Chapter One

Despite her love of movies, there are certain movie characters that Sierra loves to hate, and those are the characters who like to see the beauty in everything. Having a positive view is one thing, and foolish optimism is another. Having a smile before the eyes could even open makes a good picture but not a great story. Dancing to the rhythm of silence is just the icing on a cake she would be willing to mock for the whole movie duration.

How do you even know that the rest of the day would go your way when your vision hasn't even adjusted to the brightness yet? Just unnecessary excitement, she'd always think.

Except today. Today is an exception.

Today, nothing is worth the worry, and all the burdens of life, including her pessimistic view, will be set aside—all for her wedding day.

If she wanted to play that boring character she couldn't stand, then she could. Now is her time and today is the only day she will allow herself to play this role.

The simple white dress was already ironed and hung in her closet, and the makeup was arranged in her vanity mirror just beside that closet. Just as planned. Her reflection in the mirror shows how happy she was, and she even allowed herself to admire how gorgeous she would be as she walked down the aisle.

She hummed the tune of a love song and even her walk could easily be mistaken as dance steps. Her hair sways freely to her melody. Today, she knows everything will be well. She just had to make sure nothing would spoil her fun.

It was a Monday morning, and almost everyone in town was busy with their daily routine. In this town, it rarely rains, so it's already anticipated that there will be no hint of gloom in the sky.

"Thank you," Sierra thanked Alek's friend, who rented his car to drive her to the chapel. "Are you sure you don't want to come?"

"No. I still have to return to the office. Congratulations on your wedding."

"Thank you again."

Standing in front of the small town chapel, Sierra found herself anxious about what could be inside the wooden doors.

She always dreamt of marriage and love. It was a dream to have someone by her side for the rest of their life. The wedding is just the beginning.

She glanced by her side but saw no one walk her down the aisle. It was already expected and she didn't why she still felt a slight pain in her heart knowing that her father couldn't walk her down the aisle or her mother by her side.

Fighting the urge to cry, she thought of what was waiting for her inside the chapel. Her new family and her husband-to-be. Think of the bright side.

She never had to be alone. Not again.

You can do this, Sher. She convinced herself while holding the wedding bouquet she personally arranged with the flowers she grew herself.

Finally, she opened the door, everyone was already ready inside. She took her time with her bridal march. Making observations of the surroundings and absorbing the adoration in their eyes. It felt like walking on clouds.

She saw her future mother-in-law holding a handkerchief while wiping her tears. His cousins were taking pictures of her while admiring her look for today. The twins were so adorable in their matching dresses. 

And there he is, in front of the altar, waiting for her. There's Alek. He wasn't wearing his usual working uniform nor his plain shirt. He was wearing a suit, and maybe it was love that made him look a hundred times more charming in Sierra's eyes. She never thought it was possible.

Their eyes locked on each other as she walked closer and closer.

There was no music, not much decoration except for the two vases filled with fresh flowers from her own garden. She could have a big wedding. Alek said they could do that and invite everyone in town. Have their wedding like a big town celebration. This would mean a lot of preparation and Sierra could no longer wait.

When he was giving her the look of a man who was about to propose, she was tempted to say yes before he could even kneel. That was all the waiting that she was willing to do. She knew she wanted to be Alek's wife as soon as possible.

Unlike those in bridal magazines, she isn't wearing any veil or any jewelry. She tied her hair in a messy bun and applied minimal makeup. Maybe these little things matter, but the day isn't just about her. For Sierra, all that mattered was to see Alek waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

Even with the small chapel, their guests haven't filled their venue. All of whom are from Alek's side, including his two adoptive parents. It was more than enough. The sound of their cheers and laughter was the only sound she needed to hear. The lack of music was barely noticeable.

As they stood in front of a priest, Sierra felt like there were only two of them in the world. They were the leading stars in the only story that mattered.

"My love," Alek begins, unable to hide the shakiness in his voice. He gave her a kind smile, relaying his sincerity.

Sierra touched his hand as they shared the same promise and envisioned a future with each other. Her eyes begin to water with the thought.

"Every day, I ask myself how I got so lucky to have a chance to meet you in my life. Even more, planning a future with you. Everything changed when I met you, Sher and for all the good reasons," his hold tightened. His hands warm against hers. "I promise to hold you and love you forever. I promise never to let you go."

He could say a single sentence, even a single word, and it would be enough. Having him beside her was all that she needed for this day.

The past few days have been perfect. She was living the dream.

Clearing her throat as she stopped herself from bursting into tears, Sierra became emotional as she prepared her own vow. "You're everything I could ever dream of. There were even times when I had to pinch myself just to make sure that I am not dreaming. You feel like a dream, Alek, except that the reality with you is so much better, so much sweeter. Until death does us part, Love."

There were cheers once again and screams. Flower petals became confetti as the two exchanged rings and had their first kiss as husband and wife.

Just the perfect way to start their lives as husband and wife.

Looking at their wedding bands, Sierra is still in disbelief that they are finally married. "I can't believe it yet."

She held their hands together and smiled as the rings touched. They matched so well. It looks so perfect together. It wasn't too flashy but was more precious than any jewelry for her.

Her eyes wandered to the house they were in. It was their home now. The sun was about to set, and the dining room had the best view of the orange sky. Just when things couldn't get better, she realized that this would be the view she'll see. Something she would never get tired of.

Alek looked at her with awe and admiration. She was glowing and his eyes acknowledged that.

She was aware of his silence, of what she would like to think was his silent admiration because that smile had never left his lips since their wedding.

"Alek?" She whispered as she sat on his lap and nuzzled his neck. His scent was strong. It reminds Sierra of those expensive men's colognes which were very far from Alek's image. He was simple, naive-looking even sometimes. But after only a short time of knowing him, she got used to him and everything about him. One of which was his smell, which later became one of her favorites.

"How long I've waited to have you here." His hand starts to slide at her exposed back. Sierra relaxed with his touch and let her weight rest on him.

"We've only known each other for a few months. Is that already long for you?"

"It felt long," he smiled.

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of Alek's phone ringing. Sierra couldn't hide the annoyance on her face, thinking today would only be for the two of them. She had her useless phone on silent because all she was planning to do was celebrate today.

"You said today's about us." She was being unreasonable, and she usually isn't, but the need to keep her husband for herself, even just for today, was blocking whatever it is that makes her reasonable. She sighed. Maybe five minutes at most away from him would be tolerable. "Fine. Be back."

"I'll just take that. It will be quick, I promise. Wanna take a shower together?" There was a tiny teasing smirk on Alek's lips. He may have delicate features with those round eyes and thick lips, but he sure knew how to work his charm.

"We'll see."

"You mean, I'll see you there."

Before she could even reply, Alek quickly went to get his phone and left to answer the call.

Even with their whirlwind romance and abrupt wedding, this isn't Sierra's first time in what used to be just Alek's house. During those times, they were preoccupied with each other's presence. They are too focused on each other.

It all happened so quickly that they didn't even have the chance to discuss the arrangement or the changes in this place. For Sierra, who has always dreamt of having her own home, she's all ready to plan and brainstorm the things she would be keeping, throwing, and changing. If this is where she'll live, then it has to show in the place because right now, Alek may have a chic taste, but it doesn't feel homey at all.

She began to scan and look at the bookshelf. Alek loves to read, and it shows with his huge collection. It was nothing like the books she used to read. His books were mostly nonfiction and finance books.

As Sierra heard the water in the shower, it was a signal for her that Alek was already inside and waiting for her. Every inch of her skin was filled with excitement. The butterflies on her stomach couldn't stay still.

But as she was ready to take off her clothes, there was something that caught her attention.

In his sea of books, there was something different. It has a fantasy-like cover. The vintage appearance made it blend in among the rest. Yet, the vines on the corner were unusual. There was no discoloration on the edges though it seemed old. Something new pretending to be old.  

Sierra listened to the pouring water and Alek humming in the bathroom from their room before she held the book, feeling every corner of the page. Taking a deep inhale, smelling the pages.

As she expected, there was something unusual. When she opened the cover, she was proven right. She knew she should be nervous, but all she had in mind was a disappointment as every imaginary butterfly left with all the excitement she was feeling previously.

It wasn't a book. It was only disguised as a book. There were no pages. The smell was not of old paper. Right in front of her is a locked secret compartment. Sierra didn't have to open it to know what was inside, but with the pin on her hair, she still tried.

The sweet dreams, the hope, all her plans. Everything starts to leave one by one as she holds saw the gun that was kept inside.