GENEVIEVE POV

I laid on my bed, trying to fight off the pain lunging from my forehead. Opening my eyes, which felt blurry for some seconds until slowly,everything began to get clearer.

I hissed at the sharp pain jolting out of my head, as it suddenly stopped. My eyes met with that of Anabelle, who sat close to me on my bed.

"Are you okay?" She pressed her hand on my arm, as I tried to raise my body, but failed.

"Thank you, Anabelle," I whispered, the flash of yesterday's event clouding my mind all of a sudden.

"I'm breaking up with you." His words found its way to my mind,making my chest heavy.

He broke up with me.

Taking one last effort, I pulled myself up, as Anabelle rose to her feet, helping to adjust the pillow to my back.

Her face looked worried, making me guilty for all the trouble I must have caused her.

"Today is our graduation, Genevieve. Will you be strong enough to go?" She asked, as I nodded.

"Of course. How many more hours to go?"

She sighed.

"It's already 8 am ,giving us just four hours to prepare." My eyes widened at her revelation as I stood up instantly, surprising myself.

Much to my anticipation, my head hurts again as I hissed. Anabelle pulled my hand, making me sit on the bed.

"You don't have to rush. Calm down okay? I prepared something for you to eat. Afterward, you can use some pain reliever." I smiled at her, my heart warm and full of gratitude for her love towards me.

"Where is Stella?" My gaze lingered round the room, as she was not on her bed.

"She left for her fiancé's place last night."

Just like that, the sour feeling came haunting me. I thought I could have been engaged yesterday, but sadly, Bryan broke up with me.

All through the time I took a few bites of the food Anabelle prepared, a lot came to the puddle of thoughts I already have. I had more strength after on, as I cleared away the plates.

I felt strengthened, as I settled on the bed, while watching Anabelle pick out some clothes. As if noticing my gaze, she walked towards me, sitting beside me.

She held my palms, looking at me.

"How do you really feel?" She asked, and just like that, I felt tense.

"I don't know for real. At one point, I just feel physical pains, on the other hand, I feel as if my heart will rip apart anytime soon," I stated, my voice coming out rather low.

"I wasted two years with him, Anabelle. I love him so much. Yesterday, everything turned upside down. All I could do was cry and sleep. Thank you so much for being patient with me." Anabelle gave me a smile, and I must confess it was contagious.

I gave a tight smile.

"Today is supposed to be the best day of my life in College. I am graduating. You are too. Congratulations to us," I said, as I pulled her into a hug.

"It will be fine. Just be a strong girl. You can do this," she whispered, and it was worth it.

It was probably going to be my mantra for the rest of the day, and I really hope I don't break down.

In an elegant short-sleeved body-con gown and open wedge heels, I walked alongside Anabelle, smiling at her jokes.

I could feel stares on me, but being with Anabelle was able to defuse the tension and feelings of insecurities that were lunging from the pit of my stomach.

For the time being, I was trying hard to let go of the worries, and heartbreak still wrenched in my heart. I wasn't doing quite well.

"Any update about Stella?" I asked as we passed through the corridor leading to the graduation hall.

"Well, she is coming with her fiancé, apparently," she stated, as I nodded.

My body tried to resist the thought of Bryan with me. I had always imagined he would be with me during my graduation party, hands in hand, taking pictures and celebrating my success. But everything was lost.

My phone beeped, jolting me out of my reverie, prompting me to stop, as Anabelle stopped too.

I glanced at my phone screen, the message appearing, leaving my heart skipping.

"I... I would like to visit the restroom. I will meet you in the hall soon."

I could feel Anabelle's scrutinizing gaze on me, making me feel more nervous.

"Okay. Be quick," she said, patting my shoulder, as I watched her sashayed walk away.

I clamped my phone against my palm, as I turned to leave instantly. Every step I took made my heart pound, as I anticipated if what I read was true.

"If you want to know about why your ex-boyfriend broke up with you, visit the restroom behind the graduation hall."

That was the message, and it was enough to keep me yearning to know more.

I pressed on the knob of the restroom with only one question in mind: What could possibly go wrong?

On stepping inside, I froze at the sight in front of me.

Bryan and Stella all acting cozy in front of the mirror, their bodies pressed against each other in a passionate kiss. They stopped, glancing at the intruder-me.

I was the surprised one, as their gaze swept past me without a change in their facial expression. They looked rather calm.

"What is going on here?" I asked, trying to be as calm as possible.

"Well, we are a couple. Can't you see?" Stella sneered, as Bryan looked at her, as if dazed by her beauty.

"How long has this been going on?" I still spoke despite the shock coursing through my body.

"Close to a year, darling. He put a ring on my finger already. Where is yours?" She asked mockingly, as they both laughed at me.

No. This is not happening, right?

"Babe, let's go already. You have already answered the loser."

That was Bryan and this time, it hurts even more knowing he called me a loser. I just stood, as they walked past me, the door closing behind me.

I remembered Bryan's words when he broke up with me.

"I never loved you. We are only in a relationship because of a bet. You are just a bet, nothing serious. I dated you to use and dump you."

I couldn't hold it any longer as I broke into tears.

I stared at the bracelet Bryan gave me the previous day,clutching on it,before pulling it out and lunging it into the waste bin.

He tricked me. They both did. I trusted them.

Even if Bryan was trying to date Stella, she should have refuted, knowing we were in a relationship.

Close to a year. Why didn't I notice?

I washed my face after being satisfied with the release of tears on my face. The tears had messed up the makeup Anabelle diligently worked on. The best thing was to clean it all, and I knew for a certainty she would be displeased. I was glad no one came in while I ugly cried. It would have been awkward.

I allowed a few minutes pass, as I stepped out. I glanced at my wrist watch,before hastening my footsteps.

My eyes met with Anabelle, her brows creased, as she walked towards me.

"What took you so long? And are you aware of those two?" She asked, worry boldly written on her face.

I nodded as I cleared my throat.

"I saw them in the restroom. It's fine. I'm sorry I gave in to tears again, ruining the makeup."

"It's fine. You look good without make – up anyway." She gave a thumbs up, as I find it difficult to accept her words.

Bryan always said those words to me too.

They are all lies.

"We will talk about them later. For now, we have to hurry. The program had begun."

She held my hand, as we both walked at a fast pace.

Despite today being the day of my graduation, my mind was roving through the scene that happened at the restroom.

And it only worsened when I saw them walking hand in hand into the hall. I wished I could slap that smile off their face. It was at that moment I wished my parents had come.

Anabelle nudged me in the arm, as I looked at her.

"The more you look at them, the more you will get hurt. Focus on today. It's a happy day, not a day to mourn over their betrayal. They are not worth it," she whispered, as I nodded.

I was determined to keep it up throughout the rest of the day. Peeking at Anabelle, I wished I was closer to her, instead of Stella, and I was grateful she proved to be a friend in time of distress.

It has been quite a long time and I couldn't wait for the graduation ceremony to end soon. I really wanted to go home.

The event went in a blur, with pain and anxiety nudging in the pit of my stomach, and when it was getting to the end, I wasn't sure I could hold up much longer.

It was the prize giving part, and I was trying so hard for my mind not to wander.

"The best graduating student is Genevieve Armstrong."

The cheers went up along with the applause.

My heart joyfully pounded. Annabelle gave me that go ahead look.

I smiled realizing that was the only thing that made me happy today, but yet the heartbreak was still there.

Yes, I was happy. At Least for now.

GENEVIEVE POV

Words alone cannot express how happy I was. My heart was full, soaring with gratitude and joy at how long I've come. It was a moment I anticipated, and I was glad it came to pass.

All my hardwork didn't go to waste. My burning of the midnight candle led to a happy ending. My heart was joyfully pounding, and I could feel that happiness radiating in every part of my body.

But yet, I felt my mouth might hurt from too much smile I had to put on for today. Even with the event over, I still had to take pictures with the school administrators.

We had already taken tons of pictures, and I could not help but admire how their faces looked radiant as ever. At that moment, I wished my parents were around, but sadly, I could not reach them.

The photo shoot ended, and my legs were aching to meet Anabelle outside. Ever since the end of the graduation ceremony, I was the only one with the school administrators inside the school hall.

Taking another round of hugs, pecks, and congratulatory greetings from them all, we all stepped out of the hall. My eyes met with Anabelle, whose grin was outstretched as I walked closer to her, pulling her into a hug.

We pulled out of the hug, as we made our way out. Every step I took reminded me that I was the overall best graduating student as people congratulated me, those I knew and those I haven't for once seen in my life.

"You should see the look on Bryan and Stella's faces when you were called on stage. It was priceless."

And just those words from Anabelle left my mood suddenly going sour. I thought I had forgotten all about them.

As if noticing my mood, she hissed. "I'm sorry. I..." I rested my hand on her shoulder, stopping her from speaking further.

"It's fine. We should take some pictures," I grinned, as we both raced outside, meeting hundreds of graduating students.

Every photograph we took was enough to remind me of our journey together. It has been one of the best.

"Genevieve." I turned abruptly upon hearing my name.

My heart leaped with joy as I saw my parents.

"Congratulations darling." My mum embraced me.

"You came late," I whined, as she smiled, before proceeding to hug Anabelle, who had been looking happily at our reunion.

"I'm sorry to cut this short, but we have to leave now Genevieve," dad stated. I glanced at mum, who simply nodded.

What is happening?

A lot seemed to be going on, and if I wasn't careful enough, I might be putting a lot of strain on my mental health.

While happy with my parents' arrival, I could not help but felt everything was cut short. I was supposed to meet Anabelle's family for the first time. I wonder how the poor girl must be feeling now.

I have been on scholarship since high school and even down to my College. My parents were not financially stable and every so often, I was grateful I was the only child.

But seeing them in one of the latest Corolla cars only surprised me.

Recently, dad complained about his business failing, and even though I had contributed some amount to help, I doubt if it had gone far enough with the business.

And even when I asked mum about it, by whispering, she only told me to be patient.

I will be, but I hope my patience won't wear off soon.

Just when I decided to rest my head, my eyes squinted at the direction my dad was heading to. It was different from the route to our house.

"Dad, where are we going?" I asked, my mind a little unsettled.

A lot keeps happening today.

"Our new house, Genevieve. We have a lot of good news to share with you."

I held my palms against my mouth, excitement jolting out of me. I was speechless. Yet, I wondered how everything moved so quickly.

Within a few minutes, the car was parked in front of a house. The house my dad was referring to left me stunned beyond what words can describe.

It was in an estate, a three-bedroom flat that was well furnished even from the outside.I entered as mum directed me to my room.

Behind the closed doors of my new room, painted in sky blue with rainbow colors imprinted, it took my breath away. The bed was comfortable and it felt so real.

"Mum, all this happened within three months I left home? How?" It came as questions from me to her, and I really wish she could answer the tons of questions ravaging my head.

Instead, she placed her hand on my shoulder, squeezing it lightly.

"It's alright, my daughter. We will answer your questions, but for now, you should rest. We will be having a guest in the next three hours." I nodded, not wanting to bother her any longer.

But that didn't stop me from trying to think of everything, especially the past. I had to acknowledge my mum and dad had changed. They looked better than before.

We once lived in a manageable apartment with two rooms along a living room which contained two sofas, a TV SET, and a center table. It was a little home that had kept us secured for years, not until today, when it all changed.

"It's fine mum. I will freshen up," I stated, as she left the room.

I was in a pool of thoughts until I realized I needed to tone it down a bit. I already had a long day, one enough to bring down my emotional restraint.

As long as all these – the buildings, cars came from a good source, I'm cool with it. And with those final thoughts, I walked to the bathroom-my best place to find solace.

With my eyes covered, I walked carefully to the living room. My parents insisted as it was meant to be a surprise and I could not help but wonder what it was.

With my mum's hands gently lifted off my face, I came in contact with the supposed surprise as I felt my body tremble.

My gaze landed on a man, his handsome face well shown under the light. He was dressed in a three-piece suit, as I was lost for some seconds.

He looked dazzling.

I shook my head, darting my eyes to my mum and dad. My dad had a complicated look, while my mum simply averted her gaze from mine.

I glanced back at the stranger sitting comfortably on the sofa, his eyes fixed intently at me as if he were in a staring competition.

"Can someone explain what is going on here?" I asked, trying my best to calm myself.

"Mum, dad, who is this person and why is he the surprise you had for me?" My heart pounded at every word I said.

Silence followed.

I had anticipated a gift as a surprise, but never in my world would I imagine my parents had another surprise for me?

I was indeed surprised.

"I am Anderson, your betrothed husband." His alluring voice passed through my ears, as I felt my inside churn.

My eyes widened in shock, as I felt almost numb.

"That is true, Genevieve. You are getting married to him," my dad finally spoke.

Within seconds, I felt the world spinning.

What the hell?

GENEVIEVE POV

It was at that moment I felt it all. Pain, anger, sadness, disappointment, shock coursed through me, the day's events replaying all over again.

I rolled my hands into fists, trying to hold it all back- most especially the tears that were trying to force it way back.

I was still face to face with my betrothed husband. I forbid it, though. I would rather kill myself at this moment.

"We will leave you two to talk." Dad paused, his eyes roving over me.

"Genevieve, behave." My dad's stern voice came through, jolting me back to earth.

Silence eloped, the young man and I in a staring competition. I was pretty sure anger was boldly written on my face. I wish I could pounce on him.

Men are scum!

I have promised never to get into relationships again, not to mention falling in love. It hurts. It still hurts.

As much as I felt like strangling the man, a thought occurred to my mind and I hope it really works.

"You look more beautiful when you are angry?"

What?

I tried registering his words, as my brows raised at his words. I blushed slightly, as I cleared my throat instantly.

"I think that line is old." I deadpanned, as I walked closer, taking a seat opposite him.

All this while, I could feel his gaze following my every move.

"See. We are adults and looking at you, you should be in your mid-twenties. We can't get married," I stated, as his lips curled into a smile.

"Be patient Genevieve. It seems your beautiful eyes do not seem to be doing justice to my age. I am thirty-five years old." Italian accent reeked from his words, as I tried to take the words in.

I felt my breath hitch for a few seconds, my eyes almost popping out.

He looked so young and vibrant. Yet, I couldn't trust him.

"Whatever. See, I just went through the worst set of days in my life. My boy...."

"Your boyfriend broke up with you, his loss, my gain. You became the best graduating student, congratulations to you. And you are getting married. It seems so much to handle, right?'' He cut me off, and his words only left me stunned.

I felt speechless on how much he knew about me. Was he some kind of obsessive fellow who would stalk the person they are obsessed with?

I felt goosebumps instantly.

"Don't be scared. I mean no harm. You can take your time to think about the marriage proposal." He stood up, revealing his tall and muscular self.

Why was I speechless?

I can't just let him go like that?

"What if I don't agree to the marriage proposal?"

He chuckled, a tight filled smile on his lips.

"Genevieve, I hate it when people reject me," he stated, his expression neither angry nor happy. He wore a blank look.

I was keen to know more, even when I shouldn't. What if I make him angry at me? He might leave me.

"I just did and it is final. Not you nor my parents can stop me. I don't even know you, yet you know so much about me," I spilled, with my voice rising.

My 5 '7 (1.7 m)feet body could only stop at his chest. I had to look at him, by raising my head.

"Feisty, huh?" A smile played around his lips, as he took steps closer.

We were a few inches apart, as my brain almost froze at the distance between us. His cologne wafted through my nostrils, as the urge to sniff was stronger.

It was a mixture of musk and sandalwood. And its emitting force seemed to be blocking my thoughts.

I felt his warm hand on my shoulder jolting me out of my reverie, as my attempt to flinch back wasn't successful. For some weird reason, I had an ounce of calmness, comfort eluding from his hand.

"I will leave you to make your decision. Goodnight." He flashed me another smile before turning abruptly to leave.

"I hate you." Founding my voice, I thundered through gritted teeth.

He stopped on track, as I hoped intently that he would get annoyed and call off whatever drama I was already thinking would happen between us.

"I like you," His Italian laced accent trickled down my ears, as I watched his fading silhouette.

I clamped my hands to my chest, trying not to cry. I was both happy and sad. Angry at myself and my parents, for thinking it would be best to get me betrothed.

I paced for a while, wondering why my past two days had seemed to be my worst nightmare. The insecurities locking in, along with the break-up with Bryan. The betrayal, then my graduation, which brought joy to me. Realizing my parents were hiding a lot from me only makes me scared.

What if ....

I shook my head, determined to find answers to my questions as I stormed into my room hoping they would be there. And there, they were.

My dad had a complicated expression on his face, even when he saw me. My mum, who was on my bed, stood up, her face concocted with worry.

"Mum, dad. I can't marry him," I stated, my hands firm to my chest.

"You have to. You have no other choice." A frown etched on my dad's face as he spoke.

"I am not a toddler, dad. This is my decision. I can't just marry somebody I know nothing about. I just got out of a relationship and I have decided to stay far from men. Please, dad," I pleaded, hoping he would yield.

"That makes it even more perfect. If you are not in a relationship, then go for Anderson. Don't worry about love. You will both love each other after marriage." My breath hitched at my dad's words.

I bit my lips, trying to stop the tears that seemed to want to fall. It was at that moment I blamed myself for spilling such information.

"Genevieve, honey. Try to listen to your father." My mum held my hand as she spoke softly.

It was the tone she used when she wanted me to do as she wished. I stared at her, trying to see the conviction in her face, but it wasn't there. She doesn't look happy herself.

"I'm sorry, mum, but I can't. I can't just jump into marriage with someone I barely know."

"It's fine. You can get to know yourself better. You two will be going on dates. Not only that, but you.."

"Seriously mum?" I cut her words off.

"Did this man bribe you? What are you hiding from me?" I asked, as my mum darted her face to the other side, not meeting my eyes.

"Woman, tell her. Maybe then she would come to her senses and at least be grateful for once," my dad stated.

My mum stared at me, a faint smile on her face, as she pulled me closer. We sat on the bed, as she held my hands, kissing my knuckles gently.

At that moment, my heart was beating with both calmness and anxiety. My throat was slowly getting dry!

"While you were in your fourth year, your dad's business went downhill. The loans we took were not enough as we went into more debts." She sighed, my heart suddenly troubled.

"Why didn't you tell me? I would have figured out something," She shook her head at my words.

"We couldn't. All these years, you have been a wonderful daughter. You are independent. You even gained scholarships through your high school and College. Because of us, you stayed for many years before entering College to learn skills that will earn money and make life easy for us. We couldn't bother you anymore."

My heart felt full at that moment. It was as if everything were playing in front of me. My mum remembered everything and it really touched my heart to know that.

But yet, the story was still incomplete. I was at the end of asking what later happened when my mum finally spoke.

"During your dad's search to find collaboration with some other company, he met Anderson. He was a well-renowned businessman in the States. He agreed to help, only on the condition that he gets married to you. Apparently..." I raised my hand, stopping her from spewing more words.

"So you traded me for wealth. Really?" I couldn't hold it any longer, as my voice rose.

"No darling. Please be patient." She tried pulling me closer as I flinched.

"We had no choice. The man in question seemed interested in you. He likes you."

"I don't care. I hate men, mum. All they ever want is to use and dump you. I have promised not to ever love again. It hurts. And I am definitely not getting married," I stated firmly.

"You are going to get married, Genevieve." His voice was higher this time, that my heart almost skipped.

"If you really love us, you will do this. We have raised you for over twenty-five years. Is this how you want to repay us?" Dad faced me, his words burning into me, making me furious.

I needed to get out soon. Everything seemed suffocating.

"Seriously dad? I am your daughter, am I not?" I asked in fury.

"Why are you treating me like this?"

I watched as my mum stood up, standing in front of her husband.

"Please don't," she whispered. My dad's eyes lingered from her to me.

What are they hiding?

"Maybe she deserves to know the truth," my dad retorted.

What is the truth?

My heart hammered, hoping it was not what I was thinking.

"Please Stephen. Don't," my mum pleaded yet again.

"What are you hiding?" My voice came out as a whisper, as I simply looked on.

My dad pushed my mum aside, as he took a few steps closer to me.

"We are not your real parents. Yes, we got you betrothed to that Billionaire to help our business. And you deserved to obey us for all the love we showed you all these years."

And just like that, I felt my heart suddenly become too tight.

I wished and hoped this was nothing but an illusion.

But sadly, it wasn't.