CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Everyone dreams about their wedding, from the theme to the decor. Everyone wants that day to be extraordinary, not just for them but for all of their friends and family.

Yet, here I was inside in one of the washrooms of the mansion, sobbing my eyes out. My cheeks have reddened, and I was sure my eyes were going to be puffy from all the crying.

My phone rings. Mom calling. Shit, what if I tell them everything? They are going to be devastated to know that their daughter got married without them.

More tears spill down. Leo suddenly knocks on the door, "Is everything alright in there, Ellie?"

Wiping the tears hurriedly, I dabbed my cheeks with light makeup to cover the smudges.

"Yeah, I'll just be out." Then I pick the call up.

"Hello, Ma." I force myself not to let my voice crack.

"Don't hello me! You were supposed to call me in the morning, and you didn't. Do you know how frightened your Dad and I were," I smile.

"Sorry, Ma. I was busy with a little work and everything."

"Okay. Did you eat breakfast?"

"Yes," even when I didn't feel like eating, and Leo had to strap me to a chair feeding me.

"Good. Is everything alright, kiddo?" The inquiring tone set me straight. You could never hide a thing from mothers, which is why I'll have to cut this short.

"Yes, Ma. Now I still have few things that I need to complete. I'll talk to you later. Bye." I reply. She mumbles bye, and I cut the call. Phew, now that's over. Let's get on with this.

Opening the door, I meet Leo pacing outside like a mad person. "What are you doing?"

She comes towards me and holds my hand, "I'm only going to let go when it's time for the wedding."

"Why are you so paranoid? I am going to marry your brother. You don't have to worry about that."

She scowls at me, "Is that what you think?" Before I can reply, she cuts me, "I'm worried for you."

The explanation takes me back slightly, "what about me?" Does she know?

"Worried because today is your wedding and your parents couldn't make it. So I wanted to be with you so that you don't feel lonely," I look in awe at her. She is so thoughtful, which makes me question how she is related to Arcadio.

Due to everything happening so fast, I was not able to inform my parents. To be honest, I didn't want them to know. Because bringing them closer to Arcadio's territory was a suicide. So when asked by Leo for the invitation, I lied by telling everyone that they had gone on a vacation and couldn't make it because of the short-term notice.

Tears were pricking my eyes again. Why am I so emotional today? "Awe! I love you, Leo."

"I love you too. Now let's go before Arcadio starts getting pissed."

I wry my lips, "when does your brother stop?"

She laughs, "that's true."

Every time I think of Arcadio, my thoughts run a repeat of that daydream with him. It has been a week since the whole incident in the changing room. I have also tried distracting myself, yet the thoughts of him never leave me alone.

Thankfully the daydream has shifted to night dreams. Otherwise, it was hard to even stay in a room with him.

"It's time, girls," a lady enters the room.

Leo sequels, "you ready, Ellie? I can't wait for you to be my sister-in-law!"

I return her a tight smile, "me either."

As we step out of the room, I see Romero waiting for us. It's surprising to see him waiting for us. He's wearing his black tux with a maroon tie which was to be worn by all the Groomsmen.

Leo beat me to question him, "what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to stand with Arcadio?"

Without showing any emotions, he stated, "Arcadio wanted me to walk Ellie down the aisle."

I gaped at the statement. What is going on in Arcadio's mind?

"Why?" I turn to Romero.

"I don't know. Ask your soon-to-be husband."

Shaking my head, I hold on to Romero's elbow, and we walk. Don't fall, don't fall! It may not be a real wedding, but I didn't want to fall in front of so many people. I make the mistake of looking up from the floor and directly meet Arcadio's eyes. He was gazing at me with a hint of a malicious smirk. What plans does he have for me now?

Ignoring the rising anxiety, I kept on walking. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Romero's whispered words did nothing to mellow that down. What other option did I have right now, if not marrying Arcadio?

"Yes."

When we reach the altar, Arcadio steps down and puts his hand out. Romero grits his teeth and murmurs, "I hope you know what you're doing. But if you hurt her..." He takes my hand and puts it in Arcadio's hold.

Arcadio doesn't reply but stays tight lip while helping me get in front of him. The priest begins.

During the whole ceremony, my mind became numb. Every possible thing that I planned for my future was burning to ashes in front of my eyes. What will happen in sham of a marriage? I mean, I knew Arcadio would never be loyal to me or will ever love me. Yet why did I felt heartache and hurt with that notion? I should be glad that I would never get to be with such a mobster. Then why did my heart kept contemplating on the fact of him being a bad guy?

Suddenly I was out of my thoughts with a slight pinch I felt in my hands. I raised my head to see everyone gazing at me. Arcadio has a murderous look on his face. The priest says, "I asked Elizabeth Amaral if you take Arcadio Concentino as your husband?"

"Yes! I mean, I do." I blabber.

"Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you both husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest finishes.

Arcadio doesn't wait and pulls me in for a kiss. When lips touch so suddenly, a gasp leaves my lips. A shrill of excitement burst inside me as I inhaled his intoxicating scent. I held on to his shoulders tightly as he dipped me back in a movie kiss. I felt tingles all over my body. I have kissed before, but never have someone made me feel this way which scared me more. I have to stay away from him. Otherwise, I would never be out of this hellhole.

As he helped me stand straight, Arcadio leaned in close to my ears, making me shiver while he whispered, "you embarrassed me, Piccolo Ragazza."

We didn't wait for anything further. No reception, no meeting people. It was just Leo that came running after the wedding and hugged me tightly. "Take care."

Everything happened in a rush. I was sitting in the back of a limo with Arcadio next to me. It was the first time I was inside a limo. He didn't say a word which made me more concerned about what he said to me before. What was he going to do?