Chapter 3

“I'd have to get to the Alta Tierra Peak, mommy.” I am turning 18 a few more days and I needed to go to the famous peak before that happens. It has been a lot going on the past few days. Everyone is so busy preparing for the coming debut.

“You don't need to go there, Ysa. It's a lot more dangerous than going to the city.” Mommy said with finality. I pouted while she continued to arrange the flowers she got from her amiga.

I sighed and get up. “I will be going to the Cardinal's then.” I said and sashayed my way to the front door.

“Don't come home too late.” She said, not even giving me a glance.

The Cardinal's is my best friend’s house. We have been friends since my 16th birthday and since then, we decided to be best of friends.

I clicked the doorbell and her nanny went out.

“Hi Ysa. Merebeth is waiting for you.” She said with a wide smile. I informed Merebeth that I will be coming today so we can decide on the dress she will wear.

“Thank you, Eden. I will be going to her room now.” I replied with a big smile in my face too. She just nodded so I went to knock on Merebeth's door on the second floor of their house.

Their house was not as big as my grandma's mansion but it is not small either. It is enough for a family of three.

The door opened and it revealed Merebeth with a smile on her pretty face. Her dimples are showing.

“Come in, Ysa. I have so much to show you.” She held my hand and tugged me inside. Her room was a mixture of pink and purple. A normal color for a teenager. She is 2 years older than me. That's why when she tells me about her escapades in the city with her boyfriends, I am very amazed. How she can do all the things in legal ways. I even saw a kiss mark, as she named it, from one of her boyfriends.

“You know, I love going to your birthday, Ysa. There are so many young and rich bachelor.” She giggled while turning, wearing a ruffled gown. “I hear that most of the rich families are going. I wish I can see Eric again.” She said while sighing.

Eric was her long time crush now. She keeps on mentioning him though I don't really know the face.

“Well, if Eric is from here you can see him.” I said while folding a huge peplum dress.

“He is, Ysa. I heard you've been to their mansion years ago.” She said. Her eyes into a round wonder. Merebeth is pretty with her very straight hair. Mine's curly at the ends.

My brows furrowed. “I don't remember coming to a mansion with an Eric's name. Besides, I haven't been to any party for a few years already. Now that mommy's not doing fine.”

“Oh, yes. I remember. Anyway, here…” she showed me more of her dresses. She said these dresses are from known designers in the city. Merebeth likes pretty things. She is good with style and design.

We continued to chat till it was late afternoon. I bid goodbye and went home.

It was a peaceful week for me. One more moth and I will be turning 18. I can't say I am as excited as Merebeth, but well, I like how my life will turn after.

“Let's welcome the beautiful debutant, Ysabelle Dominique Cortiz!” there were thunderous claps that filled the whole venue.

Everything was shining, the venue was so beautiful that my mommy gave a more money to the designer. It was televised as well.

I had my 18 roses and 18 candles, all were being represented by my classmates and cousins. My escort was one of my cousins.

The party flew off after the formal dinner. Everyone was so hyped up.

I saw Merebeth in the crowd and ahe has gone wild with some of my cousins and classmates. Some were cheering while they were grinding off and dancing.

“Excuse me, Miss Ysa. Your mommy and grandma wants to see you.” One of grandma's maids came to me and say while I was seated in the presidential table..

I nodded and followed her inside the house. They were all seated in the library with other 4 people with them.

“Good evening.” I greeted curtly and sat down in between my mommy and grandma.

“Good evening, Ysa. I hope you remember me.” I looked at the woman and somehow remembered a face when I was younger. I looked at the four visitors but only the woman looks familiar to me.

I nodded to answer her. She smiled a bit showing her cute dimples.

“So… as I was saying Emilia, our Ysa here is of age. I hope you reconsider our proposal.” My grandma said after a while. My brows furrowed and looked at my grandma.

“What proposal, grandma?”

Mommy held my hand. Prompting me to keep mum.

“I understand Doña Isabela. However, my son refuses still.” The woman, Emilia, said. She looked at me and then my grandma.

“I thought you have talked to him about this, Emilia. It's not that we are forcing something here, if only we are not in great need, I will not be pursuing this!” grandma's tone raised a higher note. She held on the table which made me nervous.

“Mama, please.”

“This has been long overdue, Emilia. You know this. Our families have long talked about this and yet you chose to take your own path.” Grandma said while looking at the man beside Emilia.

Emilia sighed and looked at my mommy. I glanced at mommy and saw her looking down at her fingers holding my hand. There was an heirloom ring in her ring finger. I know this because I once tried it on.

“Let us not talk about the past now, Doña Isabela. I understand your frustrations. Rest assured I will talk about this with my son.” The woman said and looked intently at my grandma.

Grandma sighed. “ I do hope so, Emilia.”

Getting confused at everything that's happening, I looked at mommy. I held her hands and leaned closer.

“I don't know why I am here mommy. Do you need me for anything?”

Someone cleared their throat. I see it was a man maybe mid-20s. I looked at them and realized they are all looking at me.

“You are a very important part of this, Ysabelle.” He said. Emilia held his hands on the table.

“Enrico, this is not your story to tell.” She warned him and then faced my grandma again. “I am very pleased to be back in your mansion, Doña Isabela. However the consequences that we may have faced, please know that I am very sorry.” She said as she grip on the man beside her.

Grandma sighed heavily and nodded at her. “I hope we can be in this together now Emilia.” She said as a final remark. She stood up from the table. “Please excuse me now. Enjoy the rest of the party.” And then she left.

My mommy sighed and stood up as well bringing me with her.

“It was nice seeing you again, Emilia. I am very sorry about how Mama has been acting. I will have to talk to her about this too.” As she held my back.

The woman smiled. “ no problem, Sally. I know that my son has better judgment in this matter.”

As they were talking, I see the younger man looking at me. He smirked a bit and whispered something in his mom's ear. She smiled a bit too and shushed him.

“Let us go down now and enjoy the party.” My mommy guided everyone down the ballroom while they were chatting a bit.

The party ended well though I don't really remember the most of it..

Later that morning, someone came to visit.