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.

GENEVIEVE POV

I couldn't sleep well that night. My mind was uneasy till the next day.

It was both terrible and improper to find out the truth after so many years. It even hurt the most that they both decided to keep it away from me.

I just felt so messed up right now, and for some weird reason I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to vent my spleen and scream, but I couldn't. Not only that, but I felt so weak.

Locked in the bathroom, I simply watched my reflection in the mirror. My midnight hair was rougher than I thought, making me look uglier.

Black eyes with evident tears line on my face. I looked devastated, and my heart felt so heavy. I bit my lips, trying to hold the tears that were coming.

It was at that moment it sank in that I needed to talk to someone. I could no longer keep holding it. I am sad and had to express it. But how?

Suddenly it felt blurry, as I closed my eyes, hoping it would stop. Few seconds passed, and I opened yet again. Taking one full view at the mirror, I was determined to leave the house for my sanity. With that thought in mind, I took a quick bath.

In few minutes, I was dressed up, paying little to no attention to my appearance. My phone rang as I picked only to come face to face at the picture of Bryan. A gush of something more than anger went through me.

He was calling. How great? It was recently that I realized I haven't done what was necessary. I ended the call, before blocking him on all social media.

Suddenly the thought of marrying Anderson just to spite him crept to my mind, but I shook it off as fast as possible, as I quickly texted the only person that could give me the comfort I needed.

My steps halted the moment I stepped outside the living room.

"Genevieve, please I'm sorry. " She stood, trying to approach me.

She waited and kept begging at my bedroom door last night. My heart sank, distressed knowing I turned deaf ears to her. I felt betrayed, but I could still see the motherly love in her eyes.

"Please ma, I need some space. Could you please give me that?" I looked into her eyes and said.

She nodded, stopping on her track.

"I have to go out. Goodbye."

"Goodbye. Always remember I love you," she said. Her last set of words echoing in my mind as I set foot out of the house.

I clamped my lips on the tea cup, taking in another gulp of the coffee as the scrutinizing gaze of Anabelle was on me, as her movement halted, a few steps away from me. Her eyes widened in shock. I placed the cup down, clearing my throat, hoping she would stop staring at me that way.

I knew I looked horrible, but that wasn't something I wanted to be bothered about now. She took a seat beside me, her hand holding my right hand, concern boldly written on her face.

"What happened? You look....."She paused, her words hanging.

"Miserable, Terrible,Exhausted, Heartbroken,Betrayed."I completed her sentence, as she sighed.

"I know you are hurting, and it is fine, but you need to take good care of yourself. I hate seeing you this way," she lamented.

Her words struck a nerve in me, as I gave her a small smile.

"Did Bryan try to do something to you?" She asked.

"He called this morning, but I cut off his call. I've blacklisted him on all social media as well. I don't need his presence in my life again."

My voice went a bit higher at my last set of words, as I took a quick glance around, grateful few people were in the restaurant. And being at the last end of the restaurant was an advantage, free from ears that might want to eavesdrop.

"You did the right thing." Anabelle stated, as I simply nodded.

"Would you like to order?" I asked as she waved it off!

"I'm fine, Genevieve. Is there something you need my help with?" She looked intently at me.

I shook off the imagery that suddenly went through my mind at her words.

"I want you to listen." She nodded, still fixing her gaze on me.

"I'm being betrothed to get married in the next three months," I spilled, closing my eyes.

"What? How? To whom?' Anabelle asked, as I opened my eyes to her brows raised confused.

I explained in detail about my foster parents dilemma resulting in me being at the receiving end. I only withheld the fact about the identity of my foster parents, but I doubt if I could keep it in for much longer.

"Why would your parents do such a thing without your consent?"

"That is because they are not my parents," I deadpanned, as Anabelle gasped.

"What?" Her mouth was agape, as a tear slipped down my face.

I breathed in, trying to hold myself from giving way to more tears. She pulled me closer, hugging me. It was comforting as silence followed.

I was sure a few minutes must have passed before I finally looked away, cleaning the small drops of tears that had made their way down my face.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you. But have you decided on what to do?" She asked.

With my shaky hands, I took a sip from the cup, hoping it would ease the bitter feeling down my throat.

"No idea. That is why I need your advice. What do you think I should do? I can't seem to wrap my head around marrying someone I don't love."I stated, suddenly feeling I was at the brink of losing my mind.

"Calm down, okay."Her words were soothing as I nodded.

"I hope you are not planning on accepting Bryan even if he apologizes."

"Hell no! I would never forgive a cheating partner. Our ship had drowned the moment I realized he was simply playing with my feelings. He cheated on me with my supposed best friend." I seethed, as I was beginning to get angry again.

"It's fine. I trust you on that. Meanwhile, the person you were betrothed to. Who is he?"she asked, as I quickly checked my phone for the details sent to me by my foster father.

I can't seem to find it easy to call him my dad. It still hurts.

I handed my phone to Anabelle, and within seconds, her brows raised with surprise.

"Wow. Anderson Grande," she muttered, her eyes widening a bit.

"You know him,"I but in.

"Well, who doesn't? I mean he is a renowned Billionaire in the States. Um, you get right?" She said quickly.

My gaze lingered on her for a while, as it felt like she was hiding something. I shook my head, wheeling away the thoughts.

"What if marrying him is the best option?" She suggested,making my breath hitch for a while.

"You get to be free from your foster parents, and it will be a complete slap on Bryan and Stella's face if they realize you married a Billionaire. And so far, there hasn't been a bad record about this Billionaire. He seems like a nice guy,"I was stunned at her words.

My mind went back to last night. Even when I tried to make him angry, he was quite calm.

Yet looks can be deceiving. What if he was the worst version of Bryan?. I can't afford another heartbreak.

"I appreciate your suggestions, but I can't go with it. I'm giving up on relationships for now. Men are not worth it. All they ever want is to use and dump one. Stella and Bryan are not worth the hassle too."I can't believe I was saying this.

"It's fine, but think deeply about it. You can bring up a contract marriage between you two for a period of time, perhaps a few months or a year. If things do not work out between you two, then you can end the marriage."

Annabelle's words led me into deep thought for a while, but not for long.

"I can't marry a stranger. I've always loved a simple life. Marrying him won't give me that," I rejected.

"He is only a stranger because you haven't gotten to know him. With a contract marriage, you can decide either to leave or stay in the marriage," she stated, her words beginning to have an effect on my thoughts.

"I will think about it," I simply said, knowing how persuasive she can be.

"Meanwhile, you can stay at my place for some days, if you are not comfortable staying with them," she stated. I finally realized who she was referring to.

"Staying at the hostel will make me remember a lot of things," I stated.

"I've moved somewhere else. Stella and I had a disagreement and I thought it was best to leave. I could not continue to stay with that naysayer and backstabber," she voiced out, her tone showing irritation.

I felt my heart full with gratitude that I had a friend like Anabelle to lean on in difficult times.

My phone rang,signifying a call, as I reached out for it.

"Hello! Please, is this Miss Genevieve Armstrong?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Congratulations. You have been given the opportunity to choose from three jobs in different countries. An email will be sent to you." A huge smile crept to my lips.

"Wow. Thanks a lot." It took a lot of self control not to yell, as I ended the call.

I broke the good news to Anabelle who pulled me into a hug.

"Congrats girl. Being the overall graduating student definitely has its reward." I couldn't stop blushing, before pulling away from the hug.

"So, what is your plan now?" She piqued, as an idea crept to my mind.

"For the job, I am definitely choosing a country far away from the U.S. This is the perfect opportunity to be free from everything. The breakup, betrayal, my foster parents and the forced marriage. Don't you think so?"

I glanced at Anabelle, whose mouth was agape.

"What the hell?" She looked frozen, her words making it obvious she was not in agreement with my thoughts.

"I will go for a job offer far from the States. That is my final decision," I stated confidently feeling no remorse at all.

It was the best decision, and I really can't wait to leave. To be free from everything.

I really hope it works out....