Once His, Forever His

CHAPTER 1

***Elena Carson****

I was fully aware that going down that aisle is equivalent to walking into a dug grave where I will be spending the rest of my lifetime.

I stood in front of the door of the holding room, staring blankly at my reflection. My once red, puffy eyes were now covered under the full make up, my pale face hidden under the guise of a makeover.

'Smile already' my bridesmaid urged from behind me, obviously unmindful of how unhappy I felt 

'Are you ready? It's almost time." My mother's words. I totally forgot she was here with me. She came closer and her palm covered my shoulders. She plastered a smile on her face. 'By the way, you look beautiful, today'

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stop the tears from sliding down my cheeks. Didn't she notice or was she also feigning ignorance like my father?

Muffled sound of soft music played with violins and piano made its way into the room. 

My throat hitched up, my eyes glistened as goosebumps travelled all over my body, momentarily. It's time.

My mother clasped my right hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. I knew the gesture was to reassure me but it only made me feel worse.

Without warning, The door flung open and the once muffled music became louder. Everyone seated stood up and turned their attention on me, making me feel more terrified. I trembled miserably under their stares before allowing my eyes Concentrate on the man that stood on the altar.

His hands were on each other as they rested on his upper thigh. From where I was, I could make out his appearance. His rich black hair was half parted and combed to the back, he was tall, has broad shoulders and a commendable physique. If it weren't under this circumstance, I would have been glad to marry a pretty man like him.

The delicate and tender notes with rich deep undertones from the viola was melodious to the ears of everyone except for me. 

The nearer I approached the alter my soon to be husband stood, the more I was filled with sadness.

My eyes momentarily scanned the room for Ray. The only man I've ever loved. He was there, seated amongst the crowd, watching my every move.

What if he couldn't make it? I thought to myself, suddenly worried about the failure of our proposed plan. 

He had his palm stretched out the moment I reached the alter. His eyes were ocean blue and the perfect smile he wore made him look too good altogether. 

Guilt washed all over me. He appears to be a nice man with kind gestures.. Appears doesn't seem to be the right word. I've had my encounter with him on several occasions and with every opportunity he gets, he tries to please me.. He'd feel really bad once I outrightly reject him.

'It's fine, Elena. He'll understand' my subconscious mind lamely thought.

I shakily placed my hands in his, allowed he help me up the few stairs and together, we stood in front of the priest to take our marriage vows.

'Mr. Lucas Alejandro , do you take this lady as your lawfully beloved wife?'

'Yes, I do' he responded enthusiastically.

The priest turned over to me. 'Miss. Elena Carson, do you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?'

Silence..... 

The priest said the words again. This time, murmurings erupted from the crowd and my nervousness heightened. The tears I've been trying to hold in bursted out. 

I shook my head. 'Noo... I don't want to marry him'

His hands that held mine went limp immediately, making it easier for me to snatch my hand. I carried the base of my gown, kicked off my heels and ran off like I was being chased.

'Elena!!' I heard my mother scream but I didn't turn back.

This is my life.. my choice... I can't get married to a man I do not love.

Raymond was out, holding the vehicle door open for me already. I took one last glance to the back to see what a mess I've caused before hopping into the vehicle. At least, I escaped.

*** Lucas****

My heart shredded into tiny pieces when I saw her burst out in tears to say No. I helplessly stood by as she ran past me and out of the church. I couldn't even move, it was as if her reaction drained all the energy within me. She neither loves me nor want me. The mutual feeling was basically one sided. I was the only one head over heels with her, the only one who was extremely excited when I found out I was getting married to the shy, naive, beautiful daughter of Morgan. It was a contract marriage and it has been put in place since we both were kids. I was okay with it and I thought she was too. So, what changed? Did she stop loving me? Was her mind poisoned by someone who wants her for himself?.

'I'm really sorry, Mr Alejandro. I'll find my men look for her' I heard her father say.

'So what if they find her? Will it take away the disgrace she brought my son?' he questioned rhetorically, hiding his annoyance under his calm voice.

'We will arrange the marriage again and this time, it'll go smoothly' her mother intervened.

'Arrange what marriage again? Your daughter and my son's??' a mirthless laughter followed. 'Not possible. Never again. The contract is going to be terminated, tonight' my mother replied angrily. 

I let my heavy legs move. I proceeded to where her parents stood. 'Please, don't apologize for the actions she took. It's fine. I totally understand she doesn't want me. It's all my fault, anyway. I should have noticed from the onset' I admitted.

'They should be the one pleading! Not the other way round' my mum sneered.

I made sure to wait for the Carsons to leave before heading home to prepare my mental health for what's to come.