Should I Go on With This Arranged Marriage?

Dominique’s P.O.V.

I was walking on a very long bridge. It’s seems endless. I kept on walking and walking. I can’t seem to see the end of the bridge. My lungs
is starting to get dry and body is wetting like crazy. I thought of going back but when I look on the other side of the bridge, where I started,
It was plain black, And I hate darkness. I continued walking towards the end, where there is light. I heard my name being called from the
back, I looked at it again but see nothing. I ignored it and keep on walking, until I am being called again. I stop and waited for someone to
appear on the darkness. A figure soon appeared. He keeps on calling my name. When the sillhouette is visible, I learned that it was Brian,
holding on his muscled arms a baby

“Brian?’ I called His face is just horrible. “What are you doing here?”

“Nick, please, we need you.” I saw a tear fell down from his eyes. “Don’t leave us.”

I look on the baby.

“This is our baby. Don’t leave us, please.” His shaky voice said.

“But I can’t. I have to go. My time is up.”

“No!” he cried.

“Sorry, Brian. I can no longer stay.”

“Don’t leave me.”

I’m starting to feel eyes being wet up. I close it and let the tears roll down. I can’t see Brian crying. I don’t it. I hate that. I don’t want to see
him hurt. “Let me go. I have felt so many hurt and frustration. This way it will end.”

“But I can not live without you.”

“Please Brian. Don’t make this any harder.” I opened my eyes to see him just meter away from him.

He kept on crying while the baby, our baby, is sleeping like an angel on his arms. I walk closely to them. Somehow, it looks heart-warming
to see him holding safely our little boy. I gently planted a kiss on top of his small face. I even touch his soft skin. I smiled, knowing he will
surely be guided by his father and that he will grow with such dignity, just like the guy that’s holding him.

I look back at Brian. His hazel eyes are pleading. I put my right hand on his cheek and my thumb pushed the tear away. “Goodbye, Brian.

He shook his head. “No, No, No.” he huskily cried.

“I have loved you so much. But life is a bitter-sweet gift.” He continued crying, still slowly shaking his head. “Mine is done.” I paused.
“Take very good care of him. Tell him that I love him and I am very much sorry that I have to leave him too fast.” I stare on his eyes.
Seems like he’s holding so much regret. “I know you love me. Even though you never said it, I felt so much of it and it made me so much
happy.” He just nodded. “This is it, Brian, I love you.” I slowly move my head to his. It is only an inch, when a great gravity from my back
pulled me into the light.

“Dominique!!!” Brian shouted and that was the last thing I heard from him.

I woke up soaking my body with hot drops of sweat all over my body and heavily catching my breathe. “What on earth?!” The only thing
came out of my mouth.

I look on my side to see Amerie sleeping still. I grab my phone and check on the time. It only says 4:15 in the morning. Using the
comforter, I wipe all my sweats and slowly composed my breathing. Carefully, I get out of the bed and decided to go down for a glass of
water.

I take a sit on the couch and open the TV. This will get my mind off of the freaking nightmare. I absent-mindedly watch the TV as I play
some app on my phone.

I didn’t notice that my lids were getting heavy and drifted off to sleep.

---

I feel a gentle shake on my body. Soon, Mom is on my sight, waking me up.

“Wake up, sweetie.”

I completely opened my eyes. “Oh.” I muttered.

“Why did you sleep here?” she asked.

She helped me sat up. “I woke up at 4, grab a glass of water then sit and fell asleep.”

She nodded in understanding. “Happy birthday, Sweetie.”

“Thank you.” It has always been a tradition that Mom, is always the first to greet me on my birthday. “What time is it?”

“It’s almost noon, just the right time to have lunch. I’ve cooked.”

“Oh, thanks.” I said, cleaning the hair off of my face and bun it.
I looked on the table to see Dad and Amerie on the table. “Good Morning.” I greeted them.

“Happy birthday!” Amerie excitedly greet and pop party-popper. I immediately smoke the toxic powder in it. I cough several times.

She came into me and repedtedly said sorry. I nodded into her She’s maybe just get carried away in greeting me.

“I’m really sorry.” she said again.

“I’m okay.” I smild on her.

“You sure, you’re okay?’ Dad has a worried look on his face.

I nodded again on him. I took a sit beside Amerie, while Dad and Mom are across us.

“Dad, did you invite Haners?”

Hee nodded. “Yes, but they were engange with some important agenda.” he paused. “Marco said, Happy birthday and they are really sorry
for not making it here. Plus, they send you a present.”

Mom is already handling me a box with navy blue ribbon in it. “Amanda really wanted to come, it’s just that Marco really is dragging
her.”

“Oh, it’s okay.” I took the box from her and opeed it excitedly. It is a black, Ipad3. I’m not really into gadgets, but this one is much , much
appreciated, coming from Amanda. “Nice.” I smiled.

I took my phone and quickly gave Amanda a quick ‘thank you’ message.

“And this is from us.” Dad hands me a long, slim, red box.

“Thank you, guys. You don’t have to.”

“Since when did we froget to give you a present?” Mom said.

I smiled on them. “Thanks, again.”

I opened the box and see a necklace, that has an angel pendant in it.

“Did you like it?” Dad asked.

“Of course.”

Amerie, helped me on wearing it.

“Amerie, picked that one.” Mom informed.

“You have one great taste.” I told Amerie.

“Thanks” She smiled. “I chose an angel, because you are carrying an agel in you. Simply symbolizes the creature in you.” She chuckled.

“Good job.” I told her. “So, let’s dig in?”

I started on the garlic chicken. The smell is just wonderful, plus a scoop of mashed-potato. We enjoyed the lunch, having some fun
conversations about random things. Amerie has a lot to say she is one funny girl and has a really good humor. You can totally see, that
she’s a happy-go-lucky girl. She even started throwing some pick-up lines.

“Are you a drug?”

“Why?” I answered.

“Cause you make me so high.” she said with a completely sweet voice. We simultaneously laughed on her.

Dad quieted us. “Okay, okay, I have one.”

“Shoot it.” I told him.

He looks seiously on Mom. “Are you blackberry?”

“Why?’ Mom answered.

“Cause I like your curve.” He said, we immediately busted out laughing. Bu the added. “Especially when bold.”

Me and Amerie both groaned on him, while he laughed on his own joke.

“you are so disgusting.” I said in between laughs.

“I will never be too old for you.” He responded.

“Dad you are so……. Cliché.” Amerie commented.

“Fine..” He paused and look at me. “You got one?”

I thought for a minute. “I got none.” I really don’t have anything in mind.

The lunch went cool and nice. After eating so much and feeling heavy, I slowly made my way up to wash myself.

Done with my daily routine on my body, I sat lay on the bed and massaging my belly. Soon, my phone rings.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” All girls screamed at me. My left ear just hurt.

“Thank you, guys.” It’s nice that tey are greeting me, but nerve-wracking, Brian haven’t yet

“Send us some food.” I can identify who is who. That one is Gena.

I giggled on her. “Where are my gifts first?”

“Just list it.” Val response.

Lacey, next talk. “Shot! Shot! Shot!” she repeatedly said.

“I’m always on the go, you know me.”

“treat us, when we get back.” Leana’s voice.

“Of course.”

Next thing, it was the boys who are talking to me, they all greeted me as well. But Brian is still absent. I can feel it, that I’m on loud-
speaker.

“The asshole is sleeping.” Rev informed.

I frowned. How can he not remember my birthday, I’m pretty sure, I came home so drunk lat year, that he has to carry me all the way to
their house. “I hope he’s having a nightmare.” Worse than what I had last night.

They groaned on me. “don’t worry, he will be up soon and we’ll remind her it’s your birthday.” It was Matt.

So he doesn’t really know it is my birthday? “No.” I protested. “Don’t remind him. Let the asshole, alone.”

Zacky replied. “Poor Nick. She’s really mad now.” he said before they all laughed.

“Know what, Nick?” Johnny this time. “Just enjoy your day. Forget the fucker for a while.”

“The same as he forget my birthday.” I paused. “By the way, where are y gifts? You have to afford me one.”

They laughed again. “Just let me know, what you want.” Matt said.

“I want a………… DSLR!” I seriously need one now. I have so many moments to capture. It’s not that I can’t afford one. But I’m too
thrift to buy even the cheapest one.

“DSLR it is.” H said.

“And for the others, give me Brian.” I laughed on myself.

They also laughed along with me.

“Brian is all yours.” Rev said.

“Give me some reports, if he ever fuck girls.” I said, sounding a joke.

“You have our loyalty, Nick.” Johnny said.

“Thank you, guys.”

“Alright. Happy birthday, again.” matt said, before hanging up.

Moments later, my phone started ringing again, I pick it up soon, expecting it will be Brian. But no. And I am not dismayed, since it’s
Jasmine.

“Happy Birthday, Bitch!” It was Jasmine.

“You fucker! Why did you not call me as early as you used to?” I told her with a whine.

“I was busy.” her only excuse.

I slowly sat up again leaning my head on the board of the bed. “Come over.”

“You know how, far your house is.” She’s totally clueless I’m back in Huntington. And that’s my fault.

“I’m at my Mom’s house.” I informed.

“Bitch!” she hissed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was busy as well.” my lie.

“Since when?” her annoyed voice, now.

I bite my lips not knowing if I should lie or tell her, that I have been home for three weeks and I never told her about it. In the end, I still
end up telling her the truth. “Three weeks ago.”

“Oh, good Lord! You totally forgot me.”

“I don’t” I protested.

“You do.” with her disappointed voice.

“Know what? Just come over, I have to tell you something and don’t forget my present.” I reminded with a bossily voice.

She chuckled. “Can I just forget the gift for a while, I’m too excited to see you.” So only two gifts for today.

“Sure. But it will doubled.”
“Tell me what you want, I’ll give it.”

“Fine. Be here, real quick.”

“K, bye.” we both hang up and I lay back again think of random things, which means, senseless thoughts.

Amerie came in, holding a tray of freshly cut pineapples chunks. “Snack time.”

I smiled on her. “thanks.” Time passes by real quick. I didn’t even realize it is already past 3 in the afternoon.

She put down the tray on the bed. “Join me.” I offered her.

She shook her head, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’m still full.”

“Well, I’m not.” I said, biting on the pineapple.

She just chuckled on me.

“did he call you already?” she asked.

I shook my head, chewing.

“He must be still sleeping.” Indeed.

Amerie laid on the bed while doing something on her phone and I continued on my snack, until someone I heard an engine cut off infront of
the house. Jasmine it is.

“You got some guest?” She asked again.

“My bestfriend. She’ll be here in 5... 4... 3... 2.…” I’m not even done with my counting, when Jasmine in already swinging the door up to
the wall. “Amerie, my bestfriend, Jasmine. Jasmine, this is Amerie my sister.”

She furrowed her brow. She know my Dad’s being once lost in another home. So this might not be a really surprised to her. She then
nodded in understanding.

“Hi.” She stretched her arm for Amerie. “Jasmine.” she introduced herself.

I watched Amerie shakes her hands. “Amerie.”

“nice to meet you.” Jasmine said.

“Yeah. Nice to meet you too.” She paused. “Oh, I remember I have something to do.” Obviously she’s excusing herself.

As soon as she’s out of the room, Jasmine locked the door and sit on the bed as well. “Oh my. She’s pretty as well.” she commented.

I nodded “Runs on the genes.” I bragged.

She chuckled. “So what’s up? You look…” she scanned my body for a while. “You gained weight.”

This time I chuckled. I slowly get off the bed on the other side. I showed her my ever changing shape of my belly.

The look on her face is in such and awe. Her jaw is dropped. Her eyes are wide. Her body is stuck on its initial position.

“I’m three months pregnant.” I added.

She slowly shook her head. “you’re kidding.”

I shook my head as well. “This is real.”

Soon she’s jumping on the bed. Just like the night she knew about me and Brian being arranged and stuff.

“Calm down, clam down.” I tried to get hold of her hand and pulled her down.

“This is….” She think for the right word. “I mean, I’m surprised.”

---

Bo’s P.O.V.

Today is Dominique’s birthday. Brian asked me to get her a dozens of red roses. I find it really simple and plin. So I came up with a plan.
And this will be a good one beside flowers. What I planned is, I will take her out and have, intimate dinner. I don’t hink Brian will knew
about this, cause, Nick, will just have to appreciate this and thanked him rather than whine.

It’s already five in the afternoon and it’s time for me to get ready.

I used my Chanel limited body soap for the assurance of good smell. I washed my hair with just a simple shampoo. I stayed inside the
bathroom for several more minutes than I usually do. I have to be nice and eat for tonight

Seriously, Nick is one adorable girl. I was so stunned with her smile. If she’s not just pregnant, I’d totally bang her. She may seem
reserved, but that’s where I’m good at. Serving the reserved ones. And that happens on the bed. She may be, married to Brian, but you
know, tied up chicken is easier to catch than the free one.

After brushing my teeth, I wipe alll the excess droplets of water on my body and scratch my hair with another towel.

With my towel around my hips, I pcked for perfect clothes to wear. I optd for a gray V-neck, black, almost skinny jeans and a silver coat.
Just how prefer than wearing really forml ones.

I sprayed some light perfumes, cause I don’t want as well, over-power my smell. I let my hair dry the curly way.

At exactly six, I’m doone and ready to go.

Driving along the flower shop, Brian called.

“Did you do it?” he said without even

“I’m on my way to catch her heart.” Me being the teased and bully all the time.

“Fuck you.” he hisssed.

“oooops. Watch your words. I’m doing you a favor.”

“I regret that one, now.” he replied.

I chuckled. “You want me to stop?”

“Jesus Christ, Bo. Did you ever have a decent conversation with someone?”

“It depends with who I’m talking to.”

“good point.” he agreed.

I reached the flower store and cut off the engine. “You know what? Let me do this. You’ll still get the credit in the end.”

“What do you mean.” The confusion is obvious in his voice.

I sighed in annoyance. “Just hang the fucking phone, Brian.”

“tell me what are you----” I didn’t let him finish. I drop the phoone and get off of the car.

I entered the shop and the flowers is telling me that they are fresh. I was greeted by a lady, spraying some water on the flowers. “A flower
for a girl?”

I nodded. “For a birthday as well. No, actually, I need ten dozens of red roses all wrap in one.” At least I have to do something brian told
me, just this one and the rest is on my hands.

“Follow me.” she said.

We go to the othr side f the shop where different colors of roses are sitting. I ointed on the not so bloomed roses. Not-so-bloomed roses ae
better, than the full-bloomed ones. They won’t fall soon. “ten dozens of those.”

“Give me a minute, Sir.” she said and poited me the couch, to wait.

I take the sit and randomly entertain some girls banging my phone, telling me who they are. Obviously, I don’t care about them by now.
But some other nights, I might need them. I keep myself busy with their messages and exchanges texts with them. One-by-one, replying
them, my thumb is starting to gets numb, that’swhen I stop. Soon the girl, called me.

“I just need you to choose a color for the final wrap and the ribbon then maybe you could put a message in this card.” she handed me a
small card and a pen.

“Just put the white one as well and for the ribbon, put a red one.” I actually hate it, when red is partnered with some other bright color. I
just want the plain and clean white with red.

She nodded and go back to wrapping while I think of writing something. I blotted the pen on the card writing. ‘Your smile is just different
from anything, I have ever seen. I will never make you cry and promise to keep that smile on your lips. Happy Birthday.’ I didn’t mind
putting the I love you. I just don’t feel like writing it.

“here.” I gave her back the card.

“thanks. This is almost done.” She said. I just nodded on her. Not a moment later, she punched the cashier. “$150 dollars, Sir.”

I took a hundred and fufty dollars from ym wallet. I took the flower on top of the table and didn’t mind getting the changee, rather, I
quickly get out of the shop and hop in my car. Thankfully, I could still remember the way to Nick’s house. I reached ther house quarter to
seven.

She was on the doorway talking with someonw, when she notices me, appproaching. “Bo.” she looks surprised.

“and who’s that?” I still heard the girl she was talking to, thought sh tried to whipers it to Nick.

“Bo, meet my bestfriend-Jamine.” I reached my hand to her. She was pretty, that is udeniable but she looks way too young for me.
“Jasmine, this is Bo, Brians cousin.”

“Nice meeting you.” She said.

“my pleasure.” My sweet tongue said.

“So by the way, Nick. I have to go. I’ll catch up with you next week, on the weekends.” She said before giving a peck on Dominique’s
cheek. “happy birthday again.”

“Thank you. And for my gifts, I just need some maternal dresses. You know my type. Make it simple and ahort.” She said. I scanned her
body and notices she still looks nice with her bump. She loves short dresses. I noticed that on the night I first met her and on the other day I
tag-along with her and Brian, then on the day she got to have her ultrasound and now. Her legs are impossbily fit, long, and flawless.

Jasmine, already made her way to th car and now it’s only me and Nick.

“Happy Brithday.” I greeted.

“Thanks.” she smiled. God’s sake, can that smile get any more cuter?

I scratch the back of my head in stunned. It was me; Whenever I scratch my head, it means I like a girl. And yes, it is undeniably that I
like Nick. “Uhm… So by the way, Amanda didn't sent me here.”

She furrowed her brows. “Then how did you know it is my birthday?

“Brian did.” I asnwered.

She looks surprised. A reserved person who looks surprise. How will you describe it? She just ‘oh-ed’ her lips and her eyes looks
confused. “You’re kidding.” she let out a small chuckles.

I shook my head. “Call him, if you want.” I took my phone out of my pocket and try to give it to her, but she gently pushed it away.

“Alright, I believe you.” She said. “And may I know why?”

This is it. “He asked me to get you on a date.”

“Now, you are seriously kidding me.” she said, crossing her arms on her……. Full chest.

“Again, call him.” I reached her once again the phone, this time, she took it.

She punched some numbers and put the phone on her ears. She memorized his number. Several seconds past and she’s still waiting for
someone to answer. She finally gave up and give the phone back to me.

“So what?’ I asked her.

“He’s not answering.’ she answered.

I raised a brow to her, waiting for her to say if she would go or not. She bite her lip and damn I want to bite it too. “Fine, just be sure, this is legit.”

I raised my arms in excitement. I won her for tonight. “Promise.”

“Come in, give me a second to change.” I followed her in and pointed me the couch, while she made her way up.