Chapter 3 — Wedding Bells Ring

“There’s something I could do…” Elise sighed. “But I don’t know if they would actually take it seriously. In fact, I don’t think Catherine or Aiden would like it.”

“And what is that?” I asked, combing my fingers through my long black hair, something I inherited from my dad. “You’re not going to blow up an embarrassing photo of Aiden as well, are you?”

“What? No! Who on earth would do that?” She frowned hard. “If someone would do that, I would demand their head on a platter and have it served to me.”

Oh shit. Did you hear that? You better run Aurelius.

The blond man was only whistling in the corner, stirring his cup of tea. Rolling my eyes, I turned my attention back to Elise who was still thinking. Aiden, who sat beside her, was quiet the whole time. Knowing very well not to disturb her. The image of them being comfortable with one another after an arranged marriage that turned into real love made me swallow hard. Face scrunching up as if I swallowed a lime.

Now’s not the time to think about Desmond—

“I think I should slip out a rumor about me being pregnant! I’m sure that would divert everyone’s attention.” Elise chirped, looking very pleased with what she came up with. However, the rest including me weren’t too happy with it. Especially Aiden.

“What? Why are you even suggesting that.” Aiden shook his head. “No, I don’t want unnecessary things bothering us, especially because of a rumor that’s certainly not true.” He then moved his gaze towards Aurelius, eyes narrowing a bit. “You should deal with the matter, Ray. I don’t want you inconveniencing my wife with your affairs. Don’t run from it.”

Seriously, what did Elise do for this man to fall in love with her?

“Easy for you to say, chap.” Aurelius stood up after setting his empty cup of tea. “I actually don’t want this rumor to spread but what can I do? Even if you pay them to hush up, people will always talk and that’s beyond my control. That’s why I’ll just let it happen.”

This lazy boy.

“What would you do then? There is always a solution. You can’t just ignore this.”

Yes, yes! Fight for my rights, Aiden.

“Think of Alex,” he continued. “She’ll certainly get harassed by the media if it continues to reach people—”

“Don’t sweat it, I’ll make sure Miss Bay here won’t get harassed.” Aurelius had another smile on his face, you could see stars shining beside him if you squint hard enough. “I’ll take care of Elise’s best friend. She shouldn’t bother herself and continue living the way she did before.”

“I’ll count on that.” Elise then leaned forward, her eyes squinting as she shifted her gaze from me to the happy idiot. “But I’m curious. Did something really happen between you two that night?”

“No!” I gave her a disgusted expression. “Why the hell would I sleep with an idiot?”

“Just asking. Are you really sure nothing happened that night? You two were both drunk. I’m sure something may have—”

“I would rather bathe in dog poop than sleep with him.”

There was no way in hell we did. I mean, I woke up still in my dress and underwear intact. Plus, even if he is an idiot, I’m sure he won’t do such a thing.

“Sure… nothing really happened, huh.” She drawled with a sly smile. “I’ll remember that.”

This bitch! I’ll shove bananas up your ass—

“Me? Go out with Miss Bay? I’m not against it.” Aurelius’ words made me want to shower rubbing alcohol and bleach for three days. “Although, I’m sure Miss Bay has a boyfriend. Surely a beautiful woman as she has one.”

“We broke up three months ago.”

Awkward silence occupied the room for a few minutes. Aiden whispering to Elise, probably inquiring whether it was true to which she nodded. Eyes becoming glossy, I lowered my head and played with my fingers. Trying hard not to let the memories come rolling in that would cause my tears to start flowing.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Really? Then that’s wonderful!” I froze on my seat as Aurelius laughed, the couple in front of us slightly confused. “I wouldn’t have to worry about Miss Bay’s boyfriend since she doesn’t have one.”

T-this man—

“By the way, Miss Bay.” He suddenly scooted near me, his handsome yet idiotic face inches from touching mine. “Can I call you by your first name? We’re good mates righ—”

My fists reacted faster than I thought, hitting Aurelius Clarke, a stupid, happy-go-lucky, yet sinister man, square on his jaw.

» — ✣ — «

“He deserved it.”

Elise shook her head in dismay. “Jesus, if he asks for money for compensation, you’re on your own.” I watched her bid farewell as I climbed into the taxi, ready to go home. The car went off as soon as I slammed the door shut, the driver nodding as I gave him my address.

Massaging my temples, I couldn’t pinpoint whether they were joking or Aiden is the only reasonable person. Either way, the solution is yet to come and I have to be prepared for whatever is to come. I laughed internally at the idea of dating Aurelius, seeing it a feat near impossible. So impossible that I could see breathing underwater was something I could do—which I can’t.

That stupid man, saying those words. I guess even if you have all the money in the world, it can’t fix stupidity.

Leaning back on the car seat, I let out a deep breath and stared at the busy streets of Devont City. A lot happened in one year—the death of Elise’s father and how she discovered Elaine and Iris are her half-sisters. Although the fact that they are related is being kept a secret from the world, it was still shocking to hear it from Elise herself. Then, Desmond broke up with me out of the blue and we never met eye to eye ever since then. There were times we would see each other in the hallway at the university, yet he would look away. It hurts me every time.

“Ma’am, is this the place?”

“Y-yeah, stop right here.”

After paying the driver, I got out and began walking towards the apartment at a slow pace. Roaming my eyes around, I spotted nothing different. There wasn’t any strange person holding a camera, nor fangirls that usually horde around when their so-called ‘lover’ is connected with a woman. Nothing. In fact, the only thing usual around were the stray cats that come and go.

Sheesh, maybe I’m watching too many movies.

“Good afternoon, Alex.” The old landlady smiled, her other hand holding a metal watering can. It was odd whenever she waters her flowers in the noon, she claims that they would dry up during the morning—get them to stay hydrated.

“Good afternoon to you as well, Mrs. Craige. How’s your back?”

“Fine, but it’s nice to be young again.” She then gasped. “Oh dear, before I forget—I don’t want to climb the stairs again—a letter arrived. It’s addressed to you.”

For me?

Taking the white envelope from her wrinkled hands, I said my thanks and began climbing up the stairs to my room. My hands finally opened it and slipped the contents out once I reached the door. I furrowed my eyebrows at what seemed to be an invitation. Reading the invite, I licked my lips and raised an eyebrow at the printed words.

You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Desmond Cole and Karen Mary Gillihan!

That son of a bitch.