The ring glided onto her ring finger, captivating her attention with its appearance. Cattleya found it to be quite lovely as well as unique.
She took the ring next, resting it carefully on Jaxson's hand until it was finally on her finger.“I, Cattleya Santos, take you, Jaxson Madrigal, to be my husband. 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.”Jaxson couldn’t help but to stare at her finger for a while, having a peculiar feeling. He lifted his gaze to Cattley after being lost for a moment.“In the name of the Holy Spirit, I now solemnly declare you husband and wife. Let no one put asunder those that have been joined together today in the presence of almighty God. You may now kiss the bride.”Upon hearing that, Jaxson's hand moved foray extending towards Cattleya to slowly lift the veil that she is wearing.Cattleya raised her eyes to Jaxson, and they finally locked eyes. The moment their eyes met, it looked as though everyone else in the enormous church had suddenly vanished, leaving only the two of them. As a result, it took him some time to figure out how to go about things.Jaxson held Cattleya's chin with his right hand as he gently lowered his face to hers. It's not the first time they've kissed each other. But after being bound to one another, this is the first time they will do it.Jaxson paused for a moment with their noses touching when he finally reached Cattleya's face to look into her eyes. Cattleya, on the other hand, is just looking directly at him and seems to be just waiting for his move. So Jaxson brought his face more but he was perplexed when he didn’t feel Cattleya’s lips, but rather, her soft skin.When he opened his eyes he saw Cattleya with her face slightly tilted and not looking in her direction. Jaxson frowned in astonishment at Cattleya's actions. He is baffled as to why she is doing this. Jaxson tried to reach her lips again by using his hand on her cheeks to turn her head and face him. When Jaxson drew closer again, his brows crumpled with his lips hanging open as he stared at Cattleya with her shoulders scrunched up and head turned down, slightly leaned backwards.Instead of continuing to try to kiss her on the lips, Jaxson just lifted his lips towards her forehead and then gave her a soft and gentle forehead kiss.Cattleya is still trying to avoid having eye contact with him as Jaxson releases her face and it can’t help but leave Jaxson in perplexed.“I now pronounce you husband and wife!”Hearing it from the priest, loud cheers and yells from the crowd seemed to fill the church.While hearing many voices and pondering what her life will actually be like now that she is married, Cattleya, on the other side, appears startled. She married a man she never would have imagined.***“Cattleya.” Mr. Madrigal simply called to Cattleya as he approached her while she was having a conversation with her friends, Loren and Richard at the wedding reception.Mr. Madrigal was simply swift from Jaxson’s stance and did not bother his son, talking to their own guests as well.When Cattleya heard that Jaxson’s father was calling her, she immediately excused herself from them and walked towards him with a smile.“Mr. Madrigal.” She greeted him.“Mr. Madrigal?” He asked with a streak of astonishment on his face. “Did you just call your father in law, Mr. Madrigal?”“U-Uh… I’m sorry, s-sir..?” Cattleya uttered in hesitation as they walked through one counter to get a glass of wine.“Sir?” Matienzo blurted with a laugh. “That's even way worse than calling me Mr. Madrigal.” He said as he gently extended his arm to guide Cattleya in her stance. “You can call me father from now on. Or dad if you prefer to. You are my daughter now, Cattleya. You married my son, so don’t act like you are some of my employees.”“F-Father..?” Cattleya mumbled and she suddenly seemed to be lost in thought shifting her eyes straight to the floor.“What’s wrong, hija? Are you uncomfortable calling me- ”“Uh, no.” she cut his words. “No, not really. Please don’t misunderstand. I am just… Not used to it. It’s been a very long time since I last called someone… Father…” she whispered under her breath as her eyes gaze up to Matienzo. Cattleya’s eyes seemed to sparkle as tears accumulated below her eyes.She quickly moved her face away to avoid Jaxson's father catching a glimpse of her reaction to its condensed tears.“Oh…” Matienzo said. “I remember that you lived only with your brother and mother as your father passed away. I’m so sorry.”Her gaze returned quickly and waved her hand timidly. “No… Please don’t say sorry. I’m the one who is actually thankful for your kindness to me. It’s just that sometimes, I become emotional...”“How could I not be nice to you? You are also my daughter now.” He comforted her with a smile. “And by the way, I haven’t seen any member of your family yet. I really want to meet them and have a little chat as in law. And you know, I also want to say my thanks to them for giving birth to you and- ”“They unfortunately couldn't come, father…”Matienzo was stunned as Cattleya’s eyes glistened in sadness as she stared deeply into his eyes.Like what Jaxson sees, Cattleya’s resemblance to her late wife Ruella Madrigal was undeniable. The first time Matienzo saw her, he had no doubt that she resembled the deceased Ruella, Jaxson's mother. But it doesn’t stop at having a face and body like her late wife, Matienzo was also astonished at how Cattleya’s behavior and actions are similar to Ruella.That’s merely why he has a soft side for her.“Well,” he muttered in a gentle tone after being lost in a train of thoughts. “That's really unfortunate. I was looking forward to meeting them and having a conversation.”After a long pause, Matienzo spoke again because Cattleya couldn't utter a word.“Hmm, how about your friends or any other people that are close to you?”Her eyes drifted on the crowd, “Yeah, I have my visitors sir. My best friend is here.” She tried to put on a smile.Cattleya has a thought of calling her mother to greet her and somehow alleviate her feelings. She can’t hide how much she misses her family and her quiet life. But it seems that she has no choice but to accept her current situation.She had been feeling unwell and dizzy at the amount of people that wanted to have a chat with her and ask her some questions she never even knew how to respond to. She is saving her energy to at least give her hi’s and hello’s to guests.Cattleya was perplexed as she didn't seem to catch Jaxson in the crowd even though he told her that he would just take care of the other guests.“That’s okay, don’t think so much about it.”She was jolted back to reality as Matienzo let out a word again.Cattleya smiled at him.“— We still have plenty of time to meet after this ceremony. Of course, you and Jaxson will be together for a very long time.” Matienzo uttered in pleasure. “Once your family is ready and free, please invite them for dinner. Would that be okay?”Cattleya's eyes rose again at Jaxson's father and was slightly surprised at how he gently treats her like his own daughter. Until now, she couldn’t believe how good this man’s heart is and not like the other wealthy people she knew.“Yes, dear!” Emily interjected into their conversation as she moved to their stance, clasping her hand on Matienzo’s arm. “Invite your family to our house and have dinner with us so they can at least try high quality foods. Right? They will love it! It will be a once in a lifetime experience for them, you know.” She voiced annoyingly.Cattleya’s brows rose bit by bit as her lips parted because of the bewildering words coming out of Emily's mouth.“But!” She raised her index finger, “Don’t forget to remind them that it’s only for one night and not everyday charity.”She was taken aback at how Jaxson’s step mother could directly insult her family even in front of Matienzo.“Oh? You are giving me that face again, dear?” Emily continued in annoying voice. “Why? Did I say anything wrong? Well… I was just telling the truth. Go on, look at the visitors you brought here. They had been at that buffet table for hours. As if what’s left to do is to take home all the food. I hope you at least told them that this is a reception party, and not a community feeding program.”Cattleya's breathing quickened because of the anger she felt at her direct insult. But unlike Emily, she knows well where to put her emotions. And she believes that it’s not here in front of everybody, especially that Jaxson’s father is here.“Please excuse me. I may have to take some air.” She muttered, still with respect, before walking out of the venue.[CATTLEYA]I went out of the venue to get some air and at least steal time to rest.I really can’t stand Emily’s presence. She just always has something to say that makes the heat all of my body run quickly to my head, and makes me want to blow fire right to her face.“Aagh…” I breathe out. “So nice to be alone and get a rest from everyone…”It was a good thing that people are enjoying themselves, talking nonstop business, and having a buffet.Well, I don’t even know if I can call it sharing the food. Because as Emily said, it seems to be only Uncle Joe and my other neighbors eating and sharing the food together. Of course, I won’t stop them from what they’re doing. Those rich people don’t even move their plates. There would be so much food waste if not because of people like Uncle Joe. They should thank them. Actually.My knees are worn out and I could already feel my body screaming for bed because of how low my social battery is right now. Even if I charge it for three consecutive da
“What are you doing here?”“Joining my wife in his little party, I think?”I jolted from the couch, blown at how I didn’t realize Jaxson was here and he found me here in the balcony.“Well, you shouldn't be here!” I couldn’t help but to slightly raise my voice because I’m still in a state of shock.He answered by raising both his brows, pinning his eyes on me.“Come on, Jax. Look around! No people could possibly see us here. You can now drop the act, okay? Don’t push yourself too much.” I said with a tone of annoyance as I gently shoved his chest away from me.Jaxson shouldn’t pretend in front of me the way he does to others. He should be content at fooling other people and not include me.I know he’s been dying to mingle with Daniella at this time. Well, too bad for them because I don’t think that people are gonna leave any time soon now. “What do you mean pretending?”“Oh please,” My eyes rolled up as I turned my stance, so I won’t be facing him. [“Catcat? Hello? Who are you talkin
“You are seriously so immersed by your acting, aren't you?” I pushed Jaxson as hard as I could, giving all the strength left in my body making him stumble.“I am.” He said with a giggle. “Why are you being so cheeky to me suddenly?” Jaxson asked before moving next to my stance. We were only a few inches away from each other so I quickly moved back a little to catch my breath.I can’t answer Jaxson’s question directly right into his face. And I guess he pretty sure knew the reason why I am so distant to him ever since I saw Daniella in his office. I just don’t want myself to meddle with whatever it is that they are into. If they are still having an affair behind all of this marriage act that we are doing, sure they can. Who am I, really? Even if I completely dislike them for doing that, I don’t think I should care more.“What’s running through your mind?”I drew my eyes to Jaxson as he gently lay down next to me while I remained seated.“Come on, Cattleya. You can tell me.”My eyebrows
“Hey, Catt! Where are you going?” I heard Loren call to me as I just kept walking and passed them.I am pretty sure that I couldn’t afford to sleep and stay in one room with Jaxson because if that happens then I’ll be devoured by extreme embarrassment that might cause my death. I swiftly descended the stairs without even saying my goodbyes to the guest.I'd better spend the night in the apartment.“Mrs. Madrigal.” Simultaneously, men dressed in black uniforms called to me.I was a bit unused to what they called me.I’m assuming that these men belong to the Madrigal security. So without even uttering any words, I proceeded to the car parked in front of the hotel where the reception took place. I don’t know if the guests already noticed that I am gone. But if so, I’ll just explain to them that I am just tired and wanted to have a rest. Rather than covering up my stupidity.I began leaning my back on the car seat after telling the driver where my destination woulf be.“I am so crazy…”
"An absolutely insane person. Jaxson, you are getting on my nerves. I mean, not negatively, you know. But today was too much already, and-” He didn't let me finish and went inside the unit, passing me.The bright side is, the person who knocked on our door in the middle of the night was not a bad person, and I did not commit a heinous crime. However, the downside is that I came here because I don't want to spend the night with Jaxson. And now he is here."So, where can I put all this?" He asked as his eyes roamed the entire space of our house."There, there is a table in front of you." I said slowly and then the door was closed again."Oh, this is the table.""Wouldn't it be better if you went back there and rested at the hotel? You know you don't belong in this place Jax. This is a simple house which you never use. See, you'll just have a hard time-" I couldn't finish what I was going to say when I noticed that he wasn't listening to me and just started putting his things inside the p
"So, what do you think if I model your brand too?"Both my brows raised as I waited for what Jaxson would say because his eyes just stared straight at me."That's not the reason why I told you my mother's past.""I know, but don't you think I can do it? You don't trust me too?" I uttered as I held my laugh trying to pull a joke on him.I don't think that Jaxson caught my joke as he just stared back at me as if wanting to pull my soul out of my body."I see your potential and I trust you too much that it's making me afraid of allowing you to be out there."I was taken back by Jaxson's words. I did not expect those words to come out of his mouth. It even feels like the Jaxson I am spending the night with is not the real one."T-Then... If you trust me, why don't you just let me try? You know, you can actually say straight to me that I'm not the one you are looking for your brand and you need someone that has experience.""No." He answered me quickly without wasting any second. "You are a
This is the first night that I will sleep on the same bed with Jaxson beside me, and I don't know what just happened to my body that made me so stiff this much. This is also the first time that I’ll be laying in the same bed with some guy that’s not even my brother, Charles. I don't even remember how to breathe right now, all I can think of is that this man laying beside me, in my own little bed, is my husband and we are going to spend the night together.What will we do?The blanket almost tore because I was clinging to it so tightly to cover my entire body. My bed is so small that if I make a small movement our skin will touch together and when that happens, I don't know if my heart can handle it and if I will wake up in my right mind.I am breathing the hottest air in the entire planet as my body also feels the heat rising up from my feet.It is so quiet in my room that the only thing you can hear is my loud series of sighs and my heart beating as quickly as it can.I don’t know wh
Jaxson let out a feeble scoff. “You really look like my mother, Cattleya. Once we get home, I'll show you some pictures of her and you can tell by yourself whether you really resemble her.”“Uh, what do you mean… Once we get home? I am home.” I replied with a tinge of confusion flashed in my voice.Jaxson shut his eyes firmly, seemingly annoyed to me. “Cattleya. Why do you always have to ruin it? Why are you such a crabby?” he grumbled.“I am not.” I felt one of my brows rise up, looking intently at him. “This is the truth, Jaxson. I am home right now and you— are lying on my bed.”“Whatever you say, chippy.”My mouth fell open by the word he let out. “What did you just say to me?” I couldn’t stop myself from getting up because of how much he irritates me. “I am not being chippy, or grumpy, or whatever it is! Jaxson. I am home. And once we get back to your mansion, I will just temporarily be in your house together with your family. Not home.” I glared at him.“Hmm, sounds like I forg