Chapter 2

"I'm sorry I'm late," Alejandro casually walked towards the altar where Camila stood in her wedding gown, her veil covering her face. "I had to attend some business meetings. I hope I didn't miss my wedding?" He sounded unapologetic as he spoke.

Camila gazed at his face carefully. He had changed a lot from how she remembered him. Gone were the chubby cheeks and acne, replaced with a sculpted jawline, smooth skin, and a well-built body, visible underneath his suit.

Alejandro had grown taller, probably six foot three, and there was something different about him. He wasn’t that vulnerable boy anymore; she could see it in his cold, serious eyes.

"Outrageous! How can he attend a business meeting on his own wedding day?"

"The nerve of him to show up wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo!"

People murmured among themselves, but Alejandro didn't seem to care. He just wanted to get the wedding over with.

"Since the groom is here, we may proceed," the priest said, stepping forward while holding his Bible. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony..."

As the priest began, Isabella rolled her eyes and crossed her legs. "So much for a well-behaved man," she mumbled angrily, still upset that Alejandro had shown up late and hadn't even bothered to change his outfit.

"Attitude, Isa. Being a real estate mogul isn't easy, and you can't let his work be jeopardized by some no-love wedding," Valeria said scornfully.

"You—" Isabella raised her hand to hit her, but the look Sofia gave her made her slowly drop it.

Valeria smirked and flicked her hair back as if silently saying, "I thought so." Their attention returned to the priest, who was making them say their vows.

"Now Alejandro Ruiz, repeat after me and make this promise to Camila Perez," the priest started. Alejandro didn’t take his eyes off Camila; he could see a glimpse of her face through the veil.

"I, Alejandro Ruiz, take thee, Camila Perez, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part."

Alejandro repeated what the priest said, and Camila did the same. Rings were exchanged, and it was done.

"With the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you, Alejandro and Camila Ruiz, husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride," the priest announced.

Alejandro slowly lifted her veil, revealing her face. Camila Perez, or should he call her Camila Ruiz? After years, he finally had her right where he wanted, and nothing could stop him. He caressed her cheek, and Camila couldn’t help but shiver under his touch. Then he leaned closer to capture her lips.

His kiss was soft, warm, yet cold at the same time. It was short, and people clapped. Their parents looked happy, especially Alejandro's. He knew how long his father, Sebastian, had wished for this moment, and it was finally here.

"Congratulations, sis, you're married now," Isabella ran to greet Camila.

"Thank you," Camila forced a smile.

"If he gives you a hard time, call me, and I will take you away. If he can show up late for his wedding, what can't he do?" Isabella gave Alejandro a dirty look as he talked with a couple of his friends.

"It's fine. At least he showed up," Camila assured her.

Valeria walked towards them. "Camila, or should I call you sister-in-law. Congratulations on marrying my brother. All the girls want him, and trust me, I have better choices I could offer him, but for some reason, he chose you. You must be special." Valeria had a smile that left Camila wondering if it was a compliment or an insult.

"Anyway, I'm pretty sure we will get along pretty well," Valeria added, faking a smile at Isabella before walking off.

"I hate her," Isabella scoffed.

"Don't say that. You're sisters-in-law now," Camila urged her sister to be nice.

"But she's pompous, and I don't like pompous people," Isabella turned to give Valeria another hard look before rolling her eyes.

Camila talked with Sebastian and Daniella, and received gifts from some other guests before it was time to go.

"Alejandro, we knew you as a good kid. I hope you can protect our little daughter and treat her like the princess she is," Carlos asked for assurance.

"Oh, I will," Alejandro replied, and Camila couldn't tell if he meant it or if there was another meaning behind it, but she planned not to think too much about it.

"Have fun in your husband's house, Camila. Don't forget I'm still your mother, and you should call me if you need anything," Sofia was already tearing up. She couldn't believe Camila just got married and would be living with someone who wasn't them for the first time.

"Don't make me cry, Mom. I will be fine, trust me," Camila tried to cover up her emotions with a smile when all she really wanted to do was hug her mother and cry.

"I will miss you, sis. You're still my best friend," Isabella pouted, unable to hold back her tears as she ran off to cry.

"I will take care of your princess, Mom and Dad, trust me," Alejandro placed his hand on his chest, giving them an assuring look.

After several cries and goodbyes, Camila finally left her parents. She and Alejandro sat in the back seat of the car. It was silent, just the sounds of other speeding cars. Camila looked out the window, trying to welcome her new life and new home while Alejandro was busy on his phone, talking business.

The car finally halted at a big mansion. The grand staircase leading to the main door was made of gold, and the maple trees surrounding it indicated how fancy the interior would be.

She wanted to open the car door when Alejandro's hand covered hers, holding her in place.

"I have some rules for you before you step in, wifey," his expression was stern as he stopped her.