Fem is Angry (3)

At Greg Law's home, the cheerful atmosphere suddenly dropped into a cold silence and staring. The Law couple knew it was because of the arrangement they made yet they didn't notice their daughter's subtle objection until she flared up to her father. If they had been so observant enough, they could have explained their reason before they announced. It was just because Greg is a tough guy and he is used to ordering his children while leaving them no chance to complain.

Now that some of them have tasted an independent life and are matured enough to decide on their own, it was somewhat hard for him to adjust, much more let go of them.

The siblings looked at each other wondering what happened. Why would she suddenly leave? They knew she has two weeks vacation and was glad about it, but why would she suddenly leave without telling any of them. They felt that they have offended their sibling for whatever reason they were not aware of. The elder ones deduced that it must have something to do with the talk between their father and their uncle Douglas. Who knows?

...

In the morning of the 26th at B city inside the Arevalo's mansion, Dave Arevalo was shaking his head upon hearing his grandson's worried voice.

Mark informed him about Fem's anger regarding the arrangement. "She shut off her phone and she's not reading my messages!" he told his grandfather.

"So are we going to push through the wedding? Remember, I have already contacted my comrades. They're setting aside their schedules just for this." Dave informed his grandson.

"I'll clear my schedules this week. I'll try to apply for an indefinite leave today. I'll fly there tonight grandpa. Send me a chopper!" Mark instantly said.

With the military connection of Dave Arevalo, his grandson's application for indefinite leave was instantly signed and was emailed back to him one hour before he left his office that day.

The chopper sent by his grandpa was at its best condition. After he got off from the headquarters, he hurriedly went to his apartment, packed his suitcase, retrieved a small box from his drawer and securely wrapped it with his thin handkerchief then put it in his inner pocket.

The chopper left South City at five o'clock PM. By 8:00o'clock PM, it has already landed in the helipad near the Arevalo mansion.

The first thing Mark did upon arrival was to dial his favorite set of numbers. He was not going to give up! He dialed three consecutive long calls yet no one picked up. He tried again, this time it was picked up. Thank God! But the voice he was expecting was not what he longed to hear. It was a man's voice and he sounded drunk! What? Who have the guts to answer his woman's phone?

Mark almost broke the gate he was closing. He slammed it behind him and stopped in his tracks seething in anger and worry. His breathing almost stopped and his brows almost overlapped each other as he knitted them.

Why are they together? Why is Fem suddenly like this? Did she have a sudden change of heart? What are they doing together?

After being taunted by Stanley, Fem's voice came through, indifferent and so distant but melancholic as she seem to be drunk.

Mark was sweating in anger, in nervousness and worry. They're drunk together! What could happen between them if they sleep together?

He was so agitated by Stanley's taunting. For a moment, he felt he was at a loss yet when Fem called him the man she loves, he was somehow hopeful that his woman was still in her right mind.

Mark could only apologize and plead for her understanding and forgiveness. He knew he shouldn't waste anymore time, otherwise his woman will be snatched by his rival for good.

Did he underestimate his rival? He didn't think Stanley could be as bold as this! He can actually make things happen if he was just slightly assertive as him. But Mark was so confident that his woman's heart belongs to him. Stanley maybe holding her now, but her heart is not with him.

"Do whatever you wish my man. You can also plan our life together. After all, you're like your almighty grandpa and my dictator papa. I can only shudder in fear of you all. You're all the same! You can all do what you want! After everything is ready, come and get my dead body to join you on the altar." Fem's words sent shivers down Mark's spine.

Even Stanley who was sitting beside her suddenly came to his senses when he heard her say this. Did she actually plan to commit suicide? Is it why she came alone to hide? It was sure a blessing that she caught up with them along the way. If they had not been roaming around the mountain and inspecting the Fem Manor, they could have reached home before Fem arrived at the foot of the mountain. Stanley didn't know how deep she was hurt by her father's manipulation and it sounded like he has connived with Mark without even consulting her. That was indeed hurtful, specially for a bride who deserves to be cherished and be made the happiest on her wedding day! What a shame! They spoiled a supposedly most beautiful moment!

With these words, Mark can't hold it in anymore. He suddenly burst out a hoarse broken sound. "Fem... I don't know how to apologize to you.... I'll come fund you tonight. Where are you?" He said in a broken voice, sobbing in between.

"Nahhh, don't waste your time Mark. You should rest. Stanley is here...He will not let me die yet because I know he loves me, right Stan?" Fem said raising her chin to her cousin in front of her.

"Hmmmm.... I can also be buried by your side." Stan answered lazily without much thinking. His was also tipsy.

"Ha ha, heard that Mark? What can you say?" Fem laughed lightly.

Mark didn't know what to say or do. It's only past nine in the evening. If he uses the chopper to the north, probably he can reach there at about half past ten. But it's dark and the north is a mountainous area. He knew he could land on Mr. Laws pastureland, but his analogy and instinct is telling him that his woman is not at her father's home. Where could he find her this hour of the night.

He proceeded to enter the big house. His grandparents were still watching TV in the living room. With his suitcase in his hand, he hurriedly strode towards the stairs after greeting his grandparents.

He went straight to the study room and dialled a certain number.