The Wrong Revenge

Sofia

I'm so thrilled! By this time tomorrow, "Mrs." will be added to my name. I will no longer be addressed as "Sofia"; rather, Mrs. Miguel.

Oh my gosh! I screamed excitedly.

"When are you going to get your wedding ring?" Linda asked curiously.

"Miguel, my fiancé, will be coming here to pick me up; we will go out to get the ring and other stuff at the sky super store," I answered with a face full of ecstasy.

We were sitting very close to each other on the same couch in the parlour, glancing at the television show.

A soft sunlight filtered through the window, casting delicate patterns across the marble floor, shadows across the wallpaper and other beautiful photo frames hung on the wall.

A piercing, gentle breeze was blowing, accompanied by a faint scent of ornamental plants that surrounded the building

Our images were captured on a mirror standing next to the shelves that housed several interesting books.

Linda was so overwhelmed with joy. A very good and trusted friend of mine from childhood, a very jovial type. She now works at ETC Bank, a renowned bank. She had taken permission and suspended everything just to come and be with me.

My eyes were fixed more on the wall clock, gazing while it struck tick tock...tick tock sound. I was patiently waiting for Miguel's arrival by 2:00 pm.

The atmosphere was so bright, calm, and friendly. I could feel the gentle breeze as it blew across, forcing the ornaments to swing in different directions.

Lizzy, my sister, out of excitement, had gone to make sure the wedding hall for tomorrow's event was well organized.

"Just hold on, you will see me and Linda right away. I responded to Miguel's call enthusiastically.

"He is downstairs waiting already!"

"Linda, please let's rush! It's Miguel who just called! He is already outside waiting."

"Do I need to go with you?" Linda asked, looking so defiant.

"Yes, of course!" I uttered with a frown, which quickly disappeared. We rushed down immediately to meet Miguel.

When we got downstairs, he was standing beside his car, an ash coloured Lexus, resting his back on it and flashing his blue charming eyes at random.

I was so captivated by his charming look and smile. He was putting on a white sleeveless shirt that exposed part of his broad, hairy chest.

When he saw me, his piercing blue eyes pierced hard into me. That forced out a smile on my face.

I cooed and hugged him.

When I pulled back my body, he smiled and waved at Linda, who was standing beside us.

I moved and opened the front door and sat in front of the car while Linda sat behind, and we drove off.

There was heavy traffic congestion on the way, on both lanes. We were busy confabulating seriously inside the car. And cool music was playing. After spending a lot of time, we were able to maneuver our way through.

When we arrived at the sky super store, he parked at the car lot. It's a well-known store where you can get all kinds of wedding attire and quality rings.

When we finished buying, on our way back home, Linda requested to be dropped off.

"Drop!"

You are not dropping here, Linda; let's get home first." Come on!

I turned and stared at her from behind, and our eyes clashed. She smiled and gently buried her face in the ground.

She always wears a smiling face.

Miguel never uttered a word; he never turned to show concern. He focused on his steering, nodding his head as music played.

She still insisted that she needed to go and rest her body for tomorrow's event.

Frankly, Linda has been nice to me; she has been with me since morning, and now it is almost 4:05 PM.

She needs to rest. I signaled to Miguel, who was nodding his head and gripping the steering wheel gently with his right hand.

He parked, and she stepped out of the car while giving me a wave with a piercing smile on her face. Then Miguel brought out his left hand and waved goodbye to her continuously as he drove off.

Meanwhile, when she stepped out of the car, I noticed she was carrying a parcel. I quickly flashed back in my mind, yet I couldn't recall it. She never requested anything, nor did she bring out money to buy anything in the store.

How about the parcel? I ask myself, nebulously flicking my eyes randomly.

She was just following me at the store as though a bodyguard. She never left me for a second.

How come she is carrying a parcel? I was contemplating until the car horn broke my reverie.

I started adjusting my sitting posture while scrolling through my phone, still imagining what Linda was carrying. Should I call her to inquire? Or should I ask Miguel? Won't it be embarrassing for me to do such a thing?

I was battling with my thoughts, and I couldn't come up with any solution.

I jerked my eyes towards Miguel; he was so concentrated on driving.

Finally, we got home. He never wasted any time; he turned to leave, and the car was already in reverse gear.

"One of my colleagues would be waiting for me at home; let me rush and catch up with him."

"Colleague?" I questioned. "Is that why you couldn't make it into the house? Mom will be expecting to see you!"

"I understand, Sofia, but don't wish to keep him stranded, let me quickly rush."

He was wearing his usual smile, trying to convince me, but I was insisting he should follow me upstairs.

"Please, let's go in so that you can take some water before you leave," I spoke calmly because I wouldn't want anything to spoil my mood. I was beginning to get upset already.

As we were still dragging our feet, his phone started ringing. Immediately, he picked up the call. In a high tone, he said, "You will see me right now... I'm on my way, wait for me."

"Sofia, he called. My colleague is already waiting for me. Let me rush!"

The loudness of his voice made it impossible for me to understand the crackling and noisy sound coming from his phone, but I could sense a female voice.

"Should I confront Miguel here and now?" I asked silently. But his face looked so defiant and innocent. His love for me is so strong.

Is he having an affair? Is there something I am not getting?

Many thoughts were running through my mind. I gazed at him. He seemed cool and looked innocent. He could look innocent on the outside, but what about his thoughts? How do I know that?

"Let me not conclude just yet." I heck.

I'm truly disturbed.

This made me remember what my dad used to tell me:

"All that glitters is not gold."

Something fishy is going on. Are my instincts deceiving me?

"Good afternoon, Sofia," someone greeted. I couldn't determine the exact direction of the sound. I quickly turned left. It was none other than Mirabella, my makeup artist.

She was approaching where I was standing, wearing a smile all over her face.

Her red lipstick was sparkling as her eyelashes were blinking alternately.

We exchanged pleasantries.

"This is Mirabella, my makeup artist." I introduced her to Miguel.

He smiled and extended his right hand for a handshake with Mirabella, wearing his usual gentle smile.

Immediately, he turned on the ignition switch, started the car, gave me a discreet look, and drove off.

I stood there like a statue, watching as he drove into the distance, before I realized that Mirabella was still standing close to me, patiently waiting.

I sighed and went inside with Mirabella.

Ten minutes later, I decided to call Miguel. I dialed his number three consecutive times, but there was no response.

"Sofia, you look troubled. I hope all is well with you?" Lizzy asked. She noticed some changes in my facial appearance. The face I was wearing shouldn't be that of someone preparing for her wedding.

"Yeah, I'm fine.. I am cool." I quickly, within a nanosecond, framed a smile in pretense just to mask my emotions.

It was a mixture of smiles and nerves.

"This is Mirabella, my makeup artist." I quickly introduced Mirabella to her to prevent her from asking further questions.

As both were exchanging pleasantries, I stood up from the L-shaped couch where I was sitting and headed into my room, leaving both of them in the parlour.

As I swung open the door of my room, Miguel's call came in.

Sofia

"Sorry, I missed your call. The music couldn't allow me to realize that my phone was ringing! Just got home now!"

For more than five seconds, I couldn't alter a word.

"Alright, baby," as I normally called him. "I wanted to check on you, to know if you have arrived home safely."

"I'm cool," he responded ecstatically.

I was making an effort to see if I could capture any strange sounds from the background.

The more I pay attention, the clearer the music in the background becomes.

I continued being inquisitive until he hung up the call.

To my dismay, I couldn't dictate any female sound.

The day has finally come; everywhere was burbling, and different faces were flooding in.

The atmosphere was filled with euphony coming from different individuals.

The entire arena was painted with different art. Beautiful flowers everywhere. In any direction you jerk your eyes to, smiling faces are littered.

The decorations made the entire building so exquisite.

All the guests were present. Some are still on their way.

The cameraman was busy snapping at random. Moving in all directions to make sure he captures different faces at the event.

My fiancé was so charming, seeing him in his black suit. With well-polished black shoes. Filled with uncontrollable ecstasy.

His blue eyes pierce whenever I come in contact with them.

My wedding gown was so long and dazzling that it swept along as I walked.

Linda was so joyous that one could see the organic smile all over her. Following me in every direction I moved. Making sure no sweat is seen on any part of my face.

What a loving friend!

Lizzy, my younger sister, was among those welcoming guests into the event hall. Different cars were seen parked outside.at the car lot. Everywhere was bubbling.

My mom was busy smiling like one watching a comic movie from where she sat.

A few minutes later, I was pressed.

I decided to make use of the restroom.

Meanwhile, Linda had gone out to get some handkerchiefs in a nearby shop.

The one she was holding had been overly stained with lipstick and sweat coming from her makeup. She was looking so angelic with her lips painted in red lipstick

As I was about to swing open the restroom door, I started hearing some sounds

I held myself back, stood for some seconds

At first, I thought someone was making use of the restroom, and I was hearing a male voice. I stood beside the door innocently. Waiting for whoever is inside to come out.

Surprisingly, I started hearing a female voice inside. Echoing out vigorously.

"You know I love you so much, Miguel. And I am pregnant for you! The car you promised to buy for me, you have yet to redeem. Or do you prefer the scourge of the sun to heat me and our baby?"

"I don't want Sofia's trouble. The five thousand dollars you also promised me, you have been quiet about it."

"The two-bedroom flat you also promised to rent for me, you still left me stuck in self contained." Is it after your wedding that you are going to fulfill all this?

Is it when you are overloaded with responsibility that you are going to respond?

I became frozen, hearing Linda's voice so clear as if both of us were sitting on a couch discussing.

The rate at which my heart started beating was unimaginable. My mind almost left my body!

Beyond doubt was when I heard Miguel's soft voice! Assuring her of the promises he made. He even promised to issue a cheque of five thousand dollars immediately after the wedding!

I stood confused and speechless!

I almost collapsed on the ground when I started hearing the sound of two lips clamping together, enjoying each other's lips and feeling the texture.

I couldn't hold myself anymore!

My heartbeat was uncontrollable!

Courage from an unknown source just flashed inside of me like a flash of lightning.

I moved forward and gripped the knob, pushing the door inward angrily!

My ragged eyes flickered and clashed immediately with those of Linda, who was staring directly at me in utmost shock!

She was almost half-naked; her breasts could be seen. Immediately, Miguel released his grip on her breast and turned towards the door. He saw no other person than a woman standing in her white wedding gown.

Immediately, Miguel buried his face in the ground, feeling ashamed.

"Why did you barge in without knocking?" He roared! He was so angry and so infuriated.

He couldn't stare at me directly, rolling his eyes randomly in guilt.

I stood speechless!

He even has the guts to ask me stupid questions! No sign of remorse on his face. His lips were covered in red with Linda's painted lips. He has been busy enjoying her lips!

Linda stood speechless in guilt with her face buried in the ground. She couldn't alter a word; she stood like a molded Statue.

Like someone being paused with a remote control. Only God knows what could be running through her mind for this betrayer.

A friend I trusted so much. She knew my in and out! I feel betrayed and heartbroken by my childhood friend!

She slothfully started dressing herself up in shame and disappointment.

The top of the purple gown she wore was so rumpled with Miguel's grip!

Miguel was also buttoning up his suit, looking so ragged, his eyes became so pale!

You have been deceiving me with fake love, Miguel! I winced!

My heart was so heavy, uncontrollable tears started gushing down my face. I couldn't hold it back any longer!

I was drowning in a sea of pain.

"This wedding is over!" I screamed with a shattered heart!

"We can iron things out. Sofia is not what you think! Can...you.. can you please.. list.."

I didn't even allow him to land with his disgusting stammering voice.

I slammed the door very hard, removed my high heels and took to my heels.

When I burst into the event hall, I increased my speed.

Eyes were flashing at me in surprise

I heard Lizzy shouting my name, but I never turned my back! I held my wedding gown so strongly. Running fast like one trying to escape a predator.

Sofia

I was still running without looking back, increasing my speed as if someone was about to take hold of me!

I appeared on a tar road. The road was so scanty. No taxis could be seen; only well-loaded trucks were seen passing.

On reaching a bus stop, I halted and looked back, and saw a group of people chasing after me!

I could hear the sound of my heartbeat pumping so hard! I can't imagine those groups of people I suspected Miguel and his friends are after me!

"So Linda could do this to me, even carrying a baby for Miguel!" I lamented so bitterly while rolling my eyes left and right, if I could see a taxi coming.

Immediately, without hesitation, I took off.

My breathing became so intense that I opened my mouth to support my nose.

Suddenly, I saw a taxi coming at high speed, and I felt some sign of relief. I started waving at it when the car finally stopped. Without hesitation, I opened the back door and entered.

When I got home, I was so exhausted and heartbroken. I managed to open the door,

Went straight to my room and slammed the door behind me angrily!

My heart was so heavy, I sat down on the floor, still in my wedding gown. Like a flash, the memory of how Linda and Miguel were entangling themselves flashed in. My wedding day has become a nightmare!

My heart hammered against my ribs as I was reminiscing about what happened a few hours ago. I couldn't hold my long-accumulated tears anymore!

The words of my late father kept ringing inside of me.

"Go for a man who marries you out of love and affinity, not out of necessity. Some may appear innocent and gentle, but are wrapped with infidelity."

This word from my dad melted me the most.

I was dying for a man who had already gotten someone pregnant, promised to transfer money to her and rent a two-bedroom flat for her!

"I will never forgive Miguel in my life!" I screamed. Tears are still rolling down my face.

I became so restless, the room was so hot, I turned on the fan and opened the window, my eyes projected through, and I saw Miguel driving in, my face became so pale and infuriated.

What is he coming to do? I raged, gnashed my teeth and held my wedding gown from the top and tore it in two equal parts!

I brought out the ring from my bag and placed it on top of my bed. Went straight to the word rope and picked up one of my casual wears.

Someone knocked on my door, I guess Miguel, but I refused to open or say a word. The knock continued for a while, and I gave it a deaf ear.

A voice echoed!

"Sofia, please open it's me, Miguel! Please let me in so we can talk. I know you are hurt, please open the door and let's talk!"

You are evil, Miguel! I don't want to see you move away.. just move away. I screamed!

Immediately, I carried the wedding gown from the floor, picked up the ring and moved towards the door. I held the knob so tight and swung open the door. Without looking at his face, I threw everything at him and slammed the door.

I was still holding the doorknob tightly and couldn't move an inch. Miguel continued punching the door so hard. He got tired and left. He was so disgusting that I couldn't bear to look at his face.

His face that I love looking at, a face and broad chest that I once cherished like my whole life depended on it.

I lost grip of the knob and fell flat on the floor, hopelessly.

Thousands of thoughts were flooding in, and my life became so miserable.

"I love Miguel so much, I wish to have him back," I murmured.

"What about the baby Linda is carrying for him?" The more I remember that pregnancy, the more infuriated I became. My heart is bleeding!

I stood up immediately from the floor like someone magically infused with energy. I moved straight to the bathroom. After showering, I went to the wardrobe and picked my blue sleeveless shirt that left part of my breast exposed.

Here I found myself in a hotel!

I looked for a noiseless spot and sat.

The spot was a bit dark, its walls painted in different colors. The top of the roof was designed with different lights.

What exactly am I doing here? I ask myself! Am I supposed to be here in the first place?

A fragile line has been drawn between me and love. I'll never trust any man in my life again, let alone fall in love!

If I survive this heartbreak, this is the end between me and love.

I murmured, while I lifted a glass filled with vodka, as soon as the vodka found its way down my throat, my face turned squeezed, like someone who had tested aloe vera juice.

I'm not getting any better!

"Am I not deliberately punishing myself with this?

What else can I do to lose the memory of this heartbreak?" I asked while gulping more vodka!

My five years with Miguel were just a waste. He never loved me. He should have made this known to me earlier. Not promise to marry me only for him to shatter my heart on all other days but on my wedding day!

"Am I supposed to let it chill?"

Like a flash, the purple gown Linda was wearing on that day of my miserable and unrealistic wedding looked the same as the purple gown we saw displayed on dummies in front of the sky superstore where we bought rings.

Linda showed admiration for the gown before we entered the shop.

"I suspect Miguel secretly bought it for her."

"When she requested to drop off, Miguel never altered a word. But he was seen giving her a continuous wave of the hand even when we drove into the distance. It was all a planned deal."

I winced and flashed through the vodka in front of me!

How can all these ridiculous memories be erased permanently? I ask, pouring more vodka into my glass.

My head wasn't that strong for this!

Waiter! I shouted.

Everywhere was becoming so dim.

"Let me pay off my bills and leave."

I murmured. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself in public.

I lifted the glass for the last sip, and it slipped out of me and smashed on the floor. I dragged my seat backward and stood up immediately. I staggered randomly, my legs couldn't carry my body, someone held me from behind..