My expectations were low. Celebrating the happiness of my sworn enemy wasn't high on my list of priorities. However, as I stepped into the grand hall adorned with opulent decoration.
Fancy. Mmh. The decoration was quite fine. Too many details if you ask me. Nothing coming from Marcus would be simple.
The pretense that these women put were too obvious. A wild guess, " Why didn't he choose me?" How I wish they knew the type of psycho Marcus really was.
But then again, money is everything. Selling your soul to the devil is nothing compared to all the luxury one could afford.
Fendi, Dior, Gucci, Chanel, every woman's dream brands without forgetting about Ferrari, Mercedes, Lamborghini and Bugatti being their favorite car brands.
In a moment or two, I took a glass of red wine from one of the waiters and stood by one of the corners, studying anything and everything I could find.
"Hello there handsome," I turned around to meet a slim figure with pretty well styled hair. A face covered with tan themed make-up, beautiful if you ask me. Just not beautiful enough.
"Oh, hi" I took a sip of the wine from the glass, eying her from head to toe, "You look beautiful tonight."
She giggled at the compliment, "Thank you. You don't look bad yourself. Plus those shining green eyes fit you perfectly" She bit her lower lip.
With the body that hit the gym five days a week and height of 186cm. It's safe to say I caught attention wherever I went.
"Aah. The same way I'd look if you found me in my office. Nothing too unique, " My eyes turned to girls who were eying her, noticing sad and jealous faces. We're they betting on me?
"If that's the case. I'll ask for a job at where you work to see this sight everyday. By the way I'm Amanda, "
"Alejandro, "
"Attention everyone," Everyone became attentive as the MC announced, "The moment we were all waiting for is finally here. Let's welcome the groom and the bride of the night. A round of applause, everyone, "
I steped closer to their entrance, eager to see the chosen woman.
Then my eyes finally met her.
Clad in a princess-like gown, she stood out like a beacon of light amidst the sea of festivities.
There was an air of elegance and grace about her that captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on her. It was as if time stood still, and all the noise and chaos of the celebration faded into insignificance.
I looked at her as she walked on the red carpet, Marcus holding her arm. A plastered smile on an angel's face, making me wonder the story behind this day.
The thought of her being tied to such a person stirred a flicker of anger within me, but I masked it with a neutral expression.
It was only after the grand entrance was finally over did I realize that my heart skipped several beats. The time she had stollen something from me.
My gaze kept returning to her, almost as if drawn by an invisible force. I observed how Marcus callously left her alone on the dance floor, his attention diverted elsewhere.
The sight irritated me, and I couldn't fathom how anyone could overlook such a radiant and delicate soul on her special day. The question was, was it really special for her?
The whispers and gossip around me painted a tainted image of Camilla, one filled with assumptions and half-truths.
People were quick to judge her, to make assumptions about her past and her family, and it grated on my nerves. I refused to let their venomous tongues color my perception of her, sensing that there was far more to her story than met the eye.
Deep down, I knew she was more than the facade she presented to the world. She was a mystery, and I was determined to unravel the complexities that surrounded her.
I wanted to understand the woman behind the mask, the one who deserved more than the shallow attention she was receiving.
When she suddenly ran away from the festivities, a pang of concern shot through me. It was a vulnerability I hadn't expected to witness, and it tugged at my heartstrings.
Instinctively, I followed her trail, feeling an inexplicable need to ensure her safety.
As I found her near the waters, her eyes reflected confusion and uncertainty. She was on the verge of stumbling, and without a second thought, I reached out and gently steadied her, my touch a reassuring presence.
Correct timing that I found her arms in mine right when she was about to stumble to the waters and held her from behind. A shock passed through her like electricity I could tell.
My heart sank when she cried out loud. Her cries were delicate and desperate. Her soft hand touching my hand that circled her upper chest made my heart even heavier.
Part of me wanted to reveal myself, to offer her comfort and support, but I knew it wasn't the right time. There were secrets and shadows in her past that she wasn't ready to confront, and I didn't want to add to her burden.
So, with a heavy heart, I chose to disappear, leaving her to wonder about the mystifying savior who had come to her aid. As I retreated back into the grand hall, her image stayed with me, etched in my mind.
I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths were destined to cross again. Camilla was a puzzle, and I was determined to decipher her complexities. There was an inexplicable connection between us, one that left me yearning to know more about her and the life she led.
Returning to my mansion after the eventful wedding, I found my mother waiting for me in the sitting room. With a warm smile, I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, feeling comforted by her presence after the tumultuous evening.
"Welcome home, Alejandro ," she said, her eyes curious as she noticed the unusual glint in mine. "You seem preoccupied. Is something bothering you?"
I settled into a plush armchair, contemplating how to begin, "Mother, I met someone tonight," I began, my voice tinged with a mixture of fascination and concern. "Her name is Camilla, and there's something about her that draws me in."
My mother listened intently, her gentle gaze encouraging me to share more. "Who is this woman? Do I know her?"
"I don't think you do. Her name is Camilla. Funny thing how she is the wife of Marcus. The guy got lucky again, Damn it!"
My mother gasped. She looked at me with concerning eyes, "Alejandro, are you planning to use her to make your motives come true? If that's the case, I will not allow it."
"Mother, there's more to this than just business rivalry," I admitted with a heavy sigh.
"Marcus was responsible for the death of the woman I loved. He took away the one person who meant everything to me, and now, I can't help but see an opportunity to use Camilla against him, yes. But that doesn't mean I want to use her that way. If my hunch is wrong. I will leave her. I promise."
"What of she betrays you?" My mother's voice was a little low, holding my hand softly, "My son, love can make you do things you never expect you'd do. If the woman is really in love with this man, she can do crazy things and become evil if that's what it takes to be with him,"
My mother's eyes widened in both shock and concern. She knew how deeply I had loved the woman I lost, and the pain I carried with me every day. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on mine.
"Also, Alejandro, vengeance is a dangerous path to tread," she said gently.
"I understand your pain, but on the other hand using Camilla in this way won't bring back the woman you loved. It will only perpetuate a cycle of suffering and hurt. What if she falls for you only to realize she was used?"
"I know, Mother," I replied, my voice tinged with resignation. "You're right. But I can't ignore the opportunity that's presented itself. I need to find a way to navigate this with caution, to use the information I have without causing Camilla more pain."
My mother's expression softened, and she gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Remember, Juan, there is a fine line between seeking justice and perpetuating harm," She sighed.
" Be mindful of your actions and the consequences they may bring. I don'tlike Marcus one bit but I don't want anyone to get hurt because of this, especially a delicate woman. And remember, women are a way more sensitive than you think. "
I know where my mom is coming from. She was once vulnerable and got used by some cruel people whose memory is hard to shake.
"Yes, mother. And I promise I will be careful. "
" You need to promise me, my son. Promise me you will not hurt her. " She held my hands, her eyes shot straight at mine.
" I promise, mother. I will not hurt her." I held her hand back. With that she took took me into a deep hug.
"I hope so, son. "