His Wife To Be

Prologue

            “I’M LOOKING forward to your wedding, and lots of little grandchildren running around my yard. Okay, maybe not lots, but some. C`mon, before I am too old to play with them.” Mr. Marcus de la Vega— Finch’s dad naughtily said.

            All the guests laughed at what he said. There’s no ghost of envious judgment on their faces but all I see was how grateful they are to be part of this party. Who would not want to be part of every de la Vega’s party? Even successful businessmen were tailing them just to get their trust. This family is well-known for being filthy rich, lion in the business, and having dignity as they work legally.

            A family where the man I love belongs—Finch de la Vega.

            “We’re here to celebrate the engagement of two successful families in the business!” The master of ceremonies gleefully stated. Everyone applauded except me. I cannot pretend that I’m happy for him while my heart is ripping into pieces. “Let’s welcome Mr. Finch de la Vega and Ms. Ingrid Hernandez!”

            I was standing in the middle of the crowd. Elegant people were surrounding me. Even if I wear a glamorous gown tonight, even if I try to fit in the socialite, I’ll just look like a rag that's trying to blend in.

            I know where I really belong. My family isn’t rich. We’re just ordinary people to make a living just to survive. I grew up without expensive toys in my hands instead; I grew up battling with the reality of life.

            “Are you okay, Isabella?” Pity was visible in Jared’s face. He’s Finch’s cousin who also witnessed how Finch left me without any words.

            “I’m fine,” I lied.

            I swallowed as I fought not to make a single sound at all the pain this evening brought to my body. But my tears can’t stop, thinking Finch was standing with someone else because I don’t belong to a family as rich as his.

            I put so much courage to attend here tonight. Even though it was crystal clear to me that being here is like slapping in front of my face that I can’t be loved by Finch de la Vega, I still bravely came to save my ego. Our schoolmates were here too. If I didn’t show up, it was like giving them permission to think I was still hurt and I don’t want them to think that way. I want to show them that Finch is nothing to me. Even if deep inside my heart… he owned every piece of me.

            My heart almost jumped out of my chest when our eyes met. Somehow I felt hope that he could give up everything for me. I imagine him jumping out from the stage, holding my hand so tight and asking me to elope with him. I’m willing to give up my world for him. He doesn’t need to ask me twice.

            I felt the emptiness in the pit of my stomach when he just looked away as if I am just a random guest that accidentally locked eyes with him. He stands still beside his wife to be. The moments we shared, the memories we created, he threw it just like that. As if I never made him happy.

            He ended what’s between us by sending his engagement invitation to our house. The moment I received it, I felt like I was losing myself.

            A man who promised forever with me was marrying someone else— someone who he used to love.