Chapter 3: Wedding Bells Ring

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

“And what is that?” I asked, combing my fingers through my long black hair, the color something I inherited from my dad. It was just as stubborn as he is when it came to maintenance, too. Scrubbing off the thought of the man who has barely involved himself in my life, I continued. “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 and shook her head. Of course, Elise would never embarrass her husband for such a mere objective to divert everyone’s attention away from me and Aurelius. We weren’t that lucky. “If someone would do that, I would demand their head on a platter and have it served to me. Aiden’s grandmother would do the same.”

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 when she was in her usual plotting mode. That and he had better things to do for his company than mingle with those who had too much free time on their hands. The image of them being comfortable with one another after an arranged marriage that turned into real love made me swallow hard, the green monster within clawing its way up to the surface. My face scrunched up as if I swallowed a lime that tasted too sour to consume.

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 whose facial expression twisted into one of displeasure.

“What? Why are you even suggesting that.” Aiden shook his head, unable to comprehend how she came up with such an idea. “No, I don’t want unnecessary things bothering us, especially because of a rumor that’s certainly not true. What would the family think?” He then moved his gaze towards Aurelius, eyes narrowing a bit. “You should deal with the matter, Ray. It is your problem after all. 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, an aura befitting a carefree man emanating from his form. “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 and wait for those rumors to die down then stoke the fire. This isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with such rumors.”

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, gesturing at me with urgency. “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. Yet, all I saw was just another pretentious bastard who would rather take the easiest route for his own convenience. “I’ll take care of Elise’s best friend and anyone who tries to mess with her. 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. Very curious, to be specific. Did something really happen between you two that night? I mean, I saw you both off before you left the estate. I was pretty sure you promised me that you wouldn’t touch her—”

“No!” I gave her a disgusted expression, appalled by the idea of Aurelius and I being seen in such a sensual light. There was absolutely no way I would be romantically involved with Aiden’s friend. That is the last thing I need in my already hectic life. “Why the hell would I sleep with an idiot?”

“Just asking.” Elise shrugged, unable to wipe off that devious grin forming on her lips. “Are you really sure nothing happened that night? You two were both drunk, well… You were drunk. Aurelius was just tipsy. I’m sure something may have—”

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

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! Surely the man must be a gentleman even if he is missing a few brain cells, right?

“Sure… nothing really happened, huh.” She drawled with a sly smile that was infuriating. “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. The way he stated it was simply too nonchalant that anyone who would have heard would just smile and agree out of politeness. “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 whispered to Elise, probably inquiring whether it was true to which she nodded solemnly. Eyes becoming glossy, I lowered my head and played with my fingers. Instant regret settled in my bones at how I instantly responded to such a statement. Sometimes my mouth would dig my own grave. Trying hard not to let the memories come rolling in that would cause my tears to start flowing, I glared at the ugly pillow cushion that was sitting on the floor after I tried to throw it at Elise earlier.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Really? Then that’s wonderful!” I froze in my seat as Aurelius laughed lightly, the couple in front of us slightly confused and surprised. “I wouldn’t have to worry about Miss Bay’s boyfriend since she doesn’t have one. Then again, I am sorry you had to experience such heartbreak, Miss Bay.”

T-this man—

“By the way, Miss Bay.” He suddenly scooted near me, his handsome yet idiotic face inches from touching mine. The sudden close proximity had me shocked, my body unable to lean back further as my back touched the chair. There was nowhere to go. “Can I call you by your first name? We’re good mates righ—”

My clenched fist reacted faster than I thought. It hit Aurelius Clarke, a stupid happy-go-lucky yet sinister man, square on his jaw.

» — ✣ — «

“He deserved it.”

Elise shook her head in dismay at the earlier display. “Jesus, if he asks for money for compensation, you’re on your own.” I watched her bid farewell from the front door 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 was 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 as 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 toward 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. 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 claimed 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.