Prologue

“It is so beautiful on you, Madam!” he exclaimed carefully rested the bedazzling jewelry on my chest.

I usually gasp at the coldness of metals necklaces when they hit my skin, but the forthcoming event is giving me more chills. Nothing is more stomach-churning than my second cousin’s fifth wedding and this time with some vivacious female celebrity. Even though it wasn’t his first time getting married, the elders insisted that it is a common courtesy, and that we should all bless them and attend. If it only wasn’t needed to maintain my relevance and strengthen my network among our relatives and peers, I would never bother attending such energy-consuming event.

              “I bet no one can make this look more elegant than you do!”

I scoffed at his insufferable enthusiasm and boot-licking. Of course, it will look elegant. How else can you make a $5.8 million worth of diamanté look cheap? I stared at myself at the mirror as I gently brush my fingers on the ‘Mrs. Winston’ necklace hanging around my neck. I tried to adjust my poses in front of the mirror. Looking sideways, chin up, chin down, looking fierce, placed my hands onto my face for a little drama. Alas! This necklace is still a disaster. 207 diamonds placed on a platinum whose quality is ranging from D to F. Why does it make me feel like I am not enough?

I stood up and tried to look at myself at a larger mirror, comparing it to my overall ensemble. A Sabrina-neckline column red velvet dress with gloves and an updo like Audrey Hepburn on her wonderful film, ‘Sabrina’ when she wore the similar looking organza gown by Givenchy. “You just looked like the classic beauty and graceful Audrey Hepburn, Madam. Your dress matches the necklace so well…” he trailed off.

Something still feels off. Is it the dress? Is it the necklace? ‘Mrs. Winston’, why, oh why?

“I heard that the Nicoli matriarch is finally gifting the ‘Heritage of the Bloom’ to her trusted descendant!” one of the stylist’s assistant chimed in. “For sure, they would gift it to Ma’am Lorica. She is the only one left unmarried in their family.” “But, doesn’t rumors say that it is actually meant to be ft to Ariadne Mendoza, since she is the most beloved wife of the eldest son of their clan?” the continue to banter louder. “But, isn’t she nothing but a scandalous wench who prances on rich bachelors?” This overbearing chisme from these low-life gossipmongers.

“Something’s missing…” I said sternly and loudly as possible as I continue to examine my reflection. These assistants never really knew how to be tact.

The head stylist hurriedly went back to my stead. “Could it be that you are not wearing any rings tonight, Madam?” I stared at my empty gloves. “Well, Sir Carlos had just prepared this beautiful ring that would best accentuate your beauty…” Ah! The ring… how could I forget?

“I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness… for better or for worse, for richer and poorer. ‘Til death do us part…”

“Let us live in a harmonious and civil relationship, shall we? Afterall, we are both benefitting from this marriage.” he hissed at my ear as we leave for the night and say goodbye to our guests. As we entered the master’s bedroom of the house that we received as a gift from my family. He immediately removed his watch and polo, getting ready for bed. He faced my direction and walked slowly towards me, cornering me at the ridge of the bed. “Anyway, since you have risked the same amount resources along with your reputation for this marriage, I shall honor you by respecting your privacy and DIGNITY.” He glanced at me from head to toe before inching a way, closing the door as he went to sleep in another room.

Like a calm sea before the fit of the storm, I slowly clenched my fist as I continue to digest his mockery. Provoked and irritated, I furiously removed my veil and other clothing and accessories that reminded me of this nightmare of a marriage.

I gazed at the 59.60-carrat pink diamond ring that shackled my finger. “The Pink Star.” It was pink, demure, feminine, elegant, and vulnerable. It was too large and flashy for my fingers. It felt like the gold leash that they usually used on innocent tigers.

It may be fancy, but it is still gifted by a similar demon. Nothing more than an overpriced dog tag.

“Sir Carlos really loves you so much. He would definitely spend lots of his money for all of your caprices and whims. Any girl in this planet would be jealous.” The stylist continued with his litany as he opened the ring box showing the ‘Cullinan Dream’.

“You are so lucky to have him as your husband.” I halted whatever I was doing and forcibly pressed my finders on to the necklace I previously wore.

As soon as our wedding has ended, he went back to his old bachelor ways. Although he has been more discreet with his immorality, it does not change the fact that he always finds a new woman to woo and serve his sexual needs, and continuously get himself addicted to gambling. I never really bothered calling him out for that as it does not concern me personally. But it has greatly affected my professional image, as most of the male investors and business partners has involved in his affairs now looked at me as a pushover housewife.

“You are so lucky; she doesn’t nag about it. My wife always went berserk. She never understood my needs as a man!” a middle-aged man cockily stated.

My husband mockingly let out a sigh. “Isn’t my wife LUCKIER to have me?” He looked down on his comrades, or should I say lapdogs. He placed his other hand at his pocket while the other one holds the golf bat as it sits on his shoulder.

“Yes, yes… hahahaha, ” his father joined in and maniacally laughed.

“Afterall… I am Carlos Montemayor!” His sexual gaze followed Regatta Cullinan, a famous model with nepotistic connections. As soon as Regatta walk past him, he immediately groped her butt. “That’s my son!” the elder Montemayor chided.

I looked away, feeling nothing but disgust. I immediately tidied my things to leave and spare myself from further second-hand embarrassment.

It was not the first time and I do not think that this will be the last.

“Yeah, i couldn’t be luckier. Other girls can only wish to be in my stead.” I sarcastically and sinisterly uttered under my breath. Finally, my finger bled from pressing on to the sharp edges of the necklace. “Oh! It is so sharp. I cut my finger accidentally.”

The stylist and the rest of his assistants panicked as he nervously glanced at the blood-stained necklace and my injured forefinger. As soon as he gained a little bit composure, he rushed outside to call for the paramedics.

“I guess, ‘Mrs. Winston’ do not want me to wear her.”

The paramedics team immediately attended my wound. I felt a stinging sensation from the antiseptic, but I didn’t bother to react. It was nothing compared to my other scars. “Please make sure that it won’t scar,” the stylist told the paramedics.  “Sir Carlos, will surely fire us because of this. I am so sorry, Madam. Please forgive us,” he frantically bows, begging for his job and future.

“Ugh! Please remove this necklace. It’s suffocating.”

I hastily removed the ring my gloves as well the other accessories that they asked me to wear. I wiped my pink lipstick and loosened my updo.

These jewelries will be my so-called husband’s last gift to me before he finally ascends to the position of Chairman of the Board. He didn’t want me to receive a lot of alimony, so I could still ask for his rescue and enslave myself on this transactional relationship. He would probably use this time to embarrass me by announcing divorce. But, I won’t let him.

“I don’t like this dress anymore. Bring me a new one!”

“But, madam – this is what Sir Carlos wanted you to wear.” I raised my hand to silence him.

“Can’t you see that I look like the red carpet itself with this dress! And, this V-line necklace do not even fit this dress’s neckline! Are you trying to embarrass me?! Doesn’t anyone of you here has a taste?” My voice was still calm and composed, but I made sure to let them hear a hint of impatience in it. They are my husband’s disposable minions. If I play my cards well, I can recycle them against him.

“I am so sorry, Madam! We will just replace the dress.” They said as they beg for my mercy.

“Just the dress? Those jewelries have also been an inconvenience for me! I do not want the ‘Mrs. Wilson’!”  

I grabbed the Dior Ultra Rouge lipstick in the shade Ultra shock and swiped it on my lips. I will be shocking everyone tonight.  I looked around the measly executive suit and saw a beautiful cowl-necklined sequined black gown with thing-high slit. It was worn on a headless mannequin with a white faux-fur coat draping upon it. As soon as I lay my finger on the dress, I felt a rush of excitement. It is calling my name – Morgana, Morgana Alessandra Nicoli.

I removed the necklace they forgot to take way as they search for another dress and wear the forbidden scandalous black gown. I picked the $14 million ‘Heart of the Kingdom” necklace, resting on a well-lit acrylic box. You are mine now. 

With my hair now side-parted. I took an unknown ear- jewelry and tucked the other side of my hair behind the bejeweled ear. I wore a classic red Christian Louboutin pumps and strutted out of the suite.  The lighting on the hallway was dim, yet I feel a spotlight following me.

“Madam, you cannot wear this onto the wedding?” “Even though it is contemporary themed this is too –.” There voices slowly fade into the background. I couldn’t help, but be proud of myself for my audacity.

“Madam! Please”

“Mrs. Montemayor.”

That’s it.

I do not want to be someone’s ‘Mrs.’ anymore. I am calling the divorce, myself.