I sat in front of the large mirror, staring at the reflection that stared back at me with blank eyes. The make-up artists and hair stylists buzzed around me, their hands moving swiftly as they tried to transform me into the perfect bride. But no amount of make-up or hair styling could hide the sorrow in my eyes.
This day was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, the day every girl dreams of since she's a little girl. The day where she gets to marry her Prince Charming, surrounded by her loved ones, and start a new chapter of her life filled with love and happiness. But for me, it was a dreadful day, a day I dreaded with every fiber of my being.
There was nothing exciting about getting married to a man twice my age, with an older son that was my age, a daughter, a younger son, and a wife who was still very much alive.
How sick can people get because of greed, power, and status? My stomach churned just thinking about it.
I took a deep breath and tried to push away the negative thoughts that threatened to consume me. I needed all the motivation I could get from within my soul. This was going to be a long ride, a tough battle that I had no choice but to endure. For now, I had to put on a brave face and go through with this charade.
As the make-up artist applied the eye shadow, I shut my eyes and let my mind wander. I thought about my mother, who was no longer alive to witness this day.
My mother, Theodora, was a fighter, just like Leonel, she never tolerated any shit from my father and she would have never allowed me to be trapped in this loveless marriage. But unfortunately, she wasn't here anymore.
My thoughts wandered around the possible facts that, she may have been murdered, but my evil father made it seem she died because of an accident. I felt my heart twist in my chest at the sudden possibility.
Slowly, my mind then drifted to my young step sister, who is unaware of the reason I made this decision. Despite my reckless behavior, and sinful life, there's no doubt that she loves me very much and looks up to me. I couldn't watch an underage young lady, get married to a man old enough to be her father, even grandfather, that's sick. Astra, is still pure, whereas I wasn't, my purity and innocence was gone, so it was a little bit easy making this decision.
Tears started to sting my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away before anyone could notice. I couldn't afford to show any vulnerability today. I needed to be strong, for myself and for my sister.
Finally, when the make-up artist was satisfied with her work, she gestured for me to open my eyes. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I almost didn't recognize myself. The heavy makeup and elaborate bridal hairstyle did look good but it wasn't beautiful to me, the most important feature was missing, happiness.
I stood in front of a tall mirror, the beauticians bustling around me, fixing my jewelries, shoes and doing the final touches on my face. They helped me get into the expensive bridal ball dress, and fixed my veils.
"Your dress is stunning ma'am, and you're beautiful," one of the beauticians said, causing me to curve my lips into a small, fake smile. I whispered a word of gratitude, but my heart wasn't in it.
Just then, the door flew open and my sister and mother walked in. My mom let out a gasp as she laid eyes on me.
"Oh my God! You look so gorgeous honey," she said with tears in her eyes. She quickly touched her pinky at the corner of her eyes, a familiar gesture in her Indian culture to ward off bad omens. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the superstitious act. What was a bad omen compared to the mess my life had become? My life was the word 'doom'
"You look beautiful sis," Astra complimented, her voice filled with love and admiration. She wasn't wearing a modern dress like I was, but instead, she had opted for a traditional Indian Anarkali suit. Her hair was styled in a sleek bun, decorated with delicate flowers. Her makeup was minimal, but her jewelry was intricate and stunning.
"Isa, you know if you aren't happy with this wedding, we can still..." she began, her voice filled with concern.
"Mom, I've told you, there's no point. I may not be happy but it has to happen. You don't have to worry about me, I'm 25, I can take of myself, and my new responsibility," I assured her, forcing a smile.
She mother let out a soft sob and I hugged her tightly.
"I just hate to see you go through with this, my dear. You deserve so much better. But I understand, I just hope you can find some happiness in this marriage," mom said, her voice trembling.
I sighed and tightened my arms around her, I needed to feel her motherly embrace, and draw strength from her hug.
"I'll try my best, Mom. I promise," I whispered. I looked behind to find Astra, silently crying too. I opened my arms and she walked into the hug.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and my father stormed in with a scowl on his face.
"What's going on here? Y'all are busy having a moment while the guests are waiting. Let's go, don't waste my time and embarrass me. Remember, no mistakes," he barked, his narcissism and evilness radiating off of him.
Mom and Astra quickly separated from the hug, their faces filled with fear. I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. "We were just saying our goodbyes, Dad. We'll be right out," i said in a steady voice.
His scowl deepened as he glared at us. "Don't take too long. I have a reputation to maintain and I won't have you ruining it," he hissed before storming out of the room.
When he was gone, I turned to them with a sad smile.
"Please take care of yourselves. Try your best to avoid his wrath, and remember, Leonel is always here. I'm sure he wouldn't let father harm you," i said, trying to reassure them.
They said a silent prayer for me, hoping that I would find some happiness in this marriage. It would have been better if I believed in prayers, and religion, and my wedding was the one of my dreams. I thought.
I took one last deep breath before leaving my room, ready to face the reality of my situation. This was my life now, and I had to make the best of it. For the meantime, I just have to endure, and hope that someday, I'll be able to break free from this loveless marriage and find true happiness.
As I walked down the aisle, my heart was racing and my mind was filled with conflicting emotions. I couldn't believe that this was actually happening to me.
I had always dreamt of my wedding day, walking down the aisle in a beautiful white dress, with my birth mother or Leonel by my side, and my groom waiting for me at the altar. But this was nothing like the fairytale I had imagined.
My father, a man who was supposed to protect and love me unconditionally happily led me to the altar, smiling, completely ignorant of the pain his daughter was feeling.
The man standing at the altar was much older than I had expected, with a bald head in the middle and a few strands of hair around it. He was dressed in a white suit, his wrinkled face showing no trace of emotion as he waited for my arrival.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. This was not how it was supposed to be. I wanted to turn around and run away, to escape this nightmare. But it was too late, and I knew that it was just a wishful thinking. My fate had already been sealed.
My father gave my hand to the man, a smirk on both their faces. L'accordo è stato fatto, ben fatto fratello (The deal has been done, well done brother) my father said, and I felt a wave of anger and disgust wash over me. My heart twisted in pain and disbelief, as i gazed at the old men.
It's, 'take care of my daughter, don't hurt my daughter' the fathers usually say to the groom but on the other hand these vile men made it seem like they just made a business deal, and I'm the royalty for their deal
I swallowed down my pain and anger, trying my best to hold back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. I couldn't let them see my weakness. I couldn't give them that satisfaction.
When it was time to kiss the bride, the old man's eyes seemed to linger on my lips with a lustful gaze. I rolled my eyes and I watch his brows rumple in dismay. Yeah definitely a psycho too.
I knew that I had to come up with a plan. I couldn't let this man have his way with me. I needed to delay having sex with him until I could figure out a way to escape this marriage.
As the reception began, I tried to put on a brave face and pretend to be happy. But inside, I was screaming and crying.
As the night wore on, I caught the old man staring at me with a predatory look in his eyes. I knew that I had to be careful, and I couldn't let my guard down around him.
"Isa, can I talk to you?" Pablo defensively put an arm around my waist, his burning gaze glaring into Leonel's eyes.
"Who the fuck are you little boy?" Pablo's slurred voice pierced painfully in my ears. I inwardly rolled my eyes at his disgusting possessiveness.
"He's my brother," i said, without waiting for Pablo's words Leonel came to my side and pulled me away, upstairs.
When we were safely secured in a room, Leonel crossed his arms and raised a brow. "Isadora, what aren't you telling me?" His voice was curt and firm.
I swallowed hard, knowing i couldn't hide the truth any longer.
"What do you mean?" He shut his eyes, trying to control his emotions.
"Don't act dumb with me sis. This is a forced marriage, right?" Father made you do this" I tried looking away from him and holding my tears, but it was too much for me to handle.
"Leonel....
"I can't believe you kept such a big thing from me isa, do you know what you just did? You ruined your life. We both know I could have done something about this but you chose not to tell me?" He scolded in a low tone filled with anger.
"Leonel, I couldn't let him marry our 19 year-old sister to a man who could be her father. What kind of sister would I be if I let that happen?" I lamented.
"I didn't tell you because I was heavily warned, and now that you know, please don't make it obvious to him that you know, please." I pleaded and he let out a heavy sigh, a sad look on his face.
"Isa, I'm sorry. I couldn't save you when we were little, but I promise, I'm going to ensure you leave this godforsaken marriage. That's a promise I owe you, sis."
I sniffed and he pulled me into his chest. "Thank you," i whispered, feeling grateful to have him by my side.
The reception came to an end and i bid my family goodbye before getting into the limousine with Pablo.