Layla wright pov
After the wedding ceremony, as we settled into the reception, Xavi suddenly stood up, a nonchalant expression on his face. "I need to make a business call," he stated, his tone lacking any warmth or consideration.
I was caught off guard, and I couldn't help but ask, "Can't it wait?" But before I could even finish my sentence, Xavi shot me a deadly stare, silencing any further questions. His expression left no room for argument or questioning.
As the after-party began, it was time for us to greet our parents. With Xavi still missing for two minutes, I decided to call his elder sister, Kimberly.
"Kimberly, could you stall for us? Xavi went to make a call. Let me go and look for him; he should be outside," I requested.
Understanding the urgency, Kimberly agreed, mentioning that her parents were not known for their patience, especially when it came to traditions.
Heading outside to search for Xavi, I spotted him standing near the parking lot. As I approached, I noticed someone with him. He wasn't on the phone; instead, he was engaged in conversation.
I hesitated to interrupt but moved closer, unseen in the shadows.
To my shock and disbelief, I saw Xavi kissing another woman before abruptly stopping to talk to her. The betrayal hit me like a ton of bricks. How could he be so careless, especially on our wedding day? What if someone else had seen him instead of me? I felt disrespected and heartbroken.
As I listened in on their conversation, I learned things I wish I hadn't. And worst of all, I discovered who the other woman was—a realization that shattered me even further. The pain of betrayal and disappointment washed over me, leaving me reeling with emotions I never imagined experiencing on what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.
As I moved closer to catch a glimpse of the girl, her voice sounded eerily familiar. My suspicion was confirmed when I noticed her vibrant red hair—it was my stepsister, Melissa. My dad had remarried, and Melissa was the product of his second marriage.
Melissa and I shared some similarities due to our father's strong genes, but we were different in many ways, especially in our lifestyles. While I preferred a more reserved approach, Melissa was a socialite who loved attention, evident in her choice to dye her hair red.
"Just twelve months, Melissa. Please, give me this time," Xavi pleaded, his tone desperate.
Confusion and betrayal churned within me as I listened to their conversation. "Xavi, what do you mean? What's twelve months for?" Melissa questioned, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why are you getting married all of a sudden? This was not the plan."
Xavi's desperation was palpable as he pleaded with Melissa, his voice trembling with emotion. "Please, Melissa, I love you too much to put you in danger," he implored, his eyes filled with sincerity and love.
Melissa's questioning tone cut through the air, filled with disbelief and hurt. "How am I supposed to trust you, Xavi? And why would you marry my stepsister of all people? What game are you playing?" she demanded, her voice laced with displeasure and anger.
With a soft tone, Xavi tried to reassure her. "All I need is your trust and patience. Everything will be back to normal soon, I promise," he assured her, gently holding her face and giving her a tender kiss.
Melissa's frustration was evident as she pressed for answers. "Why should I wait when you don't fully trust me? Give me a reason to fight for us, Xavi," she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation.
Meanwhile, I listened in, trying to stifle my hiccups to avoid being discovered. The weight of their conversation weighed heavily on my heart as Xavi finally confessed his secret.
"Sick as in what?" I whispered to myself, my heart racing with anticipation to hear what he had to say to Melissa.
"I... I have, and I couldn't hear the rest because he spoke so softly, whispering to Melissa that only she could hear.
Melissa's shock was evident as she struggled to comprehend his revelation. Xavi hesitated. "My parents know about it. My inheritance, life, and health depend on this marriage, and I couldn't risk your safety," he admitted.
Moreover, I was going to reject you till the very end because I couldn't put your health in jeopardy. Since your dad was already indebted to us, my father used that as leverage to ask for Layla's hand in marriage." Xavi further explained to Melissa, unaware that I was close by and could hear everything.
My heart began racing, pounding against my chest in a flurry of confusion and disbelief. So, I was nothing more than a sacrificial lamb to him. I was being used for his health and inheritance benefit with no idea about what they would take from me for him to get better. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to comprehend the extent of his deception.
As Xavi continued to explain the complexities of his situation, tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably. It was overwhelming to realize that this marriage was nothing but a facade—a mere transaction for his benefit.
He further elaborated on the complications he faced with his parents and their manipulation of his inheritance. It was all too much to bear, knowing that I was being used as a pawn in their game.
Just then, my phone rang, shattering the tense moment.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I stood hidden, listening to Xavi's explanation. Just then, my phone rang. Checking the caller ID, I saw it was my twin brother. "Hey," I greeted him, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll call you back in a bit. Just caught up with something."
With quick thinking and feigning a casual demeanor, I quickly composed myself and pretended to have just arrived at the reception.
"Hey, Xavi, I've been looking for you," I said, mustering up a facade of composure. I urged him that it was time for us to greet our parents and seek their blessing, hoping to divert attention from the turmoil raging within me.
sneak peek of the next chapter
His hand slipped around my waist, drawing me closer, and his touch on my cheeks was both gentle and firm. This time, the kiss was different. It was more intense as if he had suddenly surrendered to the moment.
Time seemed to stand still as our lips moved together, igniting a fire within me that I had never experienced before. My heart raced with a combination of fear and excitement.