Twice Upon a Time

As the clock ticked down, the murmurs in the church grew louder than even the bride, Leila Elizabeth Kart soon-to-be Leila Elizabeth Cruise, who stood tall in front of the altar in her simple yet elegant designer gown, could ignore.

"I have never attended a wedding, where we had to wait almost an hour for the groom to show up. This is preposterous". A woman whispered to her friend, eyeing Leila's back sadly.

The friend nodded in agreement. "I wonder if she thinks her groom had run away. This is so sad"

"I feel so bad for her. She is so beautiful and young". A guest named Carly said, staring at Leila with a broken heart.

A younger woman with a bright lipstick scoffed scornfully. "I don't. This is what a druggie's daughter gets when she tries to marry into the richest family in the U. S"

"Diane!". Carly whispered harshly. She looked back to see if no one heard her idiot of a daughter.

"What? I'm simply saying what everyone else is thinking"

"Yeah, think. They're smart and empathetic enough to not say it out loud. Unlike you, who don't think before you speak"

Diane rolled her eyes at her mother. "Whatever"

Leila's heart grew heavy with every seconds that passed. The humiliation of her groom not here yet, made her wish the ground would split open right now, and swallow her whole.

Leila blinked her tears away trying to put on a genuine smile, but she kept failing at it. She turned her head subtly to her frail god mother, soon-to-be mother in law, who had already been staring at her. Leila gave her a small smile, which she responded with an apologetic smile of her own.

"He's on his way". She mouthed, earning a nod from Leila.

The clear of the throat from the old priest made her raise her amber eyes to him.

He leaned down to whisper. "Child, where is your groom?". He asked with a tender gaze, his heart tugging at her circumstance.

"He's on his way". She repeated what her godmother had told her. "He's a very busy man"

"Too busy for his own wedding?". He asked incredulously.

Observing the fallen look on Leila's face, the priest straightened up and tried to calm the growing voices overlapping each other.

Sandra Cruise, the mother of Ethan Cruise, was absolutely vexed at her son's tardiness. She signaled her Personal Assistant to call him for what seemed like the hundredth time today. Just as her PA was about to dial his number, the mahogany door of the church swung open.

The entry of two stern-looking armed bodyguard silenced the murmurs that had overtaken the church. Leila turned back to see the guards had separated, standing on each side to let someone through. Leila's gaze fell on her groom in a dashing three-piece Tom Ford suit.

Her lips instantly widen to a bright smile, as her heart leaped happily. All she wanted was to leave the altar and run into his arms.

She watched him with a bright smile as he walked to the altar. His presence had a way of commanding people, that the guests all looked at him with astonishment; someone even brought out their phone to take pictures of him. However, a bodyguard apprehended the phone and deleted the pictures.

"Apologies for the delay. Shall we start?". His deep rich voice resonated in the quiet church.

Leila couldn't contain her smile, as he stood in front of her. His intoxicating cologne filled her nose, almost making her weak in the knees.

"Hi". She whispered with a smile still present on her face.

He only stared at her in return, before his gaze fell on his mom.

Leila swallowed her disappointment, her smile faltering only for a second before returning. Her happiness soared; it felt as though the world could end right then, and she wouldn't mind, just so long as she stood before him, with a priest about to pronounce them husband and wife.

The priest started his speech with the couple not paying attention. Leila gazed up at his flawless face, her smile still ever-present. She couldn't believe she was marrying Ethan Cruise, the richest bachelor, and the person who stole her heart without knowing.

Ethan, however, oblivious to Leila's staring, fixed his gaze on his mother throughout the priest's speech with a motionless face, trying to make some kind of point to her.

As the moment to say "I do" arrived, Leila said it with a flushed cheek, while Ethan said his drily.

When the time came for him to slide the ring on her finger, Ethan signaled one of his guards, who promptly stepped forward with a black box. Removing the ring, Ethan passed the box to the guard. He delicately slid on a sunny yellow VS1 diamond, set in platinum with a two-tone design, onto her manicured finger, eliciting a gasp of astonishment from her at the sight of the ring. Its weight brought about a new sensation.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride". The priest announced joyfully.

Leila shyly gazed up at him, anticipating his first move. As she noticed him lean down, her heart raced with excitement. Closing her eyes, she awaited the moment his lips met hers. The immediate spark that coursed through her body when his soft lips captured hers, sent goosebumps down her skin. She couldn't get enough of his kiss, but just as she moved to deepen it, he pulled away.

The resounding applause from their guest brought Leila's thoughts back to the church, where scattered shouts of congratulations filled the air.

***

The reception party kicked off shortly after. Leila dazzled in a stunning white designer spiral gown, as she greeted guests alongside her mother-in-law. She tried to enjoy the party without her husband, who had left right after he got to the reception.

After two hours of greeting, smiling, socialising and monitoring her champagne intake, she arrived at her new home, which was more or less a luxurious mansion, nestled in the Cruise's Estate.

***

The polite maid guided her to Ethan's room after she had settled Sandra in her own room, which was quite a distance from her son's quarter.

As she entered, she was awestruck at the humongous bedroom and it's luxurious interior. As a graduate of interior design, she possessed an acute awareness of expensive taste, and Ethan's room epitomized it. Glancing into the closet, she noted with satisfaction that the maid had already brought her belongings. With a contented smile, she proceeded to the bathroom to take a long and relaxing shower.

Leila prepped herself up for the wedding night, putting on a minimal make up and a lip gloss. She sprayed some perfume and hairspray.

Nervously, she smoothed out her appealing night gown, adjusting the robe to fit snuggly against her body. "He's now your husband, Leila. He's yours, and you're his"

A hearty smile spread across her face, as a blush crept up her cheek.

Leila stood from the huge vanity and paced nervously. She glanced at the clock every two seconds, wondering what was taking him so long. After a while, she sat at the edge of the bed.

Leila didn't know when she fell asleep, until a voice cleared their throat pointedly. She roused, confused for a minute before she noticed a figure standing few meters away from her.

"Ethan". She instantly stood up.

She brushed her hair nervously, to make herself look more presentable. "When did you get ba-". She began, only to be cut short.

"What are you doing here?". He asked in a emotionless tone.

Ethan restrained himself from letting his gray eyes sweep across her outfit that snuggled her figure and showed her attractive cleavage. As he stared at her confused face, Ethan could not deny that she was a gorgeous woman with a breath taking amber eyes and a curvy body. Any sane man would fall for her instantly, but he couldn't bring himself to love her.

Leila laughed awkwardly. "What do you mean? We're married"

Ethan simply stared at her impassively. "We won't be sharing the same room"

"Wha-"

"Please leave"

Ethan turned away from her, about to head to the bathroom when her meek voice stopped him half way.

"I...I don't understand. We're husband and wife, we are supposed to share a room"

Ethan didn't give her a response; he still had his back turned to her. "A maid will be waiting outside to take you to your room. I don't want to see you here when I get back from my shower. Goodnight". Ethan stated firmly and proceeded to the bathroom, leaving no chance for Leila to express her thoughts.

The weight of his words rendered Leila weak as she sat on the bed. She didn't know how long she was on his bed, thinking about their short, confusing conversation. With a dejected sigh, she adhered to his command. She knotted her night robe and pulled few of luggage with her.

Opening the door, she encountered the maid that had brought her to Ethan's room. She almost hung her head in shame at being sent out of her husband's room on her wedding night, but the pleasant smile on the maid's face made her smile too.

"Hi, can you help me with the rest of my luggage?"

"Of course, Mrs Cruise". She entered the room.

Mrs Cruise

The term rang in Leila's head for a while. She still hasn't gotten over the sensation of being Ethan's wife, her first love.

"Are you ready, ma'am?". The maid asked, after she brought the rest of Leila's belongings.

Leila nodded, letting her lead the way to her new room, away from her husband. Leila stole a glance at Ethan's room, a huge part of her wished he'd step out and tell her it was all a jest, but aware of his serious nature, she instead wished he'd stop her and tell her he had a change of heart, and then they would kiss and proceed with their wedding night.

A turn to the left was a finality that he was never coming out. Leila swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and let the maid guide her.

As they moved forward, Leila gradually noticed the distance between where they were and Ethan's room. The fact that she still hadn't gotten there made her furrow her brow quizzically.

"Where are you taking me?". She asked.

"The East wing, Mrs Cruise". The maid replied, still leading her.

"East wing? That's like the other side of the mansion". Leila stopped, confusion setting in.

Leila knew the mansion of the Cruise like the back of her hand. She had been acquainted with the family since she was just a child. She understood the East wing was more or less an area made for visitors.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but that was the order of Mr Cruise". The maid turned to her, bowing her head apologetically.

Leila felt pain grip her heart. Does he really not want to see me?. She thought to herself.

Leila tilted her head up, trying not to let her tears fall, before she stared down at the short maid with a stern expression. "I will be staying in the same section as him."

"Bu-"

Leila turned, about to take a first step when the maid came around to block her path.

"You have to stay at your designated place, Mrs Cruise. Your bedroom is already prepared for you. I am really sorry, ma'am, I'm just following Mr Cruise's order."

"What's your name?". Leila asked, ignoring her rant.

"Kelsey, ma'am"

"Kelsey, I know you're worried about not carrying out his instructions. I'll explain to him when he questions you. You don't need to worry"

Kelsey was about to plead with her again, but when she noticed her expression, she knew it was of no use. With silence, Kelsey followed her to a bedroom that was in the same section as Ethan's, which was few doors away from his own room.

Upon entering, Leila was amazed at the beautiful bedroom, but what made her love it more was the terrace it offered.

After two hours of Kelsey making the place more suitable to Leila's taste, she left. Leila wasted no time in lying down. She reflected on what had happened today: from the sweet wedding kiss Ethan gave her in the church, which she subconsciously rubbed her lower lip. However, the memory of her wedding night crept into her mind, making the smile slowly fall. Trying to decipher what could have been the reason Ethan acted that way to her, made her finally sleep.

***

The chirping of the birds woke Leila. She took her bath, wore a casual clothe, then proceeded to the kitchen to make his breakfast. She had decided to let go of what had happened last night, brushing it off as a bad mood from him.

Leila set a table of toasted bread, egg and bacon with a cup of coffee, and a glass of water. She looked down at her work, feeling a swell of pride. She sat on a chair beside his, waiting for him to come down.

Seconds turned to minutes, and minutes proceeded to hours. Leila's stomach crumbled in pain from the prolonged hunger.

"Ma'am, Mr Cruise left a while ago". A young maid informed her.

"Gone? He didn't even eat his breakfast". Leila crutched her stomach in pain.

The maid stared at her pathetically. "He doesn't eat breakfast."

"Why didn't you tell me!?". Leila asked angrily. She was pissed at the house helps. They watched her cook for him, and waited for him like a fool.

"We-We thought he'd change his mind if he knew it was you that cooked". She answered apologetically.

Leila sighed, the hunger pain more prominent. "Can you bring me a hot meal?"

"Right away, ma'am."

Leila spent the rest of her day touring the huge estate. The size always left Leila speechless even though she had seen a countless of time before she became Ethan's wife.

She planned to visit Sandra in her room, but she usually travelled to Hawaii for medical check-up by this day of the week.

Leila instead worked on her latest design proposal on her laptop in the living room, stylishly waiting for Ethan. In a couple hours, she heard his car pull over outside before he gracefully entered.

"Welcome back". Leila greeted with a smile. "I made you breakfast, but the maid informed me you don't eat in the morning". Leila walked towards him and then she stood in front of him, gazing up with a warm smile.

Ethan stared down at her with a piercing and intimidating gaze that made Leila staggered back a little.

"Don't you have a job?" He queried in a slight condescending tone.

"I-I do, but I was given two weeks off for the wedding and honeymoon"

"You can resume tomorrow. There won't be a honeymoon". Ethan said drily.

He was about to go up to the room, when Leila stopped him.

"Did I do something wrong?". Leila's eyes blurred with tears at his nonchalance.

Suddenly, Ethan turned to her, his eyes flashing with anger, that made Leila freeze in fear. "If you have questions, ask your mother-in-law"

The next morning, Leila resumed work at the 'loving request' of her husband. Entering her floor, her colleagues congratulated her; some gave her flowers and cards. She collected each of them with a smile on her face.

She settled in her cubicle, about to switch on her computer when her superior came.

"Leila? Your two weeks break aren't up yet, why are you here?"

Leila stood up. " Good morning, Miss Chelsea. I wanted to focus on my career right now, and my husband also thought the same"

Chelsea clicked her tongue. "This is what you get when you marry for love at a young age. How can a husband make his wife work barely seventy-two hours after marriage? He must be working a nine to five job. So pathetic ". Chelsea eyed her contemptuously.

Leila didn't inform her co-workers she was marrying into the Cruise family, an old family well known for it enormous wealth and properties, one of the top eight richest family in the world. She knew if they found out, her work life won't be the same. Apart from the hate some of her colleagues would no doubt have for her, the company would also try to please her and overlook her hard work and talent. So she decided not to invite any of them to the wedding. Instead, she gave them each a box of chocolate and lied to them that it was a low-key wedding, saying they couldn't afford a big guest list.

Chelsea sighed dismissively. "Anyways, are the designs ready?"

Leila tucked her hair behind her ear, about to switch on her computer when Chelsea suddenly yanked her left hand, observing the exquisite ring. Chelsea's eyes almost popped out of her socket when she looked at it closely.

"W-What job does your husband do again?". She asked, still looking at the ring with an envious awe.

Leila pulled her hand away from her jealous gaze. "He's a business man."

Chelsea scoffed sarcastically. "You expect me to believe your husband afforded that just by being a simple business man?"

Leila itched to tell her that she didn't give a flying fly what she believed and she could kindly buzz off, but because she was her superior, she chose her words carefully.

She smiled. "It's my personal affair, ma'am. Do you want the design printed or sent to your email?". She changed the conversation.

Chelsea was about to comment on her response, but her attention was needed in a conference room. Leila visibly relaxed as her heels clicked away from her cubicle. She hoped she would not have time for her till the end of the day.

It was finally lunch break. As Leila stood from her desk and headed to the break room, she was enveloped in a hug from behind.

"I'm so, so sorry for missing your wedding, Leila."

Leila turned with a smile on her face when she recognized her close friend's voice. She hugged her tightly then released her.

"It's fine, Zara. There was nothing you could have done, you had to obey your boss."

Zara Kapoor and Leila had met in their job interview and instantly clicked before they got the job as interns. They were assigned together as a team for a proposal presentation, which strengthened their bond of friendship.

Zara pouted apologetically. "I'm still sorry. I can't believe I missed a chance to see...". She leaned to whisper in Leila's ear. "the Ethan Cruise."

Liana blushed. "You can always come by the house anytime."

Zara's eyes lighted up. "Really? Then I'm coming soon. Do I have to get an evening dress?"

Liana furrowed her brows. "For what?"

"I've seen the Cruise Mansion online; that place looks like a freaking castle. I have to dress the part; can't appear there looking like a pauper."

Leila let out an hearty laugh. "So you'd come during the day wearing an evening dress? It's called an evening dress for a reason, Zara. Just wear what you want, you're already stylish as it is."

Leila wasn't lying about Zara being fashionable. Zara was the best dresser in their office, well apart from Leila's supervisor, Chelsea, who seemed like she spent her life fortune on clothes and accessories.

Zara tilted her up proudly. "You're right, I'm pretty awesome."

Leila shook her head smiling. "Didn't say you were awesome, just that you're a good dresser."

Zara waved it off. "Same thing, so how's married life? You got married to your first love, you have to be the happiest woman on earth right now."

Zara noticed the drastic change in her friend's expression, making her heart drop . "What? What is it?"

Leila smiled. "Nothing."

Leila entered the break room, heading to the coffee machine to make some coffee, while Zara took a seat on the couch waiting for her friend to join her. After few minutes, Leila sat in front of her, heaving a deep sigh before looking up at Zara.

"How was Croatia?". Leila asked.

Zara gave her a pointed look. "It was fine-saw beautiful places, met nice people, ate good food. Now, answer the question"

Leila smiled, but this time with a tinge of sadness. "Married life is good. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I'm sure it'll fine; we'll get through this. Every marriage as its ups and downs". Leila assured, but it felt like she was convincing herself more than she was telling Zara. "Right?". She added, seeking reassurance. The thought of a future without Ethan as her husband seemed bleak to her.

Zara swiftly stretched her hand to rub Leila's free one comfortingly. "Of course, Leila. You're a gorgeous woman, and Ethan will eventually come to realize. You just need to be patient"

As they shared a smile, they changed the conversation to a project that would determine their future in the company. With both of them expressing their nervousness and excitement.

***

Throughout the night ride home, Leila dwelled on Zara's words. She inhaled deeply before exhaling. "Patience". She whispered to herself.

Getting inside the mansion, she was greeted by a maid.

"Is mother back?". She asked the maid who had already collected her bag from her.

"Yes, Mrs Cruise. She's in the garden."

Leila got to the garden in no time. She spotted her mother-in-law with a garden hose, wetting her flowers. She usually called them her babies.

Leila rushed to her side, collecting the hose gently from her hand. "You shouldn't be doing such strenuous work, mother."

Sandra was startled briefly before a smile took over a face. "It's just wetting a couple of flower, little bunny. There's nothing strenuous about it."

"It is when you just got a bone marrow transplant". Leila scolded lightly.

Sandra laughed. "The surgery was five months ago."

"You just had a check-up. Can you please listen to me? I'm pretty sure the doctor, too, and rest?"

Sandra smiled lovingly at her. "I'll do as you say, mom."

Leila rolled her eyes, before she turned off the hose after she was done with the task. They both sat on a bench that overlooked the garden, giving them a beautiful view of the bright moon and twinkling stars.

"Mother?". Leila called out, breaking the silence.

"Hm?"

"Why does Ethan hate me?"