First person's point of view
Gael's parents called us over, reminding us that the wedding is just in a month's time. As we were discussing the wedding preparations, Fredo walked in, making a snide comment about the rush. Gael brushed it off, but the tension was palpable.
" We are getting ready, father, mother," Gael said, trying to reassure them.
But Fredo couldn't resist taking another jar, "yeah, rushing into marriage like there is no tomorrow. People might get the wrong idea, Gael."
Gael smiled lightly, "that was extremely rude of you, Fredo."
Fredo just smiled and said, "sorry, I misspoke. I was just wondering why you are getting married so quickly."
"You can't talk to someone's face like that, Fredo."
Fredo just smiled evilly and walked away, leaving the room in an uncomfortable silence."
Mrs Stephen turned to me and said, "I should meet with your mother and take care of the big things. Give me her phone number."
But I hesitated, "I am sorry ma, but could you talk to me about those things? I think it will be hard for my family to help with my wedding."
Mrs Stephen raised an eyebrow, "it is like they don't want to help at all. That's too much." Meanwhile, at Gael's company, the staff were buzzing with excitement about my wedding with their CEO. The CEO is really rushing his wedding up, one staff member said. I heard the families were no match. Another added.
Miguel listened to their conversation, his mind racing with questions. Just then, his phone rang. It was the bridal shop confirming the final fitting dress for Monica. Miguel was confused but tried to play it cool.
Gael and I went to visit my parents. The tension was palpable. My mother pretended to be impressed with the wedding invitation, while my father seemed unwell. Mia burst into laughter, mocking my desire for their presence at my wedding.
" Sister, you hate us, and you want us to be at your wedding? Why, are you worried about being empty?" Mia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Dad rebuked her, "Mia, be careful with your words. And my friend Mr Benevista's son just came back from abroad. I want you to go out with him this weekend." Mr Tomas said in a command tone.
But Mia just shrugged, "I lost my appetite. Dad, do you want me to go on a blind date? Why is there a problem with me?"
Mrs Emily intervened, "Mia, your father just wants the best for you."
"But my sister Mia was unconvinced. She turned to me and said," I know I should get to catch your bouquet on that day, but I have a friend's party to attend, so I can't make it. I know you don't have friends." She smiled wickedly and left the dinner table.
After Gael and I left my parents' house, mom confronted dad about his behavior towards Mia, "Do you have to do that to Mia? She's not even healed yet."
Mr Tomas was unrepentant, "this is your fault, the way you raised your child. I was humiliated in front of my future son-in-law. She is too immature for her age because you overprotect her. Besides, you are not even paying attention to work these days. Do you think you can take care of the gallery?"
Mrs Emily shot back, "make Mia the head of the gallery, your family is the only thing you can depend on."
Mr Tomas raised his eyebrows, "really? Then why don't I give it to Monica? Our future son-in-law might lead jkings holding his family company in the future. His wife should have a leadership role somewhere. She happens to paint, so the gallery will be perfect."
Mrs Emily was skeptical, "you are just saying that, right? Alright, Mia's date will go well."
Dad, his medicine, seemingly unbothered by his wife's suggestion to switch to a new medicine. The tension between them was palpable and the fate of my wedding and the future of my father's gallery hung in the balance.
Miguel arrived at the bridal shop eager to accompany me for my dress fitting. However, the staff apologized to him for why I had not made the appointment, and it was a mistake. Gael had already taken me to a different location for my dress fitting.
As I emerged from the dressing room in my stunning wedding gown. Gael's jaw dropped in awe, "I think it beautiful", he stared, unable to close his mouth. The shop owner smiled at Gael's reaction. " But the bridal expression is a bit dark. Why aren't you smiling, Monica?" I seemed taken back by the question. The shop owner moved closer to me and said, "the bride is the main character of the wedding, the day you promised forever to the one you love. Okay say after me, I am the happiest girl today." I faced Gael, my eyes searching for answers from him, "Gael, what's wrong with him?" Gael smiled, reassuring, but the shop owner insisted. "Don't just say I'm happy."
Meanwhile, Miguel stood outside watching the scene unfold through the window. His eyes widened as he saw me in a wedding gown and his anger boiled. Suddenly, his hand pushed a flower vase down, shattering it on the floor. The sound made me and Gael look outside, and my eyes widened as I saw Miguel approaching me.
" Miguel, Miguel" I exclaimed, but he cut me off. " It wasn't enough that you are getting married to another man, you had to pick the same bridal shop we picked back then?" I protested "it wasn't like that, it was a coincidence," Miguel's anger turned to venom, "You don't have to make excuses. Honestly, when I saw you in this wedding dress I hated you. Wow, so are you really going to do this to me? Mock me this hard by getting married to my boss?".
Gael stepped forward, his eyes flashing with warning. "Step back, Mr Miguel", but Miguel continued to taunt me. " You were so excited when we wanted to get married back then, but now you look like you are being sold off somewhere. Why do I need to curse you?" Gael's smile was icy, "I think you already said enough ridiculous words, Miguel." Miguel faced him, "what did you say? Enough ridiculous words? My most precious ex-wife and boss are getting married. I wish you two the best of luck." Miguel's face turned wild and unhinged as he faced me, " Monica, I wish you all the happiness, I don't know if you will be able to though." With that he turned and stormed out of the shop, leaving Gael and I in an uncomfortable silence.
The shop owner tried to break the tension, "Shall we go back to the fitting? We need to make sure the dress is perfect for the big day." I nodded but still shaken by Miguel's outburst. As we continued with the fitting, Gael's eyes didn't leave my eyes, his expression was a mix of concern and possessiveness. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words, and the tension between us was palpable.
I couldn't shake the feeling of unease, my mind racing with the thought of Miguel and our past. I knew I had made the right choice in leaving him, but his words still stung me. Gael's gentle on my arm brought me back to the presence. " Hey, are you okay?" his eyes filled with concern. I nodded, forcing a smile, "yeah,
But the encounter with Miguel had left its mark and the rest of the day was completely in silence, the tension between Gael, and I was palpable.
As we left the shop, Gael's arm around my waist, I couldn't help but wonder what other surprise lay in store for me.
Mrs Emily sat in the luxurious lobby, sipping her coffee and waiting for Fredo, Gael's brother. She had a plan, and she needed Fredo's help to execute it. When Fredo arrived, she got straight to the point. " Be honest, you don't wish happiness for that marriage, do you?" Fredo smiled, pretending to be oblivious to her true intentions, " why wouldn't I? It's my brother's wedding. Isn't it an opportunity for your family to have a son-in-law from jkings holding?".
Mrs Emily smiled, her eyes gleaming with a sinister intent. " I don't want him for Monica, but for my daughter Mia." Fredo raised an eyebrow intrigued. " What do you want me to do?" Mrs Emily leaned in, her voice taking on a conspirational tone, "I am not sure yet, but I'll let you know soon."
The two of them exchanged looks, their eyes looked in silent understanding. They both knew their conversation was not about wishing Gael and i happiness in our marriage, but about plotting something more sinister.
I was in my apartment room, painting and lost in my own thoughts. I was trying to process the events of the past few days, from Miguel's outburst at the bridal shop to my doubts about my marriage to Gael. Just then, my phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Fredo.
" Hey, Monica, I think we definitely have to meet." Fredo said, his voice low and mysterious.
My instincts told me to be cautious, but I agreed to meet him anyway, "Alright, where should I meet you? I asked, my brush strokes faltering, and I waited for his response.
Fredo's laughter was menacing, "I will send a car to pick you up by five pm so be ready." with that he hung. I was feeling unease and was unsure of what to expect.