1 I Am Engaged to Someone I Don't Know!

I just can't help but appreciate the waves of the sea, it is never-ending and ever so persevere. My phone has been ringing non-stop since yesterday. But how can I possibly keep ignoring my ever persistent cousin? The last time I checked, she called over a hundred times already and I already know what she is about to tell me. I know for sure she will keep on calling so might as well answer her now or else, she will not stop.

"Chlea, finally! You answered my call!" The person from the other line yelled.

"I am fine Hyolyn, thanks for asking by the way." I retorted sarcastically and I can already imagine her smirking right now.

"Of course, you're fine! You are Chlea Ingrid Yi Alcala after all. But what is this news I heard from Dad just right now?"

Of course, she will be talking about that, no doubt. I just rolled my eyes out of irritation as I kept my mouth shut for a moment.

"Where is the rebellious Chlea I have always adored? My favorite cousin?" Hyolyn said frantically.

"I'm still here." I said while raising my hand as if I am in a class.

"Like believe me when I say that you are the most hard-headed person I know. But... What just happened? Is this some sort of a prank? Are you really conforming to your parents' whims, now?" Hyolyn responded.

"No, this is not a prank, and to confirm it myself, yes. I agreed to be engaged." I replied to cut the chase.

"Oh my god. And what is this I heard? He's a business tycoon? Sounds so old to me, Chlea! This is insane! We are not living in fiction where business tycoons are drop-dead gorgeous, with perfectly chiseled abs, and look like they came out straight from Greek mythology! Unlike our parents' time, maybe, but nowadays? Seriously." Chlea could sense her cousin's blood pressure rising after her nonstop rant.

"Come on, Lyn. Of all people, you know the most that arranged marriage is not new in our family. Besides, Mum and Dad were arranged to be married as young as 10 yet they ended loving each other truly. With mine, nothing could possibly go wrong, right?"

"Are you sure they loved each other truly? Did you already forget your Dad cheated on your Mom?" Hyolyn annoyingly reminded Chlea of her father's adultery.

Chlea choked, "You got me there."

"Whatever. Can you come over? I think it is better for us to talk in person. Besides, it has been years since the last time I met you. G?" Hyolyn suggested cheerily.

It hasn't been years yet, just months. Chlea thought to herself. But despite this thought, she agreed to her cousin's suggestion.

Just as Chlea was about to answer...

"Chley, I better have you fetched, tell me your location and I will send it to Gulliver, our driver. I just can't seem to fathom the idea of you flying economy class again!" Hyolyn scowled.

As much as Chlea is used to Hyolyn's naturally high-pitched voice, she still can't seem to get used to her wanting to decide for others. As you have observed, Hyolyn exaggerates, a lot.

And yes, if I was in Manila right now, I'd certainly be flying economy.

"What is so wrong in flying economy? Thanks, but I will drive." Chlea muttered.

"I find it wrong because like, hello? Your family owns an airline company that I am sure has first-class seats reserved for the proprietor's daughter. Anyway, you are driving a land trip from Manila to Cebu?" Hyolyn asked in confusion.

For the record, owning an airline company does not guarantee me reserved first-class seats. Never, my stepmother, Vivienne, would never agree to that.

Chlea knew too well that her cousin can be slow-witted at times.

"I am in Cebu." Chlea said as a matter of fact.

"Why would you tell me that just now? Where are you staying? How long have you been here? Is Uncle and Vivienne with you? Did they hear me? I bet they did, whatever." Hyolyn uttered nonstop.

"Woah woah, slow down. Of course, they are not with me. When did that ever happen?" I replied.

"Where exactly in Cebu are you at?" Hyolyn asked.

"Tingko Beach, Alcoy." Chlea responded.

"I assume you still have that small beach house there. Anyways, see you- I'm hanging up, I will be prepping your room." Hyolyn said cheerfully.

As if she's going to prepare it herself, more like she is going order their house helpers around. Now that I think of it, I realized how other people used to think that Hyolyn is lonely as she is the only daughter and her siblings are not home most of the time. She grew up being taken care of by their house helpers mainly because her parents were busy running their business.

After three hours of non-stop driving, I finally arrived at Cebu City. As usual, the Alcala's residence has always been oozing with an intimidating yet sophisticated exterior. I am not good at describing houses but their house has always been the one standing out the most from this neighborhood ever since I was young. Hyolyn, my paternal cousin is the one who stays most at this house so this house is now a reflection of her personality. Her mother, Celeste and my father Regan are siblings. If I were to describe Hyolyn, she is one sassy girl like Sharpay Evans from the movie series, High School Musical.

"Madam Chlea, you look beautiful as ever! How have you been?" Manang Belen, one of the most trusted house helpers of Hyolyn's family, ejaculated. Ever since we were young, longer than I could even remember, she is already here serving the whole Wu family. She took care of every child of this family. From the eldest son Yves, middle child Hyolyn and the youngest, Colton.

.

"Thank you, Manang Belen. I am doing good. You look more beautiful as years go by, I don't know if I would ever look as young and elegant as you are when I reach your age." I admired her back.

"You are still as down-to-earth as I remember you, Madam." Manang Belen bashfully voiced.

I was finally able to sit down comfortably after a long drive as I plunged myself on the lounge sofa while Manang Belen stood erect behind me, waiting to assist whatever I need.

"Speaking of the devil!" Somebody from a distance exclaimed.

I turned around to see Hyolyn crossing her arms while going down from the grand staircase.

"You never fail to amaze me, Lyn. The grand entrance at the grand staircase!" I retorted nonsensically.

"Hah, that must be funny. Anyway, you must be feeling tired. Manang Belen, please prepare tinuwang manok bisaya for Chlea. She must be starving. Have it sent to the drawing room. Ah before I forget- extra spicy for our guest. " Hyolyn ordered. She knows me too well, cousin things.

Tinuwang manok is a native chicken soup that is a staple food for Filipinos. I made myself comfortable at the lounge when…

"Yohoo~ cousin Chlea is in the house!" A manly voice exclaimed from a distance.