Single Daddy's Beloved Wife

(Alana)

I sat in front of the mirror, contemplating what was happening. Tears filled my eyes with no way of escaping. My heart ached agonizingly. I wanted to wake up from this nightmare. To stop whatever was going on

I couldn't do this anymore, the nightmare seemed real, I was scared. Afraid, but I had no choice. This was my fate. I let the ladies doing my makeup and styling my hair do their work. I sat like a zombie, a string doll controlled by others. Waiting for someone to save me. Unfortunately, this was happening

It was my wedding, the day I was getting married and the six women in the room with me were hired to help me get ready. It was just a week ago that I wrote my final exams. I was studying a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts. I was a few steps from starting my life as an adult and using my skills to become the best fashion designer in the country and make my parents proud

I even applied for a job at a well-known jewelry company as an assistant to raise money for myself. Unfortunately, it all came crashing down when my parents told me I was getting married

Here I was, a step away from being tied to a man I didn't know. I didn't even see his face or know what he was like. I wanted to run. But where could I run to when we were at the groom's farm house? He was from a wealthy family, my parents were getting me married to a wealthy man from a prestigious family I didn't meet nor love.

"How is it? Do you like the shade?" I was startled back to reality when one of the ladies asked me. Tilting my head to look at her. She was showing me some kind of blush, I didn't know. I hated everything, I loved something simple. This was why I didn't wear too much makeup

"The hair, I have several styles for you... Miss kindly choose the one you want," another one said, showing me her iPad. I wasn't bothered. All this was fake, I didn't care how I looked because I wasn't marrying for love nor was I marrying the man of my dreams

"You are beautiful, the wedding dress looks good on you. The groom will be bewitched," the ladies continued their compliments. I was dead inside, no amount of perfume or makeup could hide the scars caused by my parents

A few minutes later, the door to the room burst open. I didn't even bother to look up when I heard a familiar sweet melodious female voice say

"Is she ready? Please hurry up, the ceremony is about to start," the woman who was excited about the wedding came to check on me. She stood beside me and I could see her reflection in the mirror. Her name was Erin Romero, she was married to the older brother of the man I was going to marry. She was married to the most influential, handsome man in all of Italy. She was a brunette with a beautiful smile with bright blue eyes. I had to say, she was gorgeous with a voluptuous figure. Anyone would doubt she had four kids

"Smile sweetie, it's your big day...the guests have started arriving... Do you need a drink or anything, just tell me," she said, reaching for my chin and tilting my head up a little? No matter how nice and friendly she was, I wanted to tell her not to proceed with the wedding

"N-no thanks, I'm fine," I stammered the words out, my voice was hoarse due to crying all night.

"You are beautiful Lana...should I call you Lana since you are joining our family," she said with a smile and let go of me, I had nothing to say; hence I nodded just as the makeup lady finished up with the final touches

"Sure," I replied to her question and she smiled even more

"Marcela is busy welcoming guests, feel free dear... you'll be fine... I was nervous on my wedding day as well. phew, that fuzzy feeling in your stomach is sickening," the woman said dramatically, I could tell she was a jovial one and kind of down to earth. For a woman married to such a man, I expected her to be arrogant and cheeky

Shortly after, the door opened and this time it was my mom who came in. Seeing her, my eyes watered. I couldn't stand it; hence I flung out of the car, forgetting my hair was getting pinned and rushed to her and hugged her unexpectedly.

"Sweetheart, you'll be fine," she muttered and hugged me back. I snuggled to her and sobbed my heart out. Furthermore, I wanted her to take me with her, to stop the wedding and let me arrange my life on my own

"She's emotional, I'll let you two talk" I heard Mrs. Romero say, but I was too occupied with my mom to mind. The door opened and closed, and it was just my mom and I left

"Alana, please don't do this," mom said prying me off her chest, I didn't want to let go, but she held my hand and guided me to the couch away from the dressing mirror

"Mom, this isn't what I want... please whatever it is, I'll do it...but don't let me marry a man I don't know," I held her hands and pleaded with her. If she could feel my aching heart, the pain in my eyes. Then she would stop the wedding. Her hesitation sent a different message. She lowered her gaze and gripped my hands tightly. Tatiana Mendoza was a sweet mother. A woman who loved her family more than anything. I couldn't believe she made such a decision without me

"Baby, I'm sorry... I already explained what's at stake... if you want you can leave but bear in mind... your father and I will..." my mom started saying, but before she could voice out the dreadful words I would rather not hear. I placed my hand over her mouth stopping her from saying it

"Y-you mean the world to me...you and dad are my life...the source of my happiness... If you are not happy...then I'm...not," they meant everything to me, despite everything, I knew I had to do this for them. To make them happy,

"Thank you sweetie...you'll see. Ricardo Romero is a good man, he'll take care of you. The entire family is good to us," her mom remarked with a smile and cupped her face lightly as if afraid she might ruin my makeup. My eyes lowered to her touch, feeling her warmth for the last time. I nodded and a bit back tears, forgetting my dreams. I had to forget 22 years of being a virgin and waiting for the right man to marry. Forget everything because I was getting married to someone didn't love.

Mom and I talked for a few minutes when my dad walked in, he was wearing a tuxedo. He seemed happy, but his eyes said something else. Both hugged me and assured me I'd be fine.

The moment arrived. I was nervous, my palms had turned cold, and I felt liquid dripping down. I nodded when the stepmom to the groom came to ask if everything was okay, her name was Marcela Romero. A classy lady, I failed to believe she had older children. She was still beautiful and well-kept... I also met Erin's husband. Mr. Armando Romero. He was a little scary with a dark, frightening aura from a distance when he was talking to my father. His domineering personality had me questioning how Erin managed him

But up close, he was a gentleman and nice. I wondered if the man I was getting married to was scary, arrogant or a complete gentleman.

(Alana)

Like a dream, I was guided outside the farm house. It was luxurious and completely beautiful. I was told all the Romero children got married here. It was their tradition to marry at their old mansion.

I also met two lovely girls, they were twins. Kira and Kiara. They were Erin's daughters. They dressed in pretty white similar dresses and nice white sandals. Not only that, but they carried two lovely baskets decorated with white flowers. Erin told me they would walk in front of me while throwing some flowers

Immediately we got outside, my mom dropped the veil over my face, I was grateful to her knowing I wanted to avoid being seen. Or for people to look at me and see how red my eyes were

My dad hooked his arm with me, I heard cheering and the wedding song instrumental played. It was a BEAUTIFUL IN WHITE song. I loved the song, maybe my mom requested for it to be played knowing how much I bragged to her to play the very same song on my wedding day

I felt even more emotional, I couldn't hold myself as I let my tears flow. Recalling the many times I would dance in the rain while playing the song while imagining myself in the arms of the man I loved. It was close to my heart,

My dad didn't rush but maintained the same pace as me. The wedding dress I was wearing was a little tight. It was beautiful with a long train, something the Romero family bought since all this was done rushing

Soon I felt we were approaching. Tension built up, I felt a warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach. My throat had gone dry, my legs had turned to jelly.

Oh gosh, I dreamed of getting married one day, but not like this

"Careful sweetie," my dad said while guiding me up the stairs I just noticed. I slowly and carefully climbed the few stairs leading up. Inhaling and exhaling. The music stopped and we stopped walking. I guessed we arrived

"I give you my precious daughter wholeheartedly...take care of her and make her happy...she's all I have, I... I wouldn't survive if anything happened to her," my dad said while handing me over to the man, I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was about to cry. Likewise, I felt a sharp pain to my heart hearing him about to break down

"She's all yours," he added when I felt warm large hands grab my cold hands and held me just as tight. My heart skipped a beat, the hands were large and a little rough. Despite the warmth, I felt insecure. I was a bit afraid because I was standing in front of the groom. My soon-to-be husband,

"We are gathered here, to witness...the wedding of Mr. Ricardo Romero and Miss Alana Mendoza." It was the priest who said through a mic, and my heart lurched. My breathing increased. Not just me, but the man's grip on me tightened a little. Was he also afraid? I wanted to remove the veil and see him. But I waited as the priest continued reciting the vows. Preaching about marriage and a blessed reunion. There was no love, I argued against that statement

"Please remove her veil, so she can see her beloved," the priest said, startling me, swallowing hard to refuse, but the man let go of me. He reached for the sides of my veil and like a slow movie scene

The veil was thrown off my face leaving me bare, a gush of cold breeze brushed against my face as a shiver ran through me. My eyes were closed. Slowly I tried to open them, afraid of whom I was about to see. Opening my eyes fully, I was met with dark, sharp eyes. A piercing gaze which could penetrate a soul. He was also tall and lean, refined and a lot muscular. His hair was short and neatly styled with a few bangs falling over his face, a sharp chiseled chin with a clean beard. He was wearing a black tuxedo which fit him perfectly. Other than that, he had a stern expression on. He didn't seem happy to see me or was it just his resting face

His presence made me feel afraid, the difference between him and Armando. Mr. Armando was scary from afar, but nice up closer. The man before him had a frightening aura, so dark and malicious that I didn't want to marry

"Miss Alana?" I was startled back to my senses by the priest, realizing I had been staring at the man before me like some lost fool. Glancing at the priest. I was confused. Did he say anything? I glanced over at my mom seated in the front roll, and she had her hands together as if praying I didn't run away. The groom's family was looking at me with intense eyes. Shifting my gaze back to the groom. I was automatically speechless

"Do you take Ricardo Romero...as your wedded husband, in sickness and in health...to love and to cherish, for better or for worse until death separates you?" The priest repeated the question I guessed he asked me earlier, and the world stopped around me. Was I ready for this, to accept the cold man before me as my husband? This was a big decision, but one look at my parents and I knew I had no choice

"Y-yes I do," the words left my lips and I heard people cheering and clapping

"Do you, Ricardo Romero..."

"Yes I do," the man said in a stern deep voice, cutting off the priest. I was surprised how fast he said I do, we exchanged rings just like that

"I now pronounce you husband and wife... you may kiss the bride," the priest declared the final words and my soul left my body. I was now married, I was not Alana Mendoza but Mrs. Alana Romero. This was a forced marriage, we didn't kiss, which I appreciated. People walked up to the stage and came to congratulate us. The groom's family were the first one to come.

"Welcome to the family Sweetheart, this grumpy fool is lucky to have you as a wife," the woman I knew was the stepmom to my new husband said and gave me a hug. I had no sentiments whatsoever, but out of respect. I smiled and pretended as if everything was okay

"She's beautiful, isn't she? Ricardo...come here and take photos with your wife," Erin came and gave me a hug as well. I was a little when she called me beautiful

"Erin is right...this is a big day, come here...stand close to your wife," my mother-in-law Marcela said and shoved the man close to me. His shoulder brushed against mine a little and I shifted away immediately

"Your arms around her, come on be a good hubby," Erin said cheerfully and asked the photographer to take a picture of us. For goodness's sake, I was so nervous, especially when he snaked his arm around my back, he didn't hold me but kept a distance. To people it looked like he was holding me, but in reality he was faking it. I appreciated it, knowing I didn't want him to touch me

"Aww, you look beautiful together," people around murmured cheerfully. Despite everything, my entire attention was on my parents. I was leaving them for another family. Thinking about that, I felt tears lingering in my eyes.

(Alana)

After a tiresome ceremony, Mrs. Erin Romero brought me to the same room and gave me some refreshments and something to eat. I told her I wasn't hungry, but she was adamant; hence I had no choice but to take a few bites

"What's this...it's very neat...did you draw this," she said while I was busy putting the suitcases properly. I glanced up and saw her holding my sketches

"Your mom gave these to me, she said they are important to you," she said and started checking the designs, I was quick to get them from her, knowing I would burn them later

"Oh no, actually just some silly drawing," I said and shoved them in the backpack

"They are beautiful, the necklaces go with the dresses... are you a designer?" She asked with interest in her eyes. I shook my head in denial

"No, it's...well, I get sometimes bored so..."

"I'm a designer myself, I know something beautiful when I see it... my husband runs a jewelry company, and it's now run by Ricardo.... Show the designs to Ricardo...he might need some new inspiration," Erin said warmly and picked up more designs and handed them to me. I thanked her and took my sketchbook as well. I made sure to pack everything, later on, once I settled. Not only that, but I was going to burn everything

"These are just rough ones...nothing special," these were some of the designs I made, so I could show any good company I'd get a job in. Unfortunately, now it was no use,

"See this, I'm sure it will look pretty on you... I bought so many for you to choose from," Erin said cheerfully while showing me all the dresses she bought. After the wedding ceremony and all the congratulatory wishes from people. Erin dragged me back inside to get ready for the after-party. I was exhausted and the wedding dress I was wearing was too tight

"Any will do, "I said, not sure if I wanted to attend any party. It was in the evening. What scared me was nighttime. As a new wife, what was I expected to do?

"Nonsense dear... you only experience this one time...come on, let's pick a beautiful dress. You have a sexy figure so...this dress will do," Erin remarked mischievously and showed me a red half-shoulder denim dress... her gaze and words had my cheeks burning from embarrassment, all my life I tried certainly to wear loose clothes. It was the only way I was comfortable, I didn't like wearing anything that outlined my figure

"Your brown hair is beautiful," she said while styling my hair differently. I didn't understand why she was such a nice lady, even if I was angry, I didn't show it in front of her "now you are good to go, hurry and get ready and oh did I tell you...you'll be leaving tomorrow morning," she added while rushing to get her purse and go, I was a little confused

"To...a different house?" I asked even if I knew I would have to leave with my husband

"No silly, to France...well, that's where your husband stays...in Paris," Erin said, pinching my cheeks lovingly. I was utterly surprised, Paris. Likewise, I thought we were going to stay in Italy. That way I would see my parents. But it seemed fate was indeed being cruel to me

"You'll love it... I'll come back to get you, let me see the guests," Mrs. Romero said with a warm smile and left the room. The door closed shut, and I turned toward the mirror.

"Paris," I muttered the words, even if I was sad to leave my parents. Paris was my favorite city, the city of love. Other than that, Paris was the world fashion capital. The heart of fashion...many great designers came from. France. I always dreamed to be among such people,

I undressed and kept the wedding dress on the bed. Wore the red dress and some heels Erin gave me and decided to find the party room. So far, my parents brought all my belongings, I just had to say goodbye to them,

I left the room and walked down the passageway. I was a little confused because it was the first time I came here. They used a different route to get me to the room. Then later Erin used another one saying she didn't want people to see her

"Oh gosh, am I lost," I was lost because I came to a place where there were many passageways and rooms. I was about to take the left when I heard voices. Mr. Armando's voice was one of them

"I did what you told me...now can I go in peace," I heard a deep stern voice say, I recognized it at first, and it was Ricardo talking

"Our family is here, stay and celebrate this just like everyone else," Mr. Armando said this time? It seemed they were discussing something private; hence I turned to leave but stopped

"I have work, I have an important meeting tomorrow morning... I can't stay here and waste my time over something useless," Ricardo said, this time Armando frowned, not sure if his little brother understood what a wedding was

"Work can wait... you are the boss...why don't you postpone the meeting for another day... you just got married," Armando remarked bitterly and elegantly sat down. He was irritated with Ricardo. After coming to his wedding late, he wanted to leave immediately

"My work is more important... all this is rubbish, if you think I'm going to tolerate this...then you are wrong," Ricardo spat out bitterly. He came to the wedding and did as told. They wanted a wife, and he gave them a wife. He hated parties. The least they could do was let him go back to France and focus on his work

"Stop this now, I expect you to be a good husband even if you don't like the idea...do it for Santiago," Armando said feeling frustrated, Ricardo didn't even bring Santiago to see his new mother all because he hated the idea of Santiago calling any woman his mother. The wedding was in the afternoon and Ricardo came the same day after threatening him

"I don't care, she's not my wife... she can stay here if she likes. I'm leaving," Ricardo said coldly and turned to leave when Armando's next words stopped him. Turning around. Ricardo's expression turned cold

"You heard me, mom will be in Paris too watching you, if you hurt that girl... I'll forget who you are...do you understand me, Ricardo Romero," Armando said in a dark tone and stood face to face with Ricardo? His gaze was dark and piercing that Ricardo stayed put. He didn't forget the black dragon, the mafia man before him. Ricardo knew any better than to say anything in front of Armando, knowing he was still a crazy mafia. it took time for Ricardo to finally accept he was a Romero too

"Be a good boy and don't let black dragon down," Armando added with a smirk and patted Ricardo on the shoulders before walking out on him. Ricardo remained standing there contemplating what to do

"I'm.... I'm sorry, well" once Armando walked out of the room he nearly bumped into a woman, and it was Alana

"Are you okay?" Armando asked and let go of her. Alana but her lower lip and averted her eyes from him

"Y-Yes... well, I got lost... I was..." she didn't know what to do when she was caught eavesdropping...but she couldn't help it. It seemed even Ricardo was against the marriage...if so, then why did he agree to marry her...he was a grown-up and could have easily walked out when the priest

"Don't worry, Ricky is here," Armando said with a smile just as Ricardo walked out of the room. And stopped when his eyes fell on the small lady before him. His wife

"Come on, show her around if you feel bored... I'll have the servants arrange your room and bring something to eat," Armando said and left from there...as soon as he disappeared down the passageway. Ricardo ignored Alana completely, took out his phone and walked away, leaving her by herself.