The Jilted Bride

Chapter One

It was a windy Sunday morning. The people are busy walking down on the street, some are busy scrolling their phones, some are sitting on the benches and reading newspaper magazines. The kids on the playground are happily playing, some are running and some are swinging and jumping in glee. There are families that was having a quality time together, trying to catch up with the other family members.

I am inside the coffee shop, sitting in one corner and watching the people around me who was spending their time with their love ones. I was smiling to myself and contentedly observed them. “What a beautiful day!” I exclaimed and stretched out my arms, I yawned. It’s still early in the morning but I forced myself to get up on my bed and take a walk. It’s my stress reliever, being a college teacher is somehow exhausting but I love my job. I love teaching my students and I even treat them as my own child.

I glanced at my cellular phone that was placed on the table. My boyfriend, Kenji is still not sending me a message. Maybe he was still asleep. I don’t even want to disturb him. I lifted the cup of black coffee and smelled it. I closed my eyes as I breathe in the aroma of the brewed coffee. So comforting! I took a little sip and nod my head. Even the taste of it was refreshing. Now I understand why is it called, “The drink of the gods.” I finished my coffee before leaving the shop. I thanked the barista and the guard that was on duty.

I wore my tinted shades and scanned the whole place. I brushed my fingers through my medium length hair and started to walk. While I am walking my phone rang, I checked first who’s the caller before answering. “Dear,” I sweetly said. I am referring to my best friend Orfelia, the heiress of Daylan Winery’s. She has a bitchy attitude but tolerable. She’s not that bad but she’s throwing tantrum like a five year old kid if she didn’t get what she want. She’s a spoiled brat but she has a good heart, she’s sweet and very charming.

“Are you in your apartment?!” she asked with a high pitched voice. Then I heard her scream on the other line. She’s scolding her nanny, again.

“I’m not home. I am heading to Kenji’s condo right now. We have a plan to meet his mother, Tita Margarita.” I stated and stop from walking to see my reflection in the glass of a boutique. My lips curved into smile and gently turn sideways to check my back.

“Oh?! Okey! Take care!” My brows furrowed and stared at my phone. Why does she sound so mad? Did I do something? I shrugged my shoulder while shaking my head in disbelief before putting my phone inside of my sling bag.

I continued walking until I reached my destination. I inhaled the fresh air before getting inside in the condominium building. I greeted the guard and smiled at every people that I see. My phone rang again and this time, it’s Kenji who was calling me. I gladly picked up my phone and answered his call.

“Good morning, Hon!” I greeted him with a wide smile on my face, I even wave even though he can’t see me. He chuckle on the other line and cleared his throat. “I bet you’re waving in the air while greeting me,” he said confidently. I giggled and nodded with my chin. “You coming here?” He asked after a few minutes. “Yes, I’m on the ground floor. I’m heading to the elevator.”

He hummed softly, “Stay in the lobby, I’ll be the one coming down there.” He ended the call without bidding a goodbye. I’m being clingy again. I go straight to the lobby and waited for him patiently. I’m observing the people that are passing by. I placed my both palms on my lap and swayed my feet slowly. I waited a little longer and quickly stood up after seeing Kenji coming up to me. He was walking confidently and ignoring the people around him. He was just looking at me with a stoic expression on his face. He licked his lower lip and gave me a boyish smile. Just perfect! My soon-to-be husband is attractive in my eyes.

“The way you stared at me makes me feel nervous.” I laughed and shrugged my shoulder before running to him and tiptoed to give him a peck on his lips. He took a step back and tried to stop me. I confusedly look at him in the eye but he just smiled and kissed me on my head. He then snaked his arms on my waist. “Let’s go to my Mom’s house, I will introduce you to her.”

He used his Black Bugatti Chiron as our mode of transportation going to his Mother’s house. He’s the one driving and I’m on the passengers seat. I am holding the seatbelt and looking outside the window. I’m familiarizing the route we’re taking. It looks like this is a private land. I don’t see any houses around the neighborhood.

There’s a silence between us but it wasn’t awkward. I glanced at him over my shoulder and reached for his hand. He smiled and hold my left hand and didn’t let go of it while he’s driving. Such a sweet gesture. His eyes are fixed on the road and I am just staring at him. I removed my seatbelt and leaned on his shoulder, I hugged his waist and give him butterfly kisses on his shoulder.

“You’re being clingy again, Hon. Do you missed me?” he asked me sweetly and pinched the bridge of my nose. I squealed and teasingly bit his earlobe. “Yes, Hon, I missed you. It feels like I haven’t seen you for years. Is it normal?” He laughed out loud and messed my hair. “You’re so adorable, Honey. And maybe it’s normal when you are in love.” I smirked playfully and kissed his shoulder before leaning towards the window. I placed my hear in the window and watched the tall trees that we passed by.

“We’re here!” he announced after a few minutes of driving. Finally! We arrived. The large and tall golden gate automatically opened and my mouth dropped. The house— no, the Mansion rather, is huge and has a medieval design mixed with modern architecture. “You didn’t tell me that you live in this beautiful mansion.” I am so fascinated. He chuckled and pulled over. Even their garage is very classy, perks of being rich. I wonder how much money they spent on this mansion. I stepped out of the car and my eyes widen upon seeing the brand new cars. It’s not even available on the market because it’s limited and too expensive.

“C'mon, Mom’s waiting inside.” I immediately followed him and I was taken aback by the butlers that are standing in front of the door. They are wearing a uniform that’s similar to a soldiers. Even their housemaids are wearing a cute and comfortable uniform similar to what I have seen in animated Japanese series. Kenji wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him. Everyone bowed making the atmosphere a little awkward. Is it even necessary?

“Welcome back, Young Master!” They said in unison and bowed their heads.

“Son! Welcome home!” I stiffened after hearing a loud strict voice coming from the second floor. I turned my gaze up and found a beautiful lady that is standing elegantly. She looks sophisticated and strict but she has a sweet smile plastered on her face. She waved at Kenji and began to walked down the stairs. “You came just on time. Our lunch is already ready.” She stopped in the middle of the stairs and looked at me from head to toe. I feel anxious by the way she stared at me. Her black orbs are terrifying. “Mom, this is Ivien my soon-to-be wife.” Kenji kissed my temple and I noticed how his mother smirked mischievously. It’s giving me chills and I can feel my hands getting sweaty.

“You look nervous, Ivien. My name’s Margarita Deanne. I am Kenji’s mother. Nice to meet you, darling,” she said sweetly and come off the stairs. She welcomed me with a warm, motherly hug. I closed my eyes and hugged her back. “Nice to meet you, too, Ma’am Margarita.” She let go of me and touched my face gently. She tapped my cheek lightly. “Just call me, Mamá Margarita, and welcome to the family!” She happily squealed and dragged me to the dining. Kenji, on the other hand, excused himself because someone is calling him.

“Is the food ready, Chef Martinéz? My son and his girlfriend is already here and I bet they’re already starving.” I saw the Chef she was talking too, she was wearing a black chef’s jacket and wearing a red apron. Mamá Margarita motioned me to go to her. “By the way, this is Ivien. What’s your surname, darling?” she asked me politely. “Morris, my name is Ivien Morris.”

Mamá Margarita's forehead wrinkled after hearing my full name. “Morris? Are you related to the owner of Moraison Restaurant, Mrs. Erine Morris?”

“I don’t know her,” I answered honestly. She shrugged her shoulder and told me to sit which I certainly did. Mamá Margarita and the Chef was whispering and I don’t have any idea what they’re talking about. Few minutes later, we are already feasting on the aromatic and savory cuisines that are served to us. It was only me and Mamá Margarita on the dining table because Kenji is still on his room and I don’t know what he is doing. He just informed his mother that he’s finishing something.

“So Ivien. What is your family’s business?” she suddenly asked me. I swallowed the food before answering. “My mother owned a small grocery store in the province, but we don’t have a communication so I don’t know how’s it.” I was referring to the grocery. She sliced the steak while nodding her head. “How 'bout you? Do you have a company, or a business?” I shake my head as an answer. “Oh! I remembered that you’re a teacher.”

I smiled, Kenji must’ve tell a lot of stories about me. “Yes, I’m a college teacher in a public school and—”

She dropped her spoon and stared at me intensely. “Did I hear it right? In a public school?” she asked in dismay. “I thought you’re teaching in one of the prestigious University or School for elites. I didn’t expect you to be a public teacher.” I don’t know but it sounded like an insult but I still smile. Maybe I didn’t meet her expectations.

“I will be honest with you. I don’t like you for my son. The first time that I saw you, I already have this gut feeling and I’m right. I don’t want my son to marry a peasant like you, so leave him. Call off the wedding and if necessary, leave this country. Don’t ever show yourself to my son ever again.” I look at her in disbelief. Me? A peasant? I can’t believe this. I thought she’s nice.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Ma’am. But I’m not going to leave your son just like that. I love Kenji and we’re going to get married.” I said with finality.

Her lips twitched and her cheek reddened. She’s annoyed and it’s visible on her face. “How dare you talked back on me! There’s no way I’m going to let that wedding happened. Break up with Kenji. Do you want money? I’ll give it to you. He doesn’t deserve a lowlife girl like you.”

“I owned a big company that earn millions every week and it will be given to my son once he marry the girl that would give him and our company a lot of benefits, that would put our name in pedestal and you can’t give it to him, you’re not capable of it. You are just a teacher and no business at all. I can’t accept you for him.”

I inhaled a sharp breath and placed my right hand in my lap. The anger is building up in my mind but I remained calm. He’s still Kenji’s mother and I don’t want to disrespect her. “I won’t leave him,” I stated and drink from the water goblet. She gave me a sarcastic smile that turned into a laugh. She even hold her stomach while laughing.

“Ivien, I will kill you if you won’t break up with my son.” She threatened and glared at me and wiped her mouth before storming out of the dining room.