I nodded, and Christian answered the question with words. “Yes.” He confirmed, his tone serious and determined. Then, his hand that was on mine interlaced with my fingers, and he looked at me, prompting me to do the same. He then smiled, his expression softening when he added. “I asked her to marry me,” His voice dropped, in a way that has my insides flipping. Then, his smiled morphed into a grin as he turned around to face his family, “And she said yes.”
I tried to calm my racing heart due to his look and words, reminding myself that we are not entirely lying here. At least, that will lessen my guilty conscience. Smiling, I turned around to face his family, not having any words to say.
“No way.” Grace’s lips parted, as the look of excitement took over her features. Then, she leaned forward, seeming even more excited. “Let me see the ring! I hope he did not screw it and pick something boring knowing how he is.”
I threw a nervous look at Christian, chuckling slightly at the one little detail I had completely forgotten about. Sure enough if we are going to make anyone believe we are getting married, there needs to be a bring for the said ‘proposal’. Damn, I should have worn one of my rings and just got this over and done with.
Thankfully, Christian came to my rescue again, doing better at this whole thing than I am even really. “There is no ring.” He said, earning a gasp from his sister. Then, he added. “We decided to pick it together considering we are getting married in a few days actually. It is better to pick one we are truly satisfied with together.”
“In a few days?” This time around, it was Gloria that was accessing the entire situation quietly that inquired, looking between the two of us with furrowed brows. “I thought he just proposed. Why are you rushing?”
I swallowed thickly, my stomach in uncomfortable knots in fear that she has caught up with us.
Yet again, Christian, bless his soul came to rescue. “Weren’t you the one pestering me to get married, Mom?” He inquired in a knowing tone, giving her a look that dared her to claim otherwise.
She shook her head. “You know I just said that to give you a push but really,” She looked at me. “Planning a wedding is supposed to be done meticulously. Why rush it?”
Since she had directed the question, I knew it will seem suspicious to have Christian answer it for me as well, when he has been doing it entirely. I needed to convince her, and this is my chance to do so. So, I released a small breath and held her gaze, my voice serious and calm when I spoke.
“I am sure you already know but, I will not feel at ease until I say this.” I sighed, my expression serious when I spoke. “I am a divorcee.” I declared, the room going pin drop silent at the confession. I could see from the corner of my eyes that Christian wants to say something, but I gave his hand a small squeeze, stopping him because I will handle this myself. Holding Gloria’s awaiting gaze and blank expression, I added. “This is the second time I am making the most important decision in my life and after going through what I did, a lavish, grand wedding is the last thing on my mind.” I said genuinely.
Lifting my head up, I stared at Christian whose expression had turned serious as well, then offered him a small, comforting smile before I met Gloria’s gaze again. Then, I continued. “All I want is someone that I can lean on, and Christian is that someone. Weddings and all are just formalities. He is the one I want,” My voice turned into a whisper when I added. “he alone is enough for me. Nothing else.”
Christian gave my hand a small squeeze, making me look at him. I would like to think there was nothing pretentious about us at the moment as we exchanged a small smiles-silently comforting ourselves. Then, he leaned down and pressed his lips to my temple, making my eyes close as I revered in the feeling.
The silence that followed was broken by Christian’s serious voice, laced with determination. “We do not want a big wedding or anything. Whatever we want, we have enough money and resources to get it done. I do not care about it all, all I want, is to make her my wife.” His gaze was set on his mother’s when he said this. “Because she is my little happiness, and I hope you see that, Mom. Give us your blessings.”
Gloria did not say anything for the seconds that followed, simply staring at the two of us with that unreadable expression-and just when I thought she will not agree, she suddenly asked. “When is the wedding? When do you pick?” Her lips slowly slanted into a smile. “I need to help my daughter prepare for the wedding, don’t I?”
A relieved grin made its on my face as Christian and I exchanged looks of relief, before making a silent agreement of the date we decided on earlier during our ride here.
“Saturday.” I said, with a grin. “This coming Saturday.”
***
Isabella Montague.
“Do we really have to do this?” I grumbled, as I stepped into my walk in closet, making a beeline to where my dresses racks are, my brows knitted together as I examined them, looking for the right outfit for the occasion. “Like can we just skip this part entirely?” I complained for the nth time, hoping I will get a different response despite knowing otherwise.
Christian’s voice came through the little device-air pods I have plugged into one of my ears, as I did not have the strength to carry around my phone for a phone call. “No, we cannot, unfortunately.” He answered, with the same response as all those other nth times I has asked him the same thing. “I know you do not want to do this–“
“Exactly, I do not.” I cut him off before he could go on further, as a matter of fact, my tone not doing anything to conceal my disinterest in the entire thing. “You see; this is why I did not want a wedding in the first place. If we had just gone to the city hall alone and signed the papers, there will be no need for me to see the devils all over again.” I tried to convince myself that this is not his fault, but I genuinely cannot help but believe it is after all.
Let us have a wedding, he said. Now, we have to go through the formalities leading to that, all of which I would rather dodge especially this one. My solution was the easiest for us all, this is just so stressful to me.
“Isabella, we cannot get married and allow our families to meet on the wedding day.” He tried to reason, his voice serious, no doubt tired of having to have the same conversation with me countless times in the span of 24 hours the meeting has been decided.
My fingers going through the dress rack paused, as I arched a brow as if he is in front of me, staring at me. “Why can’t we?” I asked, genuinely curious. Then, I added with a bright fake smile on my face. “That will make everything much easier us all, wouldn’t it?” It honestly sounds like a good idea to me. “It is not a real marriage anyway. Why do we need to go through all these when it is a waste of time to us all?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.