I stare at my shocked parents in horror. They were staring at me with wide eyes as they just witnessed me slap Stephan's face in front of them.

God, I put myself in danger now.

"Ariana Cruz, what the heck did you just do to Stephan?" Mom was so angry as she walked towards us and pushed me to them.

"Mom, I-I can explain" I stuttered.

But she just gave me a glare causing me to shut my mouth. She turned to Stephan who had a red cheek from my slap. "You are clearly misunderstanding these things."

"Misunderstanding, you slapped Stephan!"

"He was shouting at my face!" I snapped, raising my voice.

"Yes, she is right." Stephan admitted.

"Yes, I'm right —wait...what?" I stared at him, awkwardly.

Stephan sigh and placed his hand in the pockets of his pants "I am gonna make it clear to the both of you. Ariana and I don't want to get married." He stated without a hint gag in his voice all seriousness. "It's not just her but I also hate the idea of getting married again. Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Cruz but this plan is not gonna work out for the both of us."

My mouth just opened while he was making his speech. From our conversation earlier, I didn't expect him to admit it already and he said that he is putting this one me. But he reasoned out it was me and him who hates this forced marriage. I waited for what Mom and Dad will react but they just looked at us.

"No" Dad just blurt out.

"What?" I gasped.

"This fix marriage will go on. This has been a deal since the day you we're born. And no one is gonna cancel even if it is you two." Dad said, seriously then walked out but before he could really disappear "Ariana, in my office. Now" then he just left with a dead serious tone making me scared all of a sudden.

"I will talk to your father." Mom broke the silence then followed Dad behind.

Now I was left with Stephan again. He looks not to care at all based on the expression of his face.

"What are we gonna do now?" I asked really worried.

"Then I'm not gonna give up." He said, facing me. "I will never ever agree to my parents plan and let them control my life for me. Even if I have to run away and leave my restaurant, then I will do it."

I don't know if I should be happy with that but it kinda hurts to know that he really badly doesn't want to marry me.

"Have you told your parents that you don't want to marry me?"

"Yes, I did since the first time they said to me years ago. But since I'm a rebel child, they didn't approve my request instead they made it even worst." He cursed silently.

"You really don't want to be tied to me, huh?" I smiled bitterly looking down on the pool as I watched the reflection of the moon.

"Yes. In fact, I don't want to be tied down again to anyone. . The last time I got married, I ended up being cheated and my own wife stole all of my money. But how about you? What are you planning once we got married? My money? Luxury? Sex?"

I was gonna raise my hand to slap him but I stopped in mid air. "Stephan, being your wife is the last thing that I want and even if I got married to you, I don't need your money, the life or sex from you because I am successful on my own so don't you dare talk to me like I'm some gold digger because I am fucking not. I'm too rich to be like that" I told him, straightly. "So, what are you gonna say to that, slacker?" I raised an eyebrow, like challenging him.

Then Stephan smirked which is not what I am expecting from him. "You never failed to amuse me, Ariana." He said then all of a sudden, he did something that just took my off the ground. "I guess this will be harder than I thought."

Stephan kissed me.

Oh dear.

He is freaking kiss me and not just a kiss but he is trying to make out with me and the shocking thing is that I'm actually enjoying it! I can't push him away because the kiss just weakens me and very tempting for me.

Then he pulled away sooner than I thought with the same charismatic smirk of his "See you soon, doll." he winked at me then turned away towards the house.

After he left me, my knees just gave up as I sat down on one of the pool chairs and my lips we're shaking when I touched them. My head is actually spinning right now and I'm so confused.

What is the reason why he kissed me? He said he hates me then he just kissed me. Is he trying to play with my emotions or something?

But damn, that kiss is just so freaking amazing. From all the kiss that experienced, I definitely know which one is Stephan's kiss is. He must be really an expert in one. God, I sound like a teenager who just had a first kiss but damn I care.

But don't make this his advantage. I still have to prove that I don't want to marry him. God, this is stressing me out.

Then I remembered, I still have my parents to deal with.

I walk upstairs towards the office to see both of my parents standing there and I assume that are talking about something. Probably the scene that happened down there with Stephan.

"Dad, please. I don't want to get married yet, please. Or maybe you can arrange me to someone else, because it is very clear that Stephan hates me." I nearly begged.

"The wedding is still on, Ariana. Its been a deal since you two were born in this world and you can't do anything about it." Mom said, looking at Dad then me.

"But can't you see that he hates me? He doesn't want the wedding to continue and so do I." I continued to argue but I know this won't do anything. My opinion is not important with them.

"Ariana, Stephan is a very successful chef. He can help you grow better and he is the perfect husband for you" Mom said then added. "He will be a good help to you and like we are trying to say...Draco and Cruz families have been friends for centuries, helping each other in times of need and in business. Then this is the only request they made...a marriage for our child. Just understand, Ariana. No more"

I sigh and was about to argue again but I stopped when Dad finally spoke.

"Ariana, if you announced this marriage off then I will not let you set a foot in this house again. Do not disappoint me again like your brother always do. Show me that you are different from him and you are stronger than him. No children of mine are cowards and you know how much I hate coward people, Ariana." He slammed his fist on the table causing some things on it fell on the ground. "You better not disappoint me again, Ariana. Stephan is a good man and you will marry him. End of discussion. Now, leave my room. And don't you dare show your face to me until you finally seeked this in your brain!" he turned away from me, furiously angry and sat down on his office desk.

Then I just started crying silently.

Mom slowly walk towards me. "We only want what is best for you, Ariana. We don't want you to end up like your brother who doesn't know what he is going to do in his life. So please...please, just understand us." She held my cheek, wiping the tear that fell from my eyes "I will talk to your father."

I disappointed them again...

But why?

Why do I have to feel this way? All I wanted in my life is to make them proud and tell me how much they love me but I always ended up a failure. I am always bad and horrible in their eyes. But agreeing in this deal will really make them happy?

Will they disown me?

No, I can't handle that thought. I have to talk to Stephan and tell him that we should really agree to our parents. This is the only way for them to finally notice me that I can do something good.

Ever since I was a kid, my parents have been dictating everything in my life. School, course, job, clothes...all of it. They always tell me that this is for my sake as they only want what is best for me. But me, being the good daughter, always listens. Well, they are my parents and they know what is best for my future so I have no choice but to listen.

Even if it will ruin my life...I still have to do this.

I don't want to cause anymore trouble to them. So I have to make a decision.

THE NEXT MORNING, I am standing in front of Stephan's condo. According to some people, he lives in this building and he unit was on the third floor. I inhaled and exhaled deeply, before I could enter the place. I used the elevator and presses the 3rd floor and then here I am.

Yay, how exciting. Note my sarcasm.

Now, I am in front of his door. I can do this, all I have to do is knock and tell him that we have to talk. As simple as that.

No need to be so nervous. So, I raised my hand and knocked on the modern style door. But seconds had passed and no one is still planning to open it. Is he still sleeping?

"Stephan?" I called, as I continue knocking a little harder this time. "Hey, it's me. Ariana."

I waited a little. Maybe he's not here.

Then when I was about to turn to leave, the door finally opened but false alarm, I am actually expecting a half naked Stephan will great me but unfortunately it's a woman only wearing underwear.

"Um..." I mumbled, trying not to look at her body. God, my poor innocent eyes!

She had a pure blonde hair, round beautiful eyes, swollen lips and had a sexy body. She is a complete meaning of hot, I must say. Well, she is standing there so comfortable with just wearing those lacy underwear.

"Do you need something, sweetheart?" She asked, in a bored expression.

"Ah, no. I think I am in the wrong place." I excused and smiled softly.

"I see you're exactly how Stephan described you." She spoke before I completely leave. She knows Stephan?

"Excuse me?"

"You really are a brunette hottie, tall, striking green eyes but boring in terms of clothes." She roamed her eyes to me from head to toe. How dare she?!

I am wearing a yellow sundress with a white cardigan and plain white doll shoes. What is boring with that? Does she want me wearing something like her? Nearly naked?! God, I can't do that! That is so much skin and a proper lady should not be wearing that.

"Uh, excuse me. And who are you?" I questioned her with one eyebrow raised.

She was about to open her mouth to speak when a male dominating voice came out from inside. "You! I already told you to leave and what the fuck are you still doing here?"

That's Stephan.

Only Stephan can make my heart beat this fast just knowing his presence and hearing his voice. Then there, I saw him, half naked with a towel around his waist. And that is one big tattoos he had on his chest. His hair is also wet, he just came out of the shower I assume. He looked shock when he saw me standing on his doorway but he just shrugged it off and walk to the girl.

"But baby, I cooked you some breakfast" the girl whined.

"I don't fucking care. Just get out of my condo and don't fucking show yourself to me again. Fuck, you used my fucking kitchen. Get out!" He shouted harshly on the girl and pushed her out. "And don't you dare step in this building again, Tiffany."

"Tiffany? My name is Natalie, asshole." She glared at him then walked out...still in her underwear. Oh, gross.

"I don't give a fuck" he shouted back then cursed once more but quietly this time.

I just stand there, unmoving until he noticed my presence and flashed me one of his glares. "Why are you here?"

Then I just came back to my senses and faced him. "I'm actually here because I want to talk to you." I told him, directly.

His eyebrows frowns and opened his door widely for me to enter so I did. I entered his unit and I'm actually surprised how clean and order his things are. The place is very boyish with the pale blue painted walls and his tiled wooden floor. His furniture is very simple but his things are surely luxurious.

"Sit down. Make yourself comfortable." He murmured as he head to his kitchen near his living room. I carefully sat down on the couch and looked around. (A/N: the photo of the condo on the side)

I watched him from here and I noticed that he was throwing the foods in the garbage. "Hey, what are you doing with that? You're wasting food."

"Tiffany —I mean Natalie made these that means I don't need them. I can make my own food." He replies, impassively. "Damn it, she used all of my milk"

"So? She exerted an effort to make those for you. At least be grateful, will you?" I rolled my eyes at the air and leaned back on the couch, crossing my legs but still properly. I swear, she would slap my head and tell me to sit straight and put my leg down.

Stephan sulked "We made it clear last night before I fuck her that she will leave once the sun rises. It's not my fault that she's to dumb."

Shit, too strong words. But still he is being cold.

"So what? She is still a woman, Stephan. Just respect her like one."

Then he scoffed "Great, I see that you're also controlling just like our parents. What a shame, Ariana." The started walking towards where I am then stopped in front of me "What do you really want, doll? As much I as can, I don't want woman in my condo unless they want to satisfy me in bed. So, why are you here?" He talks so cold and so hurtful. Who is this man?

Well, here it goes...

I inhaled deeply then just blurt out "Marry me."

Then suddenly, Stephan's expression was unreadable. "The Fuck?"

I swallowed and cleared my throat "This is my only hope, Stephan. I will disappoint my parents if you don't marry me. Please, just agreed on this one."

His face darkens and cursed "Are you hearing what are you saying? You are sounding like a total desperate so good daughter, Ariana. Dont let them fucking controlling you."

I closed my eyes tightly before opening them. "It's not that easy, Stephan. They already hate me and I can't handle that. I keep on disappointing them and I want to do something that will make them happy."

"By making your life miserable." He cut me off, crossing his arms around his chest. His bare chest and darn, he is still in a towel.

"What do you mean?"

"You will agree to marry me? Ariana, you just caught me with a woman in my own condo and you still want to marry me?"

"I won't be selfish, Stephan. If you want to still sleep around while we're married then fine by me." My voice starts to shake. God, what am I doing to myself. I will let my husband cheat on me and I will be okay with it? Just great, Idiot.

Stephan looked so surprise yet his anger is still in his eyes. "No. I'm not gonna marry you."

My shoulder just dropped. "But why?"

"Because you're a coward." He replied. "I will not let myself be tied down to a woman who is like a robot. Now, leave"

"But Ste~"

"If we ever got married, then your parents suddenly tell you to divorce me then you'll do it?" He narrowed his eyes at me.

I swallowed once again. "Y-yes...if that's will make you all happy." I looked to the ground.

"Well not me."

Huh? I raised my head and our eyes quickly came in contact.

But he quickly removed his eyes from me then just his emotion became cold "Now leave."

"Stephan~"

"I said leave!" He shouted making me jump a little. "Don't you dare come close to me again"

Okay, then. I blinked before turning to leave his condo. If that's what he said then it's not my fault anymore. Our parents will make us marry no matter what, all I have to do is just agree to them and Stephan will handle this.

I left and got into my car to drive off. Now I want to my best friend. I think she just arrived from her model job and I so badly want to hear her voice again. She is the only one who cared for me who doesn't have to tell me what to do. Unlike my parents but I know I can do this one.

I can go through this.

Just a little more and I will make my parents regret this.