THE MASTER’S BRIDE

FORTH

CHAPTER 4

Days passed in a somber haze. The mansion, once vibrant with anticipation, now felt like a mausoleum—a quiet, heavy sadness pervading every corner. On the morning scheduled for the formal wedding ceremony between the Billionaire and his chosen bride, the atmosphere was almost funeral-like, despite the celebrations meant to mark the joyous occasion.

Just before the arrival of the guests, Mr. Gael Alfredo summoned Alia for a private moment in the dressing room. “May I have five minutes alone with you, please?” he requested softly, and her attendants quietly slipped away.

Inside the room, Gael sat opposite her, a simple chair between them. “You look so beautiful today,” he said, his tone gentle yet earnest. Alia, still reeling from the overwhelming events, managed a timid, “Thank you, sir,” her eyes fixed on the floor.

Gael lifted her chin delicately, meeting her gaze. “Alia, I know this is all very sudden. We haven’t had the chance to talk, and you haven’t had time to consider what this means. But I want you to trust me. I promise you that I will not hurt you or make you cry. I want us to start a new chapter together—one filled with understanding, respect, and love.”

Tears began to roll down Alia’s cheeks as she searched his eyes for any hint of deception. “But... why me?” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

The Master’s eyes softened. “Because, Alia, you have a light in you that no one else possesses. In a world filled with greed and betrayal, you are genuine, and that is why I need you by my side.”

For a long, heavy moment, the only sound in the room was the quiet ticking of a nearby clock. Then, with a shaky breath, Alia whispered, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

Gael reached out, taking her hand gently. “I do, and I promise, with all that I am, to make this work.”

As they sat together, lost in the gravity of their new reality, the distant sounds of the mansion—preparations, hushed conversations, and the soft clinking of silverware—reminded them that life was moving forward, irrevocably changed by one bold announcement.

And though the future was uncertain, one thing was clear: tonight, every heart in the Alfredo Mansion had been irrevocably touched by the power of a decision that defied expectations, setting the stage for both love and conflict in the days to come.

“I will be waiting for you downstairs,” he added. Rising gracefully, he brushed a tender kiss on her forehead before striding out toward the garden.

Moments later, the family lawyer arrived, his presence signaling that the wedding proceedings were about to begin. Alia, adorned in an elegant dress that accentuated her gentle beauty, walked down the aisle with a mix of thoughtful hope and apprehension. With every measured step, her heart fluttered—her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. “This decision I have made,” she whispered to herself as if making a silent vow to the heavens, “I commit it to fate.”

As she reached the end of the aisle, an appreciative murmur spread through the assembled guests. “Wow! I have never seen you in a dress like this,” one guest remarked quietly. “You look so beautiful, Alia. In a few minutes, you will be Queen Alia Alfredo!” another added with genuine admiration, as Mr. Gael himself praised her beauty.

With the ceremony in full swing, vows were exchanged, rings slid onto fingers, and the wedding certificate was signed. “It’s official!” the lawyer announced. “You are now husband and wife—Mr. and Mrs. Gael Alfredo!” The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, though not everyone shared the joyous sentiment.

While many guests congratulated the newlyweds, a few cast envious or disappointed glances. Marco and his brother, disapproving and bitter, vowed not to attend the rest of the ceremony, their faces set in grim determination. Meanwhile, Fernando—whose silent heartache had gone unnoticed—stood apart, his eyes reflecting a deep, unspoken sorrow. He could hardly believe that the love of his life had wed another, leaving him to wonder if he had truly lost the battle for her affection.

In the days that followed, life at the Alfredo Mansion took on a new, cold form. Although Mr. Gael’s love for Alia shone brightly, the icy treatment from her former colleagues and the constant scorn from her step-sons made the atmosphere overwhelming and unwelcoming. Still, amid the bitterness and isolation, her husband’s affection remained a small, steadfast light.

One afternoon, while Mr. Gael was immersed in his work in his study, Alia approached him hesitantly. “Sir! Sorry, honey,” she began, her voice trembling as she walked up behind his chair. With careful, deliberate movements, she reached for his shoulder and massaged it gently, as if seeking comfort in the familiar warmth of his touch.

“It’s been two weeks since you took me as your wife,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You haven’t laid a finger on me, or even held my hand. I must ask again—why did you choose me if you don’t find me attractive? We’ve been sharing the same bed, yet you’ve never even kissed me.” Her voice broke as she sobbed softly.

Mr. Gael turned his chair toward her, his face etched with concern. As her words spilled out, he listened intently. “This isn’t just about being married on paper, Alia,” he finally replied, his tone both gentle and firm. “A marriage must be alive with love and passion. I want to perform my husband’s duties to you, to cherish you as the queen you truly are.”

At the sound of her quiet sobs, Gael pulled her into his arms. He wiped away her warm tears with his left hand and pressed a tender kiss to her cheek. “You are the most beautiful, kind, calm, and reserved Alia I have ever known—my queen, my wife,” he murmured softly.

“My darling,” he continued, a gentle smile breaking through his earlier concern, “it’s barely a month since you became mine. How do you think I became a billionaire, a renowned business mogul? Patience, my love. I married you for the long term—to spend the remainder of my life with you. I still have many years ahead, and you are mine. There’s no need to rush anything when I have you forever.” His soft giggle and warm eyes tried to dispel the lingering doubts.

After a few moments, he added, “I’m currently settling some matters at headquarters so that even when I’m away, I can focus on you without worry. Oh my—now that the surprise is out, I might as well share the rest.” Both laughed, their laughter mingling with relief and shared hope.

“Alia,” he said, leaning in as he gently placed a finger on her lips, “you know we haven’t gone on our honeymoon yet, right? Shhh… don’t say anything just yet.” His tone turned conspiratorial as he continued, “I have everything planned out. By the end of the month, we’ll be in Dubai, enjoying the honeymoon of a lifetime. That’s also why I’ve been holding back—preserving all the beautiful moments just for us.”

Overwhelmed by the news, Alia hugged her husband tightly and gave him a soft peck on the cheek. “I didn’t know you had all these plans,” she whispered, her cheeks flushed with excitement and relief.

“My queen, I have everything arranged for our future. Just trust me and be calm, alright?” Mr. Gael reassured her, wrapping his arms around her once more.

“I’m sorry I overreacted,” she finally managed, her voice trembling with residual emotion. “I was just so overwhelmed and worried. I can’t wait for us to share beautiful moments together.” With a small smile, she added, “Okay, I’m going to bed now. I’ll let you finish up.” As she walked away, her steps lightened with the promise of a new beginning.

Yet, even in the midst of all this joy, the night held one more twist. As Alia turned restlessly from one edge of the bed to the other, a sudden, loud bang at the door startled her. “Who could that be?” she murmured, heart pounding in disbelief. “My husband wouldn’t hit the door to get into his own bedroom…”

Quickly, she covered herself with her robe and reached for the door, uncertainty and trepidation mingling in her eyes. The night, once filled with the hope of love and renewal, now shrouded itself in an ominous mystery—leaving Alia to wonder what other secrets the darkness might hold.