Chapter 3

CALYSTA DANIELLA's POV

"WHAT?! 18 years old?! Your parents are arranging your marriage to an 18-year-old?!" Glean Aero exclaimed hysterically.

Glean Aero Lavern-Salvacion, my childhood friend and business partner, is always by my side. Full name Glea Aero Lavern-Salvacion, we're the same age, both businesswomen. Her company owns a shopping mall, and she sources appliances from my company, making sure they hit the stock market to avoid them gathering dust. We lead successful businesses – Carva Home's Shopping and her Salvacion Engrandt Mall.

She's a bit feisty and a workaholic, but a reliable friend. When you have a problem, just ring her up. She's one call away. She easily gets annoyed by things she finds irritating, and her level of sophistication can be quite high.

Being the only daughter, she inherited her family's wealth. She has three younger brothers, making her the eldest.

"You're too overdramatic, Glea," I commented.

After discussing my future with my father and Lolo Ced, I visited her company to chat about it. I have work but took a day off; my company can run without me. We were chatting about my impending marriage and her married life.

"I just can't believe it. Imagine, only 18? And you're 28 already! How ironic is that, Calysta Daniella?!" I covered my ears and sighed.

"Lower your voice. Our situations aren't that different, Glea Aero Salvacion. Your husband is ten years younger than you," I replied, sipping my iced tea coffee.

"It's a different case, Calysta. He's younger than you, and I wonder if he knows the night routine of married couples." I lowered my cup, looking at her.

"What night routine are you talking about, Glea?" I asked, confused. She smirked suddenly. "What kind of look is that?" I questioned.

"You know what I mean, Calysta. Quality time, you know," she said, and I choked even though I wasn't drinking.

I grabbed a napkin from her counter. She has a counter inside her office, complete with all her supplies. Her collection includes wine; maybe she was a bartender in a past life. She's not a heavy drinker, just enjoys these as a pastime. Of course, she has a high alcohol tolerance.

"Shut up, Glea," I retorted playfully.

"Hmm, that's true. It's a good idea. Instead of being single forever, turning into an old lady with no experience in a night routine, no experience in kissing and hugging, not even having flings, and what's the worst? Dying a virgin. It's time to water your withering flowers, Calysta," she teased.

"What the hell, Glea?!" I shouted, and she just laughed loudly.

What is she talking about? I can't understand her except for her last words!

What?! Dying a virgin?

***

When I arrived home, I saw my grandfather sitting on the sofa, alone.

"Good evening, `Lo," I greeted him and respectfully held his hand.

"You just arrived, apo? Your secretary told me you left work early," he said.

"Yes, `Lo. I had a meeting with my best friend," I replied, taking a seat beside him.

"Glea?"

"Yes," I answered simply.

"Did you discuss your upcoming wedding, Calysta?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Won't you change your mind, Lolo Ced? We can still help their company without getting involved in the marriage thing," I insisted, but he just shook his head. He wouldn't retract what they agreed upon.

I just wanted to alter their wedding plans. So, I thought of helping their family instead. No harm to the future if that happens. They could negotiate with me, and I wouldn't hesitate to invest in their company.

Or if they prefer, I could just lend them the money. They just need to tell me how much they need, and I'll arrange it immediately.

"Sorry, dear. They also don't want to owe anything to our family, so to keep things fair among us, we thought of having a wedding as the elders. So get ready, you'll meet and get to know your future spouse, Calysta," she said with a smile.

Look at that, they plan so quickly. Right away.

"Grandpa Ced..."

"Go on, dear. I'll prepare as well," he said and stood up from his seat.

I slouched on the back of the sofa and let out a sigh. Do we need to get married just for the sake of their sinking business?

18 years old? He's just 18, and he'll be my husband?!

He would probably refuse this marriage if he knew he's ten years older. Hopefully, he does something to prevent the agreement between our parents.

We have a family dinner, so I need to dress properly to avoid embarrassment in front of the Valdiviño.

"I'll prepare myself too."

I wore my blue-green wrapped dress above the knee, tied my reddish-brown hair in a high ponytail, put on light makeup with red lipstick, and adorned myself with small earrings and a moon pendant necklace.

I opened my velvet box and chose a wristwatch. I love having a collection of expensive watches, wearing them only on special occasions. I picked a watch from the box and took my black pouch, where my phone was neatly placed.

As I descended, Grandpa and Dad were already there, dressed formally. Clearly, they prepared for this evening.

"Are you done, Calysta?" my father asked.

"Yes, Papa," I answered politely.

"Good. They have a reservation at a fancy restaurant. Let's go."

We were the first to arrive at the fancy restaurant. The Valdiviño family made a reservation, but they were the ones running late for our family dinner? Tss.

It felt embarrassing. They should have been the ones to arrive first and wait for us.

"Where are you going, Calysta?" my father asked as I walked back towards the door, ready to step outside. I wasn't actually leaving.

"I want to breathe some fresh air, Papa. Just call me when the Valdiviños arrive," I replied.

"Why don't you just stay here with us and wait for their arrival, Calysta?" Papa suggested, but I shook my head. I really wanted to go outside.

"Papa, they should've been the first ones to get here. But now, we're the ones waiting for them? Right, `Lo?" I said, and Lolo Ced nodded in agreement. He understood my point. It wasn't right for us to wait for them, right?

"Go ahead, dear. Take a break and don't think about escaping," he chuckled.

"`Lo, I'm not a child anymore. I don't do that, even when I was young," I told him.

The truth is, I'm not the type to just run away abruptly. Even when I faced problems in my life as a child, I confronted them with courage. Escaping doesn't make sense to me. In my opinion, no matter what you do, you can never escape reality.

You might forget for a moment, but you also need to face it to resolve your problems, if there are any.

"Yeah, I know. Okay. You may go."

I stepped outside and headed to the garden. I knew there was a garden in this restaurant. I didn't want to wait there and risk getting irritated. I didn't want to wait for too long.

As I reached the garden, I sat on a bench and sighed. Stress is all I'd get if I overthink too much. Because until now, I still can't believe I'm getting married at 18. I wonder what he looks like.

See? I'm curious about that young man's appearance now. Sigh.

I glanced at my pouch when I felt it vibrate, thinking it might be Papa calling me, and I decided to go back.

Lolo Ced's bodyguard opened the door for me. I just nodded at him and went back inside.

They were already at the table. They were on the other side. But... I didn't see the guy. There were only four of them there.

"Good evening," I greeted them to get their attention.

They stood up in surprise when they saw me. "Good evening too, hija," Mrs. Valdiviño greeted me with a smile.

In fairness, she looks beautiful even though she's getting older. She's wearing a simple golden dress. Her husband also looks decent. It wouldn't be bad if I end up marrying this shorter version of the man. Yeah, the shorter version.

"Is she your son or grandson, Mr. Carvantes?" the man asked, using the same name, but I knew he was referring to two people.

"Yes, Mr. Valdiviño. This is my daughter, Calysta Daniella Carvantes," my dad introduced me.

The elegant lady smiled at me, and I returned the smile.

"Just call me Calysta. How are you?" I greeted, extending my hand when someone suddenly arrived.

"Sorry I’m late. Good evening." My smile vanished upon hearing that voice. Why isn't it a youthful voice?

It seems like the voice of a man—very manly and too cold. It sends shivers down my spine. I don’t know why.

"Lazel, hijo. We’ve met again." I glanced at my grandfather.

"Yes, Sir Ced." Did he recognize my grandpa so quickly? Does he already know this guy too? Is that why they asked me earlier if I wanted to know what he looks like? Or his attitude?

I turned to look at him to see his face, but he quickly averted his gaze. I raised an eyebrow because he seemed...snobbish and indifferent to others.

"I’m sorry for his late arrival. He had to park our car," the lady said. She seems kind.

"Nah, it’s okay. We just arrived," my grandpa said.

I picked up an empty glass, and someone immediately poured water for me.

"Thank you," I thanked the waiter. He just nodded, and as I sipped the water, I felt two pairs of eyes staring at me.

So when I finished, I looked at that person. I raised an eyebrow because the man I'm going to marry is looking at me.

He looks good. He has a unique charisma, and at first glance, his sex appeal is really strong. His way of looking is also different.

He's sitting in front of me, so I can see the natural color of his eyes up close. Gray. He's not the first man I've seen with this eye color, but when he looks at you, it's so deep, as if you'll drown, and it's also very blank.

His nose is well-shaped, the tip is beautiful. His lips are naturally red, and are they kissable? No blackheads or pimples on his cheeks or anywhere on his face. He's perfect as a man, so he might also be suitable as a woman. Hmm, maybe it's not just women who are attracted to him.

The only thing is, he lacks emotion, and it's hard to read his thoughts. I lowered my gaze to his Adam's apple. I won't doubt that he's famous in VU because of his handsome face.