Despite the emotions threatening to consume me, I resolved not to let Xavi see my vulnerability. "With the situation I've found myself in right now, I have nothing to lose," I thought to myself. "But the very least I could do is fight for my dignity as his wife and uphold my father's reputation. I can't just sit and keep wailing because the deed is already done. I'm already with him, and I'm not going to be ridiculed without a fight. I refuse to be a mere victim of their deceit."
Turning to Melissa, I forced a smile. "Hey there, sister. I wasn't sure you were going to make it," I said, my voice betraying a hint of unease. Despite the hurt and betrayal, I knew I had to maintain a façade of strength and composure.
"Why didn't you call me when you arrived here?" I asked Melissa.
Her response was laced with mockery and flirtation as she eyed my husband. "I wasn't sure I was going to, and can you believe it? I was just about to enter the party when you came out. she said, her tone dripping with insincerity.
She continued with a flirtatious smile towards my husband. I never knew you were going to get married to this gorgeous-looking man here. If not, I would have swiped him from you." I couldn't help but feel a surge of resentment towards Melissa as she continued to flaunt her flirtatious demeanor with my husband.
"You sounded too familiar like you've met my husband before," I retorted.
Xavi quickly intervened, his tone carrying a subtle scowl toward me as he explained before Melissa could respond. "We both attended the same college. I'm so surprised that we could meet each other here," he said, his voice tinged with dismissiveness as if he were offended by my question about Melissa's encounter with him. His words seemed to imply that my inquiry was unnecessary.
However, Melissa's next remark only fueled the growing animosity between us. "Is this an interrogation or what?" she asked with a fake smile, her words dripping with sarcasm.
It was no secret that Melissa and I had a strained relationship, filled with jealousy and resentment towards each other. From the smallest details to major decisions, we were always at odds with each other.
I couldn't help but recall past instances of our rivalry, like the time my dad bought us each a car and Melissa fought with me over the color. Our petty arguments and constant competition had defined our relationship for years.
As Melissa continued to speak, her mischievous tone only served to exacerbate the tension between us. "Yes, we were close back in college, and many people took us for a couple. They thought we would marry each other," she said, her words carrying a double meaning of jealousy and possessiveness.
The next thing I did shocked even myself.
I went over to Xavi and kissed him on the lips.
I could see the initial surprise flicker across Xavi's face, and I held my breath, hoping that my bold move wouldn't result in shame.
At first, as I leaned in for the kiss, there was a moment of hesitation from Xavi. My heart sank with embarrassment. As I started to pull away, already feeling the sting of rejection, something unexpected happened. Just as I was about to retreat, Xavi's arms encircled my hand, pulling me closer to him. Feeling the strength of his embrace, I was taken aback as he drew me in for a kiss.
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.
I didn't care about the reasons behind his response; all that mattered was that he kissed me back. It was a silent victory.
As I pulled away from Xavi, I sensually wiped his lips, my lipstick smearing over his. I could feel Melissa's intense gaze burning into me. I had made my point, and I met her stare with equal determination.
Just as Melissa was about to say something, Xavi's sister, Kimberly, came to fetch us. "So, this is why he kissed me. He spotted his sister from afar, and it was just for show."
"Layla, you've been out for so long, so I decided to come and get you and your husband back to the party. It seems like you can't keep your hands off each other. Couldn't you guys wait for your honeymoon?" Kimberly teased us. As I was about to leave, I could hear Melissa saying, "You guys are only married on paper. Don't think too much about it because he is eventually going to leave you."
I was angered by her audacity. Trying to be the bigger person, I ignored her and just left them both.
At the party, we first went to greet my dad and his wife and also went over to greet Xavi's parents. "Congratulations, dear," his mother greeted us. "Hope very soon; I'm going to be expecting my grandchildren.
I didn't know what to expect from this union uncertain about both his parent's intentions in this union
At the party, we were called to dance. While dancing, Xavi's expression turned sour, his brows furrowing with irritation as he questioned, "What was that you tried outside?
Am I not allowed to kiss my husband again? After all, we are married."
He seemed visibly dissatisfied and angry, his tone laced with hostility as he continued, "Yes, we may be married, but it's only on paper and for show. I'm not going to fall in love with you and be the couple that lives happily ever after. Don't ever try that stunt you pulled back there. Next time you do, you are not going to like my bad side."
It was time to take pictures, and I had to force a smile despite Xavi's dismissive attitude. He didn't even bother to feign happiness; his scowl was evident as he stood beside me.
I excused myself to go to the bathroom, where I could finally breathe and cry my eyes out. I needed someone's support, so I brought out my phone to call my twin brother, but he was not picking up. Just then, my stepmom entered.
She started by asking me why I was crying, and I thought it was to comfort me, but I was mistaken. She continued, "You better brace yourself and don't mess this up, especially for your dad. What is making you cry? So what if this was an arranged marriage and they were getting something from you? Your family's reputation is at stake here, and don't paint me and your dad bad for all the ways we have taken care of you since your birth. Don't waste our investment and make us regret it. Moreover, every girl would kill to be in your position right now. You are already married to a family with massive wealth, and
Their names are well-known and respected. What is there to cry for? If only it was Melissa who got him. Anyway, make sure you attend to their every demand. I don't want to hear any complaints from them about you, okay??" She said that and left.
I have always respected this woman as my mother because I never got to see my biological mother; she died while giving birth to me. She had always been my mother, and now she was talking as if I were some property needed to appease the Wright family.
I wiped my eyes and went back inside. It was time for us to go home and prepare for our honeymoon. We both greeted everyone and left the party.