Avenge Marriage Book 2 (Two Parts Combined Edition)

Chapter-7

"It's been so long," Vienna whispered, softly stroking her cheek as they pulled away and Amber smiled. 

"It really has been," She said. She didn't ever expect Vienna Vazquez to shed tears for her. The woman didn't even cry when her daughter left. Eloped. It felt good to see that she actually did mean something to these people. 

"Come on in. Everyone's waiting inside," She smiled and Amber stilled at the word everyone. "Except for Ivan," She added and Amber evidently sagged down with relief. She has no clue why she was so scared and anxious about meeting Ivan. She sure did miss him. So where was this wariness coming from? 

Amber walked in, nostalgia feeling her insides as she stared around at the elaborate Vazquez mansion. Her home for the past twenty-four years. Vienna dragged her to the living room and she stilled as she stared around at the party that was gathered there. Papá, Vincent, Cecilia, Enrique and Christina. They all stared at her as if she was a ghost or something and Cecilia looked away, pressing her face in Vin's arm. 

"Hi there!" Amber waved and almost all of them jumped at her at the same time. Except for Vin and Enrique, who watched with wide smiles on their lips. 

"Oh my gosh!" Cecilia almost strangled Amber, her voice shaky. "I should never talk to you. You mean woman! You..." 

"Its nice to see you too, sis-in-law," Amber smiled warmly at Cecilia. "I am so glad to have you as my sister now," 

"Don't change the topic," She sniffed but Amber can see she was pleased. "Oh look! By the way...your brother gave me a big stone," She pulled up her ring finger revealing a big sparkling diamond and Amber laughed. 

"Señora!" It was Christina's turn and Amber gave her a big hug. She was weirdly way too much fond of this woman. 

"Don't call me that," She murmured. "Its Amber and I missed you so so much, Christina!" 

"I can't say who missed you more, Amber. But I missed you more than words can explain," She whispered and Amber wiped the tears from her eyes with her thumb. 

"Did you do what I asked you do?" She asked softly and Christina nodded. 

"I tried my best," She answered. "But...I am just glad you are back before it would have been too late," Amber nodded, not ready to entertain that idea. Arnold Vazquez was too overwhelmed so he just hugged her and kissed the top of her head. That said it all. 

"Is it too cheesy if I say I missed you?" Enrique asked, hugging her and Amber smiled, shaking her head. "Its good to have you finally back," He mumbled, his eyes warm and appreciating and Amber tried to push away the image of their kiss as it suddenly imploded in her head. 

"Okay...enough. Men...off to work," Vienna said, clapping her hands. "We have few hours until the masquerade. Chop! Chop!" 

"God..." Vin grumbled. "I will see you later tonight, sis," He gave her a hug, kissed Cecilia and gingerly stumbled out, followed by Enrique. Amber smiled and her earlier uneasiness was forgotten just like that. 

"I have cleaned up your room, Amber," Vienna said. "You should freshen up and take some rest. It's going to be a long night," Amber took a deep breathe and nodded and Cecilia tugged at her hand, pulling her upstairs. 

"I have so much to tell you. I am so glad you are back," She slammed the door shut and waited as Amber took in everything. It has been ages since she placed her feet here. Her room. Just the way it used to be. 

"You were saying?" She turned to Cecilia, who smiled at her. 

"My engagement is in two weeks..." She ordered. "And just so you know...you are responsible for throwing me a bachelorette. Also, I found the perfect dress for you to wear to the masquerade. When Ivan sees you...well he should see you in all your glory. If he doesn't die of a coronary first that is," 

"Hey," Amber grimaced and she smiled. 

"You have no idea what your absence did to him, Amber," She said softly. "He didn't want to come to the ball but I managed to convince him some way. Let him speak, when you see him tonight. Okay? He has a lot to say. A lot of emotions stuffed  inside his heart," Amber felt a lump forming in her throat as she nodded her head. 

"Thank you for sticking by him, Cecilia," She said and Cecilia waved nonchalantly. 

"I couldn't have let him fall, Amber. He is my best friend and my brother as well. I love him," She mumbled. "He has it very hard not that I am blaming you or saying that you went though anything less. Hell, I am so glad at the same time that you decided to leave and finally come back as the woman I saw the very first time. Now, all I just hope is that you two can find happiness. You both deserve to have every happiness in the world," 

"I have something to tell you," Amber murmured. She felt like Cecilia could help her with the dilemma that Enrique left her with that day. 

"I am all ears but first you should freshen up. I will go get your dress. We need to do a fitting after all," She was all business again. Reaching out, she hugged Amber once more. "It's really good to have you back, Amber," She whispered before stalking out of the room. 

Amber sighed and slumped down on the bed for a bit, taking everything in. She felt a bit overwhelmed to see that so many people actually did loved her. Her absence has taught all of them how much she meant to them. She smiled at the thought. And for the first time since she landed at the airport, she felt at ease with herself and excited at the same time. Her brother was getting married as well as ready to take charge of the legacy now. Her days were really going to be busy. There was so much to do. She also made a mental note to visit the foundation and the children again. It's been so long. 

Her wardrobe was still stacked with her clothes which she left here when she moved to the Navarro mansion. That seemed like a forever ago now. Grabbing a T-shirt and shorts, she climbed into the shower to take a long warm bath. She needed to look really good tonight. There will be  lots of talking and controversies again now that she was back. People will start new theories and assumptions about her and Ivan. But now, all of that meant nothing to her. She has worked hard on herself this past one year and now she knew how to keep  unnecessary crap out of her head. She has worked hard to give her attention to only those things and people who mattered to her. She has grew even more stronger mentally and now despite the anxiety that lingered inside her, she was ready to face anything that comes. Even though she also hoped that it doesn't comes to that. 

Cecilia was grinning from ear to ear as Amber climbed out of the shower. And she knew that look. It screamed trouble. And she knew why Cecilia was giving her that look as her eyes landed on the dress bag behind her. Oh no...

"Now?" Amber wailed and she nodded brightly. 

"When else?" She demanded, rolling her eyes. "We have to be at the venue in exactly four hours. That's no time," 

"Fine," She rolled her eyes and flopped down on the bed. Cecilia clapped her hands and opened the dress bad. Amber's mouth fell open as she stared at the dress and Cecilia bowed, pleased at her reaction. It was stunning. A black and gold vintage gown that shimmered so beautifully that it was sure to grab attention. 

"Am I not amazing?" Cecilia grinned and Amber nodded. 

"Don't you think its...a little too much?" She pointed and Cecilia snorted. 

"Of course it is," She answered. "I made sure of that. You are going to see Ivan after a year, you have to go all out. I will get you ready. And the Vazquez are the host this year. You are a member of the Vazquez family. You need to shine. And you are Ivan Navarro's..." She paused and shook her head. 

"Not anymore," Amber said wryly and Cecilia sighed. 

"Forget about that. Think about this new start that you two will be embarking upon," She smiled, flopping down beside her. "Your shoes are in that box. And you will pair this with black velvet gloves. As for the accessories, I think this sweet little pendant and this beautiful bracelet will suffice. It's beautiful. Where did you get this from?" 

"Enrique gave me. When he came to see me with Vin," Amber answered and Cecilia's eyes widened. 

"Wow...he did? He never gives me anything," She  scowled and Amber gave her a wry smile. 

"Listen, I...have to tell you something," She said, trying to frame the words in her head. "I don't know how to say this..." 

"What is it, Amber?" Cecilia asked softly.

"Enrique..." She trailed off with a sigh. 

"Loves you?" Cecilia completed for her and Amber looked up in surprise at her. 

"How...do you know?" She asked and Cecilia rolled her eyes at Amber. 

"Please....he is my brother. I knew even before he knew himself," She answered. "Remember something Amber, if a man cries for you...that's true love. I have seen my brother cry as he tried to deal with your absence. And I have held my best friend as he broke down with pain. You were gone for a year only but for the people who love you selflessly, it was a painful eternity," 

"What do I do, Ci?" Amber whispered, staring down at her hands. 

"Honestly, Amber...even I don't know," She answered. "I don't want to see my brother get hurt. But I also cannot see Ivan in pain anymore. I am just as torn as you are...and I would never want to be in your situation, to be honest. They both love you dearly. Yes, Ivan's feelings are much more deeper than Enrique's but still..." 

"I don't want to choose. I cannot hurt either of them, Cecilia," Amber pinched the bridge of her nose and Cecilia sighed. 

"But you have to, Amber," She answered, patting her back. "You cannot make everyone happy. Someone's heart is bound to get broken. You are a human. And it's normal to have a bit more of a soft corner for one person than the another. And deep down...you do already know your answer, don't you?" Amber looked up and Cecilia gave her a wry smile. 

"Find your happiness. There's one person your heart longs for...you just need to choose that person and deal with the rest as it comes," She said softly. "Love is a bastard. It's never easy," 

"I don't think the word easy exist in my life in any department," Amber sighed.

"Well, that makes  your journey all the more worthy, isn't it?" Cecilia smiled.  "Now...wipe that disdained look off your face and take some rest. You need to look so beautiful that...well both Ivan and Enrique should be rendered speechless. Yeah, but you cannot look more beautiful than me. I am the bride," 

"It's not funny and you are not the bride yet," Amber pointed out and Cecilia laughed, shaking her head. 

"I will leave you to have some rest. And I will see you in two hours to help you get ready," She kissed the top of Amber's head and waved at her as she walked out. Amber sighed and turned her eyes to the dress, feeling both anxious and excited inside. 

"It's going to be a long night," She mumbled as she placed her head on the pillow and drifted off to sleep instantly. 

---------------------------------------

"Oh my...am I amazing?" Cecilia smiled, moving back to see her handiwork that was Amber. "You are one heck of a beauty, Amber Moreno," Amber managed a smile as she stared at herself in the full-length mirror. 

Cecilia indeed outdid herself. The dress fits her like a glove and for once she actually felt like a princess. Her long hairs fell in soft waves across her shoulder, giving her a very ethereal feminine look. She gave her dark eyes and red lips and added simple drop earrings to complete her look. 

"Thank you," She smiled, twirling around and Cecilia bowed, looking breath taking herself in a white dress. "Ready to go?" Amber took a long sip of the wine they were drinking and nodded her head. She was not ready and yet she was. It was weird. 

"Let's go then," Cecilia smiled. "And oh..." She pulled out a small velvet pouch from her purse and handed it to Amber. "It's a masquerade," She winked when Amber looked up questioningly at her. A beautiful golden mask lay inside the bag and Amber smiled. 

"Thank you, Cecilia," She gave her a hug. 

"Come on...there's no time," She waved her off and Amber nodded her head. She froze at the top of the stairs to see Enrique standing beside Vin. His jaw dropped open as he stared at her and Amber bit her lip, feeling her face flame up. 

"I certainly did something good in my last life to be surrounded with so much beauty in this life," Vin mumbled and pulled in Cecilia for a kiss. Amber smiled and then turned her eyes to Enrique. 

"You will give all the men present there a heart attack tonight," Enrique whispered and Amber could see both appreciation and longing in his eyes for her.

"Good riddance," She chuckled. "You can burn hearts yourself," 

"Unfortunately, not the one I want to," He answered and Amber's smile fell. Oh dear...this was what exactly she dreaded. This little comments that sends jet streams of guilt shooting through her. 

"Let's go....we will be late," Cecilia prompted hurriedly and she and Vin walked out first. Enrique sighed and shook his head. 

"Sorry...that escaped. I didn't mean to," He said and placed out his hand for her. "Come on, I will be accompanying you, mademoiselle," Amber managed a smile and placed her gloved hand in his. 

Anxiety and anticipation bloomed in her stomach as they neared the venue and suddenly it felt stifling inside the car. Her hands shook as she realized in less than fifteen minutes, he will be standing in front of her. 

"Relax, Amber..." Enrique said. "It's going to be fine," Amber wasn't very sure but she nodded nevertheless. She could see the lines after lines of cars pulling in through the big gates and was surprised when Enrique's car pulled in through the back. 

"Where are we going?" Amber asked and Enrique smiled. 

"We are going through the back. Cecilia will bring him to you. If you go in now...well it will get chaotic as hell," He said and Amber nodded. She stared at Enrique and she could very well imagine how hard it must be for him. She knew that feeling because she felt it when she saw Ivan with Vera. She felt so helpless in this situation. Completely at crossroads. They climbed out and Enrique took her hand which she was grateful for because her dress was goddamn heavy. The venue was one of the Vazquez properties and Enrique opened the door to the emergency exit. 

"Stairs," He mumbled apologetically and Amber gave him a wry smile. 

"I will manage," She said and he tightened his hold on her hand as they climbed up the stairs. At the first floor, they came to a corridor and Enrique turned left. Amber could see people mingling downstairs as the Vazquez welcomed the guest. 

"In here," He said, opening one of the door. It was a elaborately decorated room although enshrouded in darkness and lighted only by the moon light streaming through the window. 

"Alright, I will give Ci a call and she will bring him here, okay?" Enrique said. "Wait here. All the best," Amber nodded and a lump formed in her throat as she stared at Enrique. Her lips quivered as guilt filled her insides knowing how hard it must be for him. 

"Don't," Enrique whispered, tipping her chin up. Amber stared at him and she could see how hard he was trying. 

"I am so sorry," She whispered and he smiled softly. 

"You don't have to. I got my chance...now it's his turn," He said softly. "He has waited long enough. He deserves this. Greet him with a smile...not with tears. And nobody is giving up here, okay?" Amber nodded her head silently and Enrique smiled. 

"I will get going. Wait here..." He said and turning on his heels, he started towards the door. Amber watched him and them turned away to gather herself a bit. 

This was a happy occasion. Not sad but happy. Enrique was right, she should greet him with a smile. Out of the blue, she felt a tug at her hand and before she could react, Enrique planted his lips on hers, kissing her softly. His arms tightened around her and Amber could sense a feeling of helplessness in his kiss. She was completely blank. A part of her felt wrong. One time was okay but twice...it made her feel like she was hurting Ivan by letting Enrique get this close to her. Another part of her was willing to do anything to make it less hard for Enrique. It was her guilt conscious. 

"I am so sorry," He whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. "But I have a feeling this is the last time I would get to do this," 

"Enrique..."Amber mumbled and he shook his head. 

"I will go now," He smiled and pressed his lips to her forehead before really walking out, shutting the door behind him. Amber felt so weak for a moment that she had to sit down, placing her face in her hands. This was wrong. For her. For Ivan. For Enrique. She do not want this complication in her life. She do not want to choose. 

"Cecilia...what are you doing!" Amber froze as his voice pierced through the silence and stood up abruptly. She took a deep breathe, her heart pounding against her chest as the doors opened and Cecilia shoved him inside. 

"Your welcome," She smiled brightly at Ivan, shutting the door with a thud. 

"What the..." He froze as he turned and their eyes met. Tears welled in her eyes involuntarily as she stared at man in front of him. Her throat closed up with emotions so hard and she realized finally why she was so anxious all along. Why she felt so wary of seeing him. Deep down, she missed him so much that her instincts warned her about the blow up of emotions she would have to deal with once she faces him. And as always, her instincts were right. 

"Hi..." She whispered. 

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A/N: This chapter turned out to be a little longer guys! But I do hope you enjoy it :)