Scars Of A Forced Marriage

"Perhaps I should just flee.

Or should I refuse the priest's request?

However, this could exacerbate the situation.

And I can't let that happen.

I must be strong.

Elara, just keep in mind why you're doing this.

I stand in front of the mirror, looking at myself while wearing a stunning white bridal gown. I assumed I would have the most during my wedding, but it's not there at all.

The radiance of joy.

"You look sooooo pretty Dii...!!!!"

As my younger brother came into the room, I heard him say.

I turned to him and forced the biggest smile I could; I've learned to completely conceal my issues, suffering, and problems these days, especially when my brother is there.

After all, I was forced to accept the wedding proposal because of him. However, I will ensure that he is not aware of this. What's always happening to him is that I'm having an arranged marriage. He was receiving treatment for his leg at the hospital when this agreement was being finalized. I took advantage of that by telling him that I fell in love with a man who just so happened to be the son of our father's friend. Despite just being five years old, he has a high level of intelligence and gets even more possessive of me. He is everything to me, and I am aware that I am his.

As he walks into the room, I give him a look. Wearing a black suit and, for once, having his hair done precisely, he enters the room with his crutch in his left hand and his gorgeous brown eyes gleaming with joy.

"Really, Bunny... You think so...!!??"

I called him by the nickname that only I use, and I asked him with an almost flawless smile, attempting to seem as normal as possible.

Indeed, my sister is currently the most gorgeous bride... at this moment!

Are you aware of what transpired today?

He says as he rushes in my direction.

"What?"

"Father said that I can..." He then runs into the room's chair and collapses.

I run to him, help him up, force him to sit on the chair, reprimand him, and examine his leg to see if it is hurt.

"Why are you always in a hurry..? Thank god your leg isn't hurt. The doctor said that we need to be extra careful if we want your leg to be completely fine. But if you're gonna trip and fall like that, then the chances of you walking without this cluster will be even lower..!!"

He stares at me with a lovely smile on his naive face as I speak, concerned about the delicate state of his leg.

I ask, bewildered, "Are you okay???" You're smiling at me while I'm reprimanding you.

"Nioooo I not okkkay.. I mean, I'm not okay after you go away after this ... I missssss you Diii...!!! I'll miss getting scolded by yiooou... I'll miss getting pampered by yioou... I'll miss your presence... I'll miss us moments... I'll miss talking to yioou till I fall asleep..!!! I don't want you to go away from me.. Bunny loves you Dii..!!!"

With tears in his eyes, he says as he hugs me tightly with his tiny hands.

"DII love you too, Bunny...!!! And don't worry, I won't let you miss me..!!! This wedding will bring us even closer.. And you will get all the happiness that you deserve.. I promise you."

With tears in my eyes and a determined tone, I respond, reflecting on why I consented to this wedding in the first place.

We remained in that embrace till the door opened and the antagonists from our lives entered the room wearing the most phony smiles.

Mike, our father, and Jennifer, his wife.

Observing them brings back memories of the day I was told I had to get married. Or should I argue that I was forced into marriage by blackmail?

Flashback Commences

Several Days Prior

In the study space

"By this weekend you're getting married to Mr Lorenzo's Son ..!!"

Startled by his words, I yelled, "WHAT..!!!! Have you gone insane, Father????!!!!"

As I fall and feel a rough hand on my cheek, I hear a different voice.

"How dare you talk to your father that way..!? Where are your manners, young Lady !!!"

"To hell with manners..!!! You both have gone insane!!!! Get it straight, I'm NOT MARRYING anyone... No matter what...!!!!"

I respond and turn to leave the room, but I pause when I hear this.

"Hello, Doctor.... Yes, this is Mike Edward. I wanted to tell you to stop all the treatments for Bryian. We no longer need it."

"Are you sure, Mr Edward? I mean your son's leg can get better if we continue, else it will get even worse, and the poor boy will suffer from a lot of pain."

The doctor responds over the phone's speakers, sounding shocked and worried.

I froze where I was when I heard that. When I turned around, I saw my father using his phone while seated in his chair behind his desk, and Jennifer leaning on her husband's chair and grinning evilly at me.

"Please Father... Not this...!! I beg of you.. Don't do this...!!!"

I say this as I realize what he was attempting to do and feel tears streaming from my eyes.

I turn to face Jenifer and say, my eyes beseeching:

I understand that you don't like me at all, and that's okay since I'm not your kid, so please, Jennifer.

However, Bryian.

You have a son of your own.

Your own blood...

Show him that you care about him for once!

Please advise Father to continue his treatment because his legs have been aching a lot lately, and it will get worse if he doesn't!

Jenifer, please...

From evil to concern, her expressions shift. The problem is going to become worse, and I am positive that she is totally acting it out. For me!

"You're right, darling ... His legs are already bad.. And will get worse only.. But you know what...!!! The one who can stop that is not me, but you..!! All you have to do is just say YES. For once, prove that you love him more than anyone else."

She spoke in the most derisive manner imaginable. And keep going while I watch helplessly, unsure of how to escape the maelstrom I find myself in.

If you believe that your NGO job at that child orphanage will help you with Bryian's treatment, then keep dreaming, Elara. You know very well that nothing like that is going to happen, because the treatment will cost more than five times what you get each month, and you will only receive a few hundred dollars. At this point, you can only decide what is more important to you.

YOUR EMANATION

or

YOUR BROTHER'S SCIENCE.

As she tells me the hard reality of my life, I stare at her.

Then Jennifer follows my father as he gets up to exit the room. He glances back as he approaches the door and utters:

"You have till tomorrow to give me an answer. And I don't want to hear anything other than Yes."

I stare at him in disbelief. Unsure of what to do, I collapse in that room as soon as I hear the door close.

POV of Elara

"Can this man do this..!! You were wrong, Maa.. This man's name and heart are both made of stone. The most insensitive man ever. He has no feelings.. No emotions for his own kids.. Be it me or Bryian. And that Jennifer.. What kind of a mother is she?!!! Just because Bryian has leg problems and can't walk without his crutches makes her ashamed of him.. What should I do now?? Choose myself, my freedom, my life, or choose Bunny, the reason because of whom I was able to experience the meaning of love, care, and concern.. Please help me, Maa.. Please..."

The following day

I enter the house, exhausted, and stand in front of a mirror, staring at myself. I appear to be emotionally and physically worn out. For me, the day before was completely crazy. My father hurried to the hospital where Bryian was after first announcing his intention to marry me off. He needed to be soothed because he was in pain and had not received the necessary medications as directed by my father. After telling me their decision, our father and his wife had left for a party and a crucial business meeting, so I had to stay with him all night. Additionally, the lawyer arrived yesterday following the whole ordeal.

"So what have you decided..??"

I turn to listen to Jennifer, and I see the couple who were eating breakfast at the dining table. They appear quite assured, as though they were aware of my anticipated response.

"It's not like I have many opinions available. I'll go through this wedding.. The treatment of Bryian should not be stopped at any cost.!!"

I said, attempting to sound as strong and determined as I could.

Jennifer arrives to hug me as soon as I say it, saying:

"For once, I'm very happy that you are in our lives. And yes, we'll take complete care of Bryian..."

My father simply got to his feet and wiped his lips with his napkin before saying:

"Good! Tomorrow we are going shopping for the wedding. Go get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

The End of the Flashback

Today

"It's time, Elara."

My father says something that I hear.

We all leave the room after breaking the embrace, cleaning away Bunny's and my tears, getting ready for the wedding, and I accept the bouquet of lovely blue and white flowers that my father had purchased for me.

Our father and Bunny escorted me down the aisle. I am looking down at my brother because I lack the guts to gaze at the man I will soon marry.

Through my veil, I can first see his hazel eyes as I stand facing him. He had the ideal appearance. Dressed in a luxury tuxedo, with flawlessly styled black hair and hazel eyes, she appeared completely disinterested in the event.

Knowing the foundation of this connection, we both stand equally uneasy as the priest begins the ceremony. The only thing I know about the man I am currently marrying is that he is the new face of the Lorenzo Empire and the older son of my father's business partner. "Do you, Elara Mike Edward, take Leonardo Lorenzo as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

As the priest began speaking to me, I let go of the breath I was holding.

"I do.."

I say, promising to keep the holy vows of marriage. Even if our forced connection has a shaky foundation, I will give this partnership my all. After I vowed to try my best to uphold the marriage vows to my dying mother, I won't allow my marriage to fail.

The priest then turns to face my groom after being pleased with my response and says:

"Do you Leonardo Lorenzo take Elara Mike Edward as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

I hear him say, "I do!" first thing in the morning.

After exchanging wedding rings, we listen.

"You may now kiss the bride."

I get shivers just thinking about getting that wedding kiss, the priest says.

I can feel his hands gripping my hips, drawing me in closer. I close my eyes, attempting to conceal the chaos inside of me, and he raises my veil, bringing his face closer to mine. The kiss did occur after I waited, but it wasn't exactly how I had anticipated.

As the audience erupted in cheers, whistles, and joy, he came his face close to mine and planted a gentle kiss on my left cheek.

We try to read each other's minds by looking at each other, but we are unable to do so.

He's attempting to focus on something in my eyes, but what is it?

I'm not sure!

Bunny approaches us and grabs both of our hands in his own little ones, disturbing our eye contact.

"I am so happy that you finally got the man you loved."

While his eyes enlarge at Bunny's remark, Bryian says naively As I gaze at my new husband, who is shocked since he doesn't realize my brother doesn't know what is truly happening.

Fortunately, he doesn't say anything, so I silently thank God that he didn't say anything and let Bunny finish.

"Now I finally have a big brother who will take care of, love, support, and protect my sister, right?!"

Leonardo simply blinked his eyes and nodded in agreement.

Someone called Leonardo and left us both before Bunny could say anything more. He left.

As Jennifer arrives, she congratulates me on the wedding and tells me to change in the reserved room for the celebration.

I took Bunny with me as I left the wedding grounds since I knew that no one would be there to look after him because our parents were already preoccupied with the visitors, and he might hurt his leg if left alone.

I'm currently getting ready in the resort accommodation. I glance at Bryian, who is currently dozing off on the bed. Both of us have had a hard and exhausting day. I finally got myself out of my bridal gown and all of the makeup off my face after much effort. While waiting for my clothes, I sat on the room's couch and reflected on the recent change in my life.

I'm here.

Recently married.

I am now Mrs. Elara Leonardo Lorenzo, formerly Miss Elara Edward.

What are the repercussions now that I was compelled to be his bride?

Will my spouse, like my father, make my life difficult daily?

Or

Will my spouse comprehend me?

Perhaps he will comprehend me.

His eyes.

They're really profound.

And he sort of agreed with Bunny when he said all of that today, following the wedding.

Perhaps this wedding isn't as horrible as I had imagined it would be in the end.

And a tap on the door interrupted my train of thought.

And the last item being delivered is my clothing.

I begin preparing for the reception.

I had my hair down and applied makeup to my lovely, understated red gown.

I get ready, and then I glance in the mirror.

I was going to go wake Bryian up because I was happy with the outcome, but I heard some noises.

I leave the room in silence, wondering who it is, and follow the voices, which only grow louder as I approach their source. I recognize one of the voices.

I'm at the rear of the motel right now. Two people are visible to me; one is dressed casually and appears to be pleading as he is on his knees, while the other is wearing a suit and appears to be totally unmoved.

A man kneeling:

"Please, sir.. Have some mercy on me. I have a wife and 2 kids. Where will we stay if I give you my house!? I am an orphan, and with much sacrifice and difficulty, I bought that house. Please give me some time, and I'll repay all of your money."

"You should have thought of your wife and kids before keeping your house as a mortgage.. I have told you when I gave my money. If you don't repay on time, I'll get your house. And your time is up.. Either you give me my money or I'll take the house, and you know that you can't even stop me, as I have all the required papers. So don't waste my time and get the hell out of here."

As the defenseless man left, the other one responded, least concerned.

As I'm ready to head back to my room, I notice a second man joining in and saying.

"Wow, Sir.. What a mind-blowing plan that was! First, we indirectly lured him for a loan by using his addiction to sports cars at our bank, and made him keep his house as a mortgage, and made sure that he wasn't able to repay the loan on time. He must be thinking that he lost his house because of his car, but he doesn't know that we were actually conspiring to get the land below the house at a much lower price for our upcoming project."

"I know, we got this land 3 times less than its original market price. In business, only the mind works and not the heart. You need to get tough if you want to be at the top."

I left thinking about how cruel some people can be for their own selfish reasons, disgusted and enraged at those two for leaving a family without a roof over their heads.

I'm now making my way to my room down the hallway. To avoid disturbing my little angel's sleep, I open the door cautiously. I enter the room and am met with the most startling and unexpected view of my life.

He's there.

Sitting on the bed next to Bunny, petting his cheeks, and giving him a tender gaze.

Michael Edward

Our dad...

He seems to genuinely care about Bryian for the first time.

Is this thing real?

Or am I having a dream?

I don't mind staying in forever if this is a dream.

However, if this is true, please make this moment last forever.

I pause to appreciate this incredibly uncommon sight in my life. For once, they look great together. Their lips, nose, and brown eyes are all identical.

Nevertheless, the moment is short-lived. My father reverts to his severe, heartless demeanor as soon as he realizes I'm standing at the entrance staring at him.

Father sat and rose from the side. He approached me, grabbed my hands, and led me over to the sofa. Without saying a word, I watch him and do as he says.

He selects a box from the side table that wasn't there when I left the room. When he returns to me, he hands it to me and motions for me to open it.

When I opened it, I discovered the most adorable and surprising present ever. A box of bridal bangles was inside.

"Your Maa wanted you to get married in both Christian and traditional ways, but given the situation we are in .. It's not really possible, Elara... So I thought that maybe at least this will compensate for....."

Father says, and I'm crying as I gaze at him. At last, he showed concern about Maa. He did honor her desires. Perhaps he does care about me, even though he may not express it.

He just handed me the most amazing wedding present anyone could have given me, after all.

I'm still there when I hear the door opening.

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I look at Him. Already husband and wife, yet strangers to each other. He's looking at us currently with no expression. My father gets up and leaves the room, not before informing us that we are both expected at the reception. Area. I nod at my father whilst he stands looking at him.

Now that father is no longer in the room, I stand in my place a little awkwardly. And Leonardo just picks his clothes from the wardrobe and goes to the bathroom as fast as he can. After a few minutes, he comes back all ready for the reception and goes towards the dressing table.

And he's looking damn handsome. His hair is perfectly done, not a single strand out of its place; his shoes are shining. He had one of the perfect jawlines, and dressed in that tuxedo with the first two buttons of his shirt open. To keep it short, he's looking like a complete Lady Killer.

When he finally looks at me in the mirror, I realise that I've been staring at him since he stepped out of the washroom. Not knowing what to do or say, I look down while he puts on his deodorant, and a few seconds later, I hear.

" Ready? " He asks me.

'' Hmmm," I reply.

"Let's go then." He had already started walking out of the room when my eyes fell back on the bed and I realized that I had forgotten to wake Brian up.

Earlier, with the unexpected visit from my father and his surprise gift, the fact that Brian was also in the same room slipped out of my mind completely. "No.. Wait. Sorry. Actually, I forgot to wake my brother up. If you want, you can go ahead, or you can wait till he freshens up. "

Just then, his phone rings and he leaves the room while signalling to me that he's waiting for me at the entrance of the reception area.

In the corridor

Leonardo POV

" No, Parker! Do whatever it takes, but I want that contract.. By hook or crook. Parker, if that contract is not ours, then don't show me your fucking face ever. Am I clear enough!" Leonardo says in a quiet, dangerous yet determined tone.

Hanging up the call, my eyes fall on my right hand, there it is. The wedding ring.

Married..

But that's not how things are supposed to be. Marriage had never been on my To-Do list.

Yet. Here I am. Married to my business rival's daughter.

I had to marry her so that our business would expand and become the most powerful one, as desired by my father. For us, especially for Dad, our business is more important than anything else.

I married her for business, but why did she agree to marry me??

Someone that she knows absolutely nothing about. Why did she even agree to marry me?

Has she been forced into this? Or she just married me on her father's say?

Anyways...

No matter what the reason, now we are married.

And both our businesses will be combined and become the most powerful one now.

That's what only matters.

This wedding is just a compromise and nothing more for me!

Anyway, I should go to the entrance; she must be on the way with her brother by now.

Walking the corridor on my way to the reception area, I suddenly hear someone talking.

'' Thank God that this wedding has been accomplished without any kind of problem. I seriously thought that Elara would back out at the last moment, but thank god she didn't. Now, Mr Lorenzo will not be a threat; instead, he'll be a support to our business. " I see Jennifer say to Mike.

" Even I thought that Elara would back out of this wedding," Mike replies, looking a little lost.

" Well.. As you can see, MONEY can do many unexpected things. And don't forget that it's the money that made Elara agree to this wedding. I don't see any reason why she could have agreed to this marriage. "

" Hmm. I think we should go now. The guests must be waiting for us. After all, we are the hosts. "

" Absolutely dear.. Let's go. ' I stand there watching them leave.

She married me because of my money! And all this time, I thought that she was forced into this. Despite being the daughter of a billionaire, she married me just for money, it's not like that she's poor or a misfortune girl. Damn it... Her father is one of the best businessmen in this country and the richest as well. She already has so much money and luxuries, yet she isn't satisfied and wants more. That bloody gold digger. It means that all I saw earlier in her eyes was just a facade. And I almost fell for that. She again proves that women are only money-minded, bloody selfish, no matter how much money they have. But she's gonna be very sadly mistaken if she thinks I'm gonna let her take advantage of or abuse my money and status. I am not an idiot. And now I'm gonna make sure that she regrets her decision to marry me for my wealth!

My thoughts get disturbed as I spot her and her brother coming towards me.

Just look at her.. How does she act so perfectly? As if we actually had a love marriage, especially in front of her brother. How can she lie without flinching a single time in front of that kid..?? But you will never be able to fool me like that.

THIRD PERSON POV

" Sorry for being late. Shall we?" Elara says while looking at him

Leonardo just nods and can walk away when Brian stops him. " Aren't you two supposed to go in together?? "

The newly married couple looks at the little boy, surprised.

Taking hold of both hands, he puts them together and signals them to go in while he walks along with them with the help of his cluster. Clear by now that Bryian doesn't know the real reason for their wedding, Leonardo just plays along, not willing to upset him.

As the couple enters the reception, a few rounds of whistles, claps, and cheers are heard, and all approach to congratulate Elara and Leonardo. But as soon as Brian is out of their view, Leonardo yanks Elara's hand out of his and walks away. Elara is a little taken aback by his action, while the very few people who notice pretend as if they have seen nothing.

What happened to him suddenly? How can he do that in front of so many people? Is there something wrong? Elara's thoughts get disturbed as a young man approaches her, dressed in a designer suit, looking absolutely dashing.

" Hi. I am Roman. You don't know me, but I know you." The guy says with a smile while offering his hand. He gives her hand in his as he kisses it, and he continues. " Before you think that I'm flirting with you, lemme clarify things for you. First of all, welcome to the Lorenzo Family. I'm really very happy that we finally have a lady in our family. And secondly, I am Leonardo's younger brother. And now also your new brother. "

Hearing that, finally, someone is happy with this marriage, and at the discovery of this newly found bond, Elara smiles back at Roman. " Thank you for the welcome, Roman. It means a lot to me. And trust me.. I do mean it."

" I understand.. It's not like this is a normal wedding. I am sorry. Because of our businesses, you had to agree to this wedding. That you have been forced to be my brother's wife." Elara looks at Roman, surprised as he looks down at his branded, shining black shoes, a little guilty.

" Why are you sorry? It's not your fault, right!? " Elara says as she holds his hand, trying to make the situation easy.

Just then, they hear a voice on the mike. " And now, can we have the Bride and the Groom on the dance floor, please. "

A big round of applause is heard. Elara looks in the direction where Leonardo went, but he isn't here. While looking for him, her eyes fall on the exit of the room where her husband is currently. Here they are being called to dance while he is clearly leaving the reception party.

ELARA POV

He left! He just left without even turning back. Leaving me all alone here to deal with this embarrassment. What do I do now? I feel my cheeks heating up and turning red out of embarrassment as the speaker again requests the bride and groom to get on the floor, as everyone's eyes are fixed on me.

" Ladies and gentlemen, my brother had to attend some urgent work-related call, so I shall be dancing with my beautiful new sister. Can we have a big round of applause for the bride?" I look up and see Roman making this announcement to prevent me from being further embarrassed.

He approaches me and we start dancing to the song. "Sorry about this. Business is everything for Nick. He just doesn't see anything or anyone when it comes to the business. This time, it must be the same reason. With time, you will also get used to his behavior, just like me."

Roman says while dancing, to which I nod, knowing that he's trying to make up for the current mess both of our families are in. As the party goes on, the groom is still missing from the entire party.

Now the reception is over and I am taken to the entrance of the resort where a car is waiting for me.

It is supposed to take me to the location where Leonardo is supposed to spend the following week.

" Bye Dii. I'll love you and will miss you a lot." Brian says with sleepy eyes while hugging me.

"So will I. But the fact that I will not be with you doesn't mean that you can be careless. You promised me that you are gonna be a big boy now and take complete care of your legs till I'm

back."

"Yes. I'm a big boy now. I promise I will be careful."

" That's your younger brother, right?" I see Roman say as he approaches us.

"Yes. Roman, this is Bunn. Brian.. And Bunny, this is Roman, Leonardo's brother." I say as I make their introduction. After shaking their hands and then looking back at me. "Don't worry, Elara, I'll take complete care of Brian in your absence. Don't worry about him."

" How do you know about me!? Wait. I know. Diii told you about me. Right!" Bunny says innocently while I look stunned at Roman, as I am completely ignorant about him and his family, while he seems to know much about me and my family.

"Obviously, your Dii told me. Anyways, it's getting really late now, you two should leave now." Roman says as he spots Leonardo coming towards us. Saying bye to our families, I sit in the car while Leonardo is already in the car without even saying a single word to anyone.

We start our journey to our destination, which is still completely unknown to me. Currently, Leonardo is driving with his eyes and mind fixed on the road while I look out of the window, but I can see nothing due to the moonless night and the lack of proper lights on that path. Very soon, I feel my eyes getting heavy due to the tiredness of the day, with the wedding followed by the reception. And slowly I fall asleep.

" Get up. We are here." I hear a voice trying to get me out of my sweet sleep. I ignore that and continue sleeping. But the voice just gets even louder.

"You'd better get up right now or you can spend the remaining night locked in this fucking car.! I don't have any more time to waste on you."

By this time, I'm completely awake, and the look on his face is telling me that he's quite serious about what he just said. He just steps out of the car, and I follow him. We enter the place. Thanks to my sleepy self, I don't really notice the surroundings. At the reception, we are received by the manager who seems to have been waiting for us. One can easily say that the manager is very nervous with Leonardo's presence. I stand by Leonardo as he completes the formalities.

Currently, we are in the corridor heading towards the suite. Suddenly, his phone rings. He takes it out of his pocket, looks at the caller ID, and tells me. "Go to the room, I'll be back." He hands the room's card to me and leaves.

I continue to walk until I realize, after a few seconds, that I don't really know where our room is. And this corridor is full of rooms. Plus, at the reception, I didn't pay attention to what those people were saying. And there's no one here to help me out.

" What do I do now? Where to go? Maybe I should just ask him about where I need to go. Yess. That'll be good. I should just go and ask him." I say to myself.

I turn back and go in the direction he went. After walking a small distance, I spot him talking on the phone while running his hand through his hair in a tense way. As I approach him, I hear him say. "What do you mean by he's dead? Parker, do whatever it takes, but get that family out of there as soon as possible. I don't want them on my property."

I stand still at my place, shocked by what I just heard.

Dead! Who's dead? What's going on? Is there something wrong?

" That's not my fucking problem. I had already told him earlier to either repay me for my money or leave that house quietly. And what has happened now is not of my concern. I already said it to you, and this is the last time I'm saying this to you. In business, only the mind works and not the heart. You need to get tough if you want to be at the top. So get this sorted before I return... Otherwise, you'll have to look for another job for yourself. "

It was him. The man whom I saw at the resort is Leonardo. He made that man and his family homeless, and now that man's dead. Oh my god.

Leonardo sees me as he hangs up the call and looks at me with no emotion on his face, while I look at him, horrified with the new realization in my mind. "How can you be so calm? Even after knowing that the man is dead because of you!! Because you forced him to give you his house, you are doing a project. Just for money! How can you be so emotionless?"

He just continues looking at me and walks towards me with a dead serious look and anger in his eyes.

"Don't you dare talk to me like that. Stay away from me and my business. And such things coming from you don't sound good. I know very well why you married me. You gold digger! So spare me the drama. "

"Drama? What drama? If you think that you're gonna distract me from the main topic like that, then it's not working. That man died because of you!"

"I don't need to distract you. You are not important to me, so I don't have to explain anything to you.

It's not like I asked you to marry me.. You must definitely be having many options in your rich single guys list." He says as he comes closer to me, leaving no distance between us.

Pushing him away from me, I scream at him, angry at the fact that despite being wronged himself, he's accusing me. "This wedding was an option for you. But not for me! You really think that if given the opportunity, I would choose a beast like you as my husband!"

Enraged by my words, he grabs me by my shoulders and pins me to the wall behind me, and roars back at me. "Beast!? Right! Now this beast will show how cruel he can get! And what hell actually is like! And remember this is the first and last time you are using that tone with me!

( he takes out a gun from the back of his pants, he puts it against my head, and

continues while grabbing me by the throat roughly )

Because next time you won't be alive to regret..!! "

ELARA POV

"Don't you dare think that just because we're married, you have the right or any kind of authority to stop me or say any fucking thing to me. You're nobody to me. I give a damn about you and what you think. STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU BITCH!"

Still in shock that he actually had pulled a gun on me, I stayed rooted at my place while he walked away. Finally recovering from what has just transpired and wiping the unwanted tears from my face, I walk back inside. Thankfully, I spot a waiter.

"Excuse me.. Can you guide me to my room, please? I'm kind of lost." I say, trying to sound normal as I give him the room's card.

While the waiter gives me a surprised look and replies. "Sure, ma'am. This way." He says while showing the way as I follow him.

" Hmmm. Are you okay, ma'am?" He says.

" Yes, I'm perfectly fine." I lie.

He just nods, clearly not convinced, as we reach the room. After thanking him, I enter the room. As I switch the lights, I see one beautiful honeymoon suite. Decorated with flowers, candles, and all the lovey-dovey stuff for newlywedded ones. But as I face the mirror, I look at myself in horror.

Now I realize why that waiter had a surprised look. Because right now I'm looking like hell.

My lipstick is all smeared up all over my lips and cheeks, and the tears have messed up all my makeup.

I take a pair of leggings and a T-shirt from my suitcase, which is already in the room, and go to the washroom to remove the makeup and the gown.

After some minutes, I come back. Still no trace of my Hus... Of that man... Where the hell is he?? Well... We need to talk. We seriously need to talk. What he did was wrong. And he should realize that.

First, I need to calm myself. I go to the balcony for some fresh air.. The view from the balcony is beautiful, at 4 in the morning, with the lights still on and the sun starting to rise. I spot a wooden table and its matching chairs on the balcony. I sit on one of the chairs in the balcony waiting for him. But defeated by fatigue, I don't know when my eyes get heavy and I fall asleep there itself.

As the rays of the sun fall on my eyes, my sleep gets disturbed.

Okay, I get it. It's morning. But I don't want to get up right now...

I turn around to escape it, but fall hard on my left side.

As I feel my hand aching, I slowly open my eyes. The memories of last night hit me, I stand up quickly, but to my bad luck, a sharp pain hits my back. Regretting that quick action, I sit back on the chair and wait for the pain to calm down. As I feel better as time passes, I go into the room. The sheets are messed up. So he did return after I fell asleep, he also slept on the bed, and he didn't even bother to wake me up. He left me out there sleeping on that wooden chair. Still feeling a little pain in my back and hand, I'm about to move towards the washroom to freshen up when my eyes fall on the side table of the bed.

There's a tray of food there. I go near it and see that there are sandwiches, a glass of juice, a cup of coffee, apparently very strong since it's smelling like that, some cookies with a beautiful bunch of red flowers, as well as a piece of paper on the side. I pick up the paper and read.

" I know that the way I behaved lastly has hurt you a lot. And I am sorry.. I swear I am really very very sorry.. I am ashamed of that. I promise that this will not happen again. I was already tense, and I said all those things out of anger. I didn't mean any of them. I really want to make up for that.. So hurry up.. I'm waiting for you at the back of the hotel near the beach area. I have a small surprise for you. Come fast.

Love You

And sorry, Nick."

"What? Love!? So does this mean that he realizes that he was wrong last night? And he left such a sweet message. That's so sweet of him.

I said so many things to him last night out of anger. I called him a beast. Why do I get angry when I know that I can't handle myself? Maybe even he's like me. Says things that we don't really mean when angry, and once calm, regret the same previous actions.

Well, if he wants to make up and say sorry for what happened yesterday, then I should move ahead and say sorry for my behavior as well. Let's get ready and go, Elara." I think as I play with the flowers happily.

I open my suitcase and take the white dress that is on top, so as not to waste any time deciding what to wear. Not wasting any more time, I get ready and head towards the instructed area.

Currently, I am at the back of the hotel. It has this view of the sea and the sky with the bright sun shining; it looks even more beautiful. I walk on the sand, trying to see where he is as I feel the soft winds hitting my face. As I walk a short distance, I stand in surprise. This part of the beach has been beautifully decorated with red roses, red balloons in heart shape, and simple long pieces of cloth in red and white combination hanging around with a table and chairs in the middle.

All of it is looking absolutely eye-pleasing and romantic. As I pick up the red rose and balloon near my feet, my thoughts are overwhelmed.

Oh my god. He did. All of this. For me!?

Wow. It's sooo beautiful. Thank you, Leonardo...

Thank you for being the first one to make me feel so special. I don't think I'll ever be able to tell you what all of this means to me! Thank you!

"Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?" My thoughts get disturbed as I hear a voice shout at me.

I turn back to a lady coming towards dressed in a sexy designer dress, blonde hair, and high heels.

High heels! Who the hell wears heels to the beach! That too on the sand!

"I asked Who are you?" She says again as she pushes me back roughly, and I fall on the sand. Pain hits my back again due to the impact. As I struggle to get up, I retort back at her.

"Enough. How dare you? I'm waiting for my hus.." I don't get the chance to finish my sentence as she rushes past me, shouting happily

" Amore....... " She runs and hugs a guy, but as she's moving a lot, I can't see that man's face. Then she pulls him in for a kiss. I can see that they are kissing very passionately, hence they must definitely be lovers. But as the guy's face comes in front of me, I look at them horrified.

Leonardo.

Yes.. It's Leonardo.

Kissing that blonde in front of me.

I watch them in shock while they are still kissing. Not even 24 hours we've been married and this man is already... I know that this is a forced marriage.

But.. At least have some respect for it. Yesterday he promised to be loyal to me and our wedding, and today...

They finally break the kiss and notice me. The blonde says again in an irritated way,

"You're still here. Get out of here. I have booked this entire part of the hotel for us today. So out of here." I hear her as I look directly in Leonardo's eyes.

No emotion at all. No guilt. No regret. No surprise. No nothing.

He doesn't even try to give me an explanation. He just ignores me completely.

"Are you deaf or what? Can't you hear what I said!?" She shouts again, causing me to finally recover from what I just realized.

"Give her time to understand what's happening, Nilda. After all, she must be shocked seeing the man she married yesterday kissing another woman openly 1 day later." He says with a smirk while Nilda's facial expression changes from irritated to angry and disgusted. She's currently looking at me with anger in her eyes. She marches towards me, still very much angry.

Before I realize what she's gonna do/say, I fall again as she slaps me hard. Very hard.

And then I feel her hand grasping my hair roughly as she yells in my ears,

"All of this happened because of you. We fought because of you, imbecile. Because of you and your father's business, I cannot marry Leonardo. Because of you both, we almost broke up. And don't think that just because Leonardo married you, you can boss me or anyone else like his wife. That right belongs to me. And only me. Get that straight in your head! And now get the fuck out of here before I call the security to throw you out." Nilda says as she leaves my hair and goes towards Leonardo. Not knowing what to do more, I just get up and walk out of there without turning around.

I finally reach the room, as I enter it, I go to the mirror, and I look at myself. Not able to control myself anymore, I start laughing out loud. I keep laughing till tears start flowing out of my eyes, and crying replaces the previous laughter as I collapse.

No Leonardo. It's not your fault. It's again my fault..

Actually, it's always been my fault.

I thought you left that note for me. But seems like the note was for you instead.

How? How the hell did I even think that I could be happy for once?

So many times life taught me this lesson, yet each time I keep the hope alive that maybe even I can have a normal, happy life. And each time I've hurt myself only.

Why do I not accept it once and for all that happiness, love, care, and concern are not for me?

First, Father left me. The society didn't leave any stone unturned to make Maa realize that she was wrong in trusting and marrying a stranger. And also that I was mistaken and a burden on my Maa. Though Maa didn't say anything like that ever, I could hear the neighbors say from time to time that Maa had a very difficult time raising me.

Yet we were very happy and content with each other despite being poor. Then Maa also left me.

But Father brought me back into his life. Again, I thought that maybe now life is getting better, but it only gets worse.

That Jennifer left no stone unturned to make my life miserable, while Father said nothing.

Then Bunny came into my life, and the first time I held him was such a precious moment, yet Jennifer could not let that happen; she kept him away from me.

Till we discovered the medical condition of his legs. And it didn't take Jennifer a single moment to announce that she no longer wanted a handicapped child. And I had to fight both her and Father to convince them otherwise.

And Bunny's responsibility became mine. Being an 18-year-old at that time, I faced a lot of problems raising him, but Bunny was and is the only family that I'm left with. And I will not let anyone take him away from me ever.

And now. History repeated itself, last night you said clearly that I am no one to you, yet this morning I thought..

But thank you for reminding me that this wedding is just a business deal for you. I will not lose my focus again. Now my priority will be only Bunny.

And as far as you are concerned, Mr Leonardo Lorenzo, I will not let you treat me like you and that girl did today again. You want it or not, I am your wife, and you're stuck with me.

So, Nilda or no Nilda, I will make sure that you understand what the term Wedding really means.

I tell myself, determined to make him realize that he's wrong. And trust me, he will realize that.