Chapter 20

Sophia's POV

Ivy left the place and Antonio looked at me. I smiled nervously at him. He smiled slightly. But I didn't see it. 

I didn't see the love in his eyes. 

The look in his eyes has changed. 

It is a mixture of... Hatred and sadness. 

Other than love and happiness, as it used to be. 

"Antonio-" 

"You don't need to say anything. I-I forgave you" 

"Really?" 

"hm-mh" 

"Thank you" I replied. He nodded and as I was leaving and I turned around, he called me. 

"But Sophia," he said. "I'll never be able to love you again" 

My heartbeat made me wanna cry. And I cried. I nodded and without turning back at him, I left the area. As I came out, I wiped my tears and headed towards my house. I didn't expect otherwise, but I-I thought I was ready for this. 

I don't know but in all this game, I-I really fell for him. 

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Andrew's POV

I checked Ivy's phone and I came to know that she contacted Felix again. I need to ask her... What if she is in some trouble? 

As she returned home, and the room, I closed the door and she looked shocked. 

"Tell me what's going on?" I asked her. 

"Huh?" 

"Ivy," I said. "The truth" 

"I can't tell you, Andrew," she said. 

I sighed. "Please tell me" 

"I can't" 

"Ivy..." 

"Don't you trust me?" she asked and here she goes, doing emotional blackmail. 

"I-I do! I.. I just don't want you to get in any trouble" I said.

She sighed and kissed my cheek. "I won't"

I smiled. "Then it's fine. But you need to tell me... Once we get married"

"OKAY husband"

"Future-husband"

"Haha. Never matters!" 

"I love you so much, Ivy. I can't believe we are getting married" I said to her.

She smiled and hugged me. "I love you so much too, love"

I smiled and we stood like that for five minutes. 

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The Wedding Day

Ivy's POV 

I was dressed in my best. The beautiful white dress which I bought with dad was looking lovely and the jewelry with Andrew... Aishh, it was awesome. 

I was getting ready when someone knocked on the door. I knew it would be some makeup girls so I said 'come in'. 

After a minute, the door opened and then closed. But then it was locked. I turned around and saw Andrew. 

"How the hell are you-" he kept a finger on my lips. 

"Don't speak anything Princess" he said. 

"But don't you know you're not allowed to see a bride before her marriage!?" 

"Does any rule imply on us?" he winked. 

"Oh god, just leave," I said. 

He smirked and suddenly kissed me. I decided not to kiss him back. But he continued kissing me. I so wanted to kiss him, but no! I will not! 

After a while, he got away and I saw a frown on his face. 

"Sorry," he said and started going. 

Not so fast, boy! 

I pulled him back and started kissing the hell out of him. He kissed me back with the same passion and now I know. 

My makeup is ruined. 

He got away and smiled. "You scared me!" 

"Oh really?" 

"Or am I lying?" 

"Huh. What's there to be scared about?" 

"Leave it," he said. I smiled and he too. 

"Bye now," I said. 

"Bye" 

He left the room and then I applied the lipstick again. And of course, first cleaned it. 

Then the door was knocked. But I went and checked it personally this time. 

The girls came and did my makeup and left. 

Now I am ready and I am so excited for our marriage. 

_____________________________________________

Andrew's POV

I was getting ready but I wanted to meet Ivy first.

I love breaking rules, you know that.

So I went to her room and I literally got sad when she didn't kiss me back.

I thought I made a mistake coming here.

But then she did.

My queen.

I went back and then got ready. I am hell excited about us.

I went out to the stage and waited for her. Everyone is here. My brothers, their relatives, Ivy's father, and her relatives.

Even Antonio.

Yeah, I kind of doesn't hate him. He does.

Then I saw Ivy. She was coming while her hand entangled with her dad's. As she came near the stage, her dad handed me her hand. "She is yours. But don't forget. If I ever saw you don't make her happy, then you, well, will never get any children"

Ivy burst out laughing while it was quite embarrassing for me but seeing dad laugh, I laughed too. "She will always be happy with me," I said.

He nodded and then went.

I looked towards Ivy. She was looking so beautiful. "You're so beautiful. Sometimes I wonder how on Earth did I deserve you?"

"Because you're the best man. And handsome too" she winked.

I smiled and then the priest told us to exchange rings.

We exchanged rings and then I kissed her hand.

"Take your vows" the priest announced.

"I, Andrew, accept Ivy as my lawfully wedded wife. I vow to love her, take care of her, be hers in her highs and lows. I vow to be a faithful and caring husband to the most beautiful wife that is mine now"

She blushed at my words while the priest told her to take her vow too.

"I, Ivy take Andrew as my lawfully wedded husband. I vow to love him, care for him, and live for him from this instant. I vow to be a loyal wife to the best husband who is mine"

I blushed and before the priest could tell us to kiss, I joined my lips with her and the crowd started clapping. Pulling her close, I kissed the most beautiful girl ever.

I got away and saw her blushing deeply. I smirked and then the priest exclaimed.

"With the power bestowed upon me by the god and the goddess, I now can call you both as husband and wife"

And that was the start of our very beautiful life. 

_____________________________________________ 

Ivy's POV 

After the wedding, we were meeting the people when Antonio told me by a sign that Sophia is going to come soon. 

I nodded. I had planned that everything becomes okay today itself. 

Everyone left the place and now only Edward, Antonio, me, and Andrew were left.

Suddenly Sophia entered the place and I saw her. Antonio also saw her.

Now was a difficult time. He has to face Sophia after all these years.

"Andrew," I said. He looked at me. "At the gate"

His eyes trailed over to the gate and as soon as he saw her, he froze.

"Andrew," I said.

"Why is she here?"

"Andrew... Try to keep it cool-"

"Why? Why did you do this!?" he yelled. I flinched.

"Andrew.."

"Why did you call her? Why do you want to ruin our marriage!?"

"No Andrew, listen-"

"Go away," he said. I took his hand but he snatched it.

"Listen, Andrew-"

"I-I... go AWAY!" he yelled.

"I will NOT listen to me! You have to make everything alright!"

"I can't!" he yelled back.

The atmosphere suddenly tensed. I didn't know what to do. 

"Andrew, please," I said.

He looked at me and this time he was looking angry and helpless.

"Leave," he said.

"You can't tell me to leave"

He pushed me against a pole that was there and then came near my ears.

Even being this close to my ears, he yelled.

"I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE. I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU WANT TO DESTROY OUR WEDDING. BUT LET ME TELL YOU THAT I WILL NEVER FORGIVE HER AND I WILL SURELY NEVER DO ANYTHING THAT YOU TELL ME TO. YOU DON'T CONTROL MY LIFE! YOU'RE JUST MY WIFE!" he yelled.

I flinched and automatically a tear formed in my eyes at seeing him this angry. As he saw my tear, he instantly backed off and kept a hand on his forehead.

"I told you to leave. Why didn't you?" he asked in a broken voice. "Sorry…" 

"I haven't made a wedding wish," I said ignoring him. He looked at me. "I wish you forgive her"

"No. NO that is not your wish. Ask me anything but not this, please"

"No"

"A-And my wish is that you don't ask me to forgive her," he said. 

I shook my head. N-No, please.

"Don't ruin your wedding wishes because of me. Please" I heard Sophia.

Andrew turned around and sighed. 

"Listen Andrew. I will not ask for your forgiveness because neither do I deserve it nor you will ever forgive me. But yes, I will always be longing for it. And Ivy. You are the best person I've ever met. Keep Andrew happy, I've given him many sorrows" she said and turned towards Antonio. 

"Antonio, you're the best man one can come across. Stay happy." 

Then she turned towards Edward. 

"Do you forgive me?" she asked. 

"I would have," he said. "But I can't. I-I have seen them coming after each other's life. I have seen them destroying themselves and you being the reason, I can't" 

She smiled weakly. "It's okay. I don't deserve it anyway. Just... Stay happy and know that I will always yearn for your forgiveness" she said. 

She then turned again towards us. 

"Andrew. Sorry" she said and left. 

There was grave silence after that. Until Edward broke it. 

"Um... So I'll get going" 

"Yeah," we all said. 

Then Antonio came to Andrew. "I'll go too," I said to them and went. 

_____________________________________________ 

Andrew's POV

I was devastated seeing her once again. 

I was not being able to control my anger and I told Ivy to leave but she didn't. 

Seeing her tear I came back into the world's and I knew that once again I was out of control. She wasn't angry... I am just so grateful for that.

Antonio came towards me after everyone left.

"Bro," he said in a broken voice.

I haven't heard his broken voice for much time.

"I know," I said. "You know the truth now".

"I'm sorry, Andrew," he said. "I-I am... I was... I don't even have an excuse. I am just sorry"

"......"

"I-I am sorry for not trusting you. I am so sorry. I am just... Sorry"

I hugged him. I love my brother. Even though he hated me for years, but I know, love is blind and he didn't know the truth.

He hugged me back. "I- am- sorry," he said sobbing.

"It's okay," I said.

He got away and smiled. "Thank you so much"

"Just it's okay. You know, I never hated you" I said.

"Thank you for that Andrew. I was wrong. I was wrong all along. I-I will leave everything I do. I will become good like you" he said.

I smiled. "That would be the best"

"Thanks, bro. Thanks for everything"

"Hm," I said.

"Now go to Ivy. You have a life, bro!" he said. I laughed.

"Yeah"

_____________________________________________

I woke up. She was smiling in her dreams, lying next to me. I smiled at her and kissed her.

Then I got up. I have thought of a new job. I applied for it already. I got a notification that I was selected.

I went for an interview before she woke up and it went all awesome. I am so happy.

She, well, wants to continue being a reporter. So I let her.

_____________________________________________

Six months later

We were living happily. Antonio and I are quite normal now and we are slowly getting happy together.

All thanks to Ivy.

Ivy is probably in her office right now and I, well, have taken a day off today.

She insisted, okay?

So, I was just sitting and working from home, when someone came at the door.

I opened it and found Antonio.

"Hey," I said.

"S-She sent a letter," he said.

"She?" I asked and then it struck me. "Sophia?"

"Ye-ah... M-me and you both"

I was curious to see what she has written. I took it. 

"Dear Andrew.

No offense in calling you dear, though, I hope. I have committed many mistakes and have crossed many limits. My mistake made you all suffer. So, I can't expect you to forgive me. And you know I have said all this before too. So it's normal if you're wondering why am I writing this letter.

This letter is meant to be an apology letter. I didn't really apologize to you. I don't know if you'll even read it seeing my name, but if you are reading this, then I am sorry.

From heart.

I never ever knew my one lie would separate you for years.

I just want to tell you that Antonio is a very good man. Tell him to find a girl and live his life. And you three should be together because you deserve to be.

Secondly, Andrew. I am so sorry for what I did. Never thought that I would regret something this much. But I do and I must tell you why I did that.

I did that because I needed money for my dad's treatment and I was offered money by one of your rivals.

That rival was taken down by Antonio two years later I ran away.

I regret it. I regret doing something this cheap for money.

But I hope you just... Understand and be happy. I don't expect you to forgive me, but as I said, I need to ask for your forgiveness anyway.

Quite a big letter, huh?

Anyway, I have so much to say that I could write much more.

But I don't deserve the time you will invest in reading this anymore.

So, I would end it here.

Will long for your reply.

But will not expect it.

I don't deserve it. If you give me a reply, it would be your goodness, not mine.

Sophia."

You know the feeling when you don't know what to do anymore?

That is it.

I can't think of anything I want to do.

I want to forgive her.

Everyone makes mistakes.

She is regretting it.

And that is what matters.

"See. She has written me a letter too... " Antonio said.

I took the letter and he took mine and started reading it.

"Dear Antonio.

This is supposed to be a stupid letter because I... I don't know what to say.

I apologized, you forgave.

But I know. I know you never forgave me with your heart.

It was just the thing for the moment that you told me you did.

And I know it.

Sometimes I wonder how good this world would be if we could just turn back time and rectify our mistakes.

But at that moment we realize that the world is not made to be a good place.

It is full of betrayals.

Who am I telling?

You know that the most.

I betrayed you.

And right now, I am telling you how this world is full of it.

Silly me.

This letter is not having any purpose because I don't have any purpose in my life.

I'm not alive, I'm just breathing.

You know, the first date we went to?

Yes, the one in which I promised to marry you.

Haha.

I made a joke about it.

I regret it.

If I start telling you everything I regret, you'll probably sleep in between the letter.

Let me rephrase.

I didn't joke when I said that I'll marry you.

I made a joke about myself. I knew I don't deserve you.

But know what?

Now I have nothing.

Other than this regretful life.

With you all hating me.

I always wanted to be yours. Even if it all was fake. But it just... ended.

And now you don't love me.

I can't - I can't expect you to love me.

Hell, I can't expect anything.

Just a few last lines, Antonio.

Know this for sure.

I love you.

Some day, maybe, you forgive me.

I will wait for it.

Sophia."

Oh gosh. That's... Emotional.

I saw Antonio. He was in deep thoughts.

"What should I do?" he asked.

"Depends on you"

"No. You tell me"

"Forgive her," I said. "Do it"

"Really?"

"Yes"

His eyes lit up as he nodded and took out his phone. He called her.

She didn't pick up.

Again.

No reply.

Again.

None.

"Guess I don't have a chance," he said.

"Hey Andrew, you didn't pick up this-" Ivy stopped in her tracks looking at us.

"Oh hey, Antonio," she said.

"Hey" he replied.

"Well, this was left in the mailbox," she said and gave a small letter to us.

That was also from Sophia.

"I know if in any rare case, I get a chance, you'll call me. Don't, because, I won't answer. It's not like I don't want to. I just can't.

Antonio, this is for you.

You believe in fate.

Destiny.

Today, I leave us. I leave our future in the hands of destiny. I'm going far. If fate wants, we will meet again"

I saw Antonio's eyes watering.

"She didn't believe in fate," he said.

Till then Ivy was already reading the letters.

"She loves you, Antonio. You love her?" she said.

"She? No way. She doesn't love me anymore". He replied.

"She said here. I love you"

"She meant... She loved me back then"

"That is the thing. That would have been loveD."

"No one pays attention to so much grammar"

"You don't pay attention to her feelings," she said.

He looked at her. "It's not like that"

"Go and find her"

He nodded and said bye to us, he went out, promising to find her at all costs.

_____________________________________________

Two Years Later

Antonio's POV

I can't find her.

I can't find her in any hell or heaven.

I searched the entire America.

I searched everywhere.

I reported it to the police.

Everywhere.

She has just.... disappeared!

I love her.

I know I love her.

I have this emptiness in my heart.

I want her

I want her back!

I called Andrew. "Found her?"

"Not yet"

"I think... You should give up"

"And I think you should shut up"

"That's rude"

"Dude. I can't find her!"

"She...."

"I don't know. I'm so done. I want her!"

"I know.."

"Will talk later. I have a trip to Russia"

"Why?"

"She can be there"

"Huh. Now you'll search for Russia?"

"Yes"

"Oh crap"

"Whatever. Bye"

"Bye... Good luck"

"Thanks"

I went to the airport and then to Russia.

_____________________________________________

I reached here and all I want is... food.

I mean, I am hungry, bruh.

I went to a restaurant and ordered something. Anything.

"Sir, here-"

I looked up at the familiar voice.

Sophia. 

_____________________________________________

THE END