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Chapter Three
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2022-09-29 17:58:53"Let's get married".
That actually shuts everyone up, even my aunt. My jaw is wide open as I stare at Mr. De Luca like he's stupid. Because he really is.
"Are you crazy?". I ask.
"Vanessa!!!!". Auntie calls out in warning. Fine we don't hold any cards here but this man is clearly mentally deranged and we can't let him have all the say. Who the hell offers to marry a girl on her wedding day?
Dad storms forward. "Okay, Ellie. I don't know what you think you are doing but this man can't…..".
"Stay out of this, Bryan". Auntie snaps.
"Vanessa cannot marry a stranger!!!!".
My aunt jerks her head towards the podium. "Cody was more or less a stranger anyways, and she was still going to marry him". Poor Cody. I turn back and glance at him for the first time since this drama started. He's still standing by the podium, now joined by his younger sister who glares at us hotly. His face is as red as a tomato and he looks a bit lost as he continuously glances between us and his parents.
Mr. De Luca cocks his head as he peers at me. I watch his eyes travel down my height, right from the top of my head to the bottom of my dress. My cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the not-so-conspicuous assessment. Finally, his eyes travel back up my body again.
"Good. We are already at a venue. Let's get married right now". He doesn't even sound like he's joking and that's giving me serious chest palpitations.
"Sir, I'm not going to…..".
"Vanessa". My aunt chips in. She grabs my upper arm like her life depends on it. "Please give me five minutes sir, I'll just talk to her".
Mr. De Luca cocks an eyebrow. "It's funny that you think I have five minutes to waste".
Auntie's face heats up. "Please, just two minutes sir".
The man sighs and glances at his watch impatiently. "Two minutes, Ellie. Or I'm leaving this place and you are your husband are coming with me. And not in the nicest of ways".
"Yes, sir". My aunt drags me off haphazardly towards the other end of the pier. I glance behind me and see that my uncle is moving to the MacMillans who are still staring at the whole scene like it's a movie. And then the man…..Mr. De Luca. His eyes are fixated on me as I'm dragged off and for a moment, I think to myself, what a shame. Outside of these circumstances, I would have definitely swooned in 5 seconds for this kind of man. He obviously looks rich, his black tuxedo fitting perfectly and an expensive watch hanging off his wrist. His body does all the justice to his height. I can't see his arms but I bet they are as a toned as I think they are. Not to talk of that ginormous confidence and ego. That man is a man that has money and isn't afraid to show it.
Auntie spins me around to face her, her eyes wide and crazy. "Vanessa, look at me. What the hell are you trying to do?".
"How could you agree to that? That's the most…..".
"I did it for you*. I see the tears spring into her eyes and I nearly roll my eyes at this ancient manipulative technique of hers that still never fails to make me feel guilty. "I did it for you and Camilla. You people needed to be taken care of".
"Auntie, I had definitely moved out before all of this happened".
She realizes I'm right and I almost see the engines whirring in her head as she thinks of what to say next. "But Camilla was still with us". As expected.
I actually roll my eyes this time. "Camilla couldn't have even….".
"Pay back Camilla's share then".
"Auntie!!!!".
"Yes, pay back your younger sister's share. Work for him and pay him back".
"I don't have much of a deal about working for him but marrying him… ".
"Don't you see". She leans in conspiratorially. "You could get him to fall in love with you".
I glance at Mr. De Luca and grimace. "No, thanks".
"He's rich, Vanessa. Filthy rich. You won't suffer. And you both can get it anulled after you pay up".
I sigh softly and look down at my hands. Can it really be so bad after all?
"Auntie…..".
"You'll do it, Vanessa. That's the only option".
She doesn't even wait for me to respond before spinning around and walking towards Mr. De Luca a tight smile pasted on her face. "Let's have the wedding sir".
My father glares at her from where he's standing and then turns to look at me, his face questioning if I had really agreed to this. I can't even look him in the eye. Robotocially, I step forward my eyes cast down.
"You might want to hurry up. I have a business meeting in 40 minutes". He glances at his watch anxiously and turns and walks to the podium. Cody is still there, looking like a confused dog and when he sees Mr. De Luca approaching him, he shuffles away, clearly intimidated. The man doesn't even spare him a second glance as he takes the spot Cody had been occupying and glances back to see my progress. There's a small ruckus going on in the left pier where uncle and Cody's family are getting into it but I make myself as small as possible and slink past them, climbing the podium and taking the position I had been in earlier, except this time, the man in front of me is different. The priest had stayed back too to witness the scene and when his eyes land on me, my cheeks burn uncontrollably. Mr. De Luca pays no mind. He turns to the man and jerks a head cockily.
"Let's begin".
"B...but….". He tries to say.
"Your duty is to officiate a wedding". Mr. De Luca says, his voice hard and ungiving. "So please do so".
The priest's face remains confused but he opens his book and begins to recite the same lines he had read out for Cody and I earlier. I hear stamping feet and turn to see Cody's family storming out angrily, dragging their son after them. I feel bad for them but there's really nothing I can do here. I'm literally a pawn in this game too.
"Don't bother asking if anybody objects". Mr. De Luca interrupts the priest. "I'm pretty sure everyone here does".
The priest looks at him strangely before continuing to read. "Where are the rings?". He asks when it's time.
"There are no rings". Mr. De Luca chips in again impatiently. "Just round this up, will you?".
Highly uncomfortable by the situation, the priest's brows remain a bit knitted as he waves a hand at us. "I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride".
Mr. De Luca doesn't even wait to hear the last part. He's already going down the stairs, his guards instantly forming a perfect alliance behind him as he marches out of the hall. I stare at his disappearing back. This is it. I'm married.
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I don't wait around for dinner when we get home. With the monstrosity of a wedding dress, I shuffle up the stairs, escaping to the haven of my room. Thankfully, the car ride home had been quiet, each of us way too busy trying to process what had just happened. I reach the landing at the top of the stairs and open the door of the first room to the left, my room, breathing in the smell of security and comfort as I enter. I hear Auntie call out something from downstairs but I don't bother listening. With a note of finality, I shut the door behind me.The room is mostly bare save for my bed, a table set, an empty wardrobe and a few clothes in the duffel bag I had brought from my apartment. Since moving out years ago, I hardly sleep over when I come visiting. Of course, I'm still welcome to sleepover whenever I choose to but I'd rather not. Too bad I'm here now. And with a Mrs title attached to my name. I let my hands fall to my sides and my shoulders sag in exhaustion. It's still hard to
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He's standing at the doorway, his hands thrust into the pockets of his suit pants casually. His face breaks into a smile when he sees me and he raises a hand and waves."There you are, Vanessa". I glance around the sitting room to see Aunt Ellie standing meekly to one corner, a polite but nervous smile pasted on her face. Behind me, Camilla is perched on the stairs too, observing the scene below. I take the last step down and walk over to him warily, my arms folded over my chest."What are you doing here…..Mr. De Luca?".He looks at me like I'm stupid. "I'm here to take you home?". I scoff loudly. "Take me home? That's a very ridiculous thing to say". He chuckles. "Oh….is it? Ellie?". He turns to face my aunt and she perks up with alert. "You and Ken live here, don't you? Married couples stay together, don't they?".Her nods are coming a bit too fast. "Yes….yes sir".Mr. De Luca turns back to face me, a smile on his lips. "You heard that".I glare at Aunt Ellie but she has already
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My apartment is located in a housing complex, a few miles away from where my aunt lives. The place had been a relatively good choice, considering it wasn't too far from Camilla and the price was quite affordable. I share a room with my roommate, Emily who got engaged just a few weeks ago and was planning to move in with her boyfriend. I love Emily but I had damn well been looking forward to having the apartment all to myself. At least, till Camilla comes to live with me. Sadness fills my heart at the fact that I won't even be able to enjoy such a little luxury anymore. Damien De Luca pulls into the parking lot and turns the engine off. He glances up at the looming apartment complex. "This is where you live eh?". He asks. I'm listening hard for a hint of judgement in his voice but I find none. That had just been a pure statement. "Yes it is". I say shortly as I unbuckle my seat belt.He chuckles dryly to himself. "I know the bastard that owns the place". "Good for you". I mutter und
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Carrying my luggage by myself ended up being the worst mistake of my life. By the time I finally get down the stairs and go to meet Damien outside, my sweater is glued to my back with perspiration. The cold night air that had been an inconvenience earlier suddenly seems like a blessing. But when I see Damien leaning against his car, a heavily amused look on his face. I pointedly avoid looking at him as I struggle the rest of the way to the car. By the press of a button, the trunk opens up and he finally reaches for my things and load them for me. The only reason why I'm not doubling over and panting my exhaustion away is the last shred of pride I feel. Damien is still wearing that smug look when we finally get into the car. We pull out of the lot and as I quietly try to regain my breath, I'm thankful he doesn't try to generate conversation. We drive silently for a good while before he says anything."Your roommate seemed…. surprised. You didn't tell her you were married?".I don't eve
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When I wake up the next morning, I know I've over done it. I've slept much longer than i intended to. I rise up quickly from the bed and it takes me a second longer than necessary to realize where I am. I'm in Damien's house, in my bedroom. I glance at the room fuzzily. It's just as white as the rest of the house and my bed is a huge queen sized one with an ornate golden headboard. Bedcovers as white as the walls are strewn over me. A huge vanity sits to one corner, it's mirror almost my full length and the chair and table made from the same ornate material as the headboard. A door stands to the right, leading to the bathroom while one stands to the left, leading into the walk-in closet. Right in the centre of the room hangs a huge, elegant chandelier that glows golden, purple and white depending on your pull of the switch and beside me is a fragile but expensive looking bedside lamp. I had seen all these yesterday but now, with the bright rays of sunlight streaming through the window
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My eyes widen in surprise. He's not smiling, his face is simply empty as his eyes rake over me. "Wonder where you got that". He says dryly. I glance down at myself like a fool. "I…. I….it was in the closet". I say, my voice pitching a bit in defense."That's because it's my house and my closet. My clothes can be anywhere in my house".I'm filled with embarrassment. And even more so when I realize that the woman is observing all of this. I might be wrong but I think I hear her do a couple of tutting or two.."I'm sorry. I'll just go take it off". My voice is small and pathetic. He jerks a head towards me and enters the room."Don't bother. I won't be wearing it again anyways". I'm so embarrassed I could die. My eyes follow him as he goes to huge fridge and yanks it's two doors open. He's dressed in casual black sweatpants and a short sleeved grey shirt that highlights his body, his hair ruffled and messy atop his head. Right now, it's almost hard to believe that he's a billionaire. H
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I glance back down at the sheet paper like it's my first time seeing it all over again. "Is this really necessary?".He raises a brow at me. "I'm a business man, Vanessa. If it's not stamped on paper, it's not a deal". That makes sense when I think about it. "Read it out loud". I glance at him disapprovingly. His tone is cursory and commanding and I can tell that's the voice he uses with his employees. Feeling a little indignant, I begin to read."This is a contract binding Damien De Luca and Vanessa Higgins in marriage. Below are the terms and conditions". My brows furrow and I side eye him. "Terms and Conditions? Why did you have to put it like that?""Because that's what they are Vanessa. Now, please read". I can't tell he's getting impatient with me."Number One; Vanessa Higgins is irrefutably bound to Damien De Luca for the period which her outstanding debt of $2,000,000 exists. Total repayment leads to instantaneous termination of this contract". My mouth drops in disbelief and
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The nervousness kicks in full time when my veil is placed atop my head. I open my eyes slowly and come face to face with my reflection in the brightly lit full length mirror. My stomach drops and I feel the tears spring into my eyes. The only thing I can think to myself as I take in my appearance is "ugly". This dress is ugly and I look ugly.It's a pale ivory color, with a neckline so high it looks like I'm wearing a turtle neck. Layers of hideous, frothy lace line the bodice and sleeves and the bottom opens out in large swaths of even more lace. It's so heavy it's a wonder how I'm still standing. Camilla sighs from behind me and I know she's also not impressed. "It's ugly, isn't it?". I ask, my voice thick with tears.She looks up at me in alarm and takes in my watering eyes. "No no no…..what do you think you are doing?". She comes around to stand in front of me and yanks a tissue paper from the box on standby, pressing it gently onto my eyes to dab away my tears. "You look beautif
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I glance back down at the sheet paper like it's my first time seeing it all over again. "Is this really necessary?".He raises a brow at me. "I'm a business man, Vanessa. If it's not stamped on paper, it's not a deal". That makes sense when I think about it. "Read it out loud". I glance at him disapprovingly. His tone is cursory and commanding and I can tell that's the voice he uses with his employees. Feeling a little indignant, I begin to read."This is a contract binding Damien De Luca and Vanessa Higgins in marriage. Below are the terms and conditions". My brows furrow and I side eye him. "Terms and Conditions? Why did you have to put it like that?""Because that's what they are Vanessa. Now, please read". I can't tell he's getting impatient with me."Number One; Vanessa Higgins is irrefutably bound to Damien De Luca for the period which her outstanding debt of $2,000,000 exists. Total repayment leads to instantaneous termination of this contract". My mouth drops in disbelief and
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My eyes widen in surprise. He's not smiling, his face is simply empty as his eyes rake over me. "Wonder where you got that". He says dryly. I glance down at myself like a fool. "I…. I….it was in the closet". I say, my voice pitching a bit in defense."That's because it's my house and my closet. My clothes can be anywhere in my house".I'm filled with embarrassment. And even more so when I realize that the woman is observing all of this. I might be wrong but I think I hear her do a couple of tutting or two.."I'm sorry. I'll just go take it off". My voice is small and pathetic. He jerks a head towards me and enters the room."Don't bother. I won't be wearing it again anyways". I'm so embarrassed I could die. My eyes follow him as he goes to huge fridge and yanks it's two doors open. He's dressed in casual black sweatpants and a short sleeved grey shirt that highlights his body, his hair ruffled and messy atop his head. Right now, it's almost hard to believe that he's a billionaire. H
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He's standing at the doorway, his hands thrust into the pockets of his suit pants casually. His face breaks into a smile when he sees me and he raises a hand and waves."There you are, Vanessa". I glance around the sitting room to see Aunt Ellie standing meekly to one corner, a polite but nervous smile pasted on her face. Behind me, Camilla is perched on the stairs too, observing the scene below. I take the last step down and walk over to him warily, my arms folded over my chest."What are you doing here…..Mr. De Luca?".He looks at me like I'm stupid. "I'm here to take you home?". I scoff loudly. "Take me home? That's a very ridiculous thing to say". He chuckles. "Oh….is it? Ellie?". He turns to face my aunt and she perks up with alert. "You and Ken live here, don't you? Married couples stay together, don't they?".Her nods are coming a bit too fast. "Yes….yes sir".Mr. De Luca turns back to face me, a smile on his lips. "You heard that".I glare at Aunt Ellie but she has already
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"Let's get married".That actually shuts everyone up, even my aunt. My jaw is wide open as I stare at Mr. De Luca like he's stupid. Because he really is."Are you crazy?". I ask."Vanessa!!!!". Auntie calls out in warning. Fine we don't hold any cards here but this man is clearly mentally deranged and we can't let him have all the say. Who the hell offers to marry a girl on her wedding day?Dad storms forward. "Okay, Ellie. I don't know what you think you are doing but this man can't….."."Stay out of this, Bryan". Auntie snaps."Vanessa cannot marry a stranger!!!!".My aunt jerks her head towards the podium. "Cody was more or less a stranger anyways, and she was still going to marry him". Poor Cody. I turn back and glance at him for the first time since this drama started. He's still standing by the podium, now joined by his younger sister who glares at us hotly. His face is as red as a tomato and he looks a bit lost as he continuously glances between us and his parents. Mr. De Luca
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My mouth is wide open and so is Cody's. I wonder if this is some kind of prank. I turn to look at him, the question on my tongue. "Do you know him?". Cody asks first. "That was just what I was about to ask you". I can't even help how accusatory I sound. I don't think this problem is from my side, so it has to be from his. The man walks forward confidently to the front pier where our families are seated. And that's when I see them. Aunty and Uncle. Their faces are as pale as a sheet and they are staring up at the guy as if they just saw a ghost. "Ken and Ellie. Nice seeing you two again. And here of all places". He thrusts his hands into his pocket and glances around at the hall. When his eyes land on us, he pauses and even though I can't see his eyes from behind his glasses, I can tell that he's accessing us. He lets out a low whistle. "Nice couple". He says and chuckles quietly to himself as he turns around to face my aunt and uncle. The sarcasm in his voice sends my neck and face
