Claiming Carmella

The entire Castillo compound is covered with different flower arrangements that it looked like a botanical garden had sprouted overnight. White dainty blooms hung from tall canopies with twisting vines while pots, tall columns of ceramics were filled with clusters of white lilies, hydrangeas and roses. The fragrant clusters seem to crowd every area in a sophisticated, classy manner which makes for a wonderfully romantic setting. The elegant white decorations stood in contrast with the number of security personnel wearing black uniformed suits stationed at every spot imaginable. They were as important as the decorations as they were necessary to keep order and safety for the people. There were approximately a hundred guests invited despite the bride and groom’s wish to keep the event simple, low-key, and family only. It was impossible to keep one of the most anticipated happenings of the year away from prying eyes and from guests of high repute. However, the groom did not skirt away from declaring his distaste at the inconvenience of it all. “I knew we should have just eloped!” Delnard Savage grumbled as he looked out at the elegantly dressed people mingling in the garden from the privacy of the balcony of his room. He was already dressed for the ceremony and is sharing a glass of brandy with his best friend, Jonathon Elliot and his future brother-in-law, Iago Castillo. “As much as I share your aversion to the limelight, Delnard,” Iago murmured from the couch where he is seated, his long legs crossed with his glass of brandy resting on his knee “I am happy that I did not have to deal with the inconvenience of having to send myself and my men out to hunt you down again, bring you and my wayward sister back to get married before God-“ “And a ridiculous fanfare of guests who we don’t even really know that well or are friends with!” Delnard finished Iago’s sentence grimly, his lips set into a thin line. “I think the set up is beautiful,” Jonathon retorted, his lips shaking from trying to control his laughter “just remember that this moment is more for Isabelle than for you.” “You’ve gone soft, Elliot!” Iago declared, giving Jonathon a sardonic grin. He glanced at Delnard then back at Jonathon then chuckled “if this is how marriage transforms men then I am glad to remain unattached and unencumbered!” Jonathon chuckled before retorting that it was Iago’s sister Delnard is marrying. “Precisely! Isabelle is not exactly the most docile and obedient woman and in spite of what has happened in the past, I am once again declaring my extreme gratefulness that she is finally off my hands and will become Delnard’s problem from this day onwards!” Delnard sipped his drink before turning to walk back into the room to finish getting ready. He glared at Iago for insulting his bride-to-be but he could not argue about the truth, Isabelle has indeed caused him more headache in the past few months than any other person in his whole life. And, that included his mother! However, she has also brought a myriad of happiness and contentment that he could never have imagined. Once Isabelle fully realized her freedom, she seemed to have lost any form of insecurity or inhibition when it came to expressing her love for Delnard. This made him believe that there is nothing but love and passion in his future. “Well, it seems like a toast is in order?” Jonathon announced while standing up from his seat, raising his glass. He could not help but grin proudly at the thought of Delnard finally finding the love of his life. Iago sighed and followed suit, looking straight into Delnard’s bright, blue eyes he declared imperiously, “if you make my sister cry, I will kill you. Cheers!” A couple of hours later and what seemed like a century for Iago, the Castillo mansion is filled with laughter, music and continued warm wishes for the newlyweds. He stood beside his mother, who he accompanied as she visited tables and smiled almost mechanically when the photographer raised his camera to take another photo.  It was getting tedious. “Stop looking like you’re nails are being pulled out, darling,” his mother murmured while clutching his arm and smiling elegantly at the photographer “your sister is happily married and looking wonderfully radiant. This is a triumph for the family!” “You talk as if you don’t know me, mama,” Iago whispered through gritted teeth. He glared at the photographer who quickly turned his camera towards the other guests. “I absolutely abhor this much publicity. However, I adore you and Isabelle more hence, I have not bolted out of the doors the minute after they said their I dos!” Iago could not help but grin genuinely when his mother let out a lusty laugh. He excused them from the photographers and proceeded to lead his mother back towards the presidential table. He gave her a kiss on the cheek before depositing her to the seat beside his father, Iñigo.  The Castillo patriarch looked regal and intimidating as usual but Iago could see the happiness in his father’s eyes as he watched Isabelle and Delnard dance. The dance floor was crowded but it was clear that their father only had eyes for Isabelle. “Iago, make sure you say goodbye to your sister before leaving, my love,” his mother called out as soon as he turned around to leave the family table. Iago grinned before proceeding towards the dance floor to give his sister a proper farewell.  He never planned to stay until the celebration ended because he had some work to do. As the eldest and heir to the Castillo empire, rest and reprieve has never been a luxury he could afford. There was always something important to tend to. “May I cut in?” He declared imperiously as he reached the space where Delnard is holding Isabelle close while swaying back and forth slowly, totally oblivious to the fast-paced music playing around them. “Iago!” Isabelle cried out, her eyes shining with extreme delight, as she pulled away from her husband’s embrace. “Dance with your brother while I grab the dragon that is my mother,” Delnard murmured, placing Isabelle’s hand on her brother’s outstretched hand “she’s been shooting daggers at me for a while now. It’s surprising I’m still alive to go on our honeymoon!” “Delnard! Be nice to mom,” Isabelle replied while giving him a reprimanding look. “Go while I try to bully my oldest brother into dancing with me.” It was another surprise that Delnard could not believe. His mother reserved her warmth and generosity when it came to other people however, she and Isabelle seemed to have instantly forged a bond like they have been a loving mother and daughter tandem for a long time. Iago grinned as he turned to pull Isabelle into his arms for a hug. He knew he rarely showed affection and emotions in front of a crowd but seeing how beautiful and happy his sister was made him extremely sentimental. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” Isabelle murmured against his chest as she returned his warm embrace “why can’t you just forget about work and enjoy the celebration, Iago? After all, your favorite sister just got married!” Iago chuckled and rested his chin on top of Isabelle’s head “you are my only sister which makes you favorite by default, cielo. Besides, I still have that merger to arbitrate tomorrow and you know how I love to do paperwork.” Isabelle sighed and pulled back to look up at her brother. She could easily remember how much he had sacrificed and how much he took care of her when they were growing up. She could not ask for anybody as perfect as Iago for a brother. “I could try and convince you to stay and just let Alberto take care of it,” she told him cheekily, referring to their other sibling who seemed to be the least enthusiastic about the union. “You’ll be more successful by making a scene than bribing me with relinquishing such a monumental task to our brother,” Iago replied with a grim smile. “Well, I guess I should be grateful that you stayed long enough to dance with me,” Isabelle declared with a sigh. She could not help but giggle out loud when Iago softly pushed her with one arm to give her a chance to twirl. “I love you, cielo. If there is anything you need, ask and I will do everything in my power to provide.” Iago whispered to his sister as he pulled her one more time for an embrace. He could not help but laugh a little when he heard her sniffle. When had Isabelle become such an emotional woman? “I love you, Iago. Thank you for everything.” Isabelle replied as she pulled back to look at him. She gave her brother a wobbly grin as he wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Iago leaned down to give his sister a kiss on the forehead just in time to see Delnard standing near them. He let go of Isabelle and gave his new brother a short hug. He gave the newlyweds a small nod before he walked regally out of the dance floor and then out of the ballroom. He signaled the man in a black suit to bring his car around as he prepared to leave for his private apartment. He would go home, refresh himself and then go through some documents tonight in order to prepare for some important business the next day. He nodded respectfully at some guests idling by the foyer before he stepped out of the main doors, walking briskly down the stone steps towards his waiting black SUV. He thanked the man who opened the door for him and was glad that he had opted to have a driver since he felt too worn out to drive himself. He had settled himself on the backseat before he realized that he was not alone in it. He instinctively moved his body into a position of offense but stopped when he felt the cold, hard metal poke against the side of his ribcage. He calmly breathed through his nose as a sultry woman’s voice declared: “Hello, Iago Castillo, I’m here to kill you.”