Chapter 43 — On way home

***Haper***

"Please, that is enough!" Alex commands. "I'm going to renovate this chapel like I promised, but I want you to get to the part where you say, 'I now pronounce you man and wife!’”

After Alex says that the ceremony ends quickly. Even though no one said 'Amen,' the priest consecrates us as 'husband and wife.' I stare at him in front of me. I'm trembling, as if only now I truly understand, and feel, what is to come. Now, I would be the wife of a cruel man.

He takes my hands in his to exchange the ring from the right hand to the left. He holds on tight, almost hurting a little, as if my trembling bothers him. Tears threaten to spill from my eyes, but I hold them back, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing my weakness. My family's faces are marked with sadness and resignation, their silent support offering me some solace amidst the turmoil.

I breathe and lower my head. Then, I take his hand in mine too, to do the same. Shortly after fitting the ring on his ring finger, I close my eyes, wondering if he will take the next step: to kiss me.

And yes, he kisses me. Just touches his lips against mine quickly, but he does. I can't raise my head, I just let him take my hand and lead me out of the chapel.

Outside, I hug my uncle’s goodbye, their silent tears speaking volumes about their pain. I still hear a small argument between my uncle and Alex, but I don't feel strong enough to assert myself. I just get into the car, while he asks my uncle to take his 'girlfriend' to the downtown.

Certainly, here's a version where Harper narrates the story:

As Alex and I enter the car, the silence between us is heavy, almost suffocating. Outside, the rain begins to fall, a fitting backdrop to the somber mood that hangs in the air. I find myself gazing out the window, lost in memories of the day I first laid eyes on him.

It was a few years ago, in the antique shop where I worked. He strode in with an air of confidence, his presence commanding attention. I remember how our eyes met, and in that instant, it was as if the world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us in its wake.

I recall the way my heart raced as I watched him browse through the treasures of the shop, his eyes alight with curiosity and wonder. It was love at first sight, a feeling I couldn't ignore, even then.

Certainly, here's a paragraph where Alex chooses an antique porcelain doll to purchase, with some dialogue and Harper expressing how captivated she was by his voice:

As Alex browsed through the shelves of the antique shop, his gaze fell upon an exquisite porcelain doll nestled among the other treasures. "This one," he said, his voice carrying a hint of fascination as he picked up the delicate doll. "There's something about it that speaks to me."

I couldn't help but feel drawn to him as he spoke, his voice resonating with a depth that seemed to echo through the room. "It's a beautiful choice," I replied, my words tinged with admiration. "That doll has a long history, filled with stories waiting to be discovered."

As he examined the doll with a thoughtful expression, I found myself captivated by the way his eyes lingered on its intricate details. There was a sense of reverence in his touch, as if he could sense the secrets woven into its porcelain frame.

In that moment, as the soft glow of the shop illuminated his features, I couldn't help but feel a connection forming between us. His voice, like a melody weaving through the air, held me captive, leaving me yearning for more. And as he made his purchase, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths were destined to intertwine in ways we couldn't yet imagine.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment for he didn't recall our encounter in the antique shop. Instead, his memories seemed to gravitate towards the night I stumbled into the club, intoxicated and vulnerable. It stung to realize that he only remembered me in a state of weakness, overshadowed by the intoxicating allure of Sarah.

The realization cut deep, a sharp contrast to the fondness I held for him. It was as though the memory of our brief connection had been erased, replaced by the shadow of his infatuation with Sarah. And as I listened to her recounting their blossoming romance, I couldn't help but feel the weight of unrequited love pressing down on me.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that I had been relegated to the sidelines of his heart, while Sarah occupied the center stage. And yet, despite the ache of disappointment, a part of me still longed for the chance to rewrite our story, to reclaim the love that had slipped through my fingers.

But now, as the rain falls and the droplets race down the windowpane, I can't help but feel a pang of regret. The reality of our situation weighs heavily on my shoulders, casting a shadow over the dreams I once held dear. Now we’re married for a contract. Sarah is a wheelchair, without remember anything. And Alex doesn’t love me.

And yet, despite the storm raging outside, there remains a flicker of hope within me. A belief that maybe, just maybe, love will find a way to conquer all. As I sit in silence, watching the raindrops dance against the window, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for us, and if our love is strong enough to weather the storm.

However, Alex draws my attention back to the present.

"Harper," he speaks, his voice tinged with solemnity, "Sarah once told me a story, and I wanted to hear your side of the events."

"What story?" I ask, genuinely curious.

"She told me that, once, you called her while drunk, and when she went to pick you up, you had already caught a ride with a friend and forgot to tell her. So, she stood in the rain because of you, searching for you in the square. Is it true?"

As embarrassed as I am, it's true. I lower my head, pondering how to explain to him. After a few moments, I finally say:

"Unfortunately, yes. I went out drinking with some friends, hiding from my uncles. It started raining heavily, and I called Sarah to pick me up. However, I decided to share a taxi with a friend. She arrived at the location, and when she didn't see me, she walked around the area looking for me. When she got home, she was all wet. She even caught—"

I can't finish the sentence because he slams on the brakes.

"Get out," he orders.

"How? But look at this rain! And it's about two kilometers to your house!"

From what little I understand, I don't want to accept it.

"Get out! From now on, you will suffer all the harm you did to Sarah!"