As we re-entered the wedding hall, I managed to force a smile on my face when two ladies walked up to me to say they loved my dress and clear skin. A couple followed afterwards. They were friends of Don Pedro.I need to run away from her, slip out of this clothes and soak myself in hot water.Pedro squeezed my hand slightly, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.And the worst part?He was enjoying every second of it.***THIRD PERSON POV.The drive home was silent, Tessa was more or less a mannequin at this point because she was almost numb and suffocating in silence.Pedro didn’t speak. He didn’t even glance her way or act like she was sitting next to him. His focus remained on the road, while he typed away on his phone, and at intervals he would ask the driver to drive faster.Tessa sat rigid in her seat, her mind racing with everything that had happened. She was deep in thoughts about The wedding. The vows. Her Aunt’s well-being.She wasn’t his wife.She was his prisoner at th
THIRD PERSON POVRegina stormed into her room, almost in tears, her emotions barely contained beneath light make up, her face had turned red as she packed her hair in front of her mirror. The conversation with Tessa had had her feeling a type of way. It had reminded her of how unrewarding being Pedro’s sweet and obedient little sister has been. The door hadn’t even closed properly before Franco followed, shoving it shut behind him with a force that vibrated the walls.At first she flinched at the sound of the banged door, she turned to face him, crossing her arms, her chest rising and falling, struggled with controlled breaths.“My love, This is the only time I could come,” Franco said, his voice low, urgent. “Any moment now, I’ll be leaving with Don Pedro and Tessa for their honeymoon.” “And you expect me to be fine with that?” Regina fired, taking of her ear ring and jewelries.Franco sighed, stepping closer to her. “It’s not like I have a choice, Regina.”She scoffed, shaking he
Tessa’s POVI could swear I heard Aunt Nora’s voice as I made my way down the stairs.The few hours I had spent in this house were suffocating, just yesterday I was in my small space crying over Sergio, and today I was going for a honeymoon I did not plan!I wore a black dress I had gotten from a thrift discount sale. I got it with my money. I wore it in mourning of the death of my old self; soft and sweet Tessa.The sweetness of my past self must have been the reason why Sergio threw the towel on us and accused me of cheating.And cheating with whom?A tall awkward fool with ugly hair who still thinks he is in his prime.God forbid!!I wore that black dress to also make a statement, a small act of rebellion in a war I refused to lose. Just because I was his wife now did not make me his street dog.He wanted to marry me right? He will get exactly what he ordered.I got to the last step of the staircase, ignoring the chauffeur who had been waiting. I did not ask him to wait, I wondered
It was roughly a seven-hour flight to the Virgin Atlantic Island.It had left me drained, but the rough landing was the final blow. My stomach stirred as we touched down, my body rebelling against the turbulence. It was my first time in a flight but somehow I managed to act like I was a regular traveller.I tried forcing myself to stay composed as we stepped off the jet. My legs felt like they had given up, I had sat all through the flight.I had heard Pedro mention over the phone that we were going to a beach house.I had a few moments of solitude to process my thoughts. I had questions that begged for answers.The drive to the beach house felt endless. The cold early morning air pressed against my nostrils, the faint scent of saltwater drifting through the open car window. I kept my arms folded, robbing the back of my arms. Don Pedro, ever the sweet picture of ease, scrolled through his phone, not even sparing a glance my way, I presumed he was stressed by the flight as well.
My heart almost stopped when pedro slammed the door shut behind, I was still caught up in his arms. I continuously sobbed out of my own weakness and a sheer tiredness of being caught with him. His body was rubbing against mine. I felt so frail, so weak. I hated how small he made me feel. “Let go of me! Put me down pedro!” I cried against his firm grasp, but Pedro was far stronger, and he wasn’t in the mood for tantrums. “Stop whining,” he snapped. Without any warning, he flung me onto the bed. My heart leaped as I flew through the air and my body bounced against the mattress, I let outa loud gasp, my eyes flinching and I looked up at him in shock. How did this man at his age, have so much strength to carry me? Pedro crossed his arms,“So you are literally not only stubborn but weigh like bags of rotten vegetables,” he taunted. Embarrassment washed over me as I tried to gather myself together. I scrambled to sit up, my hands trembling from fright, I thought I had bro
I stared at the bag, then back at him. “Where are we going?”Pedro leaned against the dresser, arms crossed. “You know I Don't like it when you question me right? It’s a couples’ gathering at the lounge.”I blinked my eyes to be sure I heard correctly. “A what?”“A couples’ gathering,” he repeated. “Now you are making me repeat myself, It’s an event for couples.” His voice was teasing and I hated it.Couple’s gatherings were supposed to be for actual, what was this man up to again?I scoffed. “And why do we need to be there?”“Because we’re married, why else? and I also want to have breakfast,” he said flatly. “Now, hurry up. I don’t like waiting.”I held the bag tighter. “You do realise we’re not a real couple, right?”Pedro’s lips formed an inverted ‘U’, narrowing his eyes at me. “Tell that to the world, my lovely wife. And hurry up before I decide to help you shower myself.”My stomach grasped at the suggestion, I would drown him in the tub, if I could. I grabbed my towel and stor
Pedro had not said a word to me all day and I feel being in his space so long has rubbed off on me differently, he always had something to say to me.After dodging his kiss at the hangout, it must have bruised his ego, I low key enjoyed it. But why did I feel a type of way? Something along the lines of, I shouldn’t have aired him like that.The silence between Pedro and me had lasted all day and I liked it.I liked the way it stretched like an invisible rope; tight, suffocating but refreshing as I got to pace and gather my thoughts together. But I must admit that this kind of silent treatment meant something was on the way, It wasn’t the kind of silence that brought peace—it was the kind that hinted at an approaching chaos. I was not sure I was ready for anything new, being here, doing this, was already an attack on my mental health.What I did not know was that by evening, what I feared may be the case for Pedro’s silence would strike.It was past five in the evening when Pedro c
I had not seen so much food in a long time.The dinner was spontaneous—too lavish for my liking. To me, less was more.I liked the warm feeling of the dim golden lighting on my skin, a long table set with cutleries next to each plate, and servers moving gracefully between guests. Everything screamed busy.I wished I could enjoy it.Among the couples was her. Natalia.Tall, blonde, and sculpted like a fitness goddess. She was the kind of woman who could wear a potato sack and still look stunning. She also had the kind of confidence that made other women shrink in her presence, except me though, I just liked her opinionatedness.All through the dinner Pedro acted like I wasn't there with him and it was absolutely fine as I’d rather listen to Natalie than have an exchange with him. I did not contribute to the conversation because I felt it was shallow, there were so many things to talk about at a dinner party, so why did it have to be a topic that most often time judged people on wha
AUTHOR’S POV Tessa’s heart hammered as she sprinted through a narrow, dimly lit walkway that had connected to the hallway in which she had seen George, he was the least of her problems. She had been searching desperately for a toilet, her mind turbulent with a lucid kind of urgency and dread that made her gag and throw up, the smell of that man’s fresh blood filling her nostrils. At some point she felt she had lost her way, Every turn had her feeling that something was terribly wrong, then it occurred to her that she had failed to ask for direction. Shit!!! She cursed under her breath. She hoped against hope to find a place to relieve herself, but instead of a restroom, she found herself before an old, heavy metal door slightly ajar. She pushed it open, and immediately a wave of repugnant air slapped her face. What she saw beyond took her breath away: an abandoned garage that reeked of decaying oil and rust, its walls streaked with neglect. Spoilt cars lay scattered h
AUTHOR'S POVBetween the brutal exchanges, Tessa managed to whisper, “Why did you bring me here, Pedro?” Her voice was a soft plea amidst the cacophony.Pedro paused in his watchful stance by the barricade. He gently took her by the shoulder, drawing her close, and spoke in a low voice meant only for her. “I want to tell you a story, Tessa. A story of how I became the man I am today.”Tessa looked up at him, her eyes filled with dread, yet she forced herself to listen. Pedro’s gaze turned distant as he began. “When I was a boy, my father—Don El Diablo Lorenzo—took me to a wrestling ring much like this one. It was dark, loud, and frightening. I remember the first time I saw men clash in battle. I saw blood spatter and heard the sound of bones breaking. I was terrified, but I also learnt something crucial that day. I learnt that life is cruel and unforgiving, and only those who can endure pain can survive. I learnt that strength is forged in fire and that fear must be faced head-on.”He
AUTHORS POVTessa wished she could read what was going on in Pedro's damn mind. What was so special about this underground match that so desperately needed her attendance?It was well past 11 p.m. when Pedro’s car pulled up to the entrance of what seemed like a tunnel. Tessa assumed it to be the venue for the underground wrestling match. And honestly, she was tired because they had been driving for a while. Casa del Diablo was boldly written above the entrance; Tessa read it with narrowed eyes, and it made her feel a certain type of way.Tessa, clinging tightly to Pedro’s arm, stared in disbelief at the rugged building. The exterior was gloomy—battered red brick walls and some words scribbled with neon graffiti—and the heavy bass of cheering crowds seeped through the walls. Until that very night, she had never believed such a place existed in Monterrey.They made their way inside, and Tessa’s eyes widened as she took in the scene.The underground arena was set in an old warehouse, its
It was nearly 7 p.m. when Tessa arrived home from work. The day had been long and exhausting, and all she wanted was a moment of peace and the solemn magic of a good sleep.As she stepped through the front door, she found Don Pedro in the bedroom, dressed in a suit and standing before the large mirror. His face held no expression whatsoever, he was busy adjusting his tie and then styling his hair seconds later. Pedro turned almost as soon as he noticed her enter. “You didn’t get my message to leave work early, did you?” he asked, his voice rumbled gently as he continued to scrutinize his reflection on the mirror.It was in that moment, Tessa remembered the underground wrestling match.Tessa paused, setting down her bag and taking a slow, gauged breath. “I got the message from your driver,” she replied evenly “I lost track of time – I was with Camila and Jamie. We were discussing… work and stuff.”Pedro’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s no excuse. You should have left when I asked yo
When they reached the parking lot, Pablo walked ahead slightly and opened the passenger door of his car. He gestured politely for her to step in.Regina paused in her tracks for a moment, frowned, then walked to the door, shut it violently, and opened it herself.“See, I have hands, and they are working; I can open my own doors,” she rapidly said, sliding into the black leather seat.Why did he open the door for her like that?Who did he think he was, and what was he trying to prove?For what it’s worth, she could open her own doors. She had been doing it for years now—since the day her ex-boyfriend, Cedro Cortez, left her standing there in that church like a fool all those years ago. Since the day she realised that sweet gestures didn’t mean love. They meant nothing if the man behind them was a coward like Franco.It should’ve been Franco opening that door. And the idea of meeting him secretly began to irritate her. The one who should’ve held her hand in front of Dame Rossa, looked h
AUTHOR'S POVDo as he says? As what?His lapdog?A robot?She did not understand. That sentence, “Do as he says,” irritated her to the depths of eternal damnation.Regina hesitated, biting her lip as she considered her choices to either stand there and waste her time having a back-and-forth with Dame Rossa or agree to his offer just to end the conversation. After a brief silence, she sighed, “Okay, fine. Where is your car?"Dame Rossa waved a hand dismissively and pointed toward the entrance, where a black car was parked. “It is parked outside; where else would it be?” she said curtly. Then, as if switching the subject entirely, Dame Rossa directed her attention to Pablo. “Pablo, please do ensure you communicate the date of your proposal to Regina. It is time we moved forward.”Pablo nodded politely. “I will, Aunt. You have my word.”Dame Rossa pursed her lips, then turned and strode toward one of the corridors leading to her room. Regina and Pablo exchanged a glance. Regina’s eyes we
AUTHORS POVREGINAMonday evenings were for relaxation, and if Regina had an actual job, it would have probably validated her timely desire for a blissful evening indulgence at any of her favourite relaxation spots, one with Franco, of course. But that seemed impossible until he proposed some special treat. Regina had planned to spend the morning at the beauty salon; a little self-indulgence won’t hurt, she had thought. But since sweet Franco promised her a dinner in a private restaurant somewhere outside town, what better way to enjoy her evening with the man she loves? So she waited. Although he had mentioned he was going to run a quick errand there for Pedro and had an hour or so to spare. They simultaneously agreed that La Reina De Belleza Beauty Saloon and Spa was going to be their pickup point. They didn’t want any suspicions. Dressed in a simple dress and with minimal makeup, she stepped out of her room.She lowkey prayed not to run into Dame Rossa, hoping she would be fully e
AUTHOR’S POV Pedro could not seem to get Adrianna out of his mind. She must be cursing him out now for that shorthanded review he gave her proposal, he thought. It was already afternoon when Don Pedro’s black car drove around Monterrey, he had requested for the drive around. This was after he had visited the plantation and the meeting with the new recruits for the plantation had been long and stressful. He was not pleased with the level of production at the plantation and needed to clear his mind a bit. He tried to think about something else as he was still upset about the presentation, but a message from earlier needed his attention. Pedro picked up his phone and dialled swiftly. After a few rings, Diego’s gruff voice came through. Pedro’s voice was clipped. “Diego, it’s me. Hand the phone to Ms Norah, will you?” A pause, and then Diego replied, “Yes, boss. I’ll pass it on.” The phone changed hands, and almost immediately a shrill, indignant voice burst forth, echoing
Author’s POVIt was a few minutes past noon when Don Pedro strode into the conference room at Solana Towers with so much pride and, of course, his bodyguards. The room’s minimalist décor and large floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the company’s parking lot—quite impressive, Pedro thought as he looked around. At the head of the table sat Mr. Rafael Alejandro, the CEO of Solana Towers, flanked by key members of his executive team on both sides of the table. They all wore a smile on their faces. The room was busy with quiet anticipation.Pedro paused at the door, adjusted his suit, and offered a polite yet curt apology. “I do not like to apologise, but for what it’s worth, please accept my apologies for my lateness,” he said, nodding respectfully to Rafael.Rafael smiled thinly and replied, gesturing Pedro to sit from where he sat, “No matter, Don Pedro. We are pleased you could join us. Now, let us begin.”Taking a seat at the table, Pedro’s eyes roved over the set-up