Fixed Marriage

Episode Three

Five more steps and she would reach where her soon-to-be husband was. The truth was she wasn't expecting her groom to be so unearthly handsome. His face was sculpted perfectly together with his fit body. She didn't understand why her bothered system had gone well after seeing him. For some reason, she felt at ease and calm like she always did. The man just stared at her as she walked continuously to his direction. There's no hint of excitement and bitterness in his expression. It was all calm and fair. Her mother was standing in the first row of chairs with her dad. She was wiping her tears as she looked at her. Gail had tried to wear her best smile, reassuring her mom that she would be fine. But she was disappointed to see her father wasn't looking at her. She felt like her heart flinched from pain and was unable to beat normally. It was expected from him but she couldn't help but to be disappointed. She didn't notice that she had already reached the altar where the groom waited. He reached his hand in order for her to hold him. Gail took a final glance at her father but was disappointed again. Her lips were trembling as it forcefully formed into a smile. With her dreary eyes and smile, she took his hand and held it. The warm energy was flowing through her entire body, helping her to cope with the situation. She had wondered if her father's perfunctory expression would change if it was her twin sister, Guen, who was in her place. He'd probably be worried sick like how her mother was. She didn't know what to feel. Part of her was sad and disappointed. Another part was curious about what would happen afterwards. Would she live with him? Could she still go home and visit her family? What will her life be like then? A lot of thoughts had bothered her in her head. She snapped back to her reality when she felt a tight grip on her hands. He was pinching her hands while she looked at him confusingly?

"I repeat, do you, Sofia Gail, accept this man to be your husband? In sickness and health, in any possible circumstances, in richer and poorer and take this vow until your last breath?" She was spacing out so much that she had forgotten she was in the middle of their wedding ceremony.

" Yes. " First time she met her husband, she'd already embarrassed herself. Now, she was already fully aware that her life starting in the moment would definitely create a big difference from her peaceful life. Just thinking about it makes her want to sigh from the pressure. But before she could, a pair of soft lips landed on her chaste lips. She was speechless and surprised by the sudden movement. Her mind was occupied too much at the moment. The loud clapping of visitors startled her, which made her face distance from him. ' How could I miss knowing his name?' Unbelievably she muttered, it might have been mentioned earlier while she was spacing out.

"Let's go, get some guests." For the first time she heard his stern voice. He was holding her hand as they walked in the direction of the crowd. She didn't mutter anything and just went with the flow. Her mother was the first one who hugged her tightly.

" Take care of yourself, okay? I will miss you." Her mom whispered before letting go of the embrace. And unexpectedly, her father hugged her afterwards. She was surprised at first, but her heart was happy. At least he hadn't forgotten about her.

"Take care of my daughter, Mr. Collins." Her stranger husband just nodded his head after her father talked to him. She was spacing out from her father's unexpected gesture without noticing they were already walking in his family and relatives' direction.

"Welcome to the family, Hija. We're so happy for the both of you." A black-haired woman in her 40's embraces her with excitement. She was so surprised that her lips couldn't utter anything. 'Maybe she was his mother.'

"Congratulations newlyweds. And welcome, Gail." She didn't know how she'd known her name but the woman who greeted them had a similar resemblance to her husband. ' I guess she was his sister.' This was awkward, all I could do was nod and guess who they were. ' she was talking to herself when a strong pair of hands grabbed her. But her husband's hands were faster and took her back where she was.

"Show some manners, Vince." He spoke fluently with a serious expression. The man, who was a younger version of him, chuckled.

"Come on. Don't be rude, brother. I was just going to welcome your gorgeous new bride." He playfully muttered as he winked at her. Gail noticed the tension between them. She was going to say something when a small hand reached and embraced her thighs. The little boy somehow looked like a young version of her husband.

" Is he your son? " Gail's words unpredictably came out from her mouth. He looked unbelievably at her as his brows were arching.

"Are you Tito Vander's wife?" The little kiddos' voice melted her heart. 'Ah. His name was Vander?' But she felt embarrassed knowing he was his nephew. She felt like it was going to fade from the embarrassment she made.

"Hi. You're so cute, what's your name?" Her kid lover's mood had begun. She even carried the little boy in her arms and pinched his cheek.

"Terence, go to your mom now. This is not a time to play." Vander spoke gently to him. Terrence had nodded and let go of her embrace, he then ran into his mom who was busy chatting with visitors.

"Let's go." His deep voice had startled her. He was holding her hand and began to walk out of the venue.

"Ah? Where are we going? The guests were at the catering tables," Gail confusingly muttered. The man just continued to walk while he had her hands.

"Home." It was only a short reply but good enough to make her heart flustered. 'Home? What does he mean? Aren't we going to greet some visitors? What about my parents? - - He wasn't planning on something naughty, right?' Her whole system had trembled because of what her mind had thought. She had herself prepared for the upcoming arranged marriage last time, but she had never thought of preparing herself for their so - called' honeymoon '.