Avenge Marriage

CH-8 The Truth Untold

                                                                            Amber

Mamá stared at me and there were no emotions in her eyes. No sense of guilt or regret or just anything at all. She ought to feel at least a little bad for her daughter, isn't it.

"I can't help it if she is being stupid," She said and I didn't know what to say to that. I don't think Vera was being stupid. I think this was one of the times when she had a valid point. But valid or not...there was no point in arguing about it. Mamá wasn't going to budge.

"Go talk to her and knock some sense into her, please" She grumbled. "This girl is giving me serious migraines and we barely had much time on our hand,"

"Do you have a date?" I asked and she shook her head.

"Not yet but the elders will settle that out," She answered scrolling through her phone. "Sometime into the next month for sure. So please, ask her to stop being so insolent and focus on herself a bit. Get some treatments and stuff done. Vera has to be the most beautiful bride anyone has ever seen,"

"Si mamá," I nodded and she gave me a small smile before walking away, talking to someone on the phone.

I had no idea what to make any of this. This was less of marriage more of a vaunting of wealth and power. Like signing a contract of how much both the families get to benefit from this arrangement and that too at expense of two lives. I was disgusted by this but it was not my place to say anything so I turned on my heels and headed towards Vera's bedroom wondering what to say to her.

"You betrayed me too,"

Jesus, she was mad at me. And Vera was not the best person to deal with when she was mad. She had a bad temper like her mother and I don't want to be on the receiving end of it.

"Going to talk to Vera?" Vin inquired, who was lounging in the living room watching some sort of food show.

"I thought you were leaving for work," I pointed and he scowled at me in response.

"Mamá wants to talk to me about something," He answered flatly, looking disinterested. "God...I can feel the heat right from here,"

"Well, then you better watch out," I said and he rolled his eyes in response.

"Por favor dime, why should we suffer?" He asked, more to himself than to me. "I am telling you Am, I don't have a good feeling about this marriage,"

(Trans: Please tell me)

"Yeah...be more negative. Like we don't have enough of crap to deal with already," I chastised. "God...this is so complicated,"

"This is shitty for sure," He agreed. "Come on let's two of us run away somewhere. How about Hawaii?" He stared at me with such a serious and sincere expression that I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Are you done? I need to go and talk to Vera. Apparently, she thinks I betrayed her," I muttered and Vin rolled his eyes.

"This mother-daughter duo is too dramatic for us," He answered. "But if you are going to say sorry, I suggest taking something with you as leverage,"

"Huh?" I frowned at her and he sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

"You know how she is when she is pissed, right?" He said and I nodded my head. "Good... so then take something that would help her calm down,"

"Like what?" I asked and he smiled at me in a way, I really don't like.

"Why did you dragged me to the kitchen?" I demanded and Vin smiled, perching down on the counter. The kitchen left immediately and I felt uncomfortable to have interrupted them.

"Make her this..." He pointed to his phone and I gave him a blank look.

"You want me to make cheesecake for her. Now?" I grimaced and he nodded vigorously.

"You know how much she loves that," Vin smiled broadly at me and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Do you want it for her or yourself?" I inquired. He smiled at me sheepishly.

"I can have a taste," He said and I rolled my eyes and slapped his back.

"Piggish," I said. "Your idea is good though so I will go and pick some up from her favorite bakery. I am not going to bake any of it,"

"Fine...get strawberry cheesecake for me then," He smiled and disappeared back to his hidey-hole. I rolled my eyes at him and sighed.

This marriage was honestly turning out to be an ordeal.

"Vera?" I softly knocked at her door. "Can I come in? Please?"

"Go away, Amber," She murmured, her voice heavy.

"Please...let me explain. You can vent out to me all you like. I promise," I wailed.

There was still no reply but after a beat, I heard the clicking noise of the door opening. Cautiously, I opened the door and peeked inside. Vera was sitting on the bed cross-legged, hair tied up in a high bun wearing a stupid-looking pajama and a camisole. 

Wow, I didn't know one needs to look a certain way to imply that they were sulking. A typical Vera thing to do. I gave her a small smile as she kept glaring and crying at the same time, her nose and cheeks red. Tissues were lying all over the floor and I couldn't help but realize how much she still needs to grow. I mean who cries like this? It was funny but I refrained from laughing.

"I brought your favorite cheesecake to cheer you up," I said and pointed to the paper bag in my hand. She glanced at in and then scowled at me. 

"So...you are trying to bribe me here for lying?" She sniffed, blowing at her nose. 

"No...no..." I shook my head and sat down beside her. "I want you to feel well...calm. I know this is a lot to take and I wanted to tell you, trust me but Mamá asked me not to. She didn't want things to go awry just before the ball so I had to keep my mouth shut," She stared at me and her eyes watered up again. 

"Can you believe it?" She wailed. "She wants me to get married to him.  Like why? Why him?" There was too much repulsion and disgust in the way she said him. I don't think that was fair.

"Vera...is there someone else?" I asked and she stared at me wide-eyed. After a beat she looked away and shook her head. 

"No," She answered sullenly. "But that doesn't mean I have to go and get married to him. It's nonsensical," 

"I don't think the problem is him for you is it?" I asked and she turned her eyes to me. "You said you liked him isn't it and you agreed to go on a date with him as well? I think your problem is the fact that Mamá didn't ask you about this entire situation. But Vera what do you even expected? You are born into such a world where legacy and family connections is of utmost importance. And deep down you have always known this isn't it?" 

"I don't even know him!" She cried, looking grim. "How could she do that to me. Doesn't I get to have a say?" 

"I don't think Mamá got to have her say either," I answered. "This is how it has always been for ages. The good thing is that Ivan is trying to make this easier for you. I guess that's why he asked you out. So that you guys can get to know each other. It means he is willing to go the extra mile for you. What can be better than that?" She blinked at me and then frowned. 

"You think so?" She asked, wiping her nose again. 

"Of course. He spent the entire night with you yesterday, that is for sure a good thing," I assured. "And these aristocratic men can be snobby and a total jerk...did Ivan seem like that to you?" I had no idea why I was defending Ivan or explaining him to her. I barely knew him myself but whatever brief communication we had yesterday, I was sure he was not a bad person. It was just a feeling inside me. 

"I don't know," She shrugged, looking wary. 

"Look, this situation is irreversible. Their decision is made and neither of us or even Vin has the ability to change that," I said. "So is it not better to see the glass half full than half empty? Go and meet Ivan. Talk to him...tell him things about yourself and what do you expect from him. Marriage is after all about communication and understanding each other and then working through it. Give him a try and if you don't like him...we will try and talk to Mamá, okay?" 

"You will talk to her?" She asked, finally looking a little relieved and her usual self. "Promise?" 

"I will try my best," I gave her a reassuring smile and pushed the box of cheesecake towards her. "Dig in. You will feel better," 

"You know how to deal with me," She mumbled, filling her mouth up with a big piece of cake. 

"It was Vin's idea," I smiled. "He wanted to eat cheesecake and used you as an excuse," 

"Bastard," She muttered. "Why can't you get married to him? You are older than me!" 

I stared at her and tried to keep an impassive face even though her words felt like someone pushed hot iron rod into my chest. Ivan was a subject I was trying to push as far into my head as I could. It was not something I wanted to dwell upon because if I do, it becomes terribly painful. One sided love was never a good idea ever. But ironically, love was out of our hands, out of our logic and everything that makes sense. It was something we have no control over. But what I could control was my hold on my feelings and every waking minute I was trying to do exactly that. My dreams, however, were out of my control so he ruled them most of the time. But it was a good thing that I was not much for remembering them. Otherwise it would just get even harder to stop the lines of reality and fantasy from melting into each other. 

And it doesn't even make sense. How can I fall in love with someone I barely know? Maybe this was all just in my head and there was no foundation for it. No logical explanation. For you to love someone, you need to know the person, observe the person and get accustomed to their strengths and flaws. In my case, all I had was the memory of a drowning boy. And some old memories when we used to play together. 

A small, dark haired boy, perfectly dressed with an air of confidence in him even though he wasn't even old enough to spell that word. It was funny and I smiled at the memory. And I would never forget that one time when I fell down and scratched my knees. Ivan held me while I cried my eyes out and then wiped my knees with his crisp monogrammed handkerchief. He doesn't remember me and I wished neither did I. But my small heart fell in love with him that day and that love has stayed with me ever since. A love that would always be there even when I grow old and have a family with someone else. Because some feelings never fades, they stay within us as a beautiful warm memory that provide comfort in times of need. 

"Amber?" Vera called. I shook my head and turned my attention back to her.

"Yeah?" I asked and was surprised to see she has managed to finish more than half of the cake all alone.

"What should I wear for the date?" She asked and I smiled at her. For now, the problem was solved. But I was also a little wary. Vera was not the kind of person who gives up so easily. And deep down, I knew I needed to keep an eye on her.

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Vera was dazzling in a black halter neck body hugging dress with a thigh slit, diamond studs, and killer heels as she did a brief catwalk for me across the room. Ivan will be mesmerized by her, no doubt and though it was not easy to keep the tiny hint of jealousy at bay, I was still happy for her. Vera was like my sister so I will never want her to be miserable and so the fact that she was looking her usual cheerful self made me happy.

"You will kill him just with a smile," I said, leaning by the door frame and she winked at me, smothering some red lipstick on her full lips.

"I will show him that he is no big deal," She answered. "He is too hyped, to be honest among all those people,"

I didn't like her comment but refrained from saying anything. If this was what works for her, showing Ivan that he was no match to her then be it.

"Go...go you will be late," I pestered. "It will not help your image to be late for a date,"

"Right," She nodded, and giving herself a last look she gave me a swift hug and then strutted downstairs heels clicking furiously on the polished marble.

"Oh, Mamá wants to see you first," I said, leaning by the railing and she rolled her eyes. Honestly, Vienna Vazquez can really be overbearing sometimes.

I smiled and was about to head back to my room to work on my new score when my eyes spotted a black clutch lying on the bed. It was Vera's and I presumed she was going to complete her look with this. Rolling my eyes at her usual forgetfulness, I grabbed the shiny little thing and headed downstairs hoping she hasn't left already. But unfortunately, Vera was nowhere to be seen and then I remembered that Mamá asked for her.

I groaned at the idea of walking over to her room which was on an entirely private wing on the other side of the mansion. But she might need it so  grimacing to myself,  I headed for Mamá's room and inwardly decided to lock myself up until I was done with the piece. I have been trying to work on this for some time now and I needed it done for the event in New York.

When I reached her room, I could hear voices coming from inside and was about to head in when something stopped me.

"If Ivan asks you anything about the frozen river you are supposed to say this, that you are the girl who saved his life that day, and ever since then you two were promised to each other, okay?" Mamá said.

"What?" Vera demanded. "What frozen river? I don't understand. What is going on?"

"You don't have to. Just say what I asked you to and not another extra word. He was ten then and you were eight. Got it?" She muttered and Vera made an exasperated noise.

"Fine. Whatever," She said, utterly disinterested. "Can I go now?"

"Hmm. Wait for a second, why aren't you carrying any handbag?" Mamá demanded.

"Oh crap! I must have left it in my room," Vera wailed. "Jesus!'

I knew this was my time to go in and hand her the handbag but I was completely shocked and frozen to my place. I was immensely surprised and had no idea about how to react to what I just heard.

"Amber?" I almost jumped and looked up to see Vera staring blankly at me.

"Uh sorry..." I muttered and pulled up her handbag. "You forgot this in your bedroom and I thought you might need it,"

"Oh! Thank you so much, Am...you are a lifesaver," She smiled and gave me a quick hug. "I hate to go back again. Alright, I am off now. See you later!" I nodded my head and managed a small smile for her.

I stood there and watch her strut away and then unwillingly turned my eyes to Mamá. Her blue eyes were assessing me and I tried to keep my face as impassive as possible. Giving her a small bow, I was about to head back to my room when she grabbed my arm, halting me.

"Come inside," She said, her face giving nothing away. "And close the door,"

I sighed as I walked inside and shut the double doors. The last thing I wanted was to talk about this thing. I was going to render my ignorance to the entire conversation. I didn't want to think about it. But Mamá has other plans.

"Would you like some chamomile tea, Amber?" She asked as I sat down on the sofa. I am always wary about sitting on it because I have heard that it was made of gold instead of wood or any other material. And it did look like gold but who knows. Mamá was very fond of tea, so there was a separate area in her palatial bedroom where she can prepare her tea if she doesn't feel like getting out of her room. I think she even took Japanese tea-making classes.

"No, thank you," I answered, trying hard not to fidget. I hate tea.

" I know what you are thinking," She said, sitting down in front of me. I glanced up at her and she gave me an almost sad-looking smile.

"I know you are wondering why I lied to Vera and everyone else about the incident that happened by the frozen river," She continued when I said nothing. "I know you are wondering why I said that Vera was the one who saved Ivan when it was you who did, isn't it?"

"It doesn't matter," I answered flatly and she shook her head.

"That's a lie," She said, taking a sip of her tea. "I can see the questions floating in your eyes and when questions are raised amongst family it's better to resolve them as soon as possible. Before it can plant the seeds of doubts and betrayal in one's heart,"

"I will never question you, Mamá," I said flatly, and deep down I knew that was a lie because I was questioning her. But the difference was that I don't think the truth was going to make any difference either.

"I know. You are the most obedient and sensible of the three, Amber," She said with a smile. "All the more reason why I should tell you the truth. You might not remember what happened after you saved Ivan because you passed out from cold as well and I am sure you remember that much?" I slightly nodded my head. I remembered every detail of that day.

"After that, Ivan's father, late Augustin Navarro made a promise that Ivan will be married to the girl who saved his life no matter what happens and how many years pass by. I think he passed a decree as well. And that time we said that it was Vera who did instead of telling them that it was you," She continued. 

I stared at her blankly although it killed me from within, to hear the words come out of her mouth. I know there must have been some reason but it still felt like a betrayal. A massive lie that perhaps changed the life of the three of us for good. Was it fair to any of us? No. For whatever reason it was said, building a relationship on the foundation of lies was never a good idea.

"We needed the connection," Mamá continued. "To have an alliance with Navarro's was the best thing that we could ask for. And over the years, the Navarro's have helped us many times due to this alliance. The reason why I said Vera instead of you was because you... you possibly couldn't marry Ivan, can you? So rather than missing out on the opportunity, I ceased it by twisting the truth a little,"

"You don't need to explain yourself," I said silently. "I understand,"

"I am sorry, Amber. I am," Mamá said, reaching out to pat my hand. "But it doesn't make a difference anyway, isn't it? You barely even know him,"

I slowly nodded my head. Yes, it doesn't make any difference. Nothing makes any difference. Neither the fact that I was the one who was supposed to be with him nor the truth that I had fallen in love with him and all these years I have let a tiny flicker of hope nurture inside me that maybe one day, he could be mine. None of that mattered. What mattered was the blood running through my veins. And I was nothing but a lowly housekeeper's daughter. This was fate and the faster I accept it the better.

But it hurts nevertheless and as I closed the door to my room and sunk on the floor, feeling an insane pain tearing inside me, I really hoped for the first time in my life that I could escape this place and never turn back.

Ever again...

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A/N: Hello my lovely readers! Here's the next update! Thank you so much for the first 100 reads! I hope you are enjoying the story so far guys. As always, thank you for all your support :)