3: HIS

Elara’s POV

‘Let this be our little dirty secret.’ 

My mother’s words continued to replay in my head. Tonight, over dinner, I’d decide if to get rid of the baby, or pin it on Nathaniel. 

Or, let Marco in…

Standing on the subway, I looked at the grand building that had ruined my life. Quite shaky, I was not ready to face the devil twice. Perhaps if he was warm, it would only be to get in between my thighs twice. A man like him dreaded commitment, talk more of with a loose stranger like myself. 

Tears stung my eyes. I was about to experience a meltdown in public. I couldn't fathom getting rid of an innocent child. 

‘Not now, Elara.’

I cautioned myself and shut my eyes for a while, so I could get myself together. 

Sin. Filth. Darkness. 

They were the only thing Marco reeked of. 

Even if he accepted responsibility, he wasn't a man I could take to my parents, or show to the world, or even be around my baby. 

‘What have I done?!’ 

Oddly, the strong wave of his cologne, coupled with the feeling of fierce hazel eyes watching me, stormed my defense. In terror, I slowly turned in a circle, but he wasn't in sight. 

Was it all in my head? Now, I was losing my mind. 

For my sanity, I hastily crossed and boarded a taxi back home. It was barely two hours until dinner. 

My phone buzzed. It was a text from my mum. 

‘Don't act silly, young lady. Your suitor is on his way.’ 

Her deadly tone was palpable. 

On arrival, the table was already set. My parents stopped chirping when they saw me. I ignored them and started for my room upstairs. 

“Elara…”

“Honey, let her be.” My mother intervened. “She'll surely come around.” 

I spent the next hour crying my eyes out, and the leftovers, getting ready. By the time I was done in a simple blue dress, my mother was at the door, ready to usher me downstairs. 

She leaned over. “It ends tonight, dear.” Her soft tone bore a hint of threat.  

Nathaniel stood up to see us. A gentleman, he pulled out my seat with a broad grin. He didn't deserve this callousness. 

“You look pretty, Elara.” He smiled. 

Unable to stomach it, I flashed a fake smile and sat next to him. His father was beside mine. 

“Thanks for honoring our impromptu invite.” My mother started as she urged me to dish out their meal. “Our bride here has an announcement.”

Pushing me into the spotlight, she left me drained. 

“Mm…” I stuttered. My eyes caught her stern gaze. “Uh… I want to get married to Nathaniel.” 

She adjusted closer, concealing a smile. “What she meant is that she wants the wedding date fixed next week.” 

High and dry, I plumped back in my seat, a few seconds from running upstairs. 

“Why the drastic change?” His father argued. 

“She’ll be returning to school and needs everything finalized.” My mother remained firm. 

“But we could always wait.”

“I don't mind, father.” Nathaniel obliged. “I'm eager to make her mine.” 

My mum matched his goofy grin. “Great. We have a wedding to plan!”

*** *** 

ONE WEEK AFTER.

The sacred hymn and church bell sounded, saturating the atmosphere. In an exquisite wedding dress, I stood before the congregation, steadying my grip around my bouquet. 

“I'm here for you, dear,” Nathaniel mumbled, unaware of my conflicting mind. He looked good in his neat suit.

For my life and my baby, he was the perfect choice even though I had no feelings for him. The priest proceeded to say our vows while we repeated, and it was my turn. 

“Do you, Miss Elara Saint Clair, take Mr. Nathaniel Vincent as your lawfully wedded husband?” 

Nathaniel grinned, eager for me to be his wife. 

“I… I d-”

Before the last word could form, Nathaniel dropped to the ground, jerking terribly, with thick foam fuming out of his clenched jaws. 

I gasped, too stunned to say anything. 

The church was a mess with everyone trying to either get a clip or help him. 

“Nathaniel!” His father cried while sprinting for him. 

Right before me, my groom took his last breath.