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2| Freya

Author: Ficrom
last update Last Updated: 2022-10-10 20:09:08

"No." Mom's voice breaks down, "Don't say this."

"Mrs. Howard, I need to go back to Church for a daily prayer session. Besides, we have to accept that this beautiful bride has to return home." Priest argues.

I slide down the veil from my head and ruffle my hair. The crowd continues to shrink. People now would have gotten the hint that there is no wedding here anymore.

"My daughter's life will be destroyed." Mom begins sobbing, turning to Dad, "Mason, why are you not doing anything. People will gossip about our daughter. That's not how I wanted her first public appearance."

"I'm out of ideas, Amanda." Dad says out of frustration.

Sighing, I lower my head on the floor. They still have hope, but I don't.

I don't know how I should be behaving right now. I want to cry too like Mom, but I'm too astounded to do that.

"Amanda, you need to calm down." It's Rafe's mother.

"Calm down? Are you Eastmonds out of your minds?" Mom raises her voice, "You should have told us if Rafe had problems with this marriage instead of toying with my daughter's image."

This family drama increases my exasperation. I want to shout at them to just shut up and dismiss. The show is over now. I know how much our families care about us. Mom's crying is only about the disgrace of our family name. Once we'll be alone she will put all the blame on me.

"I'm seeing him." Rafe's father says.

"You ladies need to shush for a minute."

After a while, I hear Mia saying aloud, "Rafe is here. Freya, Rafe is here."

A confusion crosses my face. I look up straight. A man in a crispy, charcoal grey suit is taking quick, long steps towards the stage, towards us. My eyes widen in full circles when I recognize him.

He stops in front of his parents, "I'm here, Mom." Says in a calm tone then stands with his both hands on his torso. "I apologize for being late, Father." He apologetically bends his head a little, "My flight...de-layed."

He is lying. I know he's lying.

Astonishingly I rise on my feet, examine his appearance. He is perfectly dressed from head to toe, only his hairs are being a mess. They are going in every direction as if he forgot to comb them or he messed them up out of anger. His face is however devoid of any emotion.

"You could've informed us. Do you have any idea how long we all waiti--"

"Let it go." His mother interrupts, "Aren't you happy he's here? You don't have to be angry at him every single time. Come here, my darling." She steps forward and hugs him, "I was so worried sick for you. You were about to kill your mother."

"It’s okay, Mom." He hugs her back, "I'm alright and I'm sorry for making you wait."

My gaze remains on him, unmoved, but he doesn't give a single glance in my direction. The guilt is swirling around me.

He puts his chin on his mother's shoulder and keeps on gazing at something ahead. His jaws tighten. I realize I haven't seen him after that mishap took place at Fete.

Countless questions are prowling in my head that I want to ask from him, but I'm too scared about what type of reaction I'll get.

"I don't think we should further delay the ceremony. Our guests are waiting. Let's begin." Rafe's father announces.

My heart skips a beat out of fear. His mother releases him from the hug and looks at him. He gives a silent, slow nod. Another wave of surprise trickles through me.

Why is he doing that? Why is he not stopping the wedding?

My bridesmaids come to me and re-arrange my veil along with my hair. I keep staring at Rafe to get his attention, but he deliberately avoids looking at me.

I notice his face turns pale and the veins on the stem of his neck vibrate, explaining that he is trying to hide what he is actually feeling which is perhaps reluctance, fury and helplessness.

I know him. I know he is not ready for this marriage. He will never be ready, but why did he come here? I made up my mind to endure the consequences if this ceremony would have been cancelled. He got his chance to escape. He could have escaped this forced marriage.

Once everything settles down, Rafe and I are left alone on the stage with the priest. We face each other.

My anxiety triples when the priest begins reciting the verses of the Bible. His voice echoes in the hall, silencing every other voice.

I dare to look straight into Rafe's eyes. Finally I earn a look from him. He gazes at me with clenched jaws. I catch the hint of moisture in them. Guilt increases in me. I try to reflect my powerlessness through my eyes to communicate with him. His face flushes with anger. I'm about to break down into tears.

"Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your rights hands and declare your consent before God and his Church."

Rafe steps forward and takes my hand roughly into his. His eyes don't leave mine. He states his vow with gritted teeth, "I, Rafael Eastmond take you, Freya Howard to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad..." His grip on my hand becomes stronger. I suppress my moan, "in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all days of my life."

People in the hall applaud aloud as he completes his declaration. I hear whistles and cheers, but our staring game continues. My body has turned cold and he is probably feeling it.

"Congratulations to both of your families. Now it's your turn." The priest faces me.

I gulp the painful lump in my mouth, break the eye contact with Rafe and look around. I see every single pair of eyes on me, waiting for my declaration.

This emotional turmoil is killing me. My dreams about my marriage are about to crush and shatter. I don't want to do this.

Rafe gives a pull to my hand to make me look at him again, quirking his brow, "Say it." He mutters so lowly, only I can hear him.

I shake my head a little. His grip on my hand tightens. "I'm sorry, Rafe." I say in a low voice, wriggling my hand under his grip.

"Just say it, Freya." This time it sounds like a warning, "You were the eager one."

My lips tremble. I press them together to hold back my tears, still a few tears roll down my cheeks.

"Is there any problem, kid?" The priest looks at me in suspicion.

I slowly shake my head and compose myself. "Say your pledge. People are waiting." He asks.

I look back at Rafe, "I, Freya Howard take you, Rafael Eastmond to be my Hus-sband..."

Rafe stares back at me, his eyes are devoid of emotions. I'm losing him. I'm losing my best friend. We will never be like we used to be. He will despise me for the rest of our lives.

"I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

As soon as my vow ends, Rafe leaves my hand with a jerk and steps back. Some more tears spill down my face. I quickly dry them.

I don't know what future holds for us, but one thing is certain. This has ruined our strong friendship. Things will never be the same between us. Rafe will never forgive me. I lost my boyfriend and now a friend too.

The ceremony continues and we both repeat other wedding vows after the priest. Those vows are so holy and sacred, I can't believe either of us do not mean them.

I wouldn't be surprised if I receive a bad luck afterwards. It is a big sin.

"Now exchange rings." The priest says. I enlarge my pupils.

Mom brings the ring forward to Rafe first. Rafe stares at the ring and I stare at him.

That damn ring. Everything started because of this ring. It was supposed to be thrown into a bin.

Rafe takes the ring and holds it for some seconds. His nostrils flare. I literally feel the urge to go on my knees right now in front of him to beg for his forgiveness. He would have been in anguish to hold another man's ring.

He takes my hand in his and without looking at me he puts the ring into my finger.

"Rafe..." I breathe his name. It's barely audible.

Rafe's mother comes to me and offers the groom's ring to me. I hold Rafe's hand. It is cold. He is tensed too. My whole self drenches in utter guilt.

I slip the ring into his finger. People clap and whistle again.

"Because they have exchanged their vows before God and these witnesses, have pledged their commitment to each other and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, I now pronounce them husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest gives his declarative statement.

I notice Rafe clenches his fists as he steps towards me. I hold my breath. The guests in the hall continue making happy sounds. Rafe's face remains unreadable. He leans forward, tilts his head. I stiffen and squeeze my eyes shut.

I feel his lips on mine only for a second. The kiss ends before even my mind can register it. When I open my eyes I see Rafe is standing at some distance, not even looking at me. I exhale out a breath I was holding.

Even though everything has already been devastated, I whisper thank you's to God for ending these punishing moments, for ending this ceremony. At least I and Rafe now do not have to do awkward things.

Rafe and I can never feel anything romantic to each other. It's far, far more impossible than our families can imagine. It's awkward and difficult. We took each other as siblings, for heaven's sake.

When the ceremony concludes, Rafe quickly steps down from the stage and gets lost into the crowd, while I receive hugs from random people. They draw circles around me and say things I don't bother listening to. My ears and mind are numb. They also click pictures with me.

The session continues for I guess half an hour and then I see Mia coming to me, sidelining the crowd and making a way for herself.

"Sis, your reception and dance has been cancelled. Rafe said he is tired and wants rest so he requested to go home. Mom and Dad are asking about you."

I nod and start walking with her. I feel relieved. I don't have to pretend as a bride anymore. I already had enough of a day.

...

After seeing off my family, Rafe and I get settled at the back seat of a car. Driver on a front seat, driving the vehicle, taking us God knows where. I'm now alone with Rafe.

The agonizing silence between us is hurting me. It's unusual. We normally talk nonstop on random topics especially bad mouth our families and their harsh customs. We never stay quiet in each other's company.

I do want to talk to him, beg for his forgiveness, and ask why he came today, but my mouth is unable to form any word. I turn my head and hesitantly look at him. Wetness appears in my eyes as I recall the grim situation we are in. We are sitting here as husband and wife and not as best friends.

His face is cold. It's hard to figure out what is going on in his head. After a while he looks outside from his side of the window and then demands from the driver, "Stop the car."

The driver listens to him and presses the brakes. Car stops. He opens his side door.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

He stops, but doesn't look at me. He turns his face towards the driver, "Take her home. You'll get keys from the security guards."

"Okay, sir." Driver responds.

Afterwards, he leaves the car in an instant and closes the door behind. I call his name once, but he ignores. He walks towards the roadside and the car drives forward.

I understood his hint. He has done playing my husband's role. And what else can I expect that we would now live as happily newly-weds in our new home? I don't even know where my new home is or what it looks like.

I rest my head on the headrest behind and ponder that it is just the beginning of another round of miseries.

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    Last Updated : 2022-10-10
  • That Problematic Ring   Flashback ll

    • Rafe • "I have talked with nearby localities and collected general information about the area and my analysis says that it would be profitable for both of us. . ." I crossed my legs, leaned back on my leather chair, causing it to stretch back further. The person who was addressing us right now was the representative of a construction company, interested in working with us. He was explaining his proposal with the help of power point slides.I was sitting in a large conference room at my office. It had a large oval-shaped glass table, surrounded by chairs. Father was here too with his few board members. In his presence I couldn't even crane my neck because he would think I was not giving my full attention. I needed to at least pretend through occasionally nodding my head at the presenter (whatever his name was). He was also stopping his gaze on me after every few minutes. Obviously he knew who I was. I was an important person in this construction company. I was the son of my father

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  • That Problematic Ring   Flashback lll

    • Rafe • It had been a year now since I was trying to learn and understand each and everything about my family business. Recently I had just one definite goal and that was I had to prove myself responsible and eligible for a CEO position of Eastmond Builders. This would sort out some of my problems for instance Father and Mom would stop dictating my life. Even I would be fully independent to run the company according to my ways. I would be a free man and even powerful.From a young age I was told by my family that I was the only heir of Eastmond, that I had a responsibility to keep our family name alive. My parents made sure this thing should literally run in my blood and they tried every method like reminding me about my responsibilities on and off, sending me to a renowned business school. After years of struggles now it felt like I was at my final stage. Once I would take over the CEO position, I would be there where I should be. I stopped my Miata sports car right in front of H

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  • That Problematic Ring   3| Freya

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  • That Problematic Ring   4| Rafe

    I take a quick hot bath, wear my clothes and come out of the bathroom. Rubbing the towel against my wet hair, I grab my phone and go through the recent alerts. "I've heard some rumours about you and that woman who is your family friend. What was her name?...Fay-Freya Howard, yes. That you both are into each other." Mona speaks. My jaws harden as I fume at the mention of Freya's name. I tighten the grip on my phone and throw away the towel somewhere on the bed. "What's going on, Rafe?" Mona continues.I restrain myself though, "You yourself called it rumours so you should ignore rumours." I flatly answer while still focused on my phone's screen. She's clueless about the direful wedding event that took place more than a week ago. Mona doesn't have any link with the business or construction industry that turned out to my advantage."Rumours can't be baseless." She comes in front of me, "Why are they attaching your name with Freya Howard when you said she's only your friend? If there

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  • That Problematic Ring   5| Rafe

    Her bizarre appearance confounds me for a second. I lift up my brows. Hairs are covered with a small scarf, tied on the top of her head. Her lips are dry and eyes have dark circles. The plain tee shirt and crop pants are clinging to her body as a second skin, that makes me think that she's skinnier than I thought. "You're here." She says with a remorseful smile. A feeling of worry trickles up in me for a second after witnessing her disoriented self. Then I remember what Matteo said about her so I dispel that feeling. Her appearance is explaining that Matteo was right.She's tiring out herself with household chores, that's a reason behind her disorientation. I don't want to get involved in it. I ignore her as my rage takes over me. There is a strong odour of detergent coming from her. I again turn towards the closet to find my office file. This time I turn aggressive in my search. I want to do it quickly and get out of here."Talk to me, Rafe." Her voice sounds pleading, "You can't a

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  • That Problematic Ring   Flashback IV

    • Freya • Dad suddenly entered our television room where I was sitting, switching channels of the LCD, too zoned out to focus on the screen. I had celebrated my moment in every way possible, but one problem kept bugging me and that was how I would convince Mom and Dad for Ben. Let alone tell them about me dating him. I had been hiding about him because I knew they would create a fuss if they found out he was nobody like he didn't own any business nor he was the inheritor of some massive patrimony. I knew they would never make it easy for me. Ben didn't know about all this crap. He had no idea that my parents expectations about my husband were beyond his imagination. He would get hurt and I didn't want this. I couldn't let him feel low about himself. "I've come to tell you something." Dad sat in front of me, giving me a brief smile. I muted the TV and put down the remote. "Yeah?" "I and Eastmond have signed a new, big joint venture today. The project is based in Seattle." "That's

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  • That Problematic Ring   Flashback V

    • Rafe •Fay had asked me to see her at the Le Bain club in an hour so I thought to come home and reply to some pending emails -- home means; Eastmond's private residence. My small family lived in this big bungalow. Father and Mom didn't let me have a separate house because I was their only child. They said we had a big house and our family was very small so we didn't have to live separately. That's exasperating. They didn't ask for my opinion. They didn't see it my way that I needed my own space and privacy. That's why I was desperate to be a CEO as soon as possible so I could live my life like I wanted to. Mom and Dad won't be able to dictate me after that. I had already bought an apartment where I planned to shift. I spent some nights there in a month or two when I wanted to escape from my family, when I wanted to have some time alone. Anyways, I continued replying to my emails. I was sitting in the living room with my laptop on the center glass table and pile of files I brought

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Latest chapter

  • That Problematic Ring   Epilogue (Continue...)

    "It's confirmed now." I hear him sigh on the phone, "that you'll work there and I'll work here. We have to work now at separate places.""Hmm. Indeed." I enter my room and look around, remembering how my office here looked like. It's weird, indeed. To be back at my old workplace. So much has changed within me and in my life.I visited Howard's main building a few times in past weeks, but didn't get a chance to see my office. "But I was used to seeing you around me, Fay. It was good working with you and getting to see you whenever I wanted. It will be difficult to be habitual with this new setting." He becomes downhearted. I smile as I understand what he meant."Yes. It was a good time. But that's how our situation is now." Rafe and I have different responsibilities. He's the CEO of his own company and I'm the CFO here at my family business. Life is going to be very busy from now."I'm not liking the situation." Me too.I say in my head. But I don't tell him that, thinking, he would

  • That Problematic Ring   Epilogue (Freya)

    Few weeks later*Coming out of my car, I slip up my sunglasses at the top of my head and look up at the Howard's Constructions' main building. I close the door and lock my car.Walking through the main doors, I make my way to the elevators. The employees who know me greet me. I respond to them with a wave and smile. Then I reach the designated floor and go to Dad's office room. I've decided to see them after rejecting their umpteen number of calls. I knock once and enter in it. Mom is there too as per my expectations. "What now? Why have you been pestering me with continuous phone calls?" I remove the glasses from the top of my head and hold them in my hand, "And why did you call me here?"Dad comes to me, "How have you been? I've heard you've cancelled your divorce with Rafael. That's a relief."I roll my eyes, clenching my jaws. "Answer your Dad, Freya. That's not how I taught you." Mom interferes, "We've been worried for you since you've broken your contact with us. I understand

  • That Problematic Ring   64| Freya

    Rafe strolls out of the bathroom after a few minutes and begins making up the bed. I stand still on my spot, nervous. I look through the large window of the room and see the downpour of the rain. If it has stopped raining, I could've escaped this awkward moment. I can't tell if Rafe is feeling the same discomfort or not. It would be surprising if he's not because it is literally the first time we'll sleep together. I again bring my eyes on him and observe that he smoothens the bed covers of both the sides. He sets the pillows and then the single comforter. I become more uneasy. He is making it certain that I'm spending a night in this hotel room with him. Once he's done, he sits on the bed and looks at me, "Aren't you in mood to sleep? Why are you standing?""Umm." I move my gaze around, "I should first freshen up myself." "Okay." He unfolds the comforter.I stride to the bathroom and lock the door. Sighing aloud, I see myself in the mirror in front. I'm blushing. The pink tint is

  • That Problematic Ring   63| Freya

    With a smile on my face, I bend and pick up the ring box from the floor and turn to Rafe again. He looks at me confusingly. My smile turns coy. His love confession to me before our kiss is still ringing in my ears. I can't believe he actually said that to me. I go to him."Here. Give this to me." I move the ring box in front of him. I raise my head high, faking arrogance, "Do it as you planned on my birthday."He arches his brows while giving me a playful smile, "Are you sure?""Yes." I nod firmly."Okay." He takes the box from me and inspects it, "I was not going to offer it right away. I was going to see your reaction first after telling you how I feel about you. If you would've said that you like me back then I showed you this. So I should skip that part now."I press my lips together to stop my smile."I was going to do it like this." He moves the box behind his back, "Fay, I've brought something for you. I don't know how you would react to it, but I just wanted to do this." He bri

  • That Problematic Ring   Rafe's Spin-off (Cont...)

    As she remains quiet, I remain confused about whether I should say something or not and if so, what should I say to her. "There is something you should know." She begins speaking again. I hear her sniffle. That gives me a hunch that she's still in tears. "I...love you, Rafe. You should know it was not one-sided." This causes my mind to be boggled. My body freezes. "The care and sincerity you always showed to me made me fall for you." She says it again, "Any woman at my place would be fond of you. It hurt me to see you with her. I didn't know you were feeling the same. And I didn't want to act selfishly this time. I wanted to do something to ease your love life so you could be happy with the person you liked." I can't believe my ears. So it means she applied for the divorce because she was thinking I wanted to be with Mona and not her? She was actually ready to sacrifice her love? Seriously, Fay. She again becomes quiet and cries. I start getting restless. It's not making sense

  • That Problematic Ring   Rafe's Spin-off (of chap 61-62)

    *I've written this Rafe's POV because I felt like it won't be fair to the character if I do not show how he felt when he listened to Freya's reasons and her confession and why he agreed to give her a chance. You can skip it if you want, but I advise you not to do that ;)*-------++++++--------"Excuse me, Mr. Eastmond." As I walk through the reception of the hotel, one of the hotel's clerks calls my name. I stop and turn around."There is a message for our guests that it is raining outside and the forecast's predictions say that it can turn into a bad thunderstorm so guests are advised to stay cautious for tonight. Please do not go anywhere far or call someone here that lives far from the hotel. We just want to protect you from any incident." "Alright. Thanks for the information." I nod slowly, "But don't worry I'm not expecting a visitor nor I'm leaving anywhere." Who can come here... No one knows where I am. "Thank you, sir. Have a nice evening." He smiles then turns to his way.I

  • That Problematic Ring   62| Freya

    After some seconds, I move my hand down from my mouth and say the words that ached my heart everyday, "There is something you should know....I...love you, Rafe. You should know it was not one-sided." "The care and sincerity you always showed to me made me fall for you. Any woman at my place would be fond of you. It hurt me to see you with her. I didn't know you were feeling the same. And I didn't want to act selfishly this time. I wanted to do something to ease your love life so you could be happy with the person you liked." I whimper, losing control on my tears. The pain that I was hiding inside me is coming on the surface and making me vulnerable. Rafe stands in the same position. I'm unable to know if my words are affecting him or not. Maybe I should really accept that I've lost him. It is not going to work. He's too angry to forgive me."And you said that I should have talked with you before applying. I did talk about ending our marriage once or twice. It was not a direct conve

  • That Problematic Ring   61| Freya

    By the time I reach the hotel, raining starts all of a sudden. It took me around an hour and half to reach the hotel where Rafe is probably staying. And in the midway, the rain started. I didn't check today's weather forecast, but I knew that it is not the time of monsoon season in New York. This rain is unexpected. I stay inside the car, hesitant to come out because I've not brought the umbrella with me. The rain will drench my clothes. I stay inside for some minutes. Rain seems like a good excuse to delay facing Rafe. My mind is turning blank. Now I'm here and near him, I'm losing my confidence. My body has turned quite heavy for some reason although I haven't eaten anything since morning. I know it is happening because of the strong emotions that are stirring inside my stomach. I'm scared to face him. I'm scared of his reaction and his rejection. I won't be able to handle it without dissolving into tears in front of him. After almost sitting in the car for twenty minutes, I step

  • That Problematic Ring   60| Freya

    As I landed to New York, I decided to go straight to the Eastmond Enterprise to meet Rafe's father. He's a resourceful man. He certainly must have done something to find his son. If not, then I can even rely on his instincts. He's someone who can help me to start my search in this city. I winded up my work at Seattle once I made sure that Rafe is not in Seattle. I took the earliest flight to New York. I waited for a whole day and did everything in my power to search for him, but when I became hopeless, I decided to follow Mia's suggestion. There is a chance that he went back to New York.I sent my luggage to my New York's apartment with the help of my driver. He took my car too. So I took a taxi and headed to the Eastmond building with a hope that I get to see Rafe's father. He has to see me too and do not deny my arrival. I wish I had some supernatural power that would help me find Rafe. That could help me tell him this very moment that I like him too, that I like him more than him,

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