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Would you be willing to pretend that your boyfriend is the boyfriend of another girl? And you pretend to be the girlfriend of another guy? In simple terms, an 'exchange partner'. Evo and Chloe's significant other is a Chinese person destined for each other. In other words, they are part of a Chinese tradition of arranged marriage. It's strictly forbidden to have relationships with others, especially outside their ethnicity. Due to doubts from their significant other's family, Chloe and Evo are forced to pretend that they are the ones truly in a relationship. However, what shouldn't have happened occurs. One night of mistake by Evo and Chloe leads them into a messy and complicated situation. Their parents force them into marriage. But because Chloe doesn't want to hurt anyone, she chooses to keep their marriage a secret and asks Evo to continue his relationship with his real girlfriend, while she does the same with her boyfriend. What if one of them falls in love for real? Can they bear seeing their own spouse being embraced and kissed by someone else?
Chloe's POV
I was in front of our house, waiting for our driver. He dropped off my mom at the office first because her car was at the auto repair shop. While I balanced my books over my chest, making drawings on the ground with my foot, a black van suddenly pulled up in front of me. I tilted my head to look at it and smiled. The gang. The door swung open, and Liam was sitting closest to the door.
"Hey, Chlow, what's up?" Liam said in his deep, fruity voice. Evo was seated next to Liam, smiling at me.
"What are you doing here, Chloe?" Evo asked. This man always spoke in an appealing voice.
"I'm waiting for Mang Nestor," I replied. Mang Nestor has been our driver for over 3 years since we moved to Manila.
I was born in Bataan, but we moved to Manila over 3 years ago when I was 15 years old. My mom accepted a job offer from a company that was hard to resist, they said.
My mom is an accounting manager and a single mother. My German father left her after she got pregnant with me. I've been on this earth for over 18 years, but I've never even caught a glimpse of my father. Lucky me!!
I only know his name - Niklas Hoffmann - but I use my mom's surname - de Jesus, Chloe de Jesus. And the house we live in now is one of the company's gifts. Not entirely a gift, because my mom still pays the entire amount. It's like a house loan, but the company covered 30% of it.
"Just come with us," Evo offers. The window on the passenger side rolls down, and Kelly greets me with a smile.
"Good morning sister, move in," I just smiled.
"Come on, Chlow, sit with us," Liam says.
"You go down first. Sit next to you," Evo instructs, and Liam obediently climbs down. Evo gets out too and helps me in. The two of them get back in, and Evo sits beside me. I'll just text Mang Nestor.
"Chloe, why are you so pretty?" Liam asks.
I smile, "Maybe, because there's no such thing as 'ugly' in your eyes, as long as they're wearing a skirt," I teased, and everyone bursts into laughter.
"That's because not all girls can be swayed by your sweet talk, dude!" Yuan teases.
"Shut up, Yuan! Maybe you're just too weak when it comes to girls. Damn! I already sent you a seductive lady, but you just sent her away. Maybe you're gay," Liam's response is just a loud laugh.
Oh! Liam really is a ladies' man. I wonder how many girlfriends he's had. He always seems to make them cry. I think all our girl classmates have been his girlfriend at some point. Friends fight because of him. Enemies team up just to get back at his current girlfriend. Let me rephrase that- his fling.
I turn my head to my right to look at Liam as my head leans against the car's backrest. But it turns out Evo had also leaned his head forward, so our gazes meet with our faces just inches apart. He looks serious while looking at me.
Why is this man so handsome? So kind, not arrogant despite all the attention he gets. He's still humble. He doesn't use his good looks to attract girls. He even avoids them when they flirt with him. He's perfect! More than perfect.
Oh my! My eyes nearly popped out of my head, holding my breath. Suddenly, Evo's face moved closer to mine. From inches apart, it became just an inch. His eyes widened in surprise. I gulp repeatedly.
He quickly pulls back. "Liam, what the heck?! You're so restless!" he scolds Liam. Due to Liam's fidgeting, he accidentally pushed Evo closer to me. I immediately look away from him. Argh! It's embarrassing! I feel like my face is turning red.
When we reach the school, we all head to the classroom together. The two lovebirds behind us are so sweet! - Dyllan & Kelly. They'll say goodbye to each other like it's going to be forever. They act like they're going to a faraway place.
When we reach the front of the classroom, Troy immediately hugs Kelly and pulls her inside.
Haha! Dyllan's face is priceless.
"Bye, hubby!" Kelly shouts. Dyllan swears and gives Troy a dirty look.
Well, Dyllan was asking for a kiss, and Kelly's cheek was ready, but she suddenly disappeared. Dyllan also looks cute when he's annoyed, so Troy and Rex always tease him by flirting with Kelly.
"Hi, Evo," Cheenie greets Evo.
"Hello, Cheenie," Evo greets her back.
"Hello, Cheenie, when are you going to answer Evo?" Liam interjects. Cheenie just smiles, and Evo quickly dismisses Liam.
Junjie comes out of their classroom, which is right next to ours. Cheenie and Junjie are classmates, and I think they're childhood friends. We're all in Senior High. Junjie immediately beams when he sees me. He's been a persistent suitor. Junjie was about to approach me when Liam suddenly pulls me in.
"Let's go, Chlow, let's go inside." I didn't get a chance to speak as Liam drags me into the classroom.
"You know, Chlow, you and Junjie don't match. Umm... I think we're a better fit, I'm cute, right? Should I court you? Do I stand a chance? I promise I'll be serious," he smiles at me while holding me. To be fair, this guy is good-looking too. But I'm sure you'll end up in tears if you entertain him.
"No, Liam. If I entertained you, it would be like hitting myself with a hammer or using a sledgehammer to break my own heart," I told him but still smiling. This guy is really persistent. I know he's not serious anyway. I freed myself from his hold and took my seat. Mannilyn is beside me and she kisses me and Troy. Kelly and the others are in the next row.
***
I'm so hungry! Just one more subject and it's break. We're in our specialization subject now. Kelly, Troy, Liam, and Evo are my only classmates here. We just entered.
Suddenly, Liam sits next to me, where Troy is supposed to sit.
"Let's switch seats, Troy," Liam suggests.
"Can you not, Liam? Stay in your own seat." Troy responds, a bit irritated.
"Come on, let me sit here, you sit next to Evo." Evo is seated behind me. Kelly is beside me, and Troy is on the other side, but Liam snagged his seat. Troy finally sighs and sits beside Evo.
"Chlow, can we be partners for the Chemistry project we're doing?" Persistent Liam again.
"Sorry, Liam, Chloe and I are partners," Evo said from behind me.
"Come on, Evo, you and Princess Grouch can be partners."
"No way! Rex is my partner," Kelly quickly responds. Kelly is really thankful that Rex showed up. They don't get along with these two.
"Chloe, can I borrow your English textbook?" I heard Evo. So I quickly turned my body to look at him. But everyone groaned afterward.
It's like the world stopped turning. I couldn't move my entire body, I was frozen. Oh my! My first kiss! It finally happened! Just as I turned, Evo's face was so close to mine. So his lips met mine.
Evo slowly pulled his lips away. Our gaze locked! He was shocked too. I gulp and gulp and gulp until my mouth is dry. Slowly, I leaned my body forward.
I saw Kelly was shocked with her mouth agape and eyes wide. Liam had the same reaction as Kelly.
Oh my god! What happened?
"Oh my god! Chloe, Evo, you just had your first kiss with each other!" I heard Kelly. Amusement is clear in her voice.
"Are you okay, Chlow?" I heard Liam with a hint of concern. I looked at him. He doesn't look amused, he actually seems concerned. I nodded at him. I heard Evo sigh. But he's not saying anything, and I don't want to look at him either. I felt embarrassed. Our teacher arrived, and I stayed quiet for the rest of the class.
*****
I was under the tree, sitting on the stone bench, lost in thought. I remembered what happened with Evo. Wow! I couldn't believe it happened. I hardly even looked around the class until it was over.
"Hey, Chlow," someone sat beside me.
"Hi, Cheenie."
"Um. I heard what happened earlier?" Oh my! I firmly shut my eyes for seconds long and opened them again.
"I'm sorry, Cheenie, it was an accident," I apologize.
She smiled, "I know, it's okay," she said.
I know she meant it. Cheenie is one of the most genuine people I've known. She's so kind, no wonder Evo's courting her.
"But you don't really have feelings for Evo, do you?" I felt a bit awkward with what she said, even though she was smiling.
"N-No! I-It's not like that! What are you thinking!" I almost stuttered my response. Do I sound defensive?
She laughed, "Sorry. You know what Chloe, I really like Evo, I really do."
"Then, why haven't you said yes to him if you like him?"
"How could I? He's not even courting me," I looked at her, giving her an inquiring gaze. She nodded.
"I don't know, he's confusing. We enjoy each other's company. When we talk on the phone, it goes on for hours. But geez! He never says he's courting or trying to court me. I'm just waiting for him to say 'I love you', I'll definitely say yes," I sighed at what she said. Because I knew Evo is indeed courting. I don't know! Or maybe he's just shy. God! With how perfect he is, he's still shy.
"And you, Chlow, haven't you ever liked Evo, even just a little bit?"
"No! Come on, not even a little," ugh! Why is she asking me this?
"Good! I have no competition then," she said playfully, and followed it with a laugh.
"Chloe! Evo!" I heard someone yelling my name and... Evo? Cheenie and I turned to look.
"Evo!" We both exclaimed.
"W-what are you doing here? Oh god! Did you hear... Arghh!" Cheenie covered her face with her palms. She looks too embarrassed. It seems like Evo overheard our entire conversation.
"What are you doing here, Evo?" I ask.
"Um. I just.. um. nothing, I just saw Cheenie, so I approached." I nodded my head. Why does he not seem happy? He should be happy if he heard what Cheenie said.
"Hey, Chlow. You're taking so long, Evo. You should just call Chloe," Liam calls out to me.
But why? They should have gone home by now. And what did he say?
"Come on, Chloe, let's go together. Mang Nestor called Evo, he's been trying to reach you for a while. Your mom's still at the office, he said you should just ride with us." Liam went on and on. I was too lost in my thoughts to pay attention. My mind was elsewhere anyway.
We got in the van once we reached the parking lot. After a few moments, Evo arrived and immediately got in. He didn't sit beside me this time. Liam was in between us. I looked at Evo, he closed his eyes. Why does he look upset?
***
"Hi, Pretty Yaya, is Kelly here?"
"She's inside, Pretty Chloe, come on in." I entered after the nanny opened the gate. I went straight to the main door.
But I stopped when I heard that it seems like what happened between Evo and me was the topic of Kelly's conversation.
"Finally, Evo, your lips are no longer virgin." Kelly said and laughed. I also heard Aunt and Uncle laugh.
"Why don't you just court Chloe instead, Evo? Hay! But it seems like she doesn't like you either. Why doesn't your charm work on Chloe?"
"Will you please shut up, Kelly! You keep saying the same thing over and over. So what if Chloe doesn't like me, I don't like her either!" Evo shouted at Kelly. I instinctively held my chest. It's like my chest suddenly tightened! It hurts to hear that.
"Chloe, why haven't you gone inside yet? Come on," yaya pulled me inside.
"Kelly, Chloe is here." I don't know why, but my attention suddenly focused on Evo. He looks surprised to see me.
"W-Were you there just now, Chloe?" Evo asked. I nodded slightly. I didn't want to lie, I wanted him to know that I heard what he said. That he's rude! He's not rude, Chloe, he was just telling the truth. Yeah right, conscience. You're absolutely right! Definitely right.
"Wait! Where are you taking me?" I anxiously asked. I already have an idea of where he's taking me, but my mind is still hopeful for a positive answer. It seems unlikely now as he takes large strides towards the Police Station. "Just a moment, Mister! Please don't take me there! I haven't done anything wrong to you," I plead, on the verge of tears. "You trespassed," he replies, pulling me along. I almost stumble due to the force of his grip on my wrist. "I was just hiding!" I shout, but all I can see is his broad back. Handsome? The hell, Adriana? You still have time to compliment this guy despite what he's doing to you? Blood rushes to my face as we finally enter the station. Cubicles and policemen fill every corner. People are complaining, and some are even arguing, with a police officer trying to intervene. Good heavens, Adriana. What have you gotten yourself into? "Good evening. What's the matter?" A police officer greets us and quickly approaches. I force a laugh and shake my head. "Nothing, sir! Just passing by—" "I saw her hiding inside my car. I don't know her. What charges can I file against her?" he interrupts. My lips part in horror. I look at the man beside me, briefly seeing how handsome he is. But fear and anxiety prevent me from admiring him further. "Quit it! I'm just avoiding my debtor!" "Did she steal anything, Sir?" I shift my gaze to the police officer. He looks at me for a moment. I sniff, holding back tears. "None. I don't have important things in my car. But I don't like the idea of a stranger hiding inside it while I'm out. Don't you think it's dangerous? What if she has malicious intentions?" My forehead wrinkles at his words. With one hand, I slap his arm. How pretentious! "And what harm could I do to you? Look at your huge physique! Do you think I can do anything to you? And even if you have important stuff inside your car, I don't care!" I yell in frustration. People are now looking at us, but I ignore them. Damn! I feel so frustrated and messed up right now. What does he think of me? Committing a crime? Being a thief? If only I could reveal my true life situation, I would. But I can't. I gulp as the man's dark eyes settle on me. He raises an eyebrow, as if finding my words unbelievable. "This woman seems to be telling the truth, Sir. She looks decent and doesn't seem like she'd do anything mischievous," the police officer says, looking at me. I smile at him, relieved that he sees me as a decent person. The policeman smiles back, but his gaze travels down my body. I frown at the kind of look he's giving me. "Looks can be deceiving. Send her to jail and let her stay there until tomorrow. If you won't do it, I have no choice but to file a complaint against you," he says, releasing his grip on my arm.
"Can we just forget that? I want you to forget what happened last night, that was a mistake!" She shouted at me, she's angry. Now I know why she's blushing, it's because she's angry but— what does she say? Forget? Immediately my head heated up because of what she said. "Mistake? Forget? how can I forget that moment whenever I will see my bed your naked body was the one who I always see there? ”I shouted at her, I am now mad. I slowly approached her. I saw how her cute eyes forms into a big circle when I step closer, once again. "D-Demeur ..." she called my name sweetly. That would have worked for me if I was in the right frame of mind but I'm angry now. I am now mad because of what have she said. "How can I forget that whenever I will close my eyes your lovely moan were the one I will here?" I asked her. "C-Can you p-please stop–" "How can I forget that when my body and mind is always looking for you? Tell me Anaya, how can I forget that night? How can I forget that baby?"
"I miss you and love you so much huh?" I was startled when I heard Ethan's voice behind me. "Who's that?! Your man?!" I closed my eyes when he screamed. He held my elbow so tightly that I winced from the pain. "Ouch, E-etha--" "Answer me!! Do you have a boyfriend?!!" He tightened his hold on my elbow even more. I immediately shook my head. "W-nothing" He threw me on the bed and ran. he brought his face close to my ear and whispered. "Just make sure. Because it's time to find out if you have a man. I won't think twice about killing that man."
"I'm Pregnant." I mustered up the courage to say those words in front of my husband. But he slapped me. My cheek tilted due to the strong force of his palm landing on my cheek, At the same time my tears began to fall. "Stop this bullshit!" he shouted loudly and threw the glass he was holding in front of me with all his might. I felt my toe splash because of the pain. I sat on the floor and did nothing but cry. How do we go wrong? "Did you hear me? I'm pregnant with your child." "Abort it". this cold answer to me made my heart tingle even more with pain. I couldn't believe looking at him. "W-what did you say?" He looks at me with disgust on his face. "I said Abort it, I don't want to have that damn child and I never wish to have a family with you, disgusting, so now leave and better get rid of that Fcking child." He firmly promised, you hurt me again for next time I am already crushed. How can you be so ruthless with your own child? I'm His Obsession that's why he doesn't want a child, all he wants is me. my body. He has everything, wealth and popularity but he doesn't know how to love. He's a CEO for fuck's sake. He can revive this child but he prefers to lose him because of his selfishness.
I smiled at my husband. They are the best gift of all. And here I thought I was an Unloved Princess. The first thing that was happened in Datlia was just a challenge, a challenge for me. And the one who stole my first kiss became my loving husband. You really can't tell the future. The future is unpredictable, and I am happy that it despite the challenge that I've been through, I didn't give up. Now this is the payment of all those.
I SILENTLY stared at the emptiness. I could see from the veranda the lights in the neighborhood. I gasped. How I wish I could be one of them --- an ordinary person who is free to live as normal. I am KEINTH LUCAS HARRISON, from the best clan in the town of Sta. Monica. I have no friends, and I used to be alone since then. But I'd rather be like this, than let other people know my secret, or should I say .. My family's SECRET.
For three years, Shane and Yvonne were wed, sharing heated nights, while his devotion clung to his ex. Yvonne strove to be a dutiful wife, yet their marriage felt hollow, built on desire rather than real warmth. All changed when she became pregnant, only for Shane to thrust her onto the operating table, warning, “Either you or the baby survives!” Broken by his cruelty, she vanished in grief and later returned, radiantly accomplished, leaving everyone awestruck. Haunted by remorse, Shane begged for another chance, but Yvonne only smiled and replied, “I’m sorry, men no longer interest me.”
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"