Jade's POV
"Good morning, Dad! Good morning Mom!" I greeted my parents as I made my way to our dining table. I gave them kiss on their cheeks as soon as I reached them.
I saw them already eating their breakfast together with my two brothers: Ahya Gab, the eldest and Ahya Paul, the middle one. Ahya Gab's fiancée, Pearl, is seated beside him smiling at me.
"Good morning, Shobe!" My two brothers said in unison while beaming at me.
"Good morning, Ahyas" Then I made my way towards them to give them also a kiss on the cheek.
"Good morning, hija. Mabuti naman at nagising ka na. Halika at sabayan mo na kaming magbreakfast." My ever sweet mother asked while already putting waffles on my plate.
"Thanks, mom." I said as I sat beside her. "Where's Ama by the way?"
"Nagpapahinga ang Ama mo, Jade. Nandoon siya sa kwarto niya at katatapos lang dalhan ng pagkain ni Yaya Grace." May father answered which I nodded to.
I am enjoying my breakfast and I can't help but to reminisce as I scanned them happily munching their food.
I am home, at last. I thought and I can't help but smile.
I arrived yesterday from London after a year of vacation. That was my father's gift to me when I finished my Business Administration Degree in ADMU.
He actually gave me a round trip all over the world, which I did by the way, and I'm currently staying in London as my 20th stop. Perks of being the only daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country.
I'm finished exploring Asia at my first 6 months of vacation and was momentarily exploring America when they called me because of Ama's condition. Even though I'm enjoying it there, I hurriedly went home without a second thought just because it's for Ama.
I love her so much I would trade anything for her in a heart beat. She's getting weaker everyday since Angkong died.
She also have Alzheimer's disease that caused her to forgot her family but surprisingly excluding me. She remembers everything about me, up to my childhood until now, that made me love her even more.
"So, Jade, how was your trip?" Pearl asked.
"Hmm, it's fun. But I guess it would be more fun if I'm with you guys."
"Are you staying here for good or you still want to come back and continue exploring?" Ahya Gab added.
"Uhm, no. I don't want to leave knowing Ama's condition. I want to stay here as soon as she feels better. And besides, hindi naman ako nagmamadali. States can wait."
"Alam ba ni David na nakauwi ka na?" Ahya Paul teased. Among us siblings, siya yung palaging nang-aasar pero siya din yung pinakaclose ko. I knew his dirty little secrets and he knew mine as well.
"Not yet. But I'm planning to surprise him sa office mamaya." I casually said. Both of my parents believed that there's something going on between David and I.
Well, there was before, but I ended it right after I learned about my trip. I really wanted to do it before then because I realized I'm not in love with him anymore pero hindi ako nagkaroon ng chance dahil busy ito palagi. And when I had the perfect chance, I grabbed it without hesitation.
We remained friends and he continued to court and win me back but I know my feelings for him won't change and he respected it. I let him do what he wants since I'd like us to remain friends. Only Ahya Paul knew about what happened.
I told you, he knew the skeletons in my closet.
"That's good, hija. Mukhang going strong pa din kayo ni David kahit na ang tagal mong nagbakasyon." My mother said, all smile which I just nodded to to end the conversation right away.
"Of course! Because David is her one true love. Right, Jadey?" Ahya Paul sarcastically said. I know he's mocking me. I gave him a "shut-the-fuck-up" look which earned me a hearty laugh from him.
"Aba eh kung ganoon ay dapat na kayong makasal na dalawa. Pinag-uusapan pa lang namin ni Kumpadre ito nung isang araw at mukhang matutupad nga." My father said excitedly which left me dumbfounded. My mind went black and suddenly I feel like I've been paralyzed.
"W-What did you say, D-Dad?" I asked trying to sound relax but I knew I'm failing miserably. My two Ahyas also have shock written on their faces and intently looking at our father.
"You heard me, hija. Your Tito Mike and I are already planning your wedding with David. You know, to strengthen the bond of the Tanchingcos and Limjocos on our business."
I held my breath right after my father's declaration. I don't believe it! I thought Dad love me enough to spare me with this fucking Chinese tradition.
David's father and Dada had been partners in business for as far as I can remember. Limjoco Inc., were known for their prestigious hotels and real eastate businesses while us, Tanchingcos or known as Tanchingco Group of Companies (TGC), are famous for our super malls and condo units.
I know they've been trying to strengthen their bond to become more powerful on the industry, but I never thought they would come up with merging their businesses through David and I.
All this time I thought I can have my own free will in this house. Yes, I grew up being a typical spoiled brat daughter that eventually made me confident enough that my father will let me decide on my own and won't let me experience of what he did to Ahya Gab.
If getting anything you want during childhood is what will result to this whole fucking arrange marriage, hell, I would love to be a slum real quick!
I clutched my fist under the table to restrain myself from shouting. I'm fuming right now but I'm trying my best to control my anger. "B-But Dad, that c-can't be. You knew w-well that Ahya G-Gab and Pearl is getting married this y-year."
"I know that, hija. Hindi naman namin planong maikasal kayo ni David ngayong taon din. You can get married to him next year. What I'm trying to say is, we've already decided to announce your engagement right after makasal ni Gab at Pearl."
From that, I snapped and completely lost it. "W-What?! You've already planned everything out and you're just telling it to me now?!" I practically shouted at my own father. I can't hide my anger anymore. My breathing started to get uneven and I can feel my chest and throat are hurting because of the tears I've been trying to suppress.
"This is just too much! Don't I have the right to decide for my own self?!" I added and abruptly stood up from my sit. I can feel my whole body is shaking because of the tension that's been creeping up.
"Jade, 'wag mong sigawan ang Dada mo. Kailan ka pa natutong maging bastos?" My mother said in a scolding tone but I ignored her. I'm busy dealing with this old man who's smiling devilishly at me.
For once, I forgot that he's my father. All I think was I'm looking at a demon who was dressed up like him.
"Relax, hija. Ano bang ikinagagalit mo? David is your boyfriend, right? Doon din naman ang punta niyo. So stop acting like a spoiled brat you used to be." He sounded so relax that made me want to spit on his face.
"And what if I told you David and I aren't together anymore? I ended our relationship a year ago and we both agreed to that." I said scornfully, equating the intense glare my father is giving me. I can feel my nails digging into my own palms since I've been clutching my fist from some time now.
"What?! Anong sinasabi mo jan, Jade? Anong wala na kayo ni David?!" My oh so sweet mother turned into a dragon that looks like she's ready to spit fire at her prey anytime - and that's me. She's now glowering over me and I suddenly feel small because of her towering height.
"You heard me loud and clear, Ma. David and I broke up. Matagal na kaming wala." I said meeting her deathly glare that earned a slap from her.
Well I guess I deserve that. But that won't change my decision over this nonsense marriage. I couldn't care less anymore. My mind is blank and I feel invulnerable this time.
"Don't you dare talk to me like that, Jade! Yan ba ang natutunan mo sa pagtravel mo? If that's so, we made a big mistake for letting you go." My mother said with full disgust evident on her voice.
"Why, Ma? Weren't you the one who guide me while growing up? Then I guess it's also a big mistake to even follow your footsteps!" I spatted at her. I don't really want to fight them because of respect. They're still the same parents I love, but they keep on pushing me to my limits. There's no backing down now. I won't let them took my freedom away from me.
"Aba't talaga namang ginagalit mo ko-" Mom was about to slap me once again when my brother stopped her.
"Jade! Ma! Tama na!" Ahya Gab shouted and I swear I saw my mother flinch.
Ahya Paul instantly went to my side and covered his body as if protecting me from our own mother. Pearl remained seated on her chair with her mouth agape because of the sudden turn of events happening in front of her. My Dad still glaring at me while he's standing behind my mother.
As soon as Paul held me, I let go of my tears and I grab her left arm for support. Gone with the tough facade I wore a while ago. Gone with the strong and steady woman I was a moment ago, as I let myself cry and weep at his back.
I can't believe this is happening to me. One moment we're all happy then with just a snap, it all turned out to be toxic and infuriating. I suddenly question their love for me which I held in my whole existence but not until today. It never cross my mind that the life I love, will someday be the life I hated. It made me feel like I've been cursed by a witch with an irrevocable spell.
I was immediately stopped from my reverie when my father spoke. "I've made my decision, Jade. You'll get engage with David and marry him next year whether you like it or not." He said sternly and I knew that would be the death of me. He already made up his mind and I know nothing won't change his decision.
After hearing those words, I ran to my room and locked myself up. I cried and cried for God knows how long tiring my eyes out.
I will cry for today but I'm determined to free myself from this arrangement and I won't give up without putting up a damn fight.
You can't make me, Dada. If you've already made your decision, then I'll fight for mine.
Those were the last words that played on my mind before drifting off to sleep.