CHAINED

"No, it can't be!!" I shouted, then looked at my parents in frustration. 

"Cassandra, why can't you see that we are doing this for your own good?" Mommy explained gently while holding onto my arm.

I didn't want to be rude to my mother, so I just shook my arm out from her grasp instead of shouting at her. My emotions were in turmoil.

I looked at them with hatred. "How can this be for my own good? How can marrying someone I don't fucking know be good for me?!"

Daddy lowered his head as if he did not know how to even begin explaining the things they were doing. 

I laughed for a moment. "Don't even try to tell me that your company is losing money, so you need to marry me to a man I don't know. That is just rubbish straight out of a tele-series."

He massaged the bridge of his nose before giving me a serious look.

"Come to my office—" 

"Are you sure about this, Deyniel?" my mom butted in.

Dad just gave her a warm smile and lead the way to his office. I could do nothing but obey. Mommy quietly followed behind me.

What the hell was going on? I had just come home from a friend's party, and now I had to face this shit? To marry someone I didn't know. Well, erase that thought. I would never marry someone I didn't love. 

Daddy sat down in his swivel chair then emptied his drawer. I heard Mommy sniffing in the background, so I looked at her.

Why the heck is she crying?

I was nervous for a moment. Was our company already losing money? But that was impossible. I had just come back from the company the other day and everything seemed okay. 

Daddy caught my attention when he pulled out a folder and placed it in front of me.

I grabbed it and scanned the files. For a moment, I felt like my world had collapsed. 

"W-what the hell is this?" I tried to ask, stuttering. Slowly I glanced at my father.

Tears automatically started running down my face when I saw my father smiling, yet his eyes were full of sadness.

He grabbed my hand then kissed it. "You know I love you so much, princess, don't you? I'm sorry if I'm pushing you to make a decision you don't like. I just want to see my princess with the right man before I die."

And then we all broke down. 

My father, my dearest father, has brain cancer.

"N-no, no, this can't be. You'll get treatment, Dad. If not here in the Philippines, then we'll go to the US," I said.

Daddy touched my head and ruffled my hair gently. I could do nothing but sob at the warm smile he gave me in that moment.

"Who doesn't want to live a long life? I also want to see my future grandchildren, but what can we do? The Lord gave me a limit to my life."

All I could do was shake my head and whimper. Mommy slowly approached me, then hugged me tight.

"Sorry, my princess, for being greedy. I just want to secure your future. I don't know how long or short I have left. If I am unable to see my future grandchildren, then your wedding will be enough," he said emotionally.

I ran to him and hugged him tight. 

"Please fight, Daddy. Why do I feel like you are already surrendering? Fight for us, Daddy. Fight for me," I begged. 

My dad just hugged me back then kissed the top of my head. 

"I'm not surrendering, princess, I've just accepted the facts. I want to spend my remaining days with you and your mom, rather than suffer in the hospital." 

I cried even more at what Daddy had said.

"I love you, Daddy," I said and looked up at him.

He smiled at me. "I love you too, princess. I love you and your mom. Please take care of her when I'm gone."

"Stop it, Deyniel. Please stop speaking like that," Mom stopped Daddy's words while crying. 

Daddy just smiled at her then touched my mother's face.

"Always remember that I love you both," he said, teary eyed.

"Of course, we kno—"

"AHHH!!" 

Dad shouted while holding his head. Mommy and I quickly attended to him. 

"Get the medicine from the drawer, Cassandra!" Mom shouted while holding Daddy's hand on his head.

I was literally crying as I searched for the medicine. I looked back and forth between my dad and it, scared that I might miss something.

"Hon, honey, I will call Dr. Soriano. Please stay with us, please. I-I still can't live without you," Mom cried hard as she said the last line. 

I quickly gave Mommy the medicine I had found. She opened it, took out a pill, and then gave it to Daddy.

Why? Why did they just tell me about this? 

I just cried silently as I saw how Daddy complained about his headache.

What kind of child was I? Why didn't I see or notice it at all? I thought it was just because of work. That was why Daddy seemed to be losing weight. I thought it was because of his old age that his hair was falling out. I didn't know he was already sick.

After a few minutes, Daddy gradually calmed down, just in time for the doctor to arrive. He checked Daddy in the room. 

He was lying down now and sleeping, probably exhausted by the extreme pain he felt earlier.

Mommy approached me after the doctor left. She smiled at me, then straightened a runaway hair on my face. 

"You can go to your room now. I'll take care of your daddy," she said while combing my hair with her fingers.

"When, Mommy? When did it all start?" I asked. 

Mommy sighed before sitting beside me, then she pulled me in for a hug.

"After you graduated from college, that's when your daddy's severe headaches started. He used to get headaches, but he ignored them because he thought it was just stress from work. But a few weeks after you graduated, that's all, everything got so much worse, and he was already experiencing various symptoms of brain cancer," Mom started the story.

"He went for treatment. Your daddy fought for us, Cassandra. Every time we told you that we had a business trip, he was really taking his meds with me, chemo and so on... But your daddy cannot neglect the company either. Many people depend on us, dear." 

"Why? Why didn't you ask me to help with the company? Yes, I don't know anything yet, but I can still learn, Mommy," I asked, as if that would turn back time.

She just smiled at me, then kissed my forehead. "Yes, we thought of that, but your daddy loves you very much. We knew that you had been studying all your life. You did nothing but give us reasons to be proud of you. Deyniel wanted to give you the freedom to do anything you wanted after you graduated. He wanted you to enjoy the things you did not experience while studying."

"I'm sorry. I can't say no to your daddy. I love you too, and I can see his point. I want to help you with the company, but no one will teach you because your daddy is often at the treatment center with me. Forgive us, Cassandra, for not immediately telling you about this. Like you, your daddy and I also hope that his condition will improve."

"But nothing has changed. Maybe this is really the Lord's plan," she growled. 

"But even so, I am still not ready, my child. I am not ready to be left behind. I cannot afford to be alone. I have not yet accepted this, dear," she continued as she cried silently.

I could do nothing but hug my mother and join her in her silent crying. 

Daddy loved me dearly. He did everything he could to make my life happy and orderly. Who was I to be selfish about a thing that could make him happy?

I wiped away my tears then boldly looked at Mommy.

"Who is the groom, and when is the wedding?"

Andrei Villa Cruz, his name is unfamiliar to me. I felt weak, because it looks like I will really marry someone I do not know.

"WTF?! Are you serious Cass, you don't know the godly Andrei Villa Cruz?!” my friend Ayesha said hysterically.

I raised an eyebrow at her, astonished at her reaction, before drinking the liquor in front of me. We’re currently at the bar right now drinking.

"Why, do you know him?" I asked before pouring another shot in my glass.

"Girl, maybe you are the only one who does not know him. FYI, he is just the head of Villa Cruz Construction Company. You really got a big fish," she mumbled.

"He's the one who caught a big fish. Bitch, I am Cassandra Monasterio, daughter of Deyniel Monasterio, heiress of Monasterio Worldwide," I stated, full of myself.

MW is the biggest hotel chain here in the Philippines, we also have 66 branches worldwide.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. For now, let's just have a drink before you face that shit with your soon-to-be husband. Hmmm, well it looks like you will just have a problem with him in bed. HAHAHA!"

I immediately kicked her in annoyance.

"Ouch! Haha! So short-tempered. Come on, bitch, you are single right? As for now, you don't like anyone, so it's not a problem if you get married. You can just learn to like him in the process. Sex is really just a bonus. HAHAHA!"

I glared at her. "Fuck you, Ayesha. Stop it, it's gross."

Unbelievably, she pointed at me with her finger. "Ha! Believe me Cass, with his looks I am sure he is good in bed. I bet his friend down there is huge," she giggled.

I just shook my head in disbelief. Again, I wondered why and how we got along, we were just similar in wasting money, but in behavior? Urgh! Never mind.

She poured me some liquor again that I immediately drank.

It was already past two in the morning when we stopped, we already drank a lot. I knew in my mind that we were drunk as fuck.

"Fuck, Ayesha, you are so dumb. Why didn't you bring a driver?" I said while leaning on the sofa, because my sight was spinning at the moment.

"You're a dumbass too," she hiccupped, slurring. "You didn't tell me to bring one," she answered me as she sank down on the table.

We both had our hair disheveled because of too much dancing on the dance floor earlier. I just laughed the way we look right now.

"Great, how can we go home now?"

Even if I was drunk, I was able to speak properly.

I heard my friend's weak laugh. "Ya biiiiitch. I feel like we're on a yacht. Let's goo. HAHAHA! Waves are coming..."

"Fuck you, Ayesha," I cursed as I laughed at her joke.

"Oh don't fuck me, Cass. Fuck your husband."

"Arggh! You're a hopeless case bitch," I commented, then forced myself to stand up.

I felt like I was going to fall when I stood up.

Damn! Ayesha you're dead to me tomorrow, I mean later.

I walked to the bar counter, though I was tired.

Fuck, this is really torturous. I am losing my poise for this shit.

"Excuse me.." I called the bartender's attention.

"Yes, ma'am, what's your order?" he replied politely.

I smiled at him first before shaking my head. I dug my phone in the pocket of my mini skirt before putting it on the top counter.

"As you can see, we are both wasted. Can you call 'Daddy' in my contacts?" I explained.

The staff nodded and did what I asked. He handed me the phone when it started ringing.

"Hello?" It was Daddy's voice; he obviously woke up because of my call.

I bit my lip because of guilt. "I'm sorry to wake you up, but can you send me your driver? I'm really drunk, I can no longer drive, or even walk."

I heard Dad's sigh on the other line. "Okay sweetie. I'll contact someone to pick you up. Are you at the bar you always go to?"

"Yes. Thank you, I'm with Ayesha by the way. And she's..." I started to say.

My dad giggled. "Drunk as well."

"Go ahead. I'll end this call," he said and ended the call.

I glanced at the bartender and smiled. "Thank you."

He just smiled and then went back to work. While I was just standing at the bar counter.

"Damn it, I can no longer walk back to where Ayesha and I are." I whispered and everything went black.

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing.

"Arggh! It's too early to fucking disturb me," I murmured, eyes closed while scanning where my cellphone was.

I just slide my phone without opening my eyes before bringing it to my ear.

"Who the fuck are you to disturb my peaceful sleep?" I asked in annoyance.

"I'm just your fucking best friend bitch, and I'm calling right now to ask you something."

"Argh! Ayesha can't that wait? I'm still sleeping."

"Damn, Cassandra if I remember it correctly, your soon-to-be husband—" I quickly ended the call before she could say something disgusting.

"Oh yeah, yeah. Handsome, delicious, nice. Fuck you, Ayesha," I mumbled. I was about to tilt to the other side of the bed when I noticed something.

I was stunned for a moment, because my pillow seemed harder now compared to what it usually is. Even if I wanted to open my eyes, drowsiness was really eating me, so I just ignored it.

I stiffened once again when a warm thing rested on my belly. I quickly opened my eyes and looked on it.

It's a hand.

I immediately sat up and looked at who it was.

What the hell?!

I wanted to shout, but panic ate ​​me more.

How did this man get into my room?

Fuck, Cassandra. Did I bring a man earlier? I wiped my face and stared at the man sleeping on my bed, next to me to be specific.

He's handsome, has a sharp nose, his complexion is not white, but it is also not dark. His lashes are smooth, his lip size is just right. And he's damn topless for heaven's sake.

"Don't tell me something happened to us?" I whispered to myself.

I quickly examined my body, I felt my pet down there, but I did not feel anything like what I've heard by my friend's stories.

I am so shocked when I turned to the man again, he was now awake. He looked at me seriously, as if he was studying what I was doing.

"D-did I bring you here?" I stammered out, then simply moved away.

He picked up his shirt on the bedside table before putting it on as he kept his eyes on me before he stood up on the side of the bed.

My jaw dropped in shock and quickly closed my eyes. Fuck! He was only wearing boxer shorts.

I swallowed my own saliva because of what I saw that moment. His boxer shorts were fitted, so his pet was very outlined.

Yes, it's VERY BIG.

It was not hard that time, but it's already big, so what if it's alive then? Damn it Cassandra! You are so obscene.

"A-are you done?" I asked, still stuttering.

"Yes," I felt goosebumps after hearing his voice.

He is not only handsome, rather his voice is.

What is happening to me?

I slowly opened my eyes before looking at him. He was wearing a V-neck white t-shirt and faded denim shorts. I want to seduce myself out of admiration for the man in front of me.

"And yes, you brought me here to your room," he said without hesitation, my whole face heated with embarrassment.

"My gosh! I-I'm so sorry. I was drunk, and I didn't know what the hell I was doing at the time," I explained.

He just nodded before looking at his watch. "I'm going, I still have a job," he formally said goodbye.

Even if I want to asked him about the blasphemies I did, I am ashamed to bother him, especially since he seems to be serious about his work.

I closed my eyes for a moment because that's when everything sinks in. It's morning, and Mommy was probably awake. They will be upset once he leaves the room and sees below.

"Uhmmm. Sorry to say this, but can I secretly take you out of the house? I'm dead if my father sees you walk out of my room."

The side of his mouth rose for a second. "No need, they already know that we slept together."

My eyes widened as I stared at him. "They know?!" I couldn't help but to shout in shock.

He just nodded at me and then walked away. He opened my room and went out.

Daddy agreed, even though I was going to marry someone else?!

I quickly followed him. He was walking down the stairs when I caught up with him.

"Oh! You are awake," Mommy greeted him with a smile.

"I'm sorry, I have to leave for work,” he said politely.

"Say goodbye to Deyniel. He's in the kitchen, you should eat before leaving," my mom suggested, then grabbed the man's arm to help him to the kitchen.

My jaw dropped as I watched them walked away.

How did all this happen?

I followed them to the kitchen, I found them all sitting and I was the only one waiting.

"Sit down princess, so we can start eating,” Daddy said to me with a smile.

I just chose to obey even though I was confused.

We started eating. My eyes were switching from the food, to the man, and to my parents.

"So how is your company?" dad started talking with the man.

"It's okay Sir. Proposals are still coming and going," the man answered.

My father laughed for a moment before wiping his lips. "Just call me Tito, or you can just say Daddy."

I coughed in shock.

"Are you okay? "Mommy asked next to me.

"W-what the hell is happening?" I couldn't stand it anymore.

They all looked at each other before Daddy laughed softly.

"You were so drunk last night, that explains why you don't remember anything,” my dad said.

I did not say a word, because I still did not understand what they were saying.

"Why don't you introduce yourself again to my daughter young man?" my father said while smiling to the man I slept with.

The man smiled back. He wiped his mouth then stood up formally.

"Andrei Villa Cruz, your fiancé, Ms. Monasterio," he said, before presenting his hand to me.

What...the...fuck.