That Day

1: The Wedding

CHAPTER ONE

The day of our wedding had arrived. And I as walk down towards the church's entrance, I found myself caught between conflicting emotions. Would I feel joy because I was finally marrying the man I had loved since I first understood the meaning of love? Or would I be filled with sorrow, knowing that our union was born out of circumstances neither of us fully understood?

As I woke up that morning, I was startled to find myself completely naked in Dwayne's room. Confusion washed over me that time. I asked myself countless times how did I end up there? I distinctly remember being brought to the guest room by Daniela, where I was supposed to sleep. So why did I end up in Dwayne's room, with no recollection of how I got there? The worst part was the realization that I had lost my virginity and there were bloodstains on the sheets, evidence of an intimate encounter.

Dwayne's parents were furious when they discovered what had happened. Daniela was also angry, but it was Dwayne's anger towards me that cut the deepest.

I blamed myself for everything that occurred. Without any memory of the events, I couldn't defend myself against Dwayne's accusations. I kept insisting that I had no idea why I ended up in his room, but Dwayne believed that I seduced him. Daniela supported me, claiming that we had both slept in the guest room that night.

However, Dwayne was adamant that I had willingly entered his room, believing that the thing that happened between us was my fault, and mine alone.

I felt helpless and devastated, robbed of my dignity and left to cry in solitude.

In an effort to spare me and my family from embarrassment, Dwayne's parents made the decision that we should get married.

Dwayne reacted with anger upon hearing this. He almost shouted to the world that he didn't love me and that I was to blame for what had transpired between us.

But in a moment of reflection, he regretted his outburst. His mother suffered a heart attack, and out of guilt, he agreed to marry me despite his initial opposition.

I pleaded with Dwayne's parents not to force him into this marriage, as I couldn't fathom what he might truly be feeling. However, they explained that they didn't want to bring embarrassment upon me and my family, nor did they want to jeopardize someone's future.

The Estrio family, a prominent politician in our place, to which Dwayne belonged, was well-respected and kind-hearted, even among the politicians I knew. Daniela's father served as a Congressman in our district, while her mother held the position of Vice Mayor in our city. Despite their status, they remained humble, earning the loyalty of even those who opposed them during elections.

Perhaps it was their desire to protect their family's reputation that led them to make this decision.

So, one week after the incident with Dwayne, our parents reached an agreement, and our wedding was scheduled for one month after our engagement. And today was the day.

As I made my way down the aisle of the church, where Dwayne stood alongside his parents, my heart pounded with anticipation and uncertainty.

Even with his back turned, Dwayne looked handsome in his suit. Well, with how deeply I was inlove with him, I may even think that perhaps even his feet were so attractive than any other men around.

I had known Dwayne since fourth grade, it was all because Daniela had been my friend since first grade. Despite their wealth, they attended the same public school as me.

Back then, I was one of those who are victims of bullying due to my poverty and unkempt appearance, but Daniela stood up for me, and that's how our friendship blossomed.

We stuck together, shielding each other from the torment of bullies. In fourth grade, Daniela's brother transferred to our school, and the moment I laid eyes on him, I developed a crush that lasted throughout the years.

But I never understood why he never noticed me. I had the potential to be beautiful, if only my circumstances were different.

Throughout high school and college, my feelings for Dwayne remained unwavering. I couldn't explain why I remained loyal to him, even as other guys attempted to court me. Despite their efforts, I never gave anyone a chance because my thoughts were consumed by fantasies of Dwayne. I became an NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth).

So maybe, it was just acceptable for us to end together. After all, with meas his wife, it was just the same as winning a lottery. Why? Because unlike Kyla, I was a virgin when something happened between us. I have no experience with other men, because as what I have said, I am an NBSB.

Anyway, the wedding ceremony pressed on, despite Dwayne's somber demeanor that hung heavy in the air. I couldn't help but feel a knot of nerves in my stomach, fearing that when the priest asked him if he accepted me as his wife, he would respond with a resounding "no."

However, I heaved a sigh of relief when I hear him reluctantly said "Yes Father", a proof that he was just forces.

When the moment came for the long-awaited kiss, it was a mere peck, devoid of the passion and tenderness I had dreamt of.

Arggh! Why is he so stingy? It was just a kiss!

But in the end, I dared not voice my disappointment, for the anger etched on his face was unmistakable.

After the ceremony, we made our way to the opulent reception venue at a lavish five-star hotel. Everything exuded grandeur, but my husband, with his charming facade, carried a countenance that mirrored a person who just lose big time in a gamble.

Thankfully, he played his part dutifully, cooperating with all the festivities until the event reached the culmination.

Then, we were whisked away to our new abode. Yes! we alreay had a house under our name which would be our home in the coming days.

The house gifted by Dwayne's affluent parents, allowing us to embark on our married life without delay. It was a convenient arrangement, considering they were the esteemed owners of the very subdivision our home was nestled in.

As night fell and the wedding chaos subsided, we finally arrived at our new sanctuary. Our parents accompanied us inside, engaging in light-hearted conversation and imparting words of wisdom. They urged us to steer clear of conflicts and live in harmonious bliss.

When they bid their farewells and drove away, leaving Dwayne and me alone, an eerie silence settled over the house. Dwayne's solemn expression deepened as he watched our parents' car disappear beyond the gate.

Seating himself on the sofa, far from my reach, he fixed me with an intense gaze that sent shivers down my spine.

"Well? How does it feel to finally attain what you have desired?" he questioned, his voice dripping with anger.

"H-huh?" I stammered, my nerves getting the better of me.

"Don't give me that b*llsh*t! you knew what I meant," he snapped, his anger palpable. "You've shattered my dreams and upended my life just to fulfill your own desires. You know that yourself, so don't give me that innocent look! Your acting is disgusting!"

"Well, since you ruined my future, prepare yourself," he declared, his fury evident as he rose to his feet and ascended the stairs to the second floor. "For I will make your life a living hell." He continued and I heard a loud bang as he slammed the door in the room above.

I was left speechless by his words. I just stared at where he was standing nervously, as I can feel that he really mean what he just said.