Chapter- 1
Princess Cassandra George is an orphan who has never known her biological parents. She grew up in the squatter’s area of Metro Manila, the only place that she have ever been, the place that brought her up. Her life was never easy; every day was a struggle of survival. She needed to fight to live and has endured so far up until her sixteenth birthday. That was when everything changed.
Suddenly, a woman named Doña Betita came along. She took Cassandra out of the dump she was in without really explaining what’s going on. Out of desperation, Cassy never second guessed and immediately took her offer to come with her to England.
"I'll just deal with the consequences later for this opportunity to get out of my shitty life could never come again," Cassandra thought to herself.
She doesn't know if it was a stroke of luck or maybe there’s really a god looking out for poor creatures like her because she had never regretted that decision from then on.
Doña Betita changed her life. She gave everything that Cassy could ever ask for. Signature bags, dresses, shoes, money and most importantly my education. She sent her to a prestigious university in England where she took her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Legal Studies. In return, Cassandra devoted my life to her and took care of Betita as her one and only family.
Cassy was happy and was living comfortably for the first time in her life. But she knows that Doña Betita will be leaving me anytime soon too. And she did. She left her. Cassy is all alone again.
Before Doña Betita passed away, she called Cassandra and her legal counsel. In her last will and testament, she left Cassy all her wealth. Riches that Cassy has never dreamed of. Frankly, she never expected anything because having Doña Betita was more than enough. She treated Cassy as her own and Cassy was more than grateful for that.
What surprised Cassy was her disclosure that I she is indeed her real granddaughter. That they are blood related. Cassy was so happy but saddened by the thought of why she kept it secret all this time. Just when she thought that she already got the shock of her life, the lawyer said that all of Doña Betita's wealth will be transferred her my name only when she fulfills her conditions to go back to the Philippines and find a certain Delta Montemayor, one of the Quadruplets of the Montemayors, and that I need to marry the man.
"I need to marry Delta Montemayor to get my inheritance?" Cassy asked the lawyer with disbelief.
"The will specifically instructed that you need to be married to Mr. Montemayor when you turn twenty two years old and that you even need to have a child before you reach your twenty fifth birthday," the lawyer answered her.
Cassy felt dizzy of all the revelations and the conditions that her grandmother had left her.
"Because if not, all the assets and wealth of your grandmother would go to the charity," the lawyer continued.
"I could never understand grandma for such conditions. I couldn’t believe what I just heard. What’s even more hilarious is that grandma left a sealed envelope that I can't open until I succeed in my mission," Cassy repeatedly thought to herself that day.
Five years later...
"Welcome to NAIA Philippines." The management of the airport announced repeatedly.
And yes, here I am in my native land. Up until now, I’m clueless as to why my grandmother is forcing me to do all of her conditions. She was my only family and yet before ascending to heaven, she left such a difficult task for me and a heavy burden on my shoulders. This is just not about the inheritance. I am doing this because it is my grandma’s wishes and I’m really curious what’s inside that envelop.
As per the lawyer’s instruction, I proceed immediately to the domestic airport for my connecting flight bound to Palawan, where the Private Resorts of the Montemayors are located. In that place, I’ll finally meet Delta Montemayor. Upon my arrival, I hurriedly walked towards the boat which would take me directly to the Montemayors’ private resort.
"I'm running out of time. I need to hurry," I murmured to myself.
While striding, I'm actually thinking how to approach Mr. Delta Montemayor. I’m too nervous to face a man like him who belongs to Alta-society. A well-known man from a prestigious family not only in the Philippines but around the world, especially in Europe. I don't have any idea how he looks nor what resort I am going to. I should have done my research. I just too tense right now. The only thing I'm holding is a piece of paper which is my grandmother's last will and testament.
As I was sitting in the boat to the resort, my thoughts seems to wander elsewhere. I started imagining what could happen if and what should I say to Mr. Delta. What kind of man could he be?
The lady staff’s voice suddenly aired, announcing that in few minutes they will land in Palawan Island. One of the famous resorts all over the world. It's a tourist spot in the country.
"Wake up Cassy," I silently apprehended myself. I needed to calm myself because there’s no going back now.
I looked around and the view took my breath away. "I love this place. It's a paradise!" I smiled as I stepped out from the boat.
I chose to wear something simple and light to match the weather and the beach vibe here in Palawan. It's just a pair of white T-shirt and a rubber shoes. I tied my hair up and wore my favorite sun glasses to match the scorching sun. As I stepped out, I fetch my two luggage. I decided to pack light as I don’t intend to live here for good.
I asked for help with the direction from the man beside me but I couldn’t understand what he’s saying so I decided to ask him in English instead.
"Can you speak in Tagalog or English please?"
"Where are you headed, Ma'am?"
I looked around for a moment because the way he asked me looks like I had companions with me. He was looking past me when I was the one talking to him.
"I am alone, Mister. And I am going to the Montemayors’ Private Resort."
"Come and sit here for a while, Ma’am."
"It's alright. Can you help me with the direction, please?"
I didn't hear any answer from him. He just he nodded at me and walked me silently to a cab. I just followed. After sometimes, the car stopped.
"Here is my fare, Mister. Thank you." She handed him the money as her fare.
"Thank you, Ma'am," he answered as he turned around once more.
"Thank you, God. I am here safely," I mumbled praises to God for keeping me safe and allowing me to arrive in this strange place on time.
"Welcome, Miss. Come here and let's go," a woman welcomed me. I could feel the sincerity of this woman in front of me. The way she speaks and smiled to me prove it all.
"Thank you. By the way, Is this Motemayors’ Resort already?” I asked. “No, Ma’am. You still need another ride. I’ll bring you there.” She answered.
Just when I thought that I arrived already. “How much longer will it take until I get there?" I asked.
"It's more than one hour, Ma'am. But don’t worry, you’ll surely enjoy sightseeing as we travel," she smiled again before she go back to the designated sit.
