CHAPTER 5—Wedding Day

CHAPTER 5—Weddding Day

Raffi's Point of View

My chest was pounding hard while I was being fixed by a woman who I think is a professional makeup artist every time there is an event like this. I can't help but be afraid of what will happen. I also didn't really expect that Rock and I would get married immediately after only one week since my step-dad informed me about the marriage.

What I do know is that the wedding will take place in secret so I don't expect anyone to be a guest later except the few that Rock Redwood trusts.

Now we will meet again after our last confrontation on a rainy day and I purposefully met him at his mansion. Again, my annoyance with him and my step-dad returned because I found out that he had sold me completely and not just to pay off our debt.

My life is just unfair because I feel like I don't have the right to be happy and do what I want because I have an obligation. I would like to travel around the world while working as a nurse. Those in all countries, I will go to help the sick. But I couldn't do that anymore when I was tied to Rock.

"What shade of lipstick do you like?" Winona asked me while she was holding two lipsticks.

Before answering, there was a knock on the door, so we both looked there and Naya peeked in. My best friend is very beautiful with her hair tied up high and wearing a white dress. It's simple but she's so beautiful. I smiled at her.

"Naya," I called.

She approached me with a wide smile on her lips. "Can I help?" she asked while looking at Winona.

"Sure." Winona handed her the two lipsticks and my friend accepted them. Winona went out and left us friends in the room.

My smile got even better when I saw her take a deep breath before asking. "What shade do you like here?" she asked.

"Hmm... Why don't you choose what suits me best?"

"Okay," she said, then looked at the hands and then at my face. It was only a few moments before she chose one and carefully placed it on my lips. "I never thought you would get to the point in your life where you would get married. It used to be just a dream of ours.”

Naya was right because when we were just studying we dreamed of getting married but it turned out like this. I also dream of getting married to the person I love and who loves me too. I don't know this one. It's not like now that I was sold so I can get married.

I now smile bitterly at Naya. "I don't have a choice either, Naya. I did everything. I tried to plead but it only hurt me more.”

She carefully put the lipstick on the vanity table then held me in my hands. She took a deep breath before speaking. "Raffi, I know that you are going to do this against your will, but just think of the bright side. Your life will be fine, especially the child you and Rock will have. Also, your debt to Rock Redwood will be paid. I may not be in your situation and I can talk to you like this but I think it would be better to just look at the good things that will be the result of your sacrifices. I know that your mom will be proud of you."

Because of what she said, tears immediately filled my eyes. I suddenly remembered mom. I really hope that if she is here, she will be proud of me.

Naya said goodbye to me and the makeup artist who was fixing me came back to me.

Until Winona fixed me up and helped me put on the white dress. The design of the dress I chose was simple. There's no need to be fancy because we don't have any other guests.

I took a deep breath before taking the bouquet of red roses from Winona. "Thank you."

"I know you're very nervous right now. That's normal," Winona said.

Because Winona doesn't know what's really going on right now, she can say the words even if she says them to me over and over again, I don't think I'll be okay.

Someone knocked on the door. It was Dad Cannor. He was wearing a tuxedo and his hair was well done. He entered but I turned away.

"Leave my daughter and I alone, Winona."

"Yes, sir." Winona did come out and Dad and I were left inside.

"Raffi, it's your wedding day but why aren't you happy?" he asked me.

That's when I met his eyes. "Are you really going to ask me that now, Dad?" I can't believe it. "Do you think I should be happy even though I'm about to do this against myself?"

He bowed. "Raffi, there's nothing you can do."

"There's really nothing I can do because you sold me, right?" The bitterness in my voice was obvious because I was so hurt.

Dad put his hands in the pockets of his pants. "There is nothing more we can do. Raffi, just think about your future. Think about your child's life because Rock Redwood is his father."

"We don't have a child yet, Dad. What if I can't give him a child?"

"Of course you can, Raffi. I have a lot of trust in you."

My chest heaved because of the anger I felt for daddy. I really couldn't imagine that the father I knew would be able to sell me and pay off our debt.

I shook my head. "Leave me alone." I turned my back on him again.

"Sure." He looked at my reflection in the mirror. "Raffi, if you're thinking of running away, don't try. You know how evil Rock Redwood is, right?"

I clenched my fist. At the same time, a corner of my lips lifted. "Don't worry. I won't run away."

Dad smiled at me. "Very good, Raffi. Very good." A few moments later, he left the room and I was left behind.

I sat down on the chair. I can't really do anything. I have to face what my father did, including that Rock Redwood.

'I know I'm going to have a hard time especially and I'm going to marry a Rock Redwood. I have no other choice. I have to do this for my family.'

BECAUSE THERE are no other guests, Rock and I will have our wedding right here inside the wide grounds of the Redwoods.

Only Winona, Naya, Matilde, Daddy Cannor, Hugo—only Rock's butler are here and will be witnesses to our marriage. Minister Howley Guzon will do the ceremony. He's a close friend of Rock's late father.

Rock wasn't there yet, so my eyes wandered around the yard. No entourage will happen. There aren't many seats. If there are only a few of us, there will be only the same number of chairs. No fancy decorations. Obviously rushed and unprepared.

I felt even worse because my dream wedding was not like this. When I looked at Naya, her face showed the pity she felt for me. I know, even if she doesn't speak, I know she will say that 'this is far from our dream wedding with the man we love' because I can read it in her eyes.

Dad came to me. "Are you ready?"

"I have no choice," I whispered. I don't know if they all clearly see the anger in my eyes.

Dad smiled, making me even more annoyed with him. A few moments later my attention went to a male figure that came out from inside the mansion.

Rock is wearing a white tuxedo. It is obvious from what he is wearing that it's expensive.

I look at him.

'He looks so good.'

I winced at the thought. I looked at his face. I was even slightly surprised to notice that he no longer had a thin mustache and beard.

'He must have shaved.'

I just said that in my mind. He was talking to Matilde and when his attention came to me, I immediately looked away.

I can't explain why but my heart seems to be beating faster. The annoyance I feel also rose because I remembered what he said the day I begged him.

I looked at Naya who now focused on Rock's.

"Your future husband is handsome, Raffi," she softly whispered to me.

"Naya, please, don't act like that."

She looked at me. "I'm sorry." She laughed softly.

I noticed that Daddy and Naya straightened up so I frowned. They only looked in one direction so I was curious. I turned around and was just as surprised as I bumped into Rock's broad chest.

Because he was taller than me, I looked up. Next I felt his hands on my waist. My eyes widened because of that but I couldn't get out.

It was as if I was hypnotized by Rock's eyes and I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I swallowed when I looked up at his lips. Only then did I notice that he had a small mole above his lip.

"Hello, Ms. Remoirs. We meet again."

Rock's voice gave me a strange chill. Especially my chest because my heart was beating so hard. I swallowed again. My eyes were still blinking. "E-excuse me," I said softly and moved away from his grip on me.

I couldn't escape when Rock looked at me. I was conscious that's why I faced daddy. "H-hasn't the ceremony started yet?"

"It's about to begin, Raffi."

Because of that I took a deep breath. Rock extended his hand in front of me. I just looked at him first because I don't know why he did that.

"Take my hand, Ms. Remoirs."

"Huh?"

"Take my hand or else, I'll carry you?"

My eyes widened so I immediately grabbed his hand. I immediately looked for Naya but I noticed that she was already in her chair and was looking at us. Her look is teasing me.

I was very nervous as Rock and I walked towards the very front where there was a table and two empty chairs. In front of that stood Minister Howley Guzon.

"Are you nervous?" Rock asked.

"No," I answered.

"Liar," he whispered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, Ms. Remoirs."

Since we have people here with us, I just stopped myself from hitting Rock.

'This man is a strong tease. I thought it was just bad behavior at its core.'