"I'm getting married today." Ruby muttered to herself, while pinching her thigh hidden beneath the billowing skirt of her white wedding dress. Making sure she wasn't dreaming.
She was indeed getting married today, even though just two days ago she didn't have a boyfriend."Remember, if you want your mother to receive care and that money, you must not withdraw or annul the agreement between us."Ruby, who had just held her breath—calming the nausea in her stomach—turned to look at the bald-headed old man who was currently holding her arm. The words were only whispers, but they were clear enough amidst the buzz of the guests in front of the altar."I have promised; I will not break it." Ruby whispered back, affirming that she would fulfill her part of the deal they had agreed upon.Ruby agreed to marry a stranger she had only seen in a photo in exchange for money. That was the essence of her role. Ruby was aware of all the risks, and she believed they were worth it."Remember it for the best, and ensure that the man does not discover that you are not my daughter." The man, who in this charade pretended to be her father, reiterated his desire to ensure that Ruby wouldn't make any mistakes after this."I understand, Senor." Ruby nodded, adjusting the veil that draped over her face. Her anxiety, along with the nausea in her stomach, returned as the man's warning reminded Ruby of the most difficult part of her agreement: pretending to be Liz, the daughter of the man standing beside her.Liz was supposed to get married today, but an accident befell her, and Ruby only knew that their faces were similar—and the marriage couldn't be called off. Ruby only focused on the part of the agreement that stated her mother would receive treatment and money equivalent to a restaurant server's salary for fifty years, disregarding the other details."Put your eyes on!" The man's reprimanding whisper broke Ruby's reverie. She had accidentally stepped on his foot.Ruby staggered as the man, her fake father, pushed her away. It wasn't too strong, but Ruby was already off balance. Fortunately, Ruby still held onto his hand, preventing herself from falling.But Ruby had to swallow her pain. The push wasn't necessary. It almost embarrassed her. Besides bearing the weight of the dress, Ruby's head felt dizzy. Ruby had vomited earlier during the journey. Difficulties that she had to keep to herself. No one would care about her condition. Her 'father' only cared that the marriage went smoothly.He now grasped Ruby's hand back, as if to ensure she wouldn't run away, as they reached the front of the altar. But Ruby didn't see the man who would become her husband."Don Rosas is still attending an important call. Just a moment." The pastor leading the ceremony explained before anyone could ask.Ruby didn't care—instead, she was grateful for having more time to calm herself. Her head and stomach were in turmoil, in sync with her pounding heart.Ruby had seen the face of her 'prospective husband' in a photo, and he was handsome. A typical Latin man has a firm face and curly hair. There was a considerable age gap between them—more than twelve years—but he was handsome."Ah, there he is. Don Rosas has arrived." The pastor exclaimed in relief.Ruby hadn't raised her head yet; her head and stomach hadn't improved. As her hands shifted, she bowed her head, gazing at the hem of her own dress. Liz's prospective husband accepted it, and she felt a warm, strong, and sturdy hand.The man didn't say anything, and Ruby didn't want to speak because she felt like she would vomit if she opened her mouth. Thus, the ceremony proceeded while they stood facing each other.Ruby continued to bow her head, praying for her nausea and dizziness to ease a little. There was still a reception to attend after this."Alright, let's begin." The pastor started the ceremony, delivering a sermon that Ruby missed due to cold sweat beginning to trickle down her back and forehead. Her unwell body compounded with tension."Lizeth Marin Ramos, accept this as a token of my love and trust in you."The man made a clear statement as he handed over a tray filled with thirteen gold coins. It was a local symbol of trust. A sign that the man would take responsibility for the woman he married.Ruby's hands trembled slightly as she lifted her head, but she managed to accept the copper tray."Eduardo Rosas and Lizeth, are you ready to commit to each other and honor each other in a lifelong marriage?"Luckily, Ruby heard the question."Yes." "Y...Yes."The groom's answers flowed smoothly, but Ruby stumbled. In addition to being tense, Liz's husband's warm hand made her panic. She was marrying under a false name, but the weight of that hand was real. That hand would touch her later, when they slept together."God unites you at this moment; may you always be together forever."The pastor looked relieved, and the guests in the chapel applauded. The pastor offered an additional prayer before asking for something that made Ruby's heart race again."You may now kiss the bride."Ruby's face grew paler, with beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. She had forgotten about the kissing part.A breeze lifted the veil covering her face. Ruby held her breath as she saw a hand reach out, touching her chin and asking her to look up. Ruby didn't resist, as it was her duty. Moreover, it wouldn't be so bad; the man who kissed her would be handsome.Ruby looked up, expecting a face that would immediately captivate her.However, just as Ruby opened her eyes, the woman stepped back, not expecting the sight just inches in front of her."AGHH!" Ruby screamed."Stupid girl!"Ruby, who had just lost consciousness, opened her eyes after receiving an insult and a slap on her cheek.Ruby rubbed her sore cheek, and instantly her blurry vision cleared. She realized she was now lying on a large bed after her body went limp upon seeing her husband's hideous face."Do you want to get us all killed or what? You just needed to kiss him! You're a fool!" Esli, Liz's father, said so. He appeared furious, occasionally glancing toward the door, concerned that someone might overhear.Ruby was too shocked to respond to the insult from the father of a woman who should be in her position. She hadn't expected to receive such harsh anger. After all, it wasn't her intention to faint. Who would've thought that the man who became her spouse would look like a monster?"You screamed in his face and fainted? You just insulted him, fool! Why didn't you just throw shit in his face?!" Esli rubbed his face in panic.Ruby's fainting after seeing Eduardo Rosas' face could c
"Don't expect you can run or try to escape, because this face will always haunt you in your nightmares!" Ruby jerked as Eduardo pinned her against the wall behind her. Ruby bit her lip hard, closing her eyes tightly to hold back the sobs of fear. Unfortunately, no matter how hard Ruby tried to hold back, tears still managed to escape from her chocolate orbs. How could they not? The intense gaze of her lawful husband seemed to pierce her heart. "Wipe those tears away and do your duty as a wife properly! Don't let them think I'm mistreating you!" Eduardo barked, tossing a box of tissue toward Ruby. Esli picked up the tissue, pretending to help Ruby clean her face to appear good in front of Eduardo. Just as the man made sure Eduardo had left the room, Esli leaned in close to Ruby's ear and said, "If you still want to see your mother, make sure you do everything right."Ruby nodded, steeling herself. She had to endure for her mother. She didn't need to take to heart all the insults s
The tug on Ruby's arm made her flinch in fear. The man was clearly not affectionate towards her, as evidenced by the cold stare and rough grip on the woman's arm that made her hiss."What, are you trying to escape?!" Eduardo snapped as he tugged on Ruby's body, nearly causing her to stumble. There was no warmth in his assistance at all."Don't be rough, Ed," the pastor tried to calm, but the warning merely passed by."How dare you try to run away!" Eduardo dragged Ruby inside, while Ruby trembled in fear. Eduardo was intimidating, not just because of his face but also because of his demeanor. Ruby was more afraid of his nature than of his current appearance."I'm not running. I just..." Ruby tried to defend herself, but it was futile. Eduardo didn't want to hear any words coming out of her mouth. The impulsive decision Ruby made earlier is now endangering her safety.Eduardo continued to drag Ruby, who stumbled because of her flowing dress, into the living room, passing by several peo
Clang!The fall of Eduardo's belt, which stared at Ruby as if she were prey, broke the silence in the room.Ruby tried to ignore it, but she was still struggling with the last two pieces of cloth clinging to her body. Ruby attempted to reach the clasp on her back, but failed repeatedly. Her hands were trembling, a mixture of fear, cold, and reluctance.Despite the obvious difficulty, Eduardo's desire clouded his mind, focusing only on Ruby's provocative body displays. Provoking his lust."There, that's better. Don't cry and act all innocent—it's not fitting. You and your father are the same! Hypocrites."Before Ruby could interpret the confusing statement, Eduardo suddenly stood up, causing Ruby's entire body to shiver.Ruby had no experience whatsoever with men. Her mother had made sure Ruby didn't know adult things before her time. Ruby only knew in general—she had to undress, but not the details. Yesterday, she contemplated buying her virginity with fifty million pesos, but her mor
"What is that!?"A man's loud voice jolted Ruby awake, still feeling tired after a long night that left her sore down below.As Ruby opened her eyes, she was startled to see her husband towering beside the bed, looking at her with furrowed brows.Ruby forced her head to turn as her brown eyes met Eduardo's accusing finger. At that moment, Ruby saw the dark red stain tarnishing the bedcover where they had 'wrestled' all night."Bloody." Ruby answered in a murmur, unsure if her response was correct. The stain was clearly blood; there was no need to ask. Ruby suspected the question was just a trap."I know it's blood! But why are you bleeding?! You're not menstruating, are you?!" Eduardo's shout grew louder. Ruby naturally flinched, her face slowly reddening—embarrassed.She knew exactly where the blood came from, and Eduardo should too. That thought made Ruby fall silent. Could it be that he thought she was some cheap woman who slept around with random men?Ruby continued to keep her he
"Who do you think I slept with? I was drunk, but I can still distinguish faces!" Eduardo snapped.He was annoyed because Javier was arguing in an absurd manner. Eduardo knew he was drunk last night, but it was impossible to mistake the woman."How could it be? It's Liz. I understand very well what her social circle is like. She was lucky to escape my clutches... before," Javier added, because his current social circle was certainly different."I often met her in hotels, with different men each time. Wait! I remember now!" Javier furrowed his brow, then folded his index finger to point to the first count."I first met her in Cancun, then in Chilangolandia. The last time I met her was at the Playa del Carmen resort. She was wearing a bikini and holding hands on the beach—she was eighteen at the time." Javier presented a series of pieces of evidence that made it hard for him to believe that Lizeth Ramos was still a virgin."She was also rumored to be close to one of the actors, right? I
Ruby could walk better now. She was still feeling pain between her legs, but it was no longer torturous."One moment." Ruby heard a knock on her room's door earlier and forced herself to walk.Ruby was grateful she had tidied herself up. After crying her heart out earlier, Ruby soaked for quite some time in the luxurious bathtub in her room. Her appearance was decent now, though her hair was still half wet. Ruby hoped her swollen eyes wouldn't be too obvious."Senora* Rosas, you're awake and looking beautiful."Ruby heard the friendly and gentle greeting when she opened the door. Ruby clearly didn't know who it was. Everyone she saw at the wedding yesterday was just a passing glance—both guests and house dwellers."I am, Tita. A servant. I take care of food and household needs." Tita extended her hand while bowing. Her skin was dark, while her body was thin but sturdy. She neatly braided her hair into two, mingling it with gray."Ru... Liz!" Ruby, nervously making a mistake, even shri
"Allow me to introduce myself, Pedro. I also live here. I don't know if you remember, but I helped when you passed out yesterday."The man extended his hand. Ruby reluctantly accepted it. She didn't want to be impolite to one of the residents of the house. And, of course, Ruby didn't remember the man helping her. After seeing Eduardo's face, she completely passed out."Hello." Ruby nodded slowly, glancing down the hallway. She was hoping Tita would return soon. She didn't want to be alone with the man."I thought your marriage wouldn't happen. But finally, this house could be livelier. A new beautiful face makes a real difference."Pedro praised her, but Ruby was not happy to hear it. The kind of beautiful praise he gave was different from what she heard from Tita earlier. Ruby often heard this type of praise when she worked at a restaurant. As a restaurant server, Ruby certainly encountered sleazy customers, and it made her sick."You're quiet, it seems." Pedro hoped for a response f