TRIANA woke up in an unfamiliar room. She massaged her temple because the throbbing pain would not subside. It took her a while to finally move free while remembering what happened.Her eyes widened when she realized what had occurred during the trek. She recalled her severe altitude sickness. Probably Lara had been worried, and the team despised her for ruining the itinerary of their trek. They were about to reach the Basecamp in a day, but she was careless about her health.Triana got up and leaned on the headboard. Her eyes traveled around as she studied the room. Based on the luxury fixtures around her, she was not in a hospital because she recognized some famous paintings proudly mounted on the wall.What is this place, and where is Lara? Stretching her legs down carefully, she could stand without being lightheaded. She started to walk unhurriedly, going to the terrace to know her location. The sun was already up, and a cold wind greeted her.It appeared that her room was locat
DEVANCE carefully drove his bike, and they reached their destination without inconvenience. It was the famous Nagarkot village. However, they had to go to some unpaved road, which Triana had been complaining about because she expected a decent highway since it was a road toward a well-known tourist destination.They went down the bike and had a mini hike going up a hill where they could vividly see the Himalayas. Unfortunately, when they reached the summit, there was no clearing. It was nothing but thick fog.Devance lightly shook his head and smiled apologetically. “Sorry girls, it might rain anytime with these cloud formations.”“This place is heavenly if only it’s not cloudy,” said Austin. Lara dived into the conversation. “It’s all right. We are thankful for your efforts to drive us here. Besides, weather up in the mountain is unpredictable.”And as if on cue, it began to drizzle. “Let’s go. It’s raining!” Devance called out.Everyone ran going down the concrete stairs because i
EARLY in the morning, Triana knocked at Lara’s room. It was almost dawn, and her friend lazily moved as she opened the door. Her hair was all disheveled, and the dark circles in Lara’s eyes were visible.“What’s the matter? It’s too early. I’ve only been asleep for an hour!” Lara stared at her in disbelief. “Come on, Lars. Get a shower, quick! We need to leave here now.” Triana pushed her going to the bathroom. “What is your problem?” Lara was annoyed. “I’ll explain later. Come on!”“It’s impolite to leave without saying goodbye to our host. Are you that shameless?” Lara held her temple as if summoning energy because she was feeling dull.“I know! But something happened last night.”Lara turned her head out of curiosity. “Why, what happened?”“Well…” Triana hesitated whether she’d tell what had happened last night. She swallowed hard before she went on, “H-he tried to kiss me…”“Okay, and?”“That’s it! He shouldn’t have done that without my consent!”Lara rolled her eyes heavenward
“MOM, Dad! I didn’t know you were coming home.” Devance was surprised to see his parents drinking tea on the roof deck. Bilhana was busy catering to their needs.He just got back from jogging in the nearby temple, and his parents didn’t inform him that they were back in Nepal.One week went by since Triana and Lara left the house. Devance was busy with his workout and gardening to pass the time. He loved plants and anything about nature. It was a good form of meditation for him.“Good thing you’re here now. We have been back here to catch you because we’re going to the Philippines,” Akhil said after sipping tea.Devance kissed his mother’s cheek and sat beside her. “Why? Is there a problem?”They paused for a moment when Bilhana served his tea. His mother held his hand over the table. The way she gestured her hand, Devance sensed something was wrong.“Mom?”Akhil heaved a sigh. “You’re going to have a date with your soon-to-be-bride.”The Chaudhary patriarch said those phrases casuall
DEVANCE went down the car along with his parents. Austin drove them because they didn’t bring a lot of bodyguards to stay low key.This could be his engagement, but he had already taken precautionary measures, especially if he was left with no choice. Devance only agreed to meet the girl because his father had frozen most of his assets when he argued with him again a few days after they arrived in Nepal. He tried to push his luck, but it seemed his fate was already sealed.Now he came to the Philippines to see his fiancée-to-be, though he ensured the wedding would never happen. Devance never asked his parents about the girl. More on, he was not interested. Every time the arranged marriage came to mind, his stress level soared.Devance studied the surroundings around. He stood near the doorway of a modern two-story house with a roof deck. Beside the building was a garden. No wonder this place looked familiar. He finally remembered he was here sometime three years ago. Slowly, things we
ON THE other side, Devance had to blink several times to make sure he was not hallucinating. He was caught off guard by these revelations he never expected. How the hell did this happen?Tri? He casually offered his hand and remained level-headed.“Nice meeting you,” he said seriously. Devance didn’t want to let his parents know he had met Triana before, unless he got a chance to talk with her.“S-same here.” Triana reluctantly exchanged a firm handshake. It took her a while to act normal with her wonder-stricken face.Just how fast the night changes. He silently clicked his tongue.Earlier, he was ready to show how disgusted he was regarding the arranged marriage. But in a blink of an eye, everything changes. Even Austin was shocked at a distance, though he only remained silent.They went to the dining room, and he gently tapped Triana’s shoulder. Until now, it seemed she was still astounded. But she harshly removed his hand, and then he found himself smiling. Devance assisted her i
TRIANA and Devance went back inside the house after discussing their arrangements thoroughly. Their parents could not hide the excitement on their faces seeing them having a good time. If only they knew how long they argued before coming up with a decision to marry each other.“We agreed to have a date tomorrow to know each other better.” Devance looked unwavering when they were in the dining room.Triana tilted her head in agreement. The dessert was already served, but she still didn’t have her appetite, even if it was her favorite corn and mango salad. Triana only wanted this madness to be done so she could properly rest. Because no matter how she planned her escape, nothing was doable. She was stuck in this insanity. Triana deeply pondered if meeting Devance was a blessing or a curse. It might be a blessing since he was not a total stranger at least, but at the same time, it could be a curse knowing that a womanizer like him would probably give her a headache once they married.
AUSTIN arrived a few minutes later after having their coffee. Triana urged him to have a cup of tea, but he declined.“We had a cup of tea a while ago, thanks. Shall we go now?” Austin asked. He didn’t wear his bodyguard suit, only a casual outfit—a plain white shirt at jeans paired with signature sneakers. Actually, he looked more like a model than a bodyguard.Austin drove them to the flower farm. Devance left the black sports car he used earlier. Triana learned that the Chaudharys had a vacation house somewhere in Camarines Sur and Devance probably drove early to avoid the traffic.According to Devance’s instructions, they went to the flower farm near the city. It was the same place where Caleb proposed to Triana.“Come, let’s buy the jade vine,” Devance said when they went out of the car. Triana followed him. Austin strolled in front of them while still alert, looking around.Triana was mesmerized by the flowers that sprawled around. There were different kinds of plants giving co