Chapter 1
FROM AN early age, Alonicah's mother insisted that she dress and act like a boy. This is her only way to protect her from harassment and rapists.
She found out that her mother had been raped before and that she was the result. She was hurt and felt sorry for her mother. She understood her and became an obedient child.
The year passed and she stepped into the age of twenty -five. She did not finish college. Only until highschool was the highest educational attainment she reached.
Her mother is now seriously ill due to heart disease. She can no longer work for them, that's why it was her who is now working to provide for their daily needs.
She works at a restaurant in the city as a waitress at night while she repairs broken cars in the auto repair shop near their place every morning. She has to dress as a woman when she works as a waitress. At the auto repair shop, she was allowed to dress like a man just how she used to.
She is currently going to the restaurant because her night shift is about to begin. She chose to take the alley, where it was dark and empty of people. She is used to walking here because it is the shortcut to get to the restaurant quickly.
A speeding van suddenly stopped in front of her. She was shocked and unprepared for what happened next. Three armed men with their faces covered with black bonnets got out of the car.
She was startled by the fear she felt. She was about to run away but it was all too late.
One of the men pulled her violently. He covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief. She could smell the strong smell of chloroform, she gradually suffocated and darkness engulfed her.
ALONICAH woke up in an unfamiliar room.
An old fat man came in and greeted her. "Hello, my dear child. It's good that you're awake," said the man who entered.
She pushed herself back on the bed until her body hit the headboard. She was very worried and afraid of what might happen. She did not know the people who kidnapped her. What will happen to her mother when they suddenly kill her?
"Don't! Please, don't kill me," she hysterically pleaded as she hugged herself.
The old man she is still unfamiliar with laughed a little. He approached her and caressed her hair on a pixie haircut. She became aloof and took her head away from his hand. He stopped stroking her hair and he stood straight on her side.
"Don't you know me? It's me, your biological father," he asked and introduced himself at the same time.
She immediately glanced at him and her suppressed anger that she felt for him intensified. Even though he was her father, it was also him who ruined her mother's life. He is a demon! A heartless man and unworthy to live!
"I don't have a rapist father! I will never accept that you are my father!" she shouted loudly and her eyes were burning with anger as she stared at him.
He had no reaction. He just scratched his forehead then put his hands on the pockets of his slack pants. He didn't seem to listen to what she said nor did he pay attention to her angry eyes.
"It's better if you just chill. I've already paid for my sin against your mother. I was the one who paid her scattered huge amount of debts before so that she would not be imprisoned," he said in a relaxed tone. It doesn't seem like the offense he has committed in the past is a big deal for him.
"You wicked man! Your money can do nothing with the great sin you committed against my mother!" she said in both irritated and angry voice. She even clenched her teeth because she feels disgusted.
"Bla bla bla..." he said as he rolled his eyes over. "Forget about that because I have a proposal to offer you. I will pay you a large sum of money and we will treat your mother's severe heart illness in the hospital if you agree to marry Lucien Jarod Fuenco," he changed the conversation which made her even more annoyed.
"Are you serious?" she annoyingly smirked as she asked the question and she couldn't believe him. She was not surprised that her evil father was also a cunning man.
She got out of bed and stood up. She raised her head to her father and pointed her finger at him. "Take your money! My mother and I have a quiet life so don't disturb us anymore," she warned.
She turned her back on him and intended to leave but was stopped when he spoke again.
"Try to refuse my offer. As soon as you get home I'll assure you that your mother is already dead. And you know that I'm not kidding," he threatened her with his voice as cold as the icy water.
Her whole body froze and she could not move or even speak. She just felt the heavy tapping of his hand on her shoulder.
"I'll take your silence as a yes. Stay here. Wait for the make up artists, hair dresser and designers to come in because three hours from now you will be married to Mr. Fuenco. You can also take a bath while waiting for the glam team," he instructed her before he leaves.
She remained stunned and unable to move. It was this moment that she realized she had no fight, a person like her who is weak and poor.
She wept and considered her mother's safety. On this day, she will marry a man she has never known or even seen in her whole life. But it is necessary because she has someone to protect.
LUCIEN was sitting on his wheelchair and he is wearing his black with gold linings mask. He was already in front of the church altar and waiting for the woman who was arranged to marry him.
He did not know the woman except that she was the daughter of Faustino Gomez, a close friend of his late father. He had to marry her to save her father's failing business.
A few minutes passed and it was time for his bride to enter. His lifeless eyes watched his bride walk towards him.
When she finally got to his side, she was like a robot that had become submissive to the event. He didn't mind it and he also focused his attention on the ongoing wedding between the two of them.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest announced after several undertaking in the marriage process.
He was a little taken aback and a little surprised when his wife knelt in front of him. She did that so their height would be equal and he could be able to reach her. For the reason that he was sitting in a wheelchair and he could not reach her when she was standing.
He wasted no more time. He lifted the veil that covered her face. He was even more shocked when he saw the beautiful face of his wife.
Her eyes were already close and waiting for him to touch her seductive lips with his. He automatically closed his eyes and gave her a kiss.
A loud of applause followed after they kissed. The whole church was full of conversations and many took pictures of them.
Two people who were strangers to each other got married today. It was him and this lady next to him who is holding his hand while his trusted employee pushed his wheelchair. They paraded on the aisle and headed to exit. Will he and his wife be able to get along with each other once they live under one roof?