C2 A secret wedding

Olivia Russell

"Olivia, what's wrong with you? I thought we've spoken about this already. That man is no good for you. Haven't you heard about how he treats ladies? He only moves around with his worthless girlfriend and no one else!" Mrs. Delmour's voice rang with concern.

"I don't effing care, Mom! You and Dad claim to love me more, but you both still went ahead and got that little brat married before me, and not just to anyone, but to that fine piece of human meat," Olivia shouted in frustration. She had been holding onto this resentment for far too long.

Mrs. Delmour shook her head, struggling to understand her daughter's frustration. "Baby, it's an arranged marriage, and your dad and I will find you someone more attractive as a husband, so don't worry, okay? We've got everything sorted out for you already."

"You better keep your promise, okay? It's already disgraceful enough that that brat is getting married before me. I don't want the whole world to know she's getting married before me," Olivia muttered amidst the tight hug her mother enveloped her in.

"Don't worry, honey. I and your dad have got you covered," Mrs. Delmour assured, patting Olivia on the back. Olivia could hardly contain her excitement at the prospect of a potentially disastrous wedding for Camila. She went to her room, sat in front of the mirror and started to talk to herself “if that wretched sister of mine thinks because she’s about to be married to some rich man, then she’s better than me, she better not says it to my face. If I’ve made her regret being born, then I’d make her regret having me as a sister. Dad should have just given her to the Vicento’s for free. She would make a good maid.”

Camila Russell

After crying and mumbling gibberish words because of the life she’s about to begin, Camila decided that continuing her sketch of her dream coffee shop was the best way to relieve her mood. She wasn't a great artist, but that didn't matter. Right now, she just wanted to feel free and alive, sketching something she knew so well. As a child while her peers played Weddings, and tea parties, she sat by herself every time daydreaming of her coffee shop. And has she grew older it started looking possible, she would say to herself after being treated badly by one of the workers in the mansion “one day I’ll leave this house and I’ll start up a coffee shop”.

Camila wasn't the kind of person who dreamed of extravagant things. Her coffee shop was just as moderate and normal as any other in the neighborhood. It was ironic how she still struggled to make a decent sketch of a simple coffee shop.

Her sadness overwhelmed her, and she dropped her pencil and notepad onto the table before heading to her bed. She hugged her pillow tightly. "I can't believe I'll be getting married in two days," she muttered, her voice barely audible as she cried silently into her fluffy pillow.

DIAMOND GROUP OF COMPANIES

Leonardo Vincento

"You know Diane's been complaining about you lately," Kingston Ronald, Leonardo's best friend, commented.

Leonardo barely glanced up from the file he was reading. "That's not news. She can do whatever it is she wants. We both know I don’t not give two flying fucks."

"C'mon, dude, you need to quit making her call and beg you before you go to her. It's not cool," Kingston chuckled, pushing his friend's buttons.

Leonardo's piercing green eyes finally left the document and focused on Kingston. "If you have nothing meaningful to say, it's best you leave. I'm busy, and I have no time for irrelevant gossip, especially when it’s about some woman."

"So tell me, how did it go?" Kingston asked, a smirk forming on his face as he pretended to be engrossed in driving, even though his thoughts were entirely on Leonardo.

"How did what go? The meeting with the potential investors from Thailand?" Leonardo feigned ignorance, his gaze returning to the laptop screen.

Kingston couldn't be deterred so easily. "C'mon, quit acting like you don't know what I meant. You went with your dad to see your fiancée, right? How did it go? Is she as pretty as her parents bragged about? Does she have the rare kind of curves you love in a lady? Because you and I know a woman needs curves to sustain you in between the sheets"

Leonardo threw Kingston a glare that could freeze fire. He wasn't in the mood for this line of questioning, especially about his imminent arranged marriage.

The peace in Leonardo's office was shattered when the door burst open, and Rose, Leonardo's younger sister, stormed in with all the fiery energy of a tempest.

"Cute Tiger, I've finally bought the car you refused to get for me! Now I can show off on campus with my new ride." Rose triumphantly announced, waving her newly acquired car keys as if they were a trophy.

Leonardo's eyebrows shot up in surprise and disapproval. "Rose, go back and knock," he said, his voice cold, expecting his sister to respect his privacy.

Rose was unfazed by her brother's stern tone. She knew how to navigate the delicate dance of their sibling relationship, and she had her ways of getting what she wanted. She turned on her charm and leaned against the door frame with a playful pout. "But Cute Tiger, I'm so excited! It's a Bugatti Veyron, you know and no one has gotten it yet."

Leonardo couldn't help but be amazed by his sister's audacity. She had bought a high-end sports car, a Bugatti Veyron, despite not having the best academic track record. His irritation grew. "You failed three of your papers in your last exams, and you still have the guts to get yourself a Bugatti Veyron?! Is this a joke? Is school a joke to you? Give me the keys to the car you just wasted money on. Come back for the keys when you finally ace your exams."

Rose's eyes widened at her brother's reaction, and she took a step back in alarm. "I promise I'm studying really hard this time. I even quit watching my favorite TV show on 3D just to avoid failing any papers this time."

Leonardo was unmoved by her promise. His priority was clear. "Your car keys. Now!"

Rose reluctantly pulled her new car keys from her pocket, handing them over to her brother, who snatched them without a word. The fire in her eyes was quickly extinguished, and her glassy eyes told a story of disappointment.

"Kingston, can you please drop me home?" Rose asked, making her voice sound sweet and innocent when Kingston reached her as she waited in front of his car after Leonardo demanded they both leave his office.

"Why should I? I don't look like a hired driver, do I?" Kingston replied with a sardonic smile, enjoying their playful banter.

Rose decided to use flattery as her weapon of choice. "Of course, you don't. You're too handsome to be a common driver."

Kingston chuckled at her attempt to charm him. "Get in before I change my mind," he said, opening the car door for her in a gentlemanly manner. Rose rewarded him with a bright smile as she got into the car.

As soon as Rose was settled in the car, Kingston started the engine and drove away from the Diamond Group of Companies. With his hands on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road, Kingston decided to indulge his curiosity.

"So are you that bad at school, or do you simply not like studying?" Kingston asked as he navigated through traffic.

Rose didn't hesitate to admit her feelings. "Both! I'm not smart or intelligent like my brother, and I hate studying. It's just so boring. I mean why do people enjoy studying? I’d rather knit than study and knitting is stressful"

The honesty in her voice surprised Kingston. He shot her a sideways glance while trying to focus on driving. "Then I must agree with your brother's decision to take away your car. It's a pity he didn't also take your phone."

Rose pouted and replied, "What am I going to do if he seizes my phone?"

Kingston saw an opportunity to tease her. "You could call your boyfriend and ask him to come see you."

Rose quickly responded, "I don't have a boyfriend."

Kingston raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "Why? Don't you have someone you like?"

Rose's face contorted in distaste as she thought about it. "I don't really do. Almost all the guys I've come across are too lame to the core, like, geez!"

Kingston was intrigued by her candidness. "Really? And am I included in your list of lame guys?"

Rose reassured him with a compliment, her words making Kingston blush slightly. "Of course not! You're the coolest person I've ever known."

Kingston shifted his attention back to the road, hiding his grin. "Don't worry, your brother might return your car once he's sure you've improved in your studies. Just stop being lazy and get some knowledge stuck in that head of yours."

Rose nodded in agreement. "I know that already. He's just super mad because he'll be getting married to someone he knows nothing about on Saturday."

Kingston was taken aback by Rose's revelation. "You know that?"

Rose confidently replied, "Yes, of course. I overheard my dad mention something like that to his secretary in his study this morning."

As they continued their conversation, Kingston was becoming more invested in Rose's life and the drama surrounding her family. He didn't know that his curiosity would soon lead him to a significant role in her brother's life and his own involvement in their family's affairs.

The Courtroom

Camila Russell

The court office was a small but surprisingly wide room that could accommodate about twenty people. However, only four attendees were present - Camila's parents, Olivia, and Leonardo's dad. The atmosphere felt secretive, as if it were a clandestine event.

The bride and groom were dressed casually, giving no indication of the significance of the day. Camila wore a simple white gown, with minimal makeup. Her hair was hastily gathered into a messy bun, and her feet were encased in silver-white shoes. It was evident that her parents had not planned much beyond the signing of the contract.

Leonardo, on the other hand, arrived late after keeping everyone waiting for nearly an hour. His last-minute appearance was due to an extended conference meeting at work, an appointment he had completely forgotten. It was only his father's reminder that shook him from his professional responsibilities and reminded him of his impending wedding.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared, his voice almost lost in the courtroom's hushed atmosphere. Camila's heart fluttered, her trembling hands struggling to place the ring on Leonardo's finger.

Her fumbling efforts seemed to test Leonardo's patience, and his growing annoyance became palpable. He finally took the ring from her and placed it on his own finger without a word, before abruptly leaving the courtroom.

Camila stood there, left alone and humiliated. Olivia's laughter echoed in her ears, her cruel mirth a haunting reminder of the ridicule she had to endure.

With unshed tears glistening in her eyes, Camila realized her wedding day had transformed into a nightmare. She was married to a cold and distant man, her husband's indifference leaving her to face the harsh reality of her future.

As the courtroom door slowly swung shut, Camila was left to confront the uncertain path her life had taken, her emotions in turmoil, and her future as hazy as ever. Olivia's laughter and Leonardo's abrupt exit were haunting reminders that the path ahead was far from clear.

The courtroom door closed with a heavy thud, leaving Camila standing there, utterly lost and alone. She looked at the door and sighed “happy married life Camilla, welcome to the second version of hell on earth”.