Encounter

Aleia was supposed to be happy because it was her wedding to the man she loves most. It was the wedding she always imagined though she never thought would happen.

She was wearing a simple yet very classy and elegant white gown matched with a pair of heels she never thought she’ll be wearing until that day. Though she was not comfortable with she still managed to pull it off. She did not want to become a laughing stock in front of all the elites.

She was known to be that badass type who indulged in jeans, shirts, and rubber shoes. But she came out from her comfort zone to be a pleasing bride. She looked like a hidden goddess from a different world that everyone would stare at her the moment they will see her.

Everything at the wedding was perfect. Her gown emphasized her well-toned and fit physique. The venue was well-decorated with beautiful ornaments that made her feel that she was in paradise. She could even live there longer than expected.

Everyone was happy and excited about the union of two powerful families. Sadly, for the wealthy, marriage is a form of investment to expand their powers and influence. Amidst all the busy and happy people, there are two who were just going with the flow.

It was her and none other than her husband, Matthew who could not even kiss her on the lips when they were told to kiss as husband and wife. Aleia could not find the reason to be happy because she knew Matthew was just faking everything. His smiles and sweet gestures were just a cover-up.

She could not help but think about what kind of life awaited her after the ceremony. Why are they doing these if they will end up hurting each other? Because for her, marriage is a sacred thing that binds two hearts that beat as one.

For other women, their marriage is the epilogue of their story. But for her, it was just the beginning of a new chapter and she cannot foresee if it will end up happily.

“Reign, best wishes. Whatever happens, always remember that I am your father and I wanted you to be happy,” her father said when they were left alone at the matrimonial table.

Her husband was busy entertaining their visitors and she was left out. She only knew a few of them.

“Thanks, dad. I hope you can forgive me soon for not giving up on him.” She smiled sadly and reached for his hand that was on his lap. Her dad squeezed her hand and kissed her palm.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize. Soon, Nathalie would be able to cope with this. Anyway, I know that the party is not over yet but do you mind If I’ll leave first?”

Aleia gave a slight nod. She knew her father could not stay any longer because of Nathalie and her stepmom who did not even care to attend her wedding. It was impossible to happen though. Only her dad And Morraine came to attend the wedding.

She walked with him to the parking lot where he even hugged and kissed her before he left. She was crying silently while watching her dad leave. That was the best gift that she could ever have. His hugs and kisses-the things she missed from him all these years. A father’s love.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Why is the beautiful bride crying in the dark? Alone?”

She wiped all her tears with her hand when she heard that unfamiliar voice behind her. When she turned to see him- it was David, Matt’s best friend.

“By the way, I’m David,” he said and offered a handshake.

She was about to reach for David’s hand when Zach entered the scene with his cold expression. It was Zach who accepted David’s hand for a shake. David let out a soft laugh and looked away while Zach remained calm and blank.

“I thought you liked the other girl?” Zach asked David.

David chuckled. “Jealous, man? Jeez! Are you serious? I was just getting to know her since you two got married before anything else.”

Aleia knew she blushed with the thought of Matt being jealous of his best friend. At the same time, she was curious about the other girl that they were talking to.

“I want to borrow my wife,” Zach said, grabbed her hand, and dragged her somewhere away from David. David was smiling sarcastically while looking at them.

“Why were you there, alone?” he coldly said while looking intensely at her.” Were you trying to catch someone’s attention and play as a victim?”

“What? No!” She almost screamed. How could this man treat her this way? She did nothing wrong but love him with all herself.

“Who knows what’s in your cunning mind right now? You were good at pretending and deceiving others like what you did to me!” Zach said and smiled devilishly as he came closer to her.

He even pinned her to the wall and pressed himself closer to her with a little distance left between them. She could feel his breath fuming in her face.

Aleia closed her eyes. She thought that he would kiss her but he didn’t. Instead, he just traced the corner of her lips that made her breathless.

“Are you missing my kisses, my wife?” he said sarcastically. Aleia slowly opened her eyes and she saw different emotions playing in her husband’s eyes. Lust, desire, anger, and disappointment. And love was never there.

She heaved a sigh and pushed him away. He was not the man she loved ever since. He became stern, cold, and emotionless because of her. She never thought she would make a prince become a monster.

“Wife, you will go home with me after this. We will move to our new house this evening. I’ll see you later,” he said and left her alone. She even saw him smile at some random guest.

Aleia started to question if she did the right thing-if she could make things work? She does not want to end up broken. But can she endure his cold treatment when they will be leaving under one roof?

“Lei, we have been looking for you. Where have you been?” Chelo asked her while her sister Morraine was eyeing her?

She did not want the two to know how she was feeling so she faked a smile and looked away.

“I sent dad home. Are you enjoying the party?” she asked and guided them back inside.

“Course, but we noticed that the bride is not. Are you okay?” Chelo asked.

Hiding her feelings from her was so difficult because Chelo knows her that much she could even read her.

” I am. I’m just nervous and maybe excited!” she lied because the truth is, she was scared of her husband who became a different person.

Chelo giggled and bumped her.” Who wouldn’t when you got a hot husband. Everyone was dreaming to tame him but you won the fight. But wait! Why are you going separately? You are newlyweds, you must entertain your guests together.

“I let him do his things. They are his guests and I barely knew them,” she answered but Chelo was not convinced. She dragged Aleia somewhere. Away from the crowd and from her sister who did not have any idea at all of what was happening.

“Now, tell me. Is there something wrong?” Chelo was persistent that she was not able to hold back her emotions. She cried and wept silently. “Oh my God, Lei! What is happening? Why are you crying on your wedding day?” Chelo asked and reached for her hand.

“Chelo, he hates me because I did not tell him my real identity when we were on the island. I’ve explained everything to him but he was not interested to hear it.”

“Then why did he pursue marrying you?”

Aleia shook her head.” I don’t know. He just said that he needed me… to fulfill her manly needs.” Her voice cracked.

Chelo’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth in disbelief.” Goodness! And you? Why did you agree to marry him when you knew it all along, Lei? Are you a martyr?” Chelo said with condemnation.

“I wanted to ask forgiveness and if this is the only way to do it- then I will. And, maybe I can work things out when we get there.”

“Lei, I know that you love him but love has no eyes to see what is right or wrong. But we are capable of doing it. Yet, you still chose to be with him even if you know will be hurt. Is that the kind of love you want?” Chelo asked her and when she was speechless she hugged her. “Just let me know if you need help but I’m telling you, you don’t deserve all of these.

Chelo has a point but there’s no turning back. There’s no escape route.