Chapter 2

Just recently I met this heinous man, and all of a sudden here I am, about to sign a contract to become his wife. Why am I in this kind of situation? I hope this sacrifice will be worthwhile or else I'll die in vain.

"I never really thought you would agree to marry me," Aiden teased. He smiled and arched his cherry-red lips, as if he were enticing me to do something sinful. But all I feel is frustration and hatred, why did I get here?

Undoubtedly, I oppose the idea, and my father did not coerce me. However, I cannot stand to see the man who gave me a second chance at life in anguish. He completely gave us everything, despite the fact that we weren't linked by blood. He gave us a home, a family, food, a reputable school, and his last penny. Despite Aiden Echavez's offer, he never said anything, but I voluntarily gave myself over. If it means preserving the final possession this father figure of mine has ever had.

“All the conditions are met, I hope you'll never back down on your words,” I replied.

My heart hurts and is cold in spite of this eventful day. Nothing spectacular, nothing ceremonial, it was over in an instant. As we stand here as husband and wife, a judge, our family, and a select group of friends testify for us.

We're all lost on my side; only he and his party are having fun.

"Thank you, and I apologize that you must give up yourself for this old man," my father said, his voice broken and filled with melancholy. He looks at me with teary eyes.

I shook my head and patted the seat next to me. He sat down on the chair, and I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Don't be sorry now, I don't want to regret this,” I tried my best to make my voice as energetic as I could.

“In spite of everything, make an effort to enjoy life; if you are unable to find happiness, make a path for yourself. I'll always be here for you," he asserted.

I grinned and cried in my heart, but how can I say that I regret my choice when this man really did say the things I've been wanting to hear?

“I surely will.”

He is brushing my hair gently; it is warm and peaceful and I feel sleepy.

“Lieve?”

I sat up straight as soon as I heard a familiar voice. It was my ex-boyfriend Rowan. This man is here, but why? Before agreeing to this marriage, I broke up with him and made sure that all communication between us was severed. I love him, but the situation is against us.

He appeared surprised to see me here, and I too am.

"Rowan, what are you doing here?” I asked, stuttering. I spoke in a high-pitched tone since I was so startled by his presence. Now that everyone's attention is on us, he seems to have collected himself.

"I should be the one asking that; what are you doing at my uncle's wedding?” He attempted to hide his fear as his voice wavered and I saw a glimpse of it in his eyes.

That's how Rowan has always been; he'll keep things to himself for as long as he can. He seems like a cold, uncaring person to someone who didn't know that man in his true sense. However, that's only a front; he just wants to hide his vulnerability.

"Uncle? Your uncle is Aiden?” I asked, my heart pounding hard and loud at the moment. The beating is extremely intense, making excessive noise that disparages me.

"Don't tell me, you're the—," he interrupted himself and inhaled deeply. "Is this the reason you broke up with me, you said it is a personal reason? I never really thought that you will replace my place with an older man? Was it his money that made it so?” He went on, “Lieve, you could have waited until I can finally claim my rights to my inheritance. I also have that kind of wealth."

I shook my head, feeling moist and heated in my eyes. Like a wave breaking and longing to wash ashore.

"Rowan."

Aiden's voice made my heart race, and in an instant, he was standing next to me. I stumbled when I felt his left arm encircling my waist and drawing me in.

“What's this, Uncle Aiden? Why are you marrying my girlfriend?” uttered Rowan. Rowan expression has changed; instead of being calm and collected, he's a complete wreck. His normally uninteresting and uncomplicated expression is now filled with rage and despair.

"Rowan, your ex-girlfriend. Please show some respect—she's now my wife,” Aiden emphasized.

I closed my eyes, unable to think of anything to say. I'm at a loss for what to do; all I can do is cry. What they were thinking, or how they were looking at me. Of all people, why do these two have to be related? I'm about to lose it. And, at best, his uncle.

Rowan told me a lot about how much he looked up to the man I just married. How much he loved and cherished his uncle, and how much he aspired to be like him. Aiden is like a father figure to Rowan. Aiden took over Rowan's care when his father passed away and her mother was experiencing a depressive and grieving crisis. I am aware of this since Rowan told me everything, and I was unaware that the uncle he has been discussing is now my husband. It goes beyond treachery. I feel like I just ruined a relationship and a dream.

"Respect? Why Lieve of all the girls you could have gotten? Why? I've been telling you since day one how much I love her," Rowan remarked.

Aiden released me and took a deep breath. He pulled his hair and massaged his temples.

"What can I do now that I've discovered she's your girlfriend? I was unaware of that. Now that she is my wife, I claim the rights on her," Aiden remarked.

Taking a deep breath, Rowan turned to face Aiden. He appears to be in disbelief about what he is hearing and seeing based on his demeanor.

“Unaware? You only want to get rid of my problem, isn't that, right? I'm sure of it,” Rowan declared.

Hearing Rowan, I became confused. With a furrowed brow, Aiden looked at me and then at Rowan.

“That concludes it,” Aiden said. "I'm ending this event. Thank you for coming, everyone."

But not a single person moved—not even an inch. Who would? Taking into account the current circumstances.

“You are aware of my recent troubles, and you are addressing the core of the issue. It's her, is that right?” Rowan remarked. “You are giving up yourself to get rid of her from my life because she has always been the issue.”

It's strange that tears are continuously streaming from my eyes, even though I couldn't understand the word coming from Rowan's mouth. And right now, my heart hurts so much. I'm the core of his issue? Rowan sees me as his problem not a lover? And Was Aiden planned this all along, for the reason that Rowan spoke of?