Chapter 14: Chapter 14

When Ares first introduced me to his parents, they said nothing bad about me. In fact, they wanted us to get married as soon as possible, especially Donya Valeria, Ares' mom. It was only then that I found out that she wanted a daughter that's why maybe it was kind to me. I can say that I am still really lucky because Ares' family accepted me. Something my own family can't do to me.

I bit my lower lip as I stared at the food served in front of us. For a moment, I glanced at Ares who was also quietly next to me while waiting for his parents to arrive. I’ve seen and been with them a few times but I’m still really nervous. Aragon clan is not a joke. They all look intimidating and everyone really looks up to them. Especially Don Damien, his father. It was the one who founded and single-handedly ran all of their family business until they came into his life. Ares is set to inherit a large part of the empire and the rest from his brother. I just now also remember, why is it that I haven't seen his brother if he's been home from Las Vegas for a long time?

"Are you okay?"

My attention was caught when I heard that from Ares. I turned to him and sparingly just smiled. Next, I felt his grip on my hand.

"You should get used to them because we're going to be a family, Ana," he told me laughing, so I winced. I hope it's that easy.

I could no longer answer because of the sudden arrival of the maids. Later, the couple arrived so I immediately stood up, and even Ares. When Donya Valeria saw me, she immediately went straight to me and hugged me tightly.

“Anastacia, I missed you, hija. It's good that you arrived,” she said softly as we parted. The pearls of her jewelry ring every time she moves.

“I'm sorry. I was so busy in the office, Donya— ”

“Right. I told you to just call me mom,” she interrupted me, so I frowned. I felt the heat all over my face with embarrassment.

“Stop forcing her, darling. She can't get used to it right away,” replied Don Damien who also smiled at me, so I just smiled even though I was eating away at the embarrassment.

"Good day, Don Damien," I said. Next, I heard his laugh.

“You’re too formal, hija. Tell her to loosen up, Ares. ” I heard him say that to his son next to me who was also laughing, so I was completely pissed.

“She’s still feeling nervous, dad. Don't intimidate her. She will also get used to it,” Ares teased, so I simply punched him as a reason to make him laugh even more.

After the greeting that took place, we went back to sitting. I was hoping that we would be able to have Ares’ brother as well but it didn’t seem to happen because everyone had already started eating. I focused more on my food because of the extreme silence. All I could hear was the clanking of spoons and forks and the periodic sniffing of Ares at my side. But it didn't take long either when the old man suddenly spoke. It caught my full attention.

“Your wedding is the day after tomorrow, right? I was thinking of scheduling a meeting with the board members after that, so that everything can be transferred to you, Ares,” said Don Damien in his baritone voice.

My forehead furrowed. I also felt the shock of Ares next to me, so I glanced at him for a moment. I caught him looking at me too but immediately turned to his father.

“Dad let’s just talk about that later…” Ares stated and continue eating. As I remained staring at Don Damien because it seemed like he had more to say. Donya Valeria remained silent beside her husband.

"I'm asking for your suggestion right now because I know you'll be busy in the next few days," the old man continued. I saw out of the corner of my eye that Ares looked up at his father again.

“Don’t you think that Anastacia deserves to know why you want to rush your wedding? Haven't you told her yet?” He also added.

I sighed as the pain I felt intensified. I turned to Ares next to me and frowned at him. I wanted to ask him what they are talking about, but I couldn't utter a word. Especially when Ares's expression hardened and he quickly avoided looking at me.

“I'm planning to tell her right after our wedding, dad—”

“Marriage is sacred, son. Anastacia is part of our family now, especially you. You should include her in your decision-making,” Donya Valeria said seriously, so I looked at her. She just smiled sparingly at me before averting her gaze, so I turned to Ares.

"Is there a problem, Ares?" I couldn't help but ask him because my curiosity was really killing me.

When he looked at me, his forehead was already furrowed and he seemed to be apologizing. Later, before he could answer, Don Damien sneezed again.

“My son and I have an agreement, Ana. I will be transferring all my assets including the Aragon Group of Companies once he marries someone. That agreement is long overdue and I didn't expect that he will keep it.”

My shoulder dropped completely when I heard that. I suddenly remembered the dispute between them and his brother even over the inheritance they would receive from the two elders. As far as I know, Don Damien and Aragon Group of Companies are scheduled to give Ares' brother even all the branches in Las Vegas, while Ares has their other business here in the Philippines. But I still don't understand why…

“Ana, I will explain everything to you—”

"Does it mean that by the time we get married, all the business will go to you, even your brother's?" I cut him off from what he had to say. His jaw tightened and his gaze suddenly deepened.

I'm familiar with that look. That was always his reaction whenever I mentioned his brother. Ares is a competitive person, especially when it comes to his brother. His, being competition here intensified when he learned about the Galvez proposal to him and he didn't receive any. I can clearly feel his tension and pressure. But I didn’t expect that even our marriage will be involved in this matter. I thought he was really in a hurry because he had been waiting for it for so long. Because he loves me.

I bit my lower lip and never talked to him again. That dinner ended when they were just the three of them talking. I wanted to go home, but Ares won't let me and insisted to talk after this. I don’t know how I would feel after what I found out. I could understand why he felt that way about his brother and he knew that. His mother had long hidden from him that he had a step-brother and their father

accepted him. He didn't even know the appointment of it to their branches abroad. He only found out last year. Since then, he has been like this. I understand that and he knows that very well. Why does he even have to keep it a secret from me? You look stupid, Ana.

I was still quiet on the way home to Elena's condo. I feel like I’ve lost my appetite for everything. I suddenly feel tired. I feel like I was betrayed.

"Hey… I'm sorry…"

I heard him say. I close my eyes tightly. All day long, that was all I could hear from him. My ears can no longer accept that.

"I'll really tell you—"

"After our wedding so that I can no longer say anything?" I interrupted what he was going to say and glanced at him for a moment. His forehead furrowed. As if he was suppressing his anger, so I almost laugh at the idea.

“It’s not like that, Ana. Dad just preceded me to tell you everything but I really plan to explain it to you. I'm so sorry…” He pleaded.

I tiredly sighed. I turned my gaze back to the outside of the window.

“Is that the only reason why you're in a hurry? You should have told me right away, Ares. You know I can understand you. I'll still help you, but you chose to keep it a secret from me. I thought you really loved me that's why— ”

“No, please. Of course, I love you. Stop thinking like that. Hey…” He called me and immediately stopped the car.

I felt his gentle touch on my arm, so I turned to him. His tired eyes opened up to me. His jaw tightened again as he stared at me tenderly. I felt a pain in my heart as I stared at him.

“I am in love with you, that's the reason why I want to marry you. That's all, Ana. I'm sorry,” he said full of pleading.

I bit my lower lip. In the past, whenever he told me he loved me, his eyes twinkled and brightened. I can feel his sincerity. But now, for no apparent reason, I see nothing. I couldn't even feel what he said. I feel something is wrong.

“But if you want to call the wedding off, I will understand—”

“I’m not calling it off, Ares. Just... stop keeping secrets, please.”

I could see the relief in his eyes when I said that. It was only then that I knew which of the two was the real reason why he was in such a hurry. And I still wanted to understand that.

-

I watched everyone around me, especially the man in front of me who was happily waiting for me. My chest continued to throb as I saw him patiently waiting for my slow march. Today is our wedding day and I want to be happy, but my heart doesn’t seem to want to. Especially when I realize I don’t even have a family happily waiting for me right now. They did not go. That even though the whole preparation wasn’t grand, they didn’t show up.

I was in the middle of walking when I spotted a man on the side of Ares. I can't see its face because it's turned away. That's the best man's place. To my knowledge, his cousin took the title, but I was wrong. When I saw it turn its gaze on me, I completely stopped walking. I felt my soul suddenly run away from me and my heart wanted to come out of my body when I saw him smirk at me.

My knees and hands began to tremble. I saw Ares frown as he looked at me. It was as if I was about to vomit while still staring at the man next to him.

It was Apollo a, no. He is Hector. Why is he here? Why is he the best man of Ares?

I sighed. I blinked twice when I saw his deep eyes piercing my soul. That smile disappeared from his lips and was replaced by a cold expression. It seems to mean something.

My fear and nervousness intensified when I saw Ares was about to approach me. Even before he could reach me, my own body moved quickly. I can't do it. My conscience can't do it. This is fucking wrong. I can not do it. No.

“I-I'm so sorry…” I mouthed and started running away from him, outside the church. With my broken, sinful soul.