sorry for the late update.
Chapter 11
Ae: Did I hear correctly? Engaged? When did this happen?
Rome: Umm, just a few minutes ago. Ae, meet Rita Jensen, my future wife.
Ae’s heart dropped. This couldn’t be happening to her, but she kept her composure, she had to put up an act so Rome’s parents still think that she’s an angel. She gave a slight smile and hugged Rita as a congratulation, even though in her mind, she want to beat Rita up and choke her to death for stealing Rome away from her.
Ae: Congrats. I’m so happy for the both of you. Don’t forget to invite me to the wedding okay?
Rome: You’re not mad?
Yin: Why would she son?
Ae: Of course I’m not mad. That’s why I wanted to come here, I wanted to come check up on you and tell you that, my mother told me about our arranged marriage, and I told her that I don’t want to be pressure into getting married, and wanted to wait.
Rita: Well thank you for your blessing.
Ae: Well if you excuse me, I have to get going now. Again, congrats.
Ae walks out of the room and down the hall. She throws her purse down on the ground, stomped her feet and screamed. She can’t believe that Rome was going to get married to that slut. Ae didn’t understand when or how Rome fell in love with that girl, but there was one thing that she did know, it was that she must stop the engagement. No one is going to get married to Rome, except her. She didn’t work hard in getting Taew out of the way for her chance to be blown away. Patients walked by looking at Ae weirdly, and Ae felt disgusted by their glares. She grabbed her purse and angrily walked out of the hospital.
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The knock became more intense and rapid, like the person on the other side was getting anxious. Yard’s mom got annoyed, so she opened the door. It was Tye. Yard was shocked at the sight of Tye, so many questions went through her head, but none of them could escape her lips, she just stood there surprise. It took her awhile for understanding that Tye was pulling her to go with him, but she also felt someone pulling on her to stay, and it was her mother.
Yard’s mom: Who are you? Where are you taking my daughter?
Tye: I’m Tye Nattapol, and I’m going to take your daughter with me.
Yard’s mom: She’s not going with you; I’ve never met you in my life. My daughter wouldn’t associate herself with people like you.
Tye: I assure you, I mean no harm to your daughter. We’ve known each other for quite some time. So if you don’t mind, she’s coming with me.
Yard’s mom: She’s not going and that’s final! Leave before I call the cops on you.
Yard: Mom, we don’t have to do that. Tye just leave. (whispers to Tye) Why did you come? Leave before my mom gets mad.
Tye: Yard, I was worried about you, and after what I saw before; I’m not going to leave in a place like this.
Yard: Tye, it’s not what you think. Leave please, or else you’ll make matters worse.
Tye: Mrs. Rachapal, I would like it if Yard became my maid, and I will be willing to pay double the amount she makes at both her jobs.
Yard’s mom: (smiling, trying to calculate the amount of money she will be getting to gamble) Just your maid and nothing else, right?
Tye: Correct.
Yard’s mom: When can she start then?
Tye: Right now will be fine, and here is a week’s advancement pay. Of course Yard will have to live with me, so it would be easier for her.
Her mother nodded, not really caring what Yard thought about all of this, all she cared about was the money in her hands. Her mother practically pushed Yard out of the door and slammed it in her face. Yard surprised at how her mother reacted and anger at Tye for flashing his money around. She slapped his hand away, which startled Tye.
Yard: Why did you do that? Giving my mother money like that? Do you think that money can solve everything? Is that what you think of me, something that you can buy? Am I worth just that much to you?
Tye: Hey! I wasn’t going to just watch you get beaten up by your mother.
Yard: Did I ask you for your help? Last time I checked, I didn’t. I’m going back inside.
Tye: I don’t care. But, you’re not going back. You’re coming with me.
Yard: I don’t have to go with you. You’re not the boss of me.
Tye lifts Yard up and throws her over his shoulder and carries her to his car. Yard tried all her might to escape, except Tye was much stronger and eventually she gave in and let him drive her back to his house, the same place she was just at.
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Taew: WHAT?! Rome is engaged? To who?
Yin: To Sririta Jensen. She’s a lovely girl and well-mannered.
Taew: How long did Rome know her for?
Yin: Oh, I think a couple of months or was it weeks? Don’t worry Taew, they are very much in love, and you know your brother wouldn’t rush into marriage unless he was absolutely sure.
Tok: What your mother said is true. Your brother makes wise choices, and Rita is a very lovely girl. Your brother seems so happy and recovering quickly with her at the hospital taking care of him.
Taew: She’s at the hospital with him?! I have to see her now. I’m quite anxious to know who she is. Can I go see her? Please?
Her parents looked at each other and finally agree. Taew was wondering which slut threw herself onto her brother. She knows that this girl was probably putting on an act so then she can marry Rome and steal their money. Taew was not going to let that happen, she got rid of Ae, and she can sure get rid of this girl too.
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Rita: Would you like some more water?
Rome: No. I just want some more of something else?
Rita: What? More air, I’ll go open the window if you need it. Or do you need more pillows?
Rome: No. I just want my fiancé to come over here and keep showering me with love.
Rita: Nope. I’ll have to let you suffer awhile since you are so whiny.
Rome: When I get out of here, you’re going to get pun---
Taew: Rome, I heard you got a-----YOU?! What is she doing here Rome?
Rome: Taew watch your tone. This is my fiancé Rita. Rita is the sister of Ma---
Taew: Rome, I know who this girl is, she’s the one I was telling you about, the one who got me arrested at the mall, and she’s the one who’s been trying to sabotage my good name.
Rome: Taew, I would really appreciate it if you didn’t disrespect Rita like that.
Rita: Taew, I did meet you at the mall, but I wasn’t the one who got you arrested; you did that all by yourself. And I didn’t sabotage you either, that was probably someone else. I mean, why would I do something like that to someone I don’t even know?
Taew: Lies. I know it was you. You were out to get me from day one just to get close to my brother. But let me tell you something, you are not going to be with my brother, no matter what.
Rome: Taew! Stop that. Why are you being to mean to Rita?
Taew: But Rome---
Rome: If you can’t respect the woman I love, then you don’t respect me. I suggest you leave now before I say something that I will regret.
Taew: Fine, but if she breaks your heart, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Rome got so frustrated, already his sister hates Rita. He loves them both, but he can’t understand why his sister can’t see that Rita isn’t like any of the other girls, she’s perfect. Rita, walks over to Rome, and gives him a hug. The hug felt like it could make everything better. Rome wrapped his arms around Rita and never wants to let go of her. Rita on the other hand, was wonder when it will be the right time to break Rome’s heart the way Taew did to Mario.
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Tye: Are you not going to talk to me? I told you that I’m sorry for giving your mom money; it was a really bad move on my part. It was the only thing I could think of at the time. Please say something, anything?
Pim: Tye, you’re back…with Ms. Yard again. Would you like me to prepare the two of you something to eat?
Tye: No need. Yard is going to be working here with you Pim. She will be like your assistant, so teach her all that you can. I trust that you will watch over her as well.
Pim: Of course. Come along Ms. Yard.
Yard stared at Tye, and reluctantly followed Pim. The whole car ride, Yard was thinking how her brothers will survive without her there, or if her mother will take her anger out on them. She began to worry and wonder who will do the chores or make the food or pay for most of their bills. Her brothers needed her more than Tye did. But knowing her mother, the money Tye gave her, was probably all spent by now, so the only thing she can do now is to work off the debt her mother owes.
Pim showed Yard around the house and where everything was. She was sort of paying attention, but her mind kept wondering why Tye would do such a thing for her. Pim looked back and understood what was on Yard’s mind.
Pim: Ms. Yard, I’m sure Mr. Tye had a reason for all of this. He never does anything without a reason, and for all the years I’ve known him, I trust that he knows what’s best. So please stop worrying and believe that Mr. Tye is doing this for the best.
Yard was speechless and just nodded. After Pim turned her back and started walking again, Yard sighs and wishes that it was Rome that was the person who knew what’s best for her, not Tye. She looks around and laughs to herself, thinking what good would this house do for her, she knew that she doesn’t any of this anyways.
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It’s been three month since Taew got the news about Rome and his new fiancé. Taew has been trying to find a way for her brother to break up with that horrible woman.
**flashback-two months ago**
She knew that she would hate herself for this, but she decided to call Ae to help her. Taew sat in the corner of a small restaurant in disguise, waiting for Ae to come. Her anger was fuming because of Rita. Now that Rome is out of the hospital, it’s always Rita this and Rita that, Rome seems so consumed with getting a wedding in soon and has forgotten all about his dear sister.
Ae: Hey! I’m here. Hurry up and make this quick.
Taew: Chill. I need your help.
Ae: Why should I help you? Weren’t you the one that sabotage my relationship with Rome?
Taew: That was before I knew you. But this time, it’s worse, my brother is going to marry…
Ae: I know. What do you want me for then?
Taew: I want us to work together to take her down. I know my brother, and I know that that woman is not worth for him.
Ae: What’s in it for me? How do I know that you won’t cheat me in the end?
Taew: You don’t, but think of it this way, either you help me or you let Rita marry my brother. Which one do you think is worst?
Ae finally agreed with Taew. Taew began telling Ae her plan, and in the back of her mind, she was laughing thinking that Ae is falling into her trap.
**end of flashback**
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Rome was so happy to leave the hospital three month ago. He wanted to spend time with Rita, but there has been so much work around the office that even they didn’t see each other that much. But tonight, his mind was elsewhere. He was going to plan the perfect night to propose to Rita, the one in the hospital wasn’t romantic and not the way he wanted to ask for her hand in marriage.
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Yard has been living a really good life with Tye. The work wasn’t that bad and she calculated that she will be able to repay the debt she owes Rome in only a few months. She even visits her brothers every weekend when her mother wasn’t home; she didn’t want her mother to steal the money she gives her brothers. Although she’s living a nicer life, she doesn’t want to be like her father and forget the ones she left behind.
Her life is going fine, there was something really different. Since she hasn’t talked to Rome for some time now, and she had time to think, she began to realize that her love for Rome for 10 years wasn’t what she thought. Yes she does love him, but she could see that it wasn’t the love that the people in the movies portrayed, but the love close friends feel for one another, which could be mistaken for true love.
And, the more she realized this, the more she felt that she’s been falling in love with Tye, which is really bizarre to her. But she brushed it aside thinking it only because he helped her out. Also, May would visit them often until she had to go back to her family. She really wanted to make Tye fall in love with her, so right before she left, she told Yard to make sure no girl would try to steal Tye away. Reluctantly, Yard had agreed, and Yard made sure that her silly feelings were kept to herself.
Tye on the other hand was worried that Rita is digging herself deeper and deeper in this web that she made. He’s afraid that Rita is going to not only hurt Rome, but also herself, and he doesn’t want that to happen. Rita hasn’t been listening to him at all and the only person who seems to understand him right now is Yard. Over the course of three months, he got to know Yard more, and the more he knew, the closer they got. Seeing her everyday made him smile, he’s gotten so use to her, except what he doesn’t know is—that she’s going to quit.
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Rita still doesn’t know where her father is, no one seems to have seen him anywhere. And her mother hasn’t been getting any better, still calling out for her son Mario. It’s been painful for Rita to watch her mother suffer through this, but there is nothing she can do except to be there for her.
Everyday Rita must debate what she is going to do with Rome. Thinking about what would be worst way possible to hurt him and Taew for all that’s has happened to Mario. She must avenge her brother, he didn’t deserve to die. Engagement night, that would the best way. Everything will go down on engagement night, and Rome won’t see what’s coming.
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--NIGHT--
Rome: I’m here to picky Mrs. Rome Patchata for our date.
Rita: Date? I didn’t know that we had plans tonight.
Rome: It was a surprise, and tonight is full of them.
Rita: Well I do like surprises. But one thing, I’m not Mrs. Rome Patchata, we aren’t married yet.
Rome: Yet. But soon. Because once we get married, it’ll be just you and me. Alone. Together. What will we do with our time?
Rita: Sicko. Anyways, where are going?
Rome: That’s also a surprise. Wear this (hands her a blindfold). Make sure you don’t peek, I don’t want you cheating.
A half an hour later, they arrived a secluded park. Rome told Rita to wait for his signal, he quickly walked into the middle of the park. He then yelled out that it was okay for Rita to take off the blindfold. Right when she took it off, the lights lit up. They covered the tree and streetlamps all across the park. There was a white rose petal runway for Rita to get to Rome who was standing in the middle of the park with the biggest smile on his face. As she began to walk towards him, with a choir singing “You’re Still I Want” by Shania Twain. Rita stared into Rome’s eyes, she felt so lucky to have someone as sweet as him. Tears started forming her eyes knowing that this is all pretend and that she will have to break his heart. She reminded herself to not get too close, except the more she doesn’t want to, the more she does.
She finally reaches Rome, and before Rita could speak, Rome plants his lips on Rita’s. A soft subtle kiss. He wiped her tears, and then signaled the choir to quiet down but softly sing “Until You” by Shayne Ward. Rome gave Rita a quick smile and proceeded to get on one knee. Rita was about to speak, but Rome spoke first.
Rome: Rita, I love you now and forever. Although we haven’t known each other as long as others would, I know already that there is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with. From the moment I met you, I knew that I wanted to be with you. I love who you are, you’re funny, sweet, kind, beautiful, cute, and fun to be with, outgoing, caring, and lovable. I love the way you laugh, the 6 different smiles you have, the way you eat, the way you pout, and I would go on and on but it would take a lifetime to finish. Anyways, what I’m trying to say is: Will you marry me?
Rita: (she looked into his eyes and couldn’t say anything except yes) yes.
Rome: I was hoping you would say that.
He slips the ring on her finger and stood up for the kiss. Rita couldn’t help but kiss him back. Tears rolled down her face, she was so surprise that Rome would go to all this trouble to propose to her again.
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Dear Rita,
All my life there was only one girl I wanted to take care of, and that’s Taew. There’s something about her that makes her different. One day you’ll understand what I mean when you meet that special someone. There’s no other feeling like it.
Mario
TBC
Spoilers:
Rita: Tonight, Rome will be heartbroken.
Yard: Do you really love her?
Tye: I do.
Rome: How could you do this to me?!
Taew: Rita will pay. I will not let my brother marry someone like her.