hesitation. Is it really that simple to ask him and have him agree? Maybe he really doesn’t want to be with me for a long time, thus he agreed to a two-year contract with ease...

He approached the bed and took a seat next to me. He grasped my right hand, but my left hand was quickly snatched up by the blanket that was supposed to cover my naked body. “Let’s not spend any more time; let’s get married today,” he remarked. “Then I’ll go home and collect my household registration, and you’ll get yours; we’ll just meet at the civil affairs bureau later.”

“Mhm! Alright...” I didn’t object to what he said and just agreed.

I instantly stopped him when he stood up and attempted to leave. “Wait!” I yelled at him.

“What? Do you want to change your mind?” He inquired.

“N-no... I forgot to ask what your name is?” I scratch my head, ready to question him.

My question brought a smile to his face. What an arrogant person. What does he think of himself? I know he’s attractive, but don’t get too arrogant!

He continued to smile as he said, “I’m Ares France Vuertalejo... Your soon to be husband.”

“Hmm... Ares... Nice name, huh? Well, Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo, you tore my dress! How can I come home like this?!?” I complained.

He scratched his head a lot and giggled a little bit. “I’m sorry, I got intoxicated and lost control... I’ll get you a new one right away!” he exclaimed as he rushed to the bathroom to change. He simply exited the room after saying goodbye to buying me clothes.

“Nice! Now that I’m on my own, how can I be so certain that Mr. Ares France Vuertalejo isn’t a fraudster?”