All the guests were present standing and lined up on the garden chairs behind the Nevelas mansion. Beautiful decorations are eye-catching. Appetizing food is served on a large table. I just looked out the window, everyone was busy with their own activities.
"Miss! Do you like the make-up?" A new makeup artist has come to the mansion to replace the girl who has nowhere to go. I can only pray that he is in the protection of the almighty.
"Ah, yes I like it! I love all this makeup," I said with a smile.
Shortly after I finished with all the makeup, I heard two people enter the room. My heart skipped a beat, because I believed they would be the ones who would take me to meet Nevelas to the altar. Nevelas deliberately held a wedding at his mansion. He didn't bother to come to church. He prefers to invite the priest.
"Miss, the master told me to bring, Miss!" The baritone voice of a man scared me even more. However, I still remember my agreement with Nevelas. He will present papa at my wedding.
"Is my papa already there?" I asked briefly.
"Yes, Miss. He has prepared downstairs with the other guests." I nodded when I heard that and immediately walked over, followed by two bodyguards. There are no happy events, no events flanked by beautiful women, no girls scattering flowers. Ah, all that I will never meet with Nevelas. In fact, I used to really want it. Passing the guests with a smile that never stops growing from these lips.
However, look now, even to walk to the altar I was treated like a prisoner followed by the guards. This is so painful, when I pass the guests, I can only stare at them without a smile. Sometimes I look down at them. Maybe right now they thought I would be happy with a Nevelas who was famous for his wealth and power.
Every step I take towards Nevelas feels heavy, he looks at me with a smile. But, in my mind, that smile was torture. My feet stopped when papa suddenly hugged me.
"I will accompany you to the man who will be your husband and guard. Always be happy, my son," Papa said, so sincere it sounded. All the grudges that were inside of me, shattered at this moment. I just gave him a hug. I rested my chin on papa. Tears welled up, unstoppable.
"How are you, Papa?" I asked sincerely while rubbing his back.
"I'm fine, Ana. Don't worry, Nevelas and his men treat me well," said papa.
"Erm!" The firm voice of the man standing behind me interrupted my conversation with papa.
Papa immediately let go of his arms and wiped the tears that ran down my cheeks. "You're a strong kid. I'm sorry for making you like this!"
I shook my head, "Pray for me, Pa!" I said as I wrapped my arms around his arm. We walked over to Nevelas who had been standing with the priests. Nevelas held out his hand to me, to approach him. Papa gave my hand to Nevelas and put our hands together while patting lightly.
"May your life be filled with blessings," Papa said as he looked at the two of us and he stepped to sit in the front row of seats. All the guests were touched when they saw this rare moment. Likewise with me, this is the first time I feel sincere love from a father.
The pastor said a sacred sentence which was answered by both of us to always be willing to be faithful in joy and sorrow. I didn't say anything when the priest said only a nod in response. When we face each other he stares and whispers in my ear.
"Answer with your mouth, you damn girl. Do you want your papa to be beaten in front of the guests?" whispered Nevelas.
My heart was beating faster when I heard Nevelas' threat, my body suddenly stiffened at the thought of papa's safety. I nodded again.
"I'm sorry, sir!" I answered short.
"How about Tatiana, did you accept Nevelas as your legal husband in your ups and downs?" asked the pastor.
I immediately replied, "I accept it!"
My answer was warmly welcomed by the guests. Likewise with papa, he smiled at me. There is such a pain in my chest, today should be the happiest day of my life. But, that only applies to lovers who love each other. Meanwhile, Nevelas and I's marriage is just a drama that will soon end.
The priest gave a code to Nevelas to open the thin cloth covering his face. He pulled my neck, then bit my lips as a symbol of gratitude and happiness in our marriage. I replied to Nevelas's bite while praying, "May God give a miracle in our married life," I said in a sincere prayer.
"Be happy because now you are legally husband and wife," said the father congratulating us.
Nevelas smiled as he looked into my eyes. Then he took my right hand, put the ring on the ring finger. Likewise, I slowly put the ring on his finger carefully. A beautiful circular ring, in it was engraved both of our names.
We walked past the guests. After that we had a dance party. All the guests gathered with the music echoing, they were immersed in the dance. In this procession they are free to take the food and drinks that have been served.
Many of the clients congratulated us. Nevelas kept smiling back at him and having a chat with them.
Nevelas gave a welcome speech before we cut the cake and threw flowers at the guests. All guests are welcome to gather at one point. Then we throw flowers by putting our hands together. I felt Nevelas' hand gently on top of mine.
When the flower floats, all the women fight for the flower. Nevelas, smile again and what happened after? He immediately left me standing.
Without an invitation or embrace, like a new couple.
"You have to be strong, Tatiana. Because Nevelas is only a temporary husband," she whispered as she held back tears.
***
After the wedding procession ended, I approached papa who was still pensive looking at the large fish pond in the back garden.
"Pa, Papa just stay here, okay!" I asked him. However, we haven't finished talking yet. A Nevelas bodyguard approached us.
"Sir, the car is waiting for you in the parking lot. Please, sir!" he asked a little commanding.
Suddenly my cares burned, I loudly puffed out my chest. "Who told you to bring Papa?" I asked in a high pitched voice.
"We're just doing our job, Miss!" short explanation.
Papa grabbed my shoulder, "Don't act like that! Let papa come with them!" said papa.
"But, Pa ... we just met!" My whining turned spoiled.
"Papa knows. But, I still have a lot of work to do?"
I can only see papa, follow the bodyguard and finally disappear among the towering trees.
"Careful, Daddy!" she whispered as she walked away.
Nevelas approached me and kept his hand on his shoulder. "I've prepared a surprise for our first night, Ana!" whispered Nevelas.
I should have been happy to hear Nevelas calling by my little nickname and giving me a surprise. But, what happened I was getting scared by his words.
"What is he planning?" I asked myself.