Luna's Payback: Claiming My Fate!

1: A Shattered Dream

"What kind of face is that, Veronica?! Get yourself together, or people might think you’re going to the slaughterhouse instead of the church! How dare you to act this way? You have no right! You're marrying my son. You're marrying a very handsome, high-level rich man! You're not blind, you are pretty aware of how many women swoon over Angelo and dream of being in your position. You are fortunate enough that my son chose you. You should at least feel grateful!" Maria Fuentebella, her soon-to-be husband’s evil mother, angrily shouted at her when she paid her a visit in her dressing room.

"Mama... it's not what you think—" She was about to finish her sentence when the old woman abruptly interrupted her words, clearly dismissing her.

“Don't call me mama! You're not married to my son yet, Angelo still has the opportunity to reconsider this stupid marriage! My Angelo used to be so intelligent, but when it comes to you, he becomes so stupid. Oh, what on earth did you do to my precious son, huh? Did you use a love potion to poison his mind? I can’t understand him, out of all the women in the world, what made him choose you?” She added with annoyance.

"Honey! Come here, don’t ruin your day because of that woman! Shall we hop in the car? It's quite hot outside, and I’m sure you wouldn't want your makeup to suffer from any unwanted situation, right? Remember, all your friends are coming,” It was Angelo’s father.

Maria Fuentebella shot her a piercing glance before following her husband. After confirming that her future mother-in-law was nowhere to be sight, she couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Tears filled her eyes. Why does something like this have to happen on her important day? Even on her wedding day, Angelo's mother seemed determined to ensure that she wouldn’t experience a smooth day. She felt like there was a huge lump in her throat. She tried hard not to cry. She fought back her tears with all her strength. Today is her wedding day. She should be happy.

She is happy.

She was happy. But how about now?

Was she really happy?

Her makeup artist seemed to pity her. It seemed like she felt the tension and heaviness in her. "Yeah, dear. Get yourself together. Don’t mind that devil woman! This is your wedding day. You should be the most beautiful. But how can I make you look beautiful if you're sad? You look like you're not getting married with your facial expression," her makeup artist commented.

She let out another exasperated breath. She wanted to get married to Angelo. She had dreamed for years about being proposed to by her groom. And here she was, today she would become Mrs. Fuentebella. But what was the cause of her emotions? She wasn’t happy. Shouldn't she be happy? She loves Angelo, and he loves her too. She loved Angelo, and he loved her too. What caused her to feel burdened with sorrow?

"Perhaps it's w-wedding jitters," she could only reply.

The makeup artist's expression turned into a frown. "But then, I understand where you're coming from. Can’t blame you. If I were in your shoes, oh my god, girl, I wouldn't let go what happened earlier! I will run, and there’s no looking back. Are you sure you wanna be part of that family? If only I didn’t need an extra gig, I wouldn't have accepted the offer to work for those Fuentebellas! Their attitudes are disgusting! All of them! How do you maintain your kindness towards them? Oh my, your mother-in-law sounds villain. I'm sure she'll turn your married life into a living nightmare!” The makeup artist went on and on.

Veronica understood that the makeup artist was simply being honest, she was not being judgmental. At first, she wanted to turn a blind eye to the flaws and the bad behavior of Angelo's family. But she couldn't lie to herself any longer. When the Fuentebellas became rich, their attitude changed too. They became mean, arrogant, and most of the time they felt superior to others.

She grimaced. "I-I don't think so. Besides, we won't be residing in Angelo's parents' house. We will have our own place. So I think they won't interfere with our married life,"

"I hope that's the case. What if they still interfere? Oh, if you have any doubts, it might be wise to reconsider this marriage, my dear. Angelo is not a loss for you. If you ask my opinion, he’s not that even handsome! And your future spouse is quite full of themselves! I’m sure you'll still encounter a man who can genuinely loves you and a family who can accept you, you know?”

Veronica had heard this line millions of times from other people. But as long as Angelo's love remained, she held onto their love with unwavering faith. Maybe, this was simply a trial in their relationship. "I will fight my love for Angelo," she declared.

"Oh well! The decision is in your hands! Contrary to what his mother said, Angelo is very lucky to have someone like you who cares for him deeply. Angelo is fortunate that you chose him. Mrs. Fuentebella is very entitled! She must believe her children are expensive golds!” The make-up artist let out a little laugh.

She also let out a little laugh. For some reason, she felt lighter now. "Thank you, huh?"

"No problem! I understand that dealing with your future husband's family can be challenging, but I promise to ensure that they don't spoil your special day! You should be the most beautiful woman today so they will be speechless!”

She appreciated the artist's straightforwardness and optimistic attitude. After some time, they completed her makeup. The team had also completed the task of styling her hair. Her wedding gown was prepared, and the team assisted her in getting dressed to preserve her hair and makeup.

"Wow, take a good look at yourself in the mirror, girl!" the makeup artist exclaimed.

Anxiously, Veronica stood before the floor-to-ceiling mirror. She caught a glimpse of her own reflection. Every single accessory, from head to toe, including her wedding gown, was not her own decision. She didn’t choose this. They were chosen by Angelo's mother and sister. It wasn't her preference, but for Angelo, his family's choice had to be followed and much more important.

Her appearance was truly stunning. There’s no doubt about it. Her hairstyle and makeup were flawlessly done. However, there was a noticeable absence of sparkle in her eyes. Why was she experiencing these emotions at this moment, just as she was on the verge of marrying Angelo?

Angelo, who never helped her prepare for the wedding. Who never showed up for meetings and fittings. He always called his mother and sister to help her. So in the end, it seemed like she was marrying Maria and Anne Fuentebella. Because only their wishes were followed.

But now, it doesn’t matter anymore, since today she’ll marry Angelo, and maybe, just maybe, this kind of feelings towards the Fuentebellas might change.

"Thank you for making me beautiful,” she said with genuine sincerity.

"You're naturally beautiful. But you'll be even more beautiful if you find the true meaning of love," The artist replied cryptically, leaving her pensive.

But she didn't dwell on that because the next moments became extremely hectic for her. Additional wedding staff arrived and guided her to the bridal car. They claimed that their guests and sponsors were already in the church. The Fuentebellas were also near the church. She was the only one left here.

Her heartbeat quickened as they reached the church. The church exuded an undeniable beauty, a testament to the opulence that only the privileged few could afford to get married here. However, she couldn't appreciate it because she didn't choose the church. It was the choice of Angelo's sister and mother.

She inhaled deeply. This is the moment. There was no going back at this point. The doors of the church creaked open, creating a dramatic effect. The musicians started to play their instruments.

She caught sight of her father, Eduard Albert. He was smiling at her, although she could see the doubt in his eyes. But because he wanted her to be happy, the old man took a deep breath and closed his eyes, accepting Veronica's marriage to Angelo, the only daughter of the Albert family.

"My daughter looks so beautiful. But why do I sense you’re not happy?” Her father gently whispered as he reached out to hold her hand. He led her towards Angelo, who stood patiently at the altar.

The wedding design and motif were stunning. It was clear that a significant amount of money had been spent here.

Veronica tried to clear her throat. "I'm just nervous, dad. I suppose that's the sensation one experiences when entering into marriage. Don’t worry so much, okay?" she said with a smile, offering an explanation.

"I hope Angelo loves and takes care of you, Veronica. That's all I wish for," her father said.

She had an overwhelming urge to burst into tears. She observed the unfamiliar faces of the guests, whom she was certain were invited by the Fuentebella family. She was met with disapproving gazes instead of warm welcomes. Curiosity sparked in their eyes as they carefully observed her appearance, looking at her from head to toe, as if looking for something to judge Oh, she shouldn’t care about them. Throughout her relationship with Angelo, she tried to fit into his family. She did everything she could to be accepted by them.

She also saw her future husband's siblings, Allen and Anne, looking at her. She couldn't read their emotions. She struggled to decipher their true feelings. She attempted to disregard the things she observed in her surroundings. Her main focus should be on her upcoming wedding to Angelo.

When they reached Angelo's position, her father handed her to her future spouse. "Angelo, I am placing my full trust in you as you become one with my precious daughter. Please, cherish, protect, and love her," Eduard Albert almost sounds like pleading.

"You have nothing to be concerned about," Angelo reassured.

Her father nodded, and Angelo took her by the elbow. They faced the priest, but she frowned when she felt the tight and seemingly angry grip of the man on her.

Angelo leaned close to her ear and whispered. "My mother told me something. I didn't like what I heard. You have no right to act like you're at a disadvantage marrying me. You're very lucky, Veronica. Remember that! There are many other women out there who are better than you, but I still chose you. So don't give me that attitude! Now, smile. Your face looks like it's for Holy Week! You'll regret it when we get home!" She felt the intensity in Angelo's tone.

Surprise overtook her as her eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips. Surprisingly, he uttered those words without bothering to ask what really happened earlier. But before she could reply, he tightly gripped her elbow once more, his smile sweet but his eyes betraying a different intention. It is very intense. Quite daunting. Veronica couldn't understand the source of her sudden fear, causing her body to tense up. Her thoughts were in disarray.

She’s starting to feel a whirlwind of emotions. She can’t even name it. Meanwhile, the camera kept on flashing. The priest had a warm smile on his face as he gazed at them. "Seems like the groom can’t wait to be married to his bride. He is deeply in love with his future wife!”

The clueless guests and Veronica's family were delighted. Meanwhile, Angelo's family raised their eyebrows.

"Veronica is so annoying! I can’t really like her! What did Angelo see in her that he chose her to be his wife? Like, duh, it's obvious that she doesn't belong in our social circle! She's such a low-class lady!" Anne Fuentebella commented irritably while looking at the two, mistakenly thinking Angelo was being sweet to Veronica.

"Your words have always been so unkind, Anne. You and mom are quite being judgmental of her. Veronica is a very decent woman,” There’s a visible regret in Allen’s eyes while looking at his brother’s future wife.

Maria Fuentebella eyes narrowed. "Well, there's nothing we can do now. They're getting married. But if that Veronica expects me to accept her as my daughter-in-law and part of our family, she's wrong!"

Meanwhile, the wedding of Angelo and Veronica had commenced. Veronica's thoughts were drifting, and she was unaware of the priest's blessing as Angelo leaned in for a kiss.

“I pronounced you as husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride,” the priest announced, bringing Veronica back to reality.

She faced Angelo and saw the unexplainable anger in his eyes. He lifted her veil from her head and gave her a quick kiss without any sweetness. There was no care. No affection. It was like a kiss between friends. She didn't feel any butterflies or love. It seemed like he was even ashamed to kiss her.

She didn’t want to be dramatic on her wedding day, but she really wanted to burst into tears, there’s a lot of disappointment and emptiness she felt today.

"Long live marriage the newlyweds!" Everyone cheered.

Angelo took her hand. Firmly. "You will pay for humiliating me, Veronica!" Her husband's words were dark and cold.

She felt weak and swallowed hard at his words. Unintentionally, she glanced at her mother-in-law. "Welcome to hell, my ambitious daughter-in-law!" She said that made her breathless.