Chapter 11°
Meanwhile, Rafael was busy orchestrating the perfect wedding. He hired one of the world’s top designers to create my wedding dress. To my surprise, the dress measurements were almost a perfect fit. Rafael, it seemed, knew me better than I thought. The finishing touches and embellishments were all that remained to be adjusted.”
He encouraged me to collaborate with the designer on the details while he handled everything else. When I brought out the sketches of my original wedding dress–the one Arlene had destroyed–the designer incorporated them seamlessly into the final design. It felt like reclaiming a piece of myself and the process was surprisingly smooth and stress–free.
Lenard tried to contact me a few times during this period, but Rafael intercepted him each time. I had no idea what Rafael said or did, but after a while, Lenard stopped trying.
The wedding day arrived, radiant and perfect. Rafael introduced me to his closest friends during the reception, their camaraderie immediately apparent.
“Oh, so you’re the girl who almost burned her hair off! Thank goodness you showed up just in time and saved the day, right, buddy?” one of them teased with a laugh, nudging Rafael with his champagne glass.
“Call me cheesy, but wow, you two are a perfect fit–a match made in heaven. Congratulation,” another chimed in.
“Congratulation on your wedding. May you have many children and soon!“”
Their good–natured ribbing left me both amused and curious. I couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to their jokes than met the eye. It wasn’t until later that night, when Rafael and I were alone in our new home that I finally asked.
“Rafael,” I began hesitantly, “why did your friend say you saved me from nearly burning my hair? Did you really see me almost burn my hair? When was that?“}
He looked thoughtful for a moment before a mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “Oh, that. Yes. I saw it. A certain hungry little girl once tried to cook for herself but nearly set her kitchen on fire instead.“}
My brows furrowed as I struggled to place the memory.
“At the time, I was grounded for something I’d done,” he continued, his tone sheepish. “I wasn’t supposed to go out and I was worried you’d tell on me. So I used Lenard’s name instead.“}
The pieces clicked into place. No wonder Lenard had denied remembering anything when I thanked him and even accused me of using the story to worm my way into the Donovan Family. It turned out I’d been thanking the wrong person all along. My real hero was Rafael.
I looked at him, my emotions a chaotic mix of relief, disbelief and a hint of frustration.
Rafael fidgeted under my gaze, visibly uneasy. Before he could utter a word, I grabbed his tie, pulling him closer. “Consider this my long–overdue thank you,” I said softly, brushing a light kiss against his cheek.”
I pulled back slightly to give him space, but Rafael wouldn’t let me. His arms wrapped around me in a firm yet tender embrace. He didn’t let me escape. His lips captured mine, crushing them in a passionate kiss. He took my breath away, along with my worries and frustration.}
That night was the best night of my life. Rafael’s slow and steady heartbeat, as I rested in his embrace, sounded like a lullaby that lulled me into a deep sleep. I didn’t even dream that night. It felt as though I was wrapped in a world full of warmth and tranquility.”
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. I was too exhausted to answer it, so I let it keep ringing. However, the phone wouldn’t stop, as if it didn’t want to give me a moment of peace. Finally, Rafael, who had woken up first, answered it. He simply pressed the answer button and turned on the speaker and the voice on the other end of the line filled
the room.
The familiar voice made me jolt out of bed and sit up quickly.
“Faye, I’m so sorry,” Lenard said, his tone pleading. “I made a mistake. Don’t marry my uncle. He sent me abroad, but I’ll be back soon. I’ll take you to the registry office, get our married certificate and throw you the best wedding ever as soon I get back. I’ll make you a new–beautiful–wedding dress just the way you like. We start over. Just give me another chance, alright Faye?”
He kept talking, his words tumbling over each other in desperation. Since not getting a reply for quite some time, he called again, hesitation thick through his tone.
“Faye?“”
Before I could respond, another voice cut me off. Rafael gave Lenard a warning, but I could hear the teasing tone in his words, directed at me.”
“I’m afraid you’ve missed your chance, Lenard. You won’t be getting a marriage certificate with her anymore. Because she’s already your aunt now. And if you’re smart, you’ll stop contacting her.”
There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. “Rafael, I didn’t=“”
“You let one mistake after another slip by without fixing it. Now, you have plenty of time to reflect on it,” Rafael added.”
0
e
D
“Y–You-”
“Goodbye,” Rafael cut in, abruptly ending the call and immediately blocking the number.”
Turning back to me, he pulled me into his arms, his expression softening. The warmth of his embrace and the steady thrum of his heartbeat filled the room as I nestled closer.”
The sunlight poured in, golden and warm. Outside, spring was in full bloom and the world felt new. The past was behind us now. The future stretched out before us, bright and boundless.\
[The End]
