It has been 5 months since my last encounter with Luis; I haven't seen him ever since. I wouldn't let that bother me; today I turn 22. I just hope everyone at home remembers what today is.
I took my phone, and I received a message; it was from Gabriel. Ever since he came over to my house to help me find some documents, I've been avoiding him. I feel bad, though, but I just can't with him. I have a duty to perform.
I replied to him by saying, "Thank you."
And as I was about to leave to go downstairs, I got the sweetest surprise ever. My parents were all waiting for me outside my room. I was so happy as I hugged them in tears.
"My father was now a different man ever since he got back from his trip. He was now a loving husband and father; I love this new version of him even more."
They sang the birthday song for her, and Isabella, her mother, gave Aliyah her gift first.
"It was jewelries and the latest designer bag."
"Thank you, Mama."
"You're welcome, Aliyah," Isabella responded.
Then Ella, her nanny, gave her hers; it was a picture of them both and a new red Teddy.
"Thank you, Nanny; I love it."
"I'm glad, Mrs. Ella replied."
Now it was her father's turn. "Come downstairs, Aliyah," Juan said.
And Aliyah followed, and Juan, her father, gave her a small gift box. She immediately opened it, and it was an expensive pendant and car key. She was so shocked.
"Dad, isn't this the Gómez pendant, your empire?"
"Yes, it is; you're old enough, and I want you to have it; it has been passed down from generation to generations."
"Thank you, Father."
"You're welcome, child; now go out; your other gift is outside."
Aliyah quickly ran out while her mother, nanny, and father were right behind her. She screamed in happiness. It was the latest new model of the Benz motors.
"Thank you, thank you; I so much love it, Dad; it even has my name encrypted on it."
"You're welcome, my princess."
"Let's go cut the cake," Mrs. Ella said, and Aliyah went into the house with her.
Isabella called Juan aside. "Thank you so much."
"For what?"
"For making our child happy; I don't know what's gotten into you, but I love this new you."
"Let's go in and help her cut the cake," he said, why changing the topic.
Isabella shook her head and followed him inside.
Aliyah cut the cake, and they all ate, dancing in laughter. They all seemed so happy, not until Oliver came with a package and gave it to Juan.
"What do you want, Oliver?"
"Boss, a package for Miss Aliyah; the sender says there's a celebration for her later tonight. It says it's from her husband."
"Okay, you may leave."
"Okay, Boss."
Everyone was silent; they were all stunned by the sudden exclamation.
Juan gave Aliyah the package. "It's an invitation to a grand birthday party, courtesy of your betrothed."
Aliyah's heart skipped a beat as she read the invitation.
"We're all going," Juan spoke.
"Ella, please watch the house."
"OK, sir."
"Nanny, I'll eat breakfast in my room," Aliyah said, and on seeing this, Aliyah quickly went to her room.
"She's just like a lost puppy," Ella smiled.
Juan was a little bit suspicious. "I just hope she isn't catching feelings because she isn't supposed to."
Isabella helped Aliyah dress up, and it was time to leave for the event. They finally left their villa after Aliyah spent hours trying to look good.
The party was being held at a luxurious venue on the outskirts of town. Aliyah arrived to find the place decorated with balloons and flowers, and a live band playing music. But as she looked around, Aliyah realised that her betrothed was nowhere to be found. She felt a pang of disappointment and wondered if he had stood her up by purposely not coming.
As the MC announced the arrival of the celebrant, everyone invited to the party gave an applause. They clapped their hands, wished her a happy birthday, and presented their gifts to her.
Just as Aliyah went to her table to sit, a waiter approached her and whispered, "Someone wants to meet you in private."
Aliyah followed the waiter to a private room, where she found herself locked in with a stranger.
"Who are you?" Aliyah demanded.
The stranger smiled and bowed. "Just a good-looking stranger," he said.
That voice, it was him. "Aliyah, I apologize for not making an appearance earlier. I wanted to surprise you."
Luis Moreno apologizing? Hmm...
The light came on, and Aliyah's heart was racing as she looked at him. He was even more handsome than she had imagined.
"I'm glad to finally meet you again," Aliyah said, trying to sound calm.
As they stood there, locked in the room together, Aliyah couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction towards her betrothed. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of their tumultuous relationship.
"Thank you for this dress," Aliyah said.
But as usual, he was lost in thoughts. The dress hung to her curves so perfectly. She looked breathtaking. Her hair, face, the mild makeup - everything was perfect. She was gorgeous, but she innocently makes it as if she's clueless about it.
"Done checking me out?" Aliyah said, while smiling with her perfect set of teeth.
Luis immediately got hold of himself; he turned around to take a deep breath and turned to face her again.
He gave her another gift in a tiny gift box. She opened it and saw a beautiful necklace.
"She blinked in surprise. 'This is so beautiful.'"
"Yeah, I want you to have it; it's my grandma's."
"But this is precious to you; I can't..."
"Don't even think of finishing that word, Aliyah; you'll be my wife soon, and it's supposed to be passed down to the Moreno's brides; it's nothing special."
"I don't know why, but I felt a sting in my chest as soon as he said such words. Why do I even care? This marriage is just a contract. Okay, can you please wear it on my neck?" Aliyah asked.
"Why would she ask me that?" Luis thought, as he took the necklace off her hands, and she turned around.
As he wore the necklace on her, he was intoxicated with her smell, the warmth it gave.
He called her name softly, and she turned to look at him; they were both lost in each other's eyes.
I didn't know when I started trailing her skin, and her breathing got harder. All my focus was on her beautiful lips; she called out my name softly, and hearing her voice, it was hard holding myself.
"He slowly moves back as I follow her trail, but everything was cut short by the knock on the door."
"I'm sorry," Luis said, as he quickly went outside.
"Thank God for that knock; if not, I wouldn't have controlled myself."
"What was that?" Aliyah thought to herself. "Was I really anticipating his kiss?"
Her cheeks flushed as she immediately went out too.
She met a man in a white vest and black pants waiting for her. "Miss Gómez, your fiancé is waiting for you. Your engagement party will soon start."
"Engagement? What engagement?"
As she followed the new trail given to her, she saw him kneeling down with a box of ring in his hands.