Chapter 2

I took it from him and cleaned my tears. He sat beside me.

"You need this? today is gonna be a long day?", he asked giving me a cigarette. I didn't smoke but at this point I was loosing my mind.

I took it from him and took a long drag and then released it.

We sat there in silence for like a minute or two.

Then I suddenly broke into a chuckle, "I can't believe I just got dumped on my wedding day", I said.

"Carlos is stupid, he's always been terrible in decision making, I don't know how he bagged you", he said.

"How do you know so much about him?", I asked.

"He's my ... I hate to tell people this but... he's kinda my step brother", he said.

I looked at him shocked, "Brother? Carlos never mentioned anything about having a sibling".

"Yes because I'm the family outcast", he said with a charming smile.

"Why would you be the outcast? and not Carlos?".

"Why would Carlos call off a wedding on you?", he asked.

I sighed and nodded, "Fair enough", I said.

"So what actually happened?", he asked me.

I shrugged, "He said he was tired of me".

"You both have been together for four years so I hear, he didn't realize he was tired of you until now?".

"I just think it's because I refused to have a baby before we get married, that's what I think, I think if I go and meet him and beg him-"

"Hold on Miss, you want to go and beg someone who has ruined your day? your special day, you want to go back and beg him? do you realize how beautiful you are? do you know how many men will pay to sit and gaze at your beauty? I'm supposed to be paying you for talking to me right now. You need to get your self confidence back, you're too beautiful to be doing that".

That was the first time anyone ever said something that beautiful to me.

I shrugged, feeling like crying again.

"I don't think I have a choice, I'm going to be the talk of town for the next 3 months if he doesn't marry me, my mother is never going to forgive me, she'll think it's my fault and that I chased him away. I don't know what to do".

He stood up and put two of his hands in his pocket.

"I can relate to family drama, my father's will expires in a month... the only part that includes me in it. I have to get married else I'll loose everything to that Dick head ".

"Your life seems pretty sad too", I said.

He laughed, his laugh was so beautiful.

"I know, it's always been like that ".

Then all of the sudden the craziest idea struck me.

"Marry me then".

I wasn't supposed to say that out loud.

"What?".

"You need a wife to get the will, I need to be saved from embarrassment today. Let's do a fake wedding. Okay? I'll be leaving town to start life afresh maybe in few months time. 

You get your share of the will and I get to be saved from embarrassment. Please ".

"I don't know... that's a crazy idea you know ".

"Please ", I went on my knees.

"Stand up, oh my God I don't know why you keep doing this, you're a goddess, start acting like one".

Those words melted my heart.

"I just want to get over this, please. We'll go our separate ways peacefully after you get everything you want, I don't care ".

"You barely know me".

"I'm Scarlett, Scarlett Rose, nice to meet you ", I said stretching out my hands.

He sighed, "I'm Valerio Alessandro", he said taking my hands m

I nodded, "Do this favor for me and I'll owe you my life", I said.

He nodded.

I hugged him tightly, ", Thank you so much ", I said almost crying again.

I pulled away, "I look like a mess, my dress is ruined, I need to fix my makeup. I think I can get another dress".

"Don't do any makeup, you look a lot better without it", he said.

My heart did this little backflip thing.

"That's odd, Carlos said I always looked like a ghost without it".

"Well you're not marrying Carlos ", he said.

I smiled and then ran into the building, back to the hall.

"I need a new dress!", I announced.

"Why what's happening?", Diana asked.

"Did you talk to Carlos?", Isabella asked 

"No but I'm getting married, quickly, we're already late", I said riping the one I was wearing off.

I never really even liked the dress anyways.

"How are getting married if you didn't talk to Carlos?", Isabella asked 

"Get me a damn dress", I said without even talking to any of them.

I quickly wore a new dress. Diana helped me with my shoes and then I cleaned off all the make-up I had on.

"Carlos said you look like a ghost without Makeup", Isabella said.

"Good thing I'm not marrying Carlos", I said as I grabbed my flower Bouquet.

"I don't get it, who are you marrying?", Diana asked helping me wear my veil.

"His long lost brother", I said and walked out of the hall with confidence.

"What?"

"Who is that?"

"Do you know him from anywhere?".

"That's a terrible idea".

"Look you know I never agree with Isabella but for once I do, what do you mean you're marrying his long lost brother, who is that?",Diana asked.

"Valerio", I said and then we reached the door of the hall.

My mother looked confused.

"I thought the wedding was off, and why do you look like this?", she asked looking at my face.

"The wedding just started", I said confidently and then the door opened.

Everyone turned to look at me.

Usually I'd shake, I'd start sweating and getting anxious. But for the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful.

Carlos wasn't at the Alter.

It was just the best man and Valerio.

Everybody started looking around for the groom.

"Where is Carlos?", my mother whispered under her fake smile as she walked me to the alter.

"I don't care", I said and then we reached the alter.

Valerie reached out and took my hands.

Everyone in the crowd gasped, shocked.

"Hello Stranger", he said with a broad smile on his face.

"Hello you", I said smiling back.

"This is gonna be the best wedding ever", he said.

Oh yes it is