Scars Of A Forced Marriage

"Perhaps I should just flee.

Or should I refuse the priest's request?

However, this could exacerbate the situation.

And I can't let that happen.

I must be strong.

Elara, just keep in mind why you're doing this.

I stand in front of the mirror, looking at myself while wearing a stunning white bridal gown. I assumed I would have the most during my wedding, but it's not there at all.

The radiance of joy.

"You look sooooo pretty Dii...!!!!"

As my younger brother came into the room, I heard him say.

I turned to him and forced the biggest smile I could; I've learned to completely conceal my issues, suffering, and problems these days, especially when my brother is there.

After all, I was forced to accept the wedding proposal because of him. However, I will ensure that he is not aware of this. What's always happening to him is that I'm having an arranged marriage. He was receiving treatment for his leg at the hospital when this agreement was being finalized. I took advantage of that by telling him that I fell in love with a man who just so happened to be the son of our father's friend. Despite just being five years old, he has a high level of intelligence and gets even more possessive of me. He is everything to me, and I am aware that I am his.

As he walks into the room, I give him a look. Wearing a black suit and, for once, having his hair done precisely, he enters the room with his crutch in his left hand and his gorgeous brown eyes gleaming with joy.

"Really, Bunny... You think so...!!??"

I called him by the nickname that only I use, and I asked him with an almost flawless smile, attempting to seem as normal as possible.

Indeed, my sister is currently the most gorgeous bride... at this moment!

Are you aware of what transpired today?

He says as he rushes in my direction.

"What?"

"Father said that I can..." He then runs into the room's chair and collapses.

I run to him, help him up, force him to sit on the chair, reprimand him, and examine his leg to see if it is hurt.

"Why are you always in a hurry..? Thank god your leg isn't hurt. The doctor said that we need to be extra careful if we want your leg to be completely fine. But if you're gonna trip and fall like that, then the chances of you walking without this cluster will be even lower..!!"

He stares at me with a lovely smile on his naive face as I speak, concerned about the delicate state of his leg.

I ask, bewildered, "Are you okay???" You're smiling at me while I'm reprimanding you.

"Nioooo I not okkkay.. I mean, I'm not okay after you go away after this ... I missssss you Diii...!!! I'll miss getting scolded by yiooou... I'll miss getting pampered by yioou... I'll miss your presence... I'll miss us moments... I'll miss talking to yioou till I fall asleep..!!! I don't want you to go away from me.. Bunny loves you Dii..!!!"

With tears in his eyes, he says as he hugs me tightly with his tiny hands.

"DII love you too, Bunny...!!! And don't worry, I won't let you miss me..!!! This wedding will bring us even closer.. And you will get all the happiness that you deserve.. I promise you."

With tears in my eyes and a determined tone, I respond, reflecting on why I consented to this wedding in the first place.

We remained in that embrace till the door opened and the antagonists from our lives entered the room wearing the most phony smiles.

Mike, our father, and Jennifer, his wife.

Observing them brings back memories of the day I was told I had to get married. Or should I argue that I was forced into marriage by blackmail?

Flashback Commences

Several Days Prior

In the study space

"By this weekend you're getting married to Mr Lorenzo's Son ..!!"

Startled by his words, I yelled, "WHAT..!!!! Have you gone insane, Father????!!!!"

As I fall and feel a rough hand on my cheek, I hear a different voice.

"How dare you talk to your father that way..!? Where are your manners, young Lady !!!"

"To hell with manners..!!! You both have gone insane!!!! Get it straight, I'm NOT MARRYING anyone... No matter what...!!!!"

I respond and turn to leave the room, but I pause when I hear this.

"Hello, Doctor.... Yes, this is Mike Edward. I wanted to tell you to stop all the treatments for Bryian. We no longer need it."

"Are you sure, Mr Edward? I mean your son's leg can get better if we continue, else it will get even worse, and the poor boy will suffer from a lot of pain."

The doctor responds over the phone's speakers, sounding shocked and worried.

I froze where I was when I heard that. When I turned around, I saw my father using his phone while seated in his chair behind his desk, and Jennifer leaning on her husband's chair and grinning evilly at me.

"Please Father... Not this...!! I beg of you.. Don't do this...!!!"

I say this as I realize what he was attempting to do and feel tears streaming from my eyes.

I turn to face Jenifer and say, my eyes beseeching:

I understand that you don't like me at all, and that's okay since I'm not your kid, so please, Jennifer.

However, Bryian.

You have a son of your own.

Your own blood...

Show him that you care about him for once!

Please advise Father to continue his treatment because his legs have been aching a lot lately, and it will get worse if he doesn't!

Jenifer, please...

From evil to concern, her expressions shift. The problem is going to become worse, and I am positive that she is totally acting it out. For me!

"You're right, darling ... His legs are already bad.. And will get worse only.. But you know what...!!! The one who can stop that is not me, but you..!! All you have to do is just say YES. For once, prove that you love him more than anyone else."

She spoke in the most derisive manner imaginable. And keep going while I watch helplessly, unsure of how to escape the maelstrom I find myself in.

If you believe that your NGO job at that child orphanage will help you with Bryian's treatment, then keep dreaming, Elara. You know very well that nothing like that is going to happen, because the treatment will cost more than five times what you get each month, and you will only receive a few hundred dollars. At this point, you can only decide what is more important to you.

YOUR EMANATION

or

YOUR BROTHER'S SCIENCE.

As she tells me the hard reality of my life, I stare at her.

Then Jennifer follows my father as he gets up to exit the room. He glances back as he approaches the door and utters:

"You have till tomorrow to give me an answer. And I don't want to hear anything other than Yes."

I stare at him in disbelief. Unsure of what to do, I collapse in that room as soon as I hear the door close.

POV of Elara

"Can this man do this..!! You were wrong, Maa.. This man's name and heart are both made of stone. The most insensitive man ever. He has no feelings.. No emotions for his own kids.. Be it me or Bryian. And that Jennifer.. What kind of a mother is she?!!! Just because Bryian has leg problems and can't walk without his crutches makes her ashamed of him.. What should I do now?? Choose myself, my freedom, my life, or choose Bunny, the reason because of whom I was able to experience the meaning of love, care, and concern.. Please help me, Maa.. Please..."

The following day

I enter the house, exhausted, and stand in front of a mirror, staring at myself. I appear to be emotionally and physically worn out. For me, the day before was completely crazy. My father hurried to the hospital where Bryian was after first announcing his intention to marry me off. He needed to be soothed because he was in pain and had not received the necessary medications as directed by my father. After telling me their decision, our father and his wife had left for a party and a crucial business meeting, so I had to stay with him all night. Additionally, the lawyer arrived yesterday following the whole ordeal.

"So what have you decided..??"

I turn to listen to Jennifer, and I see the couple who were eating breakfast at the dining table. They appear quite assured, as though they were aware of my anticipated response.

"It's not like I have many opinions available. I'll go through this wedding.. The treatment of Bryian should not be stopped at any cost.!!"

I said, attempting to sound as strong and determined as I could.

Jennifer arrives to hug me as soon as I say it, saying:

"For once, I'm very happy that you are in our lives. And yes, we'll take complete care of Bryian..."

My father simply got to his feet and wiped his lips with his napkin before saying:

"Good! Tomorrow we are going shopping for the wedding. Go get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

The End of the Flashback

Today

"It's time, Elara."

My father says something that I hear.

We all leave the room after breaking the embrace, cleaning away Bunny's and my tears, getting ready for the wedding, and I accept the bouquet of lovely blue and white flowers that my father had purchased for me.

Our father and Bunny escorted me down the aisle. I am looking down at my brother because I lack the guts to gaze at the man I will soon marry.

Through my veil, I can first see his hazel eyes as I stand facing him. He had the ideal appearance. Dressed in a luxury tuxedo, with flawlessly styled black hair and hazel eyes, she appeared completely disinterested in the event.

Knowing the foundation of this connection, we both stand equally uneasy as the priest begins the ceremony. The only thing I know about the man I am currently marrying is that he is the new face of the Lorenzo Empire and the older son of my father's business partner. "Do you, Elara Mike Edward, take Leonardo Lorenzo as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

As the priest began speaking to me, I let go of the breath I was holding.

"I do.."

I say, promising to keep the holy vows of marriage. Even if our forced connection has a shaky foundation, I will give this partnership my all. After I vowed to try my best to uphold the marriage vows to my dying mother, I won't allow my marriage to fail.

The priest then turns to face my groom after being pleased with my response and says:

"Do you Leonardo Lorenzo take Elara Mike Edward as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

I hear him say, "I do!" first thing in the morning.

After exchanging wedding rings, we listen.

"You may now kiss the bride."

I get shivers just thinking about getting that wedding kiss, the priest says.

I can feel his hands gripping my hips, drawing me in closer. I close my eyes, attempting to conceal the chaos inside of me, and he raises my veil, bringing his face closer to mine. The kiss did occur after I waited, but it wasn't exactly how I had anticipated.

As the audience erupted in cheers, whistles, and joy, he came his face close to mine and planted a gentle kiss on my left cheek.

We try to read each other's minds by looking at each other, but we are unable to do so.

He's attempting to focus on something in my eyes, but what is it?

I'm not sure!

Bunny approaches us and grabs both of our hands in his own little ones, disturbing our eye contact.

"I am so happy that you finally got the man you loved."

While his eyes enlarge at Bunny's remark, Bryian says naively As I gaze at my new husband, who is shocked since he doesn't realize my brother doesn't know what is truly happening.

Fortunately, he doesn't say anything, so I silently thank God that he didn't say anything and let Bunny finish.

"Now I finally have a big brother who will take care of, love, support, and protect my sister, right?!"

Leonardo simply blinked his eyes and nodded in agreement.

Someone called Leonardo and left us both before Bunny could say anything more. He left.

As Jennifer arrives, she congratulates me on the wedding and tells me to change in the reserved room for the celebration.

I took Bunny with me as I left the wedding grounds since I knew that no one would be there to look after him because our parents were already preoccupied with the visitors, and he might hurt his leg if left alone.

I'm currently getting ready in the resort accommodation. I glance at Bryian, who is currently dozing off on the bed. Both of us have had a hard and exhausting day. I finally got myself out of my bridal gown and all of the makeup off my face after much effort. While waiting for my clothes, I sat on the room's couch and reflected on the recent change in my life.

I'm here.

Recently married.

I am now Mrs. Elara Leonardo Lorenzo, formerly Miss Elara Edward.

What are the repercussions now that I was compelled to be his bride?

Will my spouse, like my father, make my life difficult daily?

Or

Will my spouse comprehend me?

Perhaps he will comprehend me.

His eyes.

They're really profound.

And he sort of agreed with Bunny when he said all of that today, following the wedding.

Perhaps this wedding isn't as horrible as I had imagined it would be in the end.

And a tap on the door interrupted my train of thought.

And the last item being delivered is my clothing.

I begin preparing for the reception.

I had my hair down and applied makeup to my lovely, understated red gown.

I get ready, and then I glance in the mirror.

I was going to go wake Bryian up because I was happy with the outcome, but I heard some noises.

I leave the room in silence, wondering who it is, and follow the voices, which only grow louder as I approach their source. I recognize one of the voices.

I'm at the rear of the motel right now. Two people are visible to me; one is dressed casually and appears to be pleading as he is on his knees, while the other is wearing a suit and appears to be totally unmoved.

A man kneeling:

"Please, sir.. Have some mercy on me. I have a wife and 2 kids. Where will we stay if I give you my house!? I am an orphan, and with much sacrifice and difficulty, I bought that house. Please give me some time, and I'll repay all of your money."

"You should have thought of your wife and kids before keeping your house as a mortgage.. I have told you when I gave my money. If you don't repay on time, I'll get your house. And your time is up.. Either you give me my money or I'll take the house, and you know that you can't even stop me, as I have all the required papers. So don't waste my time and get the hell out of here."

As the defenseless man left, the other one responded, least concerned.

As I'm ready to head back to my room, I notice a second man joining in and saying.

"Wow, Sir.. What a mind-blowing plan that was! First, we indirectly lured him for a loan by using his addiction to sports cars at our bank, and made him keep his house as a mortgage, and made sure that he wasn't able to repay the loan on time. He must be thinking that he lost his house because of his car, but he doesn't know that we were actually conspiring to get the land below the house at a much lower price for our upcoming project."

"I know, we got this land 3 times less than its original market price. In business, only the mind works and not the heart. You need to get tough if you want to be at the top."

I left thinking about how cruel some people can be for their own selfish reasons, disgusted and enraged at those two for leaving a family without a roof over their heads.

I'm now making my way to my room down the hallway. To avoid disturbing my little angel's sleep, I open the door cautiously. I enter the room and am met with the most startling and unexpected view of my life.

He's there.

Sitting on the bed next to Bunny, petting his cheeks, and giving him a tender gaze.

Michael Edward

Our dad...

He seems to genuinely care about Bryian for the first time.

Is this thing real?

Or am I having a dream?

I don't mind staying in forever if this is a dream.

However, if this is true, please make this moment last forever.

I pause to appreciate this incredibly uncommon sight in my life. For once, they look great together. Their lips, nose, and brown eyes are all identical.

Nevertheless, the moment is short-lived. My father reverts to his severe, heartless demeanor as soon as he realizes I'm standing at the entrance staring at him.

Father sat and rose from the side. He approached me, grabbed my hands, and led me over to the sofa. Without saying a word, I watch him and do as he says.

He selects a box from the side table that wasn't there when I left the room. When he returns to me, he hands it to me and motions for me to open it.

When I opened it, I discovered the most adorable and surprising present ever. A box of bridal bangles was inside.

"Your Maa wanted you to get married in both Christian and traditional ways, but given the situation we are in .. It's not really possible, Elara... So I thought that maybe at least this will compensate for....."

Father says, and I'm crying as I gaze at him. At last, he showed concern about Maa. He did honor her desires. Perhaps he does care about me, even though he may not express it.

He just handed me the most amazing wedding present anyone could have given me, after all.

I'm still there when I hear the door opening.