Forced Marriage

Chapter 36

Kabanata 36

I opened my eyes to see white ceiling and a faint scent of medicine. I groaned, my head is throbbing slightly, my throat felt dry.

" She's awake, sir. " I heard a feminine voice and when I sat, I saw a doctor.

" Oh! Isabella! " I saw Papa's eyes widened and he almost choked in relief.

" P-Papa.." I called weakly remembering what transpired before I passed out. My heart squeezed again at the realization.

Arthur..he kidnapped me.

He was behind it..

Nanlabo ulit ang mata ko pero agad kong pinunasan iyon. He wanted me so gone huh, I've never thought of it. The shooting? Was that all an act too? To get rid of me?

If I hadn't escaped, would I have died then? Die without knowing Arthur was behind it.

I felt hurt, mad, betrayed. I want to destroy something, I want to hurt someone.

But..it may have been partly my fault. I believed in him, he showed he wanted to get rid of me in the first place. My stupid self believed there's still beauty in every person, so I thought we'd work somehow.

It happened..which then was all a lie.

" A-Anak.." my father called with hesitation so I looked at him. He wants to say something..

Ano kayang sasabihin niya? Ano pang mas nakakagulat sa ginawa ni Arthur?

" Papa, what is it? " I said weakly..

" Sir, pakainin po muna natin ang pasyente. " Wika ng nurse saka may dumating na pagkain.

Papa nodded fervently. " Alright, ofcourse. " He says, now calm but there's still worry in his eyes.

" Papa..do you have something to say? " I asked suspiciously. Ayokong makarinig ng masamang balita. I've experienced too much now..

" Mamaya na, it's nothing so bad. Alright? Kain ka muna at magpahinga. " He says and kissed my forehead.

Kumurap ako at medyo guminhawa. I nodded and ate, tho I have no appetite. Hindi ko maubos lahat.

Papa was there, he didn't go which I didn't expect. He always has work..

He took care of me, he fed me fruits and scolded me gently to eat more. I figured he's worried about my health and even mentioned I got a bit thinner.

" I'm so sorry iha. Patawarin mo ako, because of my stupid decision you suffered. " He apologized and I stopped.

I stared at him, my chest heavy.

Honestly, I hated the forced marriage. I still didn't like how I married but remembering my time in that island.. I realized Papa just wants the best of me.

He always been careful of me, and I knew he didn't decide my marriage so easily. He had thought of it ever since I was young, he knew I was sickly. I have been in and out of hospitals and grew up depending on everyone.

I smiled and shook my head. My tears threatening to come out again. I hugged him. " Oh papa, please don't. I understand you, you just want what's best for me. I know you never want to harm me. " I said.

I heard him sigh shakily and sniffed. Naiiyak yata siya. " I thought it was a good choice iha, your mother and I are arranged and it was the best days of my life. When she passed, I was confused and scared how should I raise you alone.
And we don't have much relatives so I'm scared to leave you on your own if I do pass. " My hands held him tightly.