BENEATH THE BURNING SKY

I Married a Stranger!

The splash of running water echoed in the almost empty kitchen as Noah unloaded the constituents of his small bag into a bowl with his hands shivering. They were leaves, herbs he had spent hours collecting under the rain. And although his teeth were clattering together due to the cold, his heart was still as vibrant as ever.

After washing the vegetables, he grabbed a handful and zipped off into the sitting room where Elise was seated like a lost cause on top of the center table, staring blankly at God-knows-what. He paused at the sight, pity tugging at his insides as he studied her for a moment, before proceeding to sit right next to her.

“Hello, Elise.” He began, but she didn’t bat a lid. It was clear she wasn’t there. Not yet. She was still shocked at how her own parents sold her off like she meant nothing in the entire world. In truth, she had endured several sorts of abuse from them, from hunger strikes to child labour, but this one broke the camel’s back. Now her tears could no longer express the sorrow in her heart. She was just there. Blank. Expressionless. With tears streaming down her eyes despite her plain face.

Noah gently placed his palm on hers and she instantly jerked back to reality. Her eyes were weak as she turned to him. “Forgive me, good sir. I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s fine, Elise.” Noah’s voice assumed a soothing tone.

Elise almost couldn’t stand his gaze washing over her. It made her heart race in a way she was not familiar with. He looked scary, yet strangely appealing. And his intentions remained a mystery. She focused on anything but him, staring at the large expanse of a sitting room with no furniture, and a gothic appearance.

“This is your house?” She swallowed her pain, and said in an attempt to distract herself.

“Yes, I bought it a year ago when I started planning my return to this city.”

“But, it is empty.”

“True. But a mansion nonetheless. Since we are getting married, you could furnish it to your liking.”

“But I have no money, or beauty. Nothing to offer you.” Her voice was cut short by tears.

“Come here,” Noah pulled her into an embrace, running his palm across her hair.

“They sold me like a worthless piece of property.” She groaned bitterly, leaning into Noah even more, as if his strength would absorb her grief.

“You are not worthless, Elise.” Xiang echoed softly, then slowly broke away from the hug, cupping her face in his arms. She just couldn’t hold his stare.

“Please, I’m ugly.” She cried.

“Let me see,” he tries to take off her nose mask but she resists.

“Please sir.” Her throat tightened.

“Elise, I have paid your bride price. You are going to be my wife, hence, I need to see this. It won’t make me feel any less about you.”

Courage slowly built up in Elise’s heart while she scrutinized Noah, her knight in shiny armor. Perhaps she could risk it, even if he were lying. What did she stand to lose anyway?

“Okay, sir.” She nodded.

Noah raised his brows, surprised. In truth, he was not expecting her to accept so soon. But all the same, his level of curiosity didn’t give him time to ponder on it. He quickly yanked off the nose mask, only to behold a sleek face on one side, and a monsterous deviation on the other side.

Holy Moly! He screamed in his heart, an expression of gratitude, for he knew what the malady was, and it was not unsalvageable!

“I was burned severely as a child and never healed properly afterwards. My parents gave up on trying with the hospitals.” Elise complained, but Noah pulled her into his arms.

“The burn has healed completely without a scar, Elise.” He whispered in her ears, his voice soothing her soul. “Many years on the war front have taught me medicine from herbs. Besides, I have a friend who can be of help. He has saved my life on numerous occasions. This is merely a severe case of facial nerve Palsy. I am sure we can fix it. Okay?”

“You promise?” She whimpered.

“I swear it, Elise.” He replied. “Here, take these herbs first. I’ll call Doctor Pete.”

***

Three months later

The sound of wedding bells formed the backdrop for the catholic choir singing a hymn inside an empty cathedral. It was the most beautiful cathedral in the building, yet the seats were scanty. Only a figure in gray colored tuxedo and ox-blood designer shoes stood as the audience.

“Whoever has anything to say that could stop this wedding, please speak now or forever remain quiet,” a gray-haired priest in white raiment spoke while standing between the couple on the platform, as the choir reduced their music into a hum.

His wrinkles seemed to fold even more as he studied the empty space to his satisfaction. Then, his shoulder dropped with a heavy sigh.

“I hereby pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” He nodded. Then Noah, clad in a white three piece suit synchronous with that of his bride, Elise, pulled her into his arms, her lavender perfume engulfing him as their lips melted into a blissful entanglement. His heart swole with emotions, and for the very first time in a long time, he knew he was happy. Truly. He never was certain marrying Elise was the best idea, but ever since her treatment started, she had slowly become the woman of his dreams. Humble, loyal, and stunning.

Today, her curves were the highlight of the day, and her skin shined brighter than the sun. Best of all, her smile was the bane of him. He would give his life to enjoy the spectacle for a moment. Like a miracle, she responded to Pete's treatment and his herbs, and now had become the prettiest woman in the world. Her facial palsy had resolved after a load of muscular exercises and herbs.

A round of applause echoed in the background by the sole witness in the room, and the choir began to chant a romantic tune as the newly wedded began to descend the red aisle, aiming for the exit with brimming smiles. Alas, the sole witness joined them, edging close to Noah who smiled at him.

“It seems I am unable to get rid of you after all,” Noah quipped.

“What can I say? I might just be the third person in this marriage if you keep needing me like this.” Pete retorted, and a cackle of laughter echoed amongst them.

“Thanks for coming, Dr. Peter.” Elise gifted Pete a heart-warming smile.

“Oh, sweet one. It is Pete from now on. You're family now, eh?” Pete replied.

“I am ever grateful.” She blushed.

“Oh, Noah, you have a beautiful wife.” He said to his friend.

“All thanks to you, and medicine, no?” Noah smiled.

“Of course. Congratulations, my brother.” They halted, and exchanged slapping handshakes, and a bear hug. But while at it, Pete whispered words of madness into Noah’s ears, and his smile instantly waned, his joy vanishing.

“I found proof of why your family was murdered.” He reported. Words that tore open Noah’s grudge, awakening his devilish fury which burned like hellfire itself.