CHAPTER FOUR

My wedding was in a week and was definitely going to be the wedding of the decade! Imelda Del Monte weds Easton Grant.

A match made in power.

I was picking out a few dresses from a high class designer when I met Gabriel’s younger sister, Janet Damasco entering.

“Imelda.”

She called, walking towards me. She was pregnant with her third child and despite her beauty and elegance, she was in an abusive arranged marriage.

Even if Gabriel had made me feel unworthy of love, he never for once hit me.

“Janet.”

I called too, straightening to my full height and she took a good look at me.

My mind flooded with all the insult and disdain her and her mother showed me while I was still married to Gabriel.

“When Gabriel told me of your new self I didn’t dare believe it would be this good.”

She scoffed, trying to get on my nerves like she always did.

“Yes, unlike that failed boob job your doctor did on you.”

I told her with an evil smile.

“I hear you’re getting married to an old man, is that who you divorced my brother for?”

She asked, looking at me disdainfully.

“Better than your marriage to that abusive husband of yours.”

“Watch your mouth!”

She snapped.

“You watch your mouth!”

I said back and I caught a glimpse of the surprise in her eyes.

“You must think you’re somebody now.”

She said to me, bitterly.

“Yes. I am Imelda Del Monte and intended bride to Easton Grant.”

I told her confidently.

“How bold.”

She chuckled, humorless.

“I don’t have time to chitchat, I have a wedding to prepare for.”

I said and before she could say anything else, I took my leave.

.

.

.

I was alone in my room, deep in thoughts and going through Gabriel’s fiancée’s page.

Jennifer Hilton, a big time public influencer and daughter of billionaire Chris Hilton who recently passed away.

Of course! Another means of power and wealth. I should have known.

I was about to turn off my phone and go to bed when I saw a text pop up on my phone.

Gabriel Damasco: Meet me at the spot I gave you your first kiss and let’s say goodbye properly.

I knew it was a bad idea but decided to meet him anyway. I dressed up in a nice lace sleeved white dress and took a good look at my mirror and smiled at what I saw. A beautiful confident woman.

Gabriel had given me my first kiss at a tall garden wall near my father’s estate. He was returning me home from a date when he suddenly pulled me closer and kissed me. It was the most magical moment of my life.

I met him waiting for me at the exact spot, hands in the pocket of his trousers.

“I didn’t think you’d come.”

He said as I stood before him.

“I don’t have all night, say whatever—

I was cut off by the sudden pull and hard lips crushing on mine.

I tried to protest and wiggle out of his arms and end the kiss but he held me firmly, deepening the kiss.

“Stop it!”

I gasped, coming up for air.

“No.”

He rasped and kissed me again. He dug his tongue into my mouth and skillfully twisted it around mine.

I moaned when he forcefully grabbed one of my ass cheeks and I had to hold onto him for balance.

Gabriel was a good kisser, I’ve never kissed another man except him but I knew deeply that he was good at it.

“Why, Imelda?”

He breathed against my lips.

“Because I hate you.”

I replied, knowing exactly what he was asking.

“So much that you’re willing to marry a man you don’t love?”

He asked, his eyes sad.

“I love him!”

I lied.

“Just like you love Jennifer Hilton!”

I added.

“Is this about that? The engagement!? Then fine! Call off the wedding and I’ll call off the engagement!”

He said and I pushed away from him.

“You must be dreaming if you think I will ever do what you want!”

I spat.

“Please, melda, please. Stop this.”

He begged, forcefully pulling me to himself again.

“Let go of me Gabriel! I hate you! You treated me like a piece of rag just because you hated how I looked and now you want me because of my new body and my inheritance!”

I yelled, trying to fight him off but he was too strong.

“To hell with all of that! I just want my wife back! I love you please! I am deeply sorry for all I did! I really am, Please! Don’t marry Easton!”

He begged, his eyes red and glassy with tears but I didn’t care. I was done caring.

“Listen to me and listen carefully Gabriel, we are never getting back together so move on with your Jennifer Hilton!”

I told him, sternly and finally he let go of me. I straightened my dress and turned around to leave.

“Melda!”

I heard him call and I looked back to him.

“You may be getting married to another man, but you’re mine forever.”

He said and we stared at each other for a long silent moment before he turned around to walk away.

Deep down, I feared that was the truth.