CHAPTER 5

Seated at the dining table, I diligently worked on finishing the remaining food on my plate. Since we arrived, he has not said a single word to me.

Not only did he not eat the meal with me, but he also distanced himself from me. Throughout the evening, he engaged himself in conversations with various people, i did not know if they were family or friends, I was not sure, as he had no intention to introduce me. While a few individuals identified

themselves as associates of my father, there were no other introductions, leaving me wondering why.

"May I have everyone's attention?" the MC announced, prompting us all to turn towards him. "A little birdy informed me that the bride is a dancer."

Cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Now, where is our groom? Our stomachs should be full by now, so let's have the bride and groom share their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Firmino!"

The crowd cheered, but he frowned, well that is the only expression you can see on his face. He was obviously displeased with the idea. It was evident he wasn't interested in participating.

Nonetheless, a push from one of the men around him forced him to the center, and he reluctantly glanced up at me.

"Let's go, Camila! Show him how to dance!" a voice from the crowd encouraged.

I stood up, kicked off my heels, and made my way to the dance floor where he stood. The music began, and I took his hand. We started swaying to the rhythm of the song.

Although I looked up at him, he kept his gaze averted. Returning my focus to his chest, we continued dancing in silence. Neither of us spoke a word. When I finally dared to look up again, our eyes met.

"Could you do me a favor?" I broke the silence. "What?" he asked, already annoyed.

"Can you at least act like you care in front of my brother? I don't want him to know I married an asshole."

He scoffed. "And why should I do that?"

"I don't want him to feel bad for disagreeing to work for you." "I have no problem with that," he replied to me rudely.

"You can be a basic human being for once."

"It seems like you love your brother," he said. "Looks like I already have someone to kill if you misbehave."

A pit formed in my stomach.

"I'm begging you. Just please keep our hatred a secret. Let's make it our secret." "Fine," he agreed as the song came to a halt.

As he walked away, my eyes widened when I realized he was heading toward Camillo. I hurriedly ran behind him to stop him, but I was too late.

"You must be Camillo," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

"You must be Lucas," Camillo smiled as he shook his hand. Turning to Ivy, he added, "This is my girlfriend, Ivy."

"Nice to meet you," she said, shaking hands with Lucas. Shy and cute, I couldn't help but love her. "I know you," he said to Camillo.

Camillo laughed, folding his arms. "I don't think we've met."

"We didn't have to. I follow you in football. You alone scored twenty-five goals out of the thirty this season, and you're quickly making your name move up the rank list."

Both Camillo and I watched him, impressed.

"I think you're a good player, Camillo, but I'm a great one. Let's have a match, and I'll show you what real competition feels like."

I glared at him for his audacity, making matters worse as Camillo never accepts defeat. Camillo burst into laughter. "I really like him, Cammy!"

"I think I'll take you up on that offer, Lucas!"

A man whispered something into Lucas's ear, and he shook hands with Camillo and Ivy. "I am so sorry, but something came up. It was nice meeting you both."

He walked away, leaving Camillo smiling.

"You know, I was a bit skeptical about you marrying a stranger," Camillo began.

Ivy sighed. "He wouldn't shut up about the possibilities. What if she doesn't like him or what if he's some kind of serial killer."

“Why would you tell her that?" Camillo glared at Ivy, who laughed and kissed his cheek. "I'm really happy for you, Cammy. I'm going to get some drinks for Ivy and me."

I smiled since it was just Ivy and me. She immediately hugged me. "I'm so happy for you too, Cammy. He is so hot!"

"Thanks, Ivy."

"I told you that you would find the one. You just needed to be patient. Maybe you needed that guy to cheat on you. It happened to me, and now I couldn't be any happier with Camillo."

I forced myself to smile. If there was any chance of me finding the right one, I had blown it. I would be married to this terrible man for the rest of my life.

"I'm happy too!" I lied.

I glanced across to see Lucas walking out the door with some people.

Is he seriously leaving his own wedding right now?

"I'm sorry, Ivy, give me one second," I said before rushing toward the door. I tried to leave, but a man stepped in my way.

"I need to leave. Could you please excuse me?"

I looked out the glass and saw Lucas entering a car.

"Sir, please move!" I asked, irritated, but he stood still and looked straight ahead.

"Princess, what are you doing? You are causing a scene." Papa appeared out of nowhere. "This man is not letting me leave, and Lucas is about to ditch his own wedding!"

"Hmm, this looks like one of Lucas's men. Sir, please step aside." The man immediately moved, and my mouth dropped.

Dad went outside, and I tried to follow, but the man stepped back in my way. "Are you serious right now? Why are you standing in the way?"

Papa came back. "It looks like Lucas told him not to let you leave. Will you be her new bodyguard?" Papa asked, but he didn't answer.

I watched as the other men entered the car that Lucas had gone in. "He is leaving!" I complained, and papa looked out the window.

He sighed. "Are you kidding me right now? Let me go talk to him. Just wait here, princess."

After that, the bodyguard stepped aside, and Papa approached the car. I observed as Lucas rolled down the window to converse with Papa before turning back.

"You can now say something; we are alone now," I said. "If you're going to be my new bodyguard, you have to communicate. I love talking."

He remained silent.

Or is he mute?

I sighed, seeing Lucas roll up his window and drive away. Papa returned inside. "Well, what happened?" I asked urgently.

"He left. He said something came up."

"What? What could be more important to him than his wedding reception? We haven't even cut our cake yet!" I exclaimed in frustration.

I know Lucas is a terrible person but ditching your own wedding?? "He said to inform everyone to go home."

I shook my head. "This is unbelievable."

I was not having the best time here; I did not just leave like that. So many people were present, and he just exited the event as if it was unimportant.

"Princess, this is your new bodyguard, Bram. He'll be taking you home now." Papa called over Ivy and Camillo.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," Camillo remarked. "For now," I quickly corrected him, embracing him.

"Promise we'll still call every day?" Ivy inquired, and I nodded before hugging her.

"You will always be my princess," Papa assured me before hugging me. "You can handle anything that comes your way."

I nodded. "What about the people? I can't just leave."

"Don't worry about that; I have it covered, princess. Just go home as your husband has requested." With that, Bram held my arm and literally dragged me out of the building.