Married by Mistake, Desired by Fate

Chapter 3 - Confused

Sienna Koch

I was back home, just for the wedding, and somehow I felt out of place. This house didn't feel like a home anymore. The luxury that surrounded me was overwhelming. I had gotten used to the simplicity of my room at the convent.

I was wearing novice habits, not a garment that would enhance my looks, not clothes that would show off that I was there to impress. I have only dared wear a dress that made a statement once in my life, and that had been enough. My sister was the epitome of a bridezilla, and my trip´s goal was to steer clear of her path.

The next day, we took a plane and flew out to an exotic beach where the wedding was to be held. Of course, Scarlett would have chosen something like that. Awkwardly, I boarded the plane with every single guest, and once we landed, I made myself scattered. It was awkward enough to have a guest dressed in habits, but more out of place to be dressed like this, on the beach under the sunset.

Two more days until the wedding, two more torturous days until I can get back to the safety of the convent. I can do this… my heart has hardened, I don´t expect anything from them… I just have to show up, and then leave them behind… that was the plan, and I intend to stick to it.

A soft knock on my door called my attention. “Mother,” I opened the door, and she walked in.

“Can you not wear those hideous clothes to the wedding?” she sighed, and I looked at her.

“I am a novice mother, this is what we wear, for every occasion,” I said, and she took a frustrated breath.

“Your Aunt Claire bought you a proper dress…” she said, and I shook my head.

“Why are you being this dense? Where is my docile daughter?” she gasped, and I chuckled. It was not a soft chuckle, but a sardonic one.

“Buried under betrayal, mother…” I stood up and walked towards the door, “Now, if you may excuse me, I am tired.” I opened the door and waited for her to leave.

I took a deep breath, and five minutes later, another knock on my door almost made me groan… “Delivery for Miss Koch.” A voice said, and I opened up. Several people walked in. “Miss Claire Devereux, send this for you to wear during your stay,” a woman announced, and instructed everyone to set everything inside my closet.

I didn't thank them, I didn't say a word, clearly pissed about how she dares go against my will, again. Before they left, the woman giving instructions turned around, “You are expected at dinner, you must wear the blue gown,” she said, and I almost laughed… They can try to boss me around, but I dare you to force me into giving them more of me than what I have already given them.

I sighed and took a deep breath. I didn´t want to be here… yet here I was… I am yet to find what God wants for me…

I lay on the bed, because there was nothing else for me to do, and fell asleep… By dinner time, I stood up, adjusted my habits, and walked down to the hotel hall where the dinner reception was being held.

Aunt Claire and Mother glared at me, certainly displeased with my choice of clothing. Scarlett looked radiant, and beside her was a smiling Frederick. God! Seeing them like this was the final stab, shattering my frozen heart. I will never dare trust or love anyone in my life…

I made my way to my assigned table, and then Scarlett looked at me. “Oh, God, Sienna… you scared the bejesus out of me, you look even sicker!” She pressed her hand to her chest, showing off the shiny diamond ring on her ring finger.

“Well, I am fine, thanks for your concern,” I said softly, and she gave me a tight smile.

I sat beside my mother, and she looked my way. "Can't you be more in tune with the dress code?” Mother said, and I looked around, noticing that everyone was wearing blues and whites, while I had my black habit.

“This is what nuns or novices wear for formal events…” I said, and she huffed.

“Let's get this dinner over,” she sighed, and I sat there with my head held high.

People laughed and beamed, while I sat there, silent, observant, invisible.

“Welcome everybody… We are delighted to have you here on such a special occasion.” Aunt Claire took the microphone with her usual beauty, poise, and control. “We have gathered here tonight to celebrate the future union of my son, Frederick, to Scarlett. Fred and Scar, may this be the beginning of a bright future, full of love, prosperity, and happiness…" She lifted her champagne glass, and everyone toasted.

I refrained from drinking… I was forced into this position; I had not a single thing to celebrate. Scarlett suddenly left the table. “I need to go to the restroom,” she announced, and Frederick gave her a tender smile. She rushed out of the hall and turned towards the bathroom. I suddenly had a funny feeling down the pit of my stomach, and I excused myself.

“I need some air,” I said, and my mother nodded.

I walked in the direction where I saw Scarlett walk, and somehow, the funny feeling never left the pit of my stomach. Suddenly, I was stopped by a gruff voice. “Say it, Sienna, say you love me…” the man´s voice said, and a breathless woman sighed.

“God! I love you, Sal… I do…” she said, and when I turned the corner and peeked behind the door, the woman was my sister Scarlett… and she was being kissed by another man!

With quiet steps, I moved away, stumbling on a vase, breaking it… “Who is there?” the man asked, and I ran, because I had no idea how to put all of this s**t together. Scarlett was kissing a man, a different man who was not her fianceé. The man declared his love to her, but didn't call her by her name, but mine… I clearly heard him say Sienna… What is all this about?

My mind reeled, and I didn't stop until I was back in the safety of my room. We were on a private island, and only guests were allowed in, so this mysterious man was either Scarlett´s guest or Frederick´s.

No one came looking for me. Close to midnight, I decided that if sleep didn't come to me, I should do something to get my mind at peace, so I decided to walk down the shore. I was wearing a cotton camisole, and suddenly I found myself wrapping a white robe over it. Long forgotten habits, it was just me, my thoughts, my shattered heart, and this sinking feeling that announced something was about to happen.

The water washed down the shore, soaking my feet, the moon was high up in the sky, the fresh breeze tangled my golden locks, in what I would later find to be untangleable knots. Somehow, in the midst of all that had happened, at that very moment, I felt free.

I was out on the beach for about an hour and then decided to go back to my room. I removed my robe and went to sleep, only to be woken up by banging on my door early in the morning.

Begrudgingly, I woke up and opened the door. “Finally!” Scarlett barged into my room, and I was confused about whatever drama she had been brewing.

“I was asleep… it is six in the morning…” I said, and she sighed.

“Well, I know, don't you think I know?” she barked, and I sighed.

“What do you want?” I said defeated,

“He is here… God! He is here!” she said, pacing my room, not making sense of anything.

“What? Who?” I muttered, my brain half asleep, half confused, and completely scrambled.

“Salvatore! Salvatore Di Marco!” she said the name as if I should know who the hell he was!

“He is friends with Frederick!” she sighed, and I looked at her as if she had grown a second head, thrown a smelly fart in the middle of the room, and peed herself, all at once.

I didn´t dare ask a question; it was none of my business, “And someone might have seen us last night!” She was completely out of herself. I knew who that someone was, but I was not going to make things easy for her, not after how they had treated me.

Suddenly, she stopped and walked towards my door. She opened it, and in walked my mother. I barely slept last night, and now I have an unannounced family meeting being held in the middle of my room.

“Mom!” Scarlett looked at her, and she slowly walked towards her and slapped her. What the f**k is happening here?