Avenge Marriage

CH-3 First Meeting ?

                                                                            Ivan

I kept staring at the painting and tried to remember. It was years and years ago. I was just ten then so the memory was bound to have faded especially given the situation at that time.

I was playing with my friends by the frozen river. I don't remember the place yet but I remember the river. It was huge and shining white, the ice opaque and glittering as sun rays fell on the surface. My ball rolled over towards the river as we played. It was cherished football because it was signed by my favorite player in the world, Raúl González Blanco. I had to save it, so without a second thought, I stumbled towards it. And that's when it happened, the ice cracked with a creaking noise under my feet and I tumbled straight into the frozen water.

I almost died had it not been for her hands that reached over to help me. It was funny that she managed to pull me out when I almost gave up but it was at that moment that I fell in love with her.

Was it out of gratitude or the image of her dark hair and concerned face, I don't know. But after that, I immediately passed out, and ever since then, that girl has ruled my dreams and my heart. And the funny thing, she doesn't have a face. I can't remember her face no matter how hard I try.

I could write a book out of this story. After all, can you even love someone you can't remember? It was every bit as ridiculous as it sounded. It was right that I loved her. But that doesn't mean I never had a relationship with someone else. I had lost track of how many girlfriends I have had over the years. But nobody ever made it to what I felt for her. She was home. Dreaming about her at night was like coming to the warm welcoming comfort of my home.

And now after years of searching for answers, here she stood in front of me, blue eyes staring at me intently. It was one of the paintings of her that I made. A portrait without a face and I was sure my step-mother had hired someone to draw Vera's face on it. Like I wouldn't have believed her had she shown me a photograph or something.

She was stunning. Almost like an angel. But...was she her? How would I know if she was the one I was looking for? I do trust my mother but...I don't know.

Grimacing, I flopped down on my bed and closed my eyes. I was supposed to be getting married. How do I wrap my mind around that? Was I even capable of marriage? Was I even a husband material to start with? I don't know. I wasn't a womanizer so being loyal was not the hard thing. But there was a difference between being in a relationship and getting freaking married. It's too much of a commitment even for me. And also with someone, I know nothing about.

This was shit...

I stared at the canvas again and groaned. I need to know more about this girl. And I knew just the right person for that. I pulled my phone out and dialed the number.

"I am pretty busy Iv...it better be something bloody urgent," She grumbled, and I could hear a thousand voices behind her. There was no doubt she was busy prepping up for tomorrow's ball. That event was too bloody hyped.

"Of course...you are the only one who can help me with this," I said and she sighed in response.

"Fine, I will meet you in thirty," She said. "Do not be late,"

"Where?" I inquired, rolling my eyes.

"La Perilla," She answered and cut the call. I stared at the phone and made a face.

This woman...

Thirty minutes later, I was dutifully waiting at La Perilla, a pretty-looking cafe that we often crashed into. It was well known for its espresso shots and Enrique had an obsession with drinks. Not just an alcoholic he was the one among us who rarely drinks. I don't think he ever got a hangover. Enrique was the good boy with bad boy looks. Dario was the bad boy...with the bad boy looks. And I was somewhere in the middle.

"Do you know how busy I am today?" Cecilia Ortega placed her Birkin on the table and scowled at me. She threw her dark hair over her slender shoulders and her dark eyes assessed me curiously.

Cecilia was the youngest daughter of the Ortega family. The beloved sister of Christino and Enrique. She was just a year younger than Enrique and since childhood, she has been hanging around with us and so over the years, the three of us have become a trio. Enrique and Cecilia were my confidantes. I trusted both of them more than anyone in this world.

"How mean are you?" I grimaced, ordering us two frappes. "Can't you spare a few minutes for your best friend? Its disgraceful,"

"No...can't," She shook her head. "If my dress isn't perfect for tomorrow, who will make amends for that? What do you guys have to worry about. You will just put on a stupid tuxedo and that's all. We have a thousand things to worry about,"

"Oh for Christ's sake!" I grimaced and she made a face but shut up nevertheless. I wondered how Vincent deals with her. She was too much to take on.

"Fine...what is it," She asked, a little calmer. "Come on, don't sulk now,"

I didn't know I was sulking, dragging my phone out, I showed her the photograph of Vera's painting.

"Here," I said and she frowned, her eyes studying the image carefully.

"Why does this look familiar?" She demanded and I nodded my head.

"It's one of my paintings," I answered. "One of my faceless paintings,"

"But it has a face now," She pointed. "A very familiar face. I have seen this girl somewhere. Where though?"

"Vera Vazquez," I replied, taking mercy on her because she was glaring so hard at my phone that it might break under her intense stare. "Your soon to be sister-in-law,"

Cecilia was dating Vincent Vazquez, Vera's elder brother. Nice chap, I would say except he and Vera has around six years between them. But I guess this arrangement suited the two families very well so all was happy and good. After all, age is just a number.

"Ah...¡Exactamente!" She nodded her head. "It's Vera. Wait for a second, what's her painting doing in your room? Are you by any chance crushing on her?"

"I haven't even met her in my life. Well not since she saved me by the frozen river," I answered and even when I said it out loud, it doesn't feel right.

"Holy f**k! Is she the girl who? The faceless girl? Vera Vazquez?" She exclaimed and I scowled at her.

"Can you be any louder?" I grimaced and she bit her lip, looking around.

"Sorry. So...what is it? How do you know?" She demanded.

"Mamá said," I answered, taking a long sip of my drink. "And that ever since then Vera was promised to me. For marriage," I couldn't keep the sarcasm at bay. It was just so ridiculous.

"And I am sensing you don't believe her?" She muttered, folding her arms across her chest and I nodded wryly.

"I don't know," I grumbled. "I mean how would I even know...I can't remember her face. But I just... I don't know if I am buying what Mamá said either,"

"Hmm...why do you have to fall in love with a faceless girl, Ivan Navarro," Cecilia sighed. "Its so romantic and yet so frustrating at the same time,"

"Are you here to help me?" I demanded and she rolled her eyes.

"Well...this is not a situation where I can help you, is it?" She said and I knew she was right. "Either you believe your mother or you don't. And it doesn't matter because in both the scenarios you have to marry Vera. There is no way out, is there?"

"This is f****d up," I swore. "I just...if Vera isn't the one then...I will..."

"You will lose your chance to be with the woman you have loved all your life," She completed for me and I nodded my head.

That was the thing that was bothering me. The big what if staring at my face. But Cecilia was right, either way, I had no other option with me but to marry Vera. So was it better that I just believe that Mamá was right and that she was the one. Would that make it easier?

"Look Ivan, there's nothing you can do. And nothing I can say that will help," Cecilia answered. "But what I can say is that if you guys are meant to be...you will. There's no stopping you guys from meeting,"

"And how would I know that?" I demanded. Cecilia shrugged nonchalantly.

"You will just know, I guess," She replied. "When you have a soul connection...you will just know. It will feel right and any emotion you feel...it will come from within you. Any emotion and not just love. Pay attention to your inner guidance,"

I stared at her blankly, not expecting such wise words to come out of her mouth. Cecilia rolled her eyes at me.

"I know...I know... it's surprising that I could be so forthcoming," She said and I nodded my head. It indeed was.

"What else do you know about Vera? Because I am blank here. Why have we not seen her in any clubs or parties or anything at all?" I demanded.

"Because she was in London up until a few months ago," Vera answered. "She and Amber were in London, studying. They spent almost half of their life so far in Paris and London," She replied. "I think she graduated from London School Of Economics,"

Hmm...that was impressive.

"What else?" I inquired.

"I don't know much. I have met her once maybe," She murmured. "She is the adored daughter so expect her to be a bit spoilt. We all are anyway. Stunning, confident, and smart for sure. Knows her place in the world. However, she is a bit...how do I say it? Outspoken. Not the soft submissive woman for sure. That's Amber,"

"Amber?" I demanded and Cecilia nodded her head.

"The other one. She is adopted but the Vazquez considers her as their own daughter. Vincent, Amber, and then Vera...that's the hierarchy. Nice girl. I like her better for some reason,"

"Hmm...anything else?" I inquired and she frowned.

"Ah...yeah she plays excellent Viola," She answered. "Amazing. She played for us once when we met up for Christmas dinner,"

"Who Vera?" I asked. I admire people who love music. There was something very, exotic I guess, about them.

"No...Amber," Cecilia answered and I rolled my eyes.

"Amber is not the concern here? Is she?" I muttered irritated and Cecilia made a face.

"I know nothing more about her," She said flatly. "Why don't you see for yourself tomorrow. Its not like you will be getting married right away that you won't get any time to know her better,"

"Yeah but I should..." I begin but she pulled out her index finger to shut me off.

"I have to go now. See you tomorrow," She said and I scowled at her. She gave me a peck on the cheek and then stuttered out while I sat there pondering over what she said.

But what I can say is that if you guys are meant to be...you will. There's no stopping you guys from meeting...

I was not so sure about all this fate and destiny crap. I was a cynical person and had a habit of questioning everything. If I have to believe something or someone, I would need proof. Something concrete. And here she was expecting me to trust my fate.

What was my fate?

My phone began to buzz and my manager's name flashed on the screen. Sighing, I picked up the call and I knew my time for overthinking was over. After all, I have an empire to run as well.

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I stared at the intricate black and silver mask in my hand and stared out of the window as we neared the venue. The ballroom of one of our family estates. It was a huge place packed stocked through the year for weddings, known for its old-world aristocratic charm. It used to be kinda like a summer retreat for our ancestors.. So when Dad redecorated it, our family architect Emanuel Garcia, kept its old charm intact and gave it a modern twist that kept with the theme. I liked the place very much, especially the beautiful greenhouse and the dancing fountain at the entrance. 

It's regal and I loved that about the place. I could already see the media vans waiting, line after line of them. This was a huge event and by tomorrow it will be on page three of every tabloid. And I was sure my step-mother will decide what will go into them. She was not wary about spending money as long as she gets the exact results of what she desires. I didn't know whether to be wary or admire that quality of hers. There were a lot of things about her that renders me in awe and make me question her at the same time. 

There was a weird feeling inside me as our limos pulled in through the big golden gates. The huge musical fountain in the center danced to the rhythms of strings, reflecting beautiful golden and opal lights across the white walls. I stared at the lines and lines of security cars and grimaced. This was going to be a long night. I pulled on my mask as our cars veered along the palm-lined path illuminated with golden lanterns towards the ballroom which was housed at a separate building from the main one and felt a pang of exhaustion. I have spent the entire day thinking about this Vera situation and now my head hurts.

What was so big a deal about this? I don't know. It was just making me wary for some reason.

We were the first ones to arrive. Of course, because we were the hosts for tonight . My stepmother wanted to do the first-hand scrutiny before she allows anyone else inside. Not even a housefly. 

"What do you think will happen if I pull one glass out of this?" Dario asked, pointing at the intricate champagne fountain.

"Mamá will sell your balls out to the flea market for free," I replied as we followed after our mother who was checking every small detail to precision. Dario guffawed at the comment and I grimaced. This guy was shameless.

"Good job, Ivan," Mamá said once she was done. "Everything is perfect. People will remember this for years," The glint in her eyes made me uncomfortable but I nodded nevertheless.

"Mam, the guests have started arriving," Delilah, my mother's right hand and the secretary said and she nodded. She turned to us and we nodded. We were ready for the show to get started. 

"Please welcome them!" She said, her voice authoritative and in complete control. The present queen of the Navarro family was in charge again, though queen seem a little too far to be honest. Matriarch maybe? 

"Si," Delilah nodded and disappeared.

"Boys...you know what to do," Mamá said and we nodded and took our positions by the entrance at the top of the grand staircase and Dario winked at me. He was bubbling with excitement.

"Get ready bro, to meet some of the most beautiful women on Earth," He smirked and I rolled my eyes at him. I think he has a girlfriend. Or he has...girlfriends.

I was not interested in any other woman. My focus will entirely be on Vera today. I need to know and Cecilia said I will know automatically if she was the one. I don't still get what was that supposed to mean but I will try nevertheless.

Guests came pouring one after another and my jaw hurt from all the smiling. The Vazquez's were still not here which was making me even more wary by the minute. This was pathetic, absolutely pathetic behavior.

And what was I going to say to her? That I am supposed to marry you and are you the girl who saved me at the frozen river? I scoffed inwardly. I sound so needy and desperate. And a part of me was indeed desperate. I have waited so long for her. So long to finally see her face. Finally, touch her and feel her warmth. That she was a real person in blood and flesh and not some facet of my imagination. I was desperate and restless. Especially when I have never expected that I might even find her in the first place. 

 I needed to see her.

"Bro...here they come," Dario nudged me and I dragged my eyes to the Vazquez family as they walked inside, all poised and dressed in their finest. Two women and two-man. My heart was beating frantically with anticipation as I tried to look past the elaborate mask at her blue eyes.

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Vazquez," I beamed at them, showing my best possible smile.

"Ivan," Mr. Vazquez smiled, and Mrs. Vazquez looked happier than Santa on seeing me. I don't think I have met her many times before. Why though? I had a feeling that the Vazquez family was very, how do I explain? To themselves?

"You have grown up well," He said and I smiled and nodded my head.

"We meet again," Vincent said, tall and brooding. "Cecilia talks a lot about you," The way he said it, I didn't like that. What secrets does she spill?

"Did she now," I grimaced. "Don't believe a word, trust me," Vincent laughed and nodded his head.

"Ivan...this is our daughter, Vera," Vienna Vazquez introduced and I turned my eyes to her.

She was a sight to behold in a beautiful pink gown and matching rose pink lips with contrasting blue eyes, beneath a pretty matching mask with pink feathers. And despite the fact that half her face was hidden, she was undeniably beautiful. But what threw me away  a little apart from her beauty was her hairs. They were not dark. They were blonde, which does go with her entire look in general but the dark hairs...they were the only reference, the only attachment I had to her.

"Hi," I smiled and extended my hand to her.

"Hello," She smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "People talk a lot about you around here,"

"Do they now," I said drily and she laughed, it was a pretty sound.

"I will see you around," Vera said, sounding as if she has known me for ages and I wondered if she knows about this arrangement of ours and was trying to break the ice or something.

"Sure thing," I nodded and the Vazquez moved ahead. I watched her strut down the stairs with perfect poise and something struck me.

Wasn't there supposed to be another girl? What was her name? Amber. Where was she?

"Sir, would you come along with me for a minute?" My manager, Joaquin tapped at my back and I nodded my head.

"What is it?" I asked and he handed me his phone.

"An important call, sir," He said and gave me a look. "Confidential. I will be over there,"

"Thanks, Joaquin," I said. I had a habit of pacing around when I am talking about something important. And as I paced around the tree-lined walk, ideally kicking at the pebbles something caught my eyes. I walked a little closer to get a good look.

A girl in a beautiful black gown was walking towards me, not walking almost rushing and it worried me a little for some reason. Who was she? And what was she doing out here?

"I will call you back," I muttered and cut the call, shoving the phone in my pocket.

She paused a little away from the venue and glanced around, looking lost. I stood and stared at her for a beat and then decided to walk over and help her out. It was easy to get lost here, to be honest.

"Ah...excuse me?" I said, tapping her back and the girl jumped out of surprise and to my horror, her heels slipped on the gravel.

Fuck...

"Crap!" I cried out and quickly rushed out to her aid. Placing one hand at the small of her back and grabbing her arm with the other, I tried to steady her. She too clung to my biceps as if her life depended on it. And it did actually because if she falls, she will break her spine for sure.

Wide, dark eyes stared up at me as I stared down at her, red lips parted and for a moment it felt like I was frozen there. I wanted to look away from her but something about her eyes held me back.

Move you i***t!

"Are...are you alright?" I asked, helping her up and she nodded, quickly moving away from me.

"Yeah...sorry. I just...I got a bit startled," She murmured, smoothing her hair. And I noticed she has long dark wavy hairs that almost touched her tiny waist. I rolled my eyes at myself.

Most of the women here have dark hair, you moron! Not everyone is her...

"Amber!" We both turned to see Vincent walking towards us. "Ah...there you are!"

I turned my eyes to the girl in front of me. Oh, she was Amber...the adopted one. Her eyes were fixed on Vincent and there was exasperation but also fondness in them

"I have been looking for you," Vincent scolded.

"I lost my way," Amber answered, her cheeks turning pink for some reason.

"Stupid," Vincent grumbled. "Oh...Ivan. Have you two met? This is my younger sister...Amber. Amber, Ivan Navarro,"

"Hi..." I smiled at her as she turned to face me. 

"Hi," She smiled back, a little abashed, and shook my outstretched hand. Her hands were small compared to mine and I wondered why the hell I noticed that.

"Mamá is waiting for you," Vincent said and she nodded her head.

"Thank you," Amber murmured and I nodded blankly.

"We will see you inside," Vincent said, and then smiling at me, both of them headed inside.

I watched as she walked away, dark hairs swaying as she walked and frowned.

Have I by any chance met her...before? 

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A/N: Hello my lovely readers! Here's the next update ! I hope you are enjoying the story so far and that you like the characters of Amber and Ivan...The story has just started but I am still hoping that you are enjoying it so far :)