Arranged Marriage With My Crush

CHAPTER 01

*Start*

~ Rona Serene Norriente ~

Everyone in the world has a hidden envy, life is not perfect there are things you really want to get but not for you.

Like me, I always dreamed of a simple life and freedom. But I can't afford to.

"Close your eyes." The make up artist gently said. I followed his wishes while remembering what was there for the day.

June 8, my 18th birthday the age of legalty and freedom. But not for me.

I still can't believe I'm 18, time traveled so fast! It seems like only yesterday when I was still playing house house but now ....

I opened my eyes after the artist did my eye shadow, mascara, eyelashes. She then applied a pink lipstick to my lips.

A simple but elegant look.

"Tine, please get my phone." I ordered my housemate's son my age, he was assigned to come with me to this hotel suite for my preparation.

"This is it, ma'am." He said with a bow. I just smiled sparingly. How many times have I told her not to call me ma'am anymore because we are the same age. But he doesn't seem to be angry, mommy.

The stylist was busy with my hair so I got the chance to open my phone.

Next came the pop-up notifications on my phone. Some are my classmates and friends (if really friends) greeting me a happy birthday.

First of all, open the messages of, Lian and Mae, my bestfriends. Real bestfriends.

From Lian:

Happy birthday! My baby! 18 ka na. Enjoy the day and be happy. Mae and I we're always here for you.

Ps: Don't serve ampalaya! It will be even more bitter, Mae.

I laughed at her PS. Loka loka talaga 'tong si, Lian. Though this past week he even surpassed Mae's bitterness.

I typed my reply to her.

To Lian:

Thanks, Lian ... See you later.

I don't know if there is ampalaya on the menu. But you too, don't eat ampalaya anymore.

I then opened Mae's message.

From Mae:

Happy birthday neng! We love you.

I replied thankyou ...

Mae and Lian are my bestfriends for almost five years? They are one of the people I trust very much, they are a real people. They make me feel what normal life is. They were the only ones who accepted me without judgment.

We're close to each other. We even have nicknames that only we can call.

They call me, Rose short for Rona Serene, I also love the name cause it's symbolizes my life. We called Lish Anya, 'Lian' and 'Mae' short for Mara Elaisle.

"And we're done!" The stylist announced after he sprayed my hair.

I stood up and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I'm wearing a pink ball gown, tube cut, at the bottom is full of pink feathers, at the top are the white crystals that make me especially beautiful.

My hair is on a perfect bun they pulled some strands in each side to make it even more beautiful. The silver jewelries I'm wearing all over my body is shining so bright, especially the diamond pendant in my necklace.

I look so beautiful, I can't believe that I can be even more beautiful!

There was a knock on the hotel suite so an assistant opened it. It's the event organizer. "Serene be ready, for twenty minutes you'll be in." She reminded me.

I nodded and started to walk out, Tine supporting my gown while an assistant held my hand.

The truth is I'm nervous too. My family is famous in the business world, my parents owns the biggest construction materials production in the country, they are also among the highest tax payer businessmen. I'm sure I will have a thousand visitors for this birthday.

What good is our money and wealth if their only child's birthday is not a big one?

We went inside the elevator to get off. The venue is on the second floor.

"Don't forget to smile Serene, when you enter the camera flashes will meet you." Reminder by the organizer.

I don't need to be reminded of that. I was trained when I was young, mommy who always smiles at the person I meet.

When the elevator opened, many people immediately looked at me. I didn't mind their stares, I'm used to it.

I looked straight at the huge double doors, inside of which were the people waiting for me.

"Sit down first, there's still 10 minutes." Harvest of the organizer. I nodded and they helped me again to sit in the waiting area near the venue, while all those who were assisting me just stood there.

The marble stone is round. In the back there are also people sitting. I felt their stares at me, the others just passing by were really looking at me.

I didn't mind them, I bothered my cellphone again and didn't reply to those who greeted me. Just a thank you and I will not send to all those who greet.

I felt the strap of my heels loosen so I put my cellphone down next to it.

I slightly lifted the end of my gown and looked at my shoes, the hawk's grip didn't seem to be fixed. I was about to reach but I was surprised when Tine knelt in front of me and she adjusted my shoes.

My eyes widened at what he did.

"Oh! It's me." I was a little nervous.

"It's okay ma'am Serene, it's my job." Here we are together. I slowly adjusted my gown.

"Thank you." I simply said, I'm not comfortable with the way he knelt down to fix my shoes earlier.

"Serene, let's go. You'll be out in 2 minutes." I nodded and followed the organizer they supported me again as we approached the large double doors where I would enter.

"Miss ..." I heard someone's voice but I ignored it, maybe it wasn't me who was called. "Excuse me, Miss you left your phone." He said in tough English. I immediately looked behind me where the voice was coming from.

I saw a guy in a black tux, holding my phone on his right hand. He's familiar, maybe my schoolmate or not?

"Ow," I could only say.

I approached him and took the cellphone he handed me. "Oh! Hello-" I hadn't finished when he left, I only saw his back. Sungit naman.

"Serene I said standbye." I immediately went back and gave Tine my phone.

I wasn't even ready to smile when the door opened.

"Everyone let's welcome the celebrant! The NCMC's heiress, Miss Rona Serene Norriente!"

That's it, being an heiress means not having a normal life.