“You mean, Carmienne, right?”
My mom was the one to break the silence. She even stood up just to get the attention of everyone. My eyes can't even meet hers. I just can't. I'm afraid that she will get mad at me.
My hands were shaking because of this unwanted feeling. I can feel their eyes were on me. I got their attention so bad that I just want to be eaten by the ground. For Pete's sake, can i just leave?
“No. I want the second one to be married to Denver,” Mrs. Velasquez said that made me looked up to her. She smiled at me.
I heave a sigh as I hear my mother uttered words. Just words that could wreck me. I looked at her and keep myself quiet.
“Why her? You must be pertaining to my daughter, Carmienne, right?” she asked again the Velasquez as if it didn't brought a excruciating pain in me. I don't want worsen this feeling that I just smiled.
I felt like she doesn't consider me as her daughter too.
“Carmienne?”
“Yes.” My mother nodded and even pointed my sister who's sitting beside her.
“You have a beautiful daughter, Mrs. Golieza.” Mrs. Velasquez complimented but her eyes were focused on me. “But I'm interested with your younger daughter. Sharmienne, right?”
“But...”
“Carmienne is more suitable for your son.” My mom insisted.
I furrowed but didn't utter a sigh word. My gaze went to my sister's side. I saw her shook her head while staring back at me. She doesn't like this marriage too.
But my mom always wanted this. She's been waiting for this to happen. I bet she's very happy that a well-known family approached us. Yet they offered an arrange marriage. An unplanned marriage.
“Mom...” I heard my sister called. She shook her head repeatedly. “I don't want this too...”
“How can you say that?” My mother asked her. “It's for our company, hija.”
I bit my lips as I saw my older sister struggling with her words. She's been avoiding this scenario to happen. I know... She doesn't want this too. She likes someone else, and if she agrees to this marriage, then it will be the end of her freedom.
But as for me, it would not require anything in return. I don't have someone I like. I am free.
I looked up and diverted my gaze only to see Denver looking at me. He has a smirk plastered on his lips that he even bite it sensually.
I agape, can't utter a single word to describe how handsome this guy is. His lips were red as he lick it softly. I was about to move away when he leaned forward to whisper.
“Speak your thoughts, young lady.”
It sent shivered down my spine that I gasped. They heard it that I got their attention again. I can feel my mother's eyes on me as she glares.
“U-uh...”
“You want to say something, hija?” It was Mr. Velasquez who asked. I looked at him and can't find the right words to answer him.
“We can talk about it after dinner, shall we?” My dad break the awkward silence. He stood up first and glanced at me. “We prepare something for you.”
The guests nodded and also stood up except for Denver who's still beside me. I looked down to calm myself. Everyone followed my dad until I was the only one left together with Denver. I just felt him move when I heave a sigh.
“Come on. Dont be shy.” I can hear his chuckles but I can't directly look at his eyes. I stood up, still hearing his laugh. I don't know what's funny.
“You're aloof, huh?” I heard him mumbled.
I just nodded before I go first to the dining table. The food were delicious but I can't taste it the way they are before. I lost my appetite the whole time they are talking about business.
“With this arrangement, our company will help you be on top again. You will get a share from this as we bind the tie together. Isn't that interesting?” Mrs. Velasquez said with enthusiasm. In the entire dinner, she's been cheerful as if she's excited over something.
It was a proposal. An arrangement of my family to the Velasquez. It will help our business big time if I will agree to be tied up with the firstborn son. It should be a win-win, right?
If I will do this, my mother will see me as her own daughter now. If I will agree, she might consider me as someone as part of her family. Maybe... If I will agree, she will be happy. At least.
But I don't know why I felt like it's not a good idea. Why do I feel that it's not good for me? As if it's a trap?
“Just with one condition, I want Sharmienne to be the bride. It's clear that your first daughter doesn't like to be with my son.” She smirk as if she's been playing all along.
“Can we think of that again? Can you give us time to decide, Mrs. Velasquez?” my father asked again, for the nth time.
“No. We will let Sharmienne marry the firstborn Velasquez.” It was my mother. Her words sends shiver down my spine.
“Honey...” My father was against it. It feels like he doesn't want this too. So do I. But do I have a choice?
“We will settle this once and for all.” My mother said and look at me. Her gaze seems likes she's forcing me.
“It will be a legacy to be bind with us, Mr. Golieza.”
I nodded. I stood up and got their attention. I looked at them one by one. Even Denver who's still smirking as he gaze up on me.
“Hija?” Mrs. Velasquez uttered. She's wiping her lips as she gaze up to me.
“Mrs. Velasquez.” I focused my eyes on her.
“Yes?”
“Don't drag my sister into this arrangement. I will accept your offer.” I said firmly eventhough my feet were already trembling. I need to protect my sister from this kind of arrangement.
I will be the one to cover up for her this time. I don't want her to be stuck in this situation. Knowing my mother who's very persistent in this kind of arrangement, I don't think my sister has a choice to disobey our mother.
She's been my protector eversince. Now, I will be the one to do it. I will be her shield. Because I know how it felt to be stuck in a situation wherein you can't escape.
I want to reciprocate what she has done to me.
“Sharmienne!” It was my sister, stopping me. But I shook my head. I need to be firm, just this once.
My eyes diverted to my parents. My father's eyes showed sympathy as she gaze at me. He knows and understand our situation. He understands me the most.
It's our company that's at risk here. I want to save it too. Now that someone offered us to revive our company, I will help my family.
“Good choice, hija.” Mr. Velasquez said and simoly smile at me. “In return, as what we've said a while ago, we will also help you get the ownership of your company.”
“What?!” My mother's eyes widened.
I heave a sigh as I took my sit. My sister eyes met mine and I saw the disappointment on it. She doesn't like this too. But I'm doing this for her and for our company.
I glanced at my side only to see Denver's furrowed brows while staring back at me. I gulped as I met his gray orbs and saw how intense they are.
It feels like he doesn't like what my decision was. I'm doomed.