CHAPTER 1: The Offer

I stared at the kitchen clock that was placed in the wall on my left side. I can hear the tic toc of the second hand. I always wondered why time is so long when you want it to be short and so short when you want it to be longer.

Time is so short for me. I'm 23 now and I couldn't believe it. I still have no boyfriend since birth. How unfortunate!

Aisht! Why am I so dramatic? Will this happen to people whose life is very boring? How crazy! *laughs*

I stood up suddenly and it made my mom jumped from her chair. I saw her eyes widen in shock. I looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Why did you suddenly stand up?" my mom said irritated and continued eating.

I went back from sitting and just stared at my food. I suddenly lost my appetite. I looked at my mom who is eating without a care in the world and just watching some videos on YouTube.

I smiled bitterly. She really didn't care about me and the people around her. That's why my father left us when I was still a kid.

Yes, I came from a broken family.

I got up again from sitting and left the kitchen. I didn't even see her looking my way. Well, I'm used to not being cared for and loved. When I was a kid, I never leaned on her when I have problems. Ever since the first time I told her my problems, she didn't show interest at all. All I have is my dad, but he left us. So, since then, I learned how to build up my walls to protect myself. I became independent. I don't have anyone besides myself. That's why until now, I still don't have a boyfriend. I don't have no experience in such relationships. I really want to experience it but I have trust issues. And also, boys are intimidated by me. They can't get close to me because they think I'll ignore them if they'll say 'hi'. I'm not that rude.

They're judging me by how I looked at them. They thought I was gonna eat them. My friends said that I'm scary. Well, it's okay. You see, I don't like coward men.

I went to my room and dive on my bed. Tomorrow is my college graduation and I think I'll go alone again. *sigh* Of course, you'll go alone again, Alexandra. When did your mother or your father attend the special moment of your life? I looked at the picture frame on my bedside table and smiled sadly. I didn't realize that my face is wet from my tears. I wiped it with my hands. I took the picture frame from my bedside table. I couldn't stop my tears from falling. This is our first family picture. I miss this. I was 1 year old here. My father left us when I was 7 years old. He endured my mom's attitude for 6 years just for my sake. I never blamed him when he left us. Even if I'm used to my mom's attitude, it still hurts me.

As I flashback all those memories, I didn't realize that I'm already drifting off to sleep thinking of my sad past.

♡

Today is my graduation. I will be the next graduate to come on stage. I'm still looking in the crowd looking for someone. I know it's useless to think of her to come because it's impossible but I'm still hoping here. Maybe, she'll have a change of heart. This is my last graduation in my life and I thought she'll come.

How stupid of me. Why am I always hope for nothing? *sigh*

I'm stupid for being disappointed. How can you still hope for that, Alexandra.

"Martyr, Alexandra"

Argh! That d*mn last name again! Tch.

I walk to the stage and receive my diploma. I forced a smile and look at the crowd clapping their hands for the graduates. I wish my mom's there. *sigh*

Then suddenly, I saw a woman in the crowd who's shining..literally shining! Wait, am I seeing this right? I rubbed my eyes and look at the woman again. I saw her smiling at me and waving her hands to me. Am I hallucinating?

I'm gonna go check if what I just saw was true.

I walk down the stage fast and went to the crowd to see if that woman was really there. I looked for her in every corner but to my disappointment, I did not see her. I guess I was just hallucinating back there.

*sigh* I'll just go home. I'm not interested in joining the graduation song now, and besides, I already received my diploma. There's nothing for me there. My mom really didn't show up.

What a sad life!

I was walking towards the gate when I saw the shining woman near the gate, smiling at me, and gestured to come to her. This is not my imagination, right? I stopped walking and I rubbed my eyes again. That woman is still there! I'm actually looking at the shining woman back there!

"Come, Alexandra."

Her voice sent shivers down my spine. What's in her voice? It's like I'm hearing it from a goddess. Well, she really is like a goddess. With long, wavy, blonde hair, blue eyes, and flawless skin, who wouldn't mistake her as a goddess? And the fact that she's literally glowing!

"Who are you, Miss? Why do you know my name?" And now my trust issues are acting up again.

She sweetly smiled before answering me.

"I am Adara. I know who you are, Alexandra. From your strengths down to your weaknesses, what you need, and what you want in your life, I know it all. I'm here to give you an offer."

My eyes widen in shock. I was speechless. Her answer gave me goosebumps and I feel scared at this moment. What's her offer?