Chapter 4: A Love Lost
923 Words
Sebastian noticed Melissa has been acting differently. He then thought of cheering her up. A day before their wedding, he thought of showing Melissa the surprise he's been working on for a while.
"I have something to show you," Sebastian said.
"What's that?" Melissa asked, confused.
"You'll find out when we get there," Sebastian replied.
Sebastian drove to an estate uptown. It was almost a 45-minute drive. He parked at a villa and opened Melissa's door, guiding her out.
"I'm going to cover your eyes with a scarf so you won't peek, okay?" Sebastian said playfully.
"Okay, I promise," Melissa chuckled.
With care, Sebastian led her forward, only removing the scarf once they arrived at the mansion. Melissa gasped, marveling at the stunning interior.
"Wow, this place is absolutely gorgeous," she exclaimed, taking in the lavish surroundings.
"This is where we'll live and have our family," Sebastian said.
"This huge house?" Melissa asked, surprised.
"There's more," Sebastian said, leading her upstairs.
Opening a door, Melissa covered her mouth in amazement.
"This is the nursery. For our babies," Sebastian said, embracing her from behind.
The nursery was perfect. Sebastian had designed it precisely as Melissa had described.Overwhelmed with joy, Melissa was astonished by his thoughtfulness.
"What did I do to deserve you?" she asked, her heart filled with gratitude.
"I feel like the luckiest man on earth to have you in my life. You mean the whole world to me," Sebastian replied, hugging her.
As they checked other rooms, Melissa's vision became hazy.
"Sebastian..." she trailed off before collapsing.
Panicked, Sebastian rushed her to the hospital.
"How is she, Doctor?" Sebastian asked anxiously.
"She's fine. Congratulations, your fiancée is three weeks pregnant. Her dizziness was likely due to not eating well," the doctor explained.
A twisting knot formed in Sebastian's gut, a whirlwind of emotions raging within him. Anger, rage, and disappointment warred for dominance, each vying for his attention. All he truly desired was to find whoever had harmed Melissa and give them a well-deserved beating.
Sebastian put a call across to Victoria, then informed her of Melissa being admitted. However, he couldn't bring himself to disclose the news of Melissa's pregnancy.
When Melissa regained consciousness, she only saw her mother.
“Mum, did you see Sebastian?”
“Yes baby, he left the moment I walked in.”
“That's unlike him. Maybe he has an emergency to run to. Besides, tomorrow's our wedding.”
The doctor walked in shortly. “Oh, you're awake. Where's your fiance? Has he left already?”
“Yes, he had an emergency to attend to.”
“Okay. These are your vitamins. Congratulations once more on your baby.”
Melissa looked at the doctor with confusion.
“What do you mean, doctor?” Victoria asked.
“The test shows your daughter is three weeks pregnant.”
“No! No!” Melissa screamed.
“Excuse me please, I'll let you have your moment.”
“Mum, why..why me?” Melissa's eyes filled with tears.
“Shh, it's okay baby. I'm with you in this.” Victoria comforts Melissa in a warm embrace while hiding her own tears, trying to be strong for her daughter.
Melissa got discharged but kept dialing Sebastian's line, unfortunately no response. Her mind was filled with worry that she had to cancel her bridal shower on short notice.
***The Wedding Day****
“Mum, he's not answering. I've been calling his line since yesterday.”
“You're going to ruin your makeup. He might be at the altar waiting for you.”
Melissa couldn't shake off the feeling of uneasiness. Already dressed in her white wedding dress, she couldn't help but worry.
It was time for the wedding ceremony. Melissa got to the venue, still uncertain. She felt a relief when she saw Sebastian standing by the altar.
“I told you not to worry, darling.” Victoria encouraged her.
Melissa walked down the aisle and it was time to exchange their wedding vows. Melissa had finished saying hers and it was time for Sebastian to say his. She looked at him with eagerness, eyes filled with anticipation.
"Do you, Sebastian Marni, take Melissa Jones to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?" The priest asked.
Sebastian remained silent.
The priest repeats himself again. Sebastian still remained silent. His mind racing to the twofold loss he's gotten by being with Melissa. First, someone else has taken Melissa's innocence while he respected her wish to remain pure before marriage and the bough that breaks the Camel's back was getting pregnant by the same stranger whom they didn't know. What was his gain in this union after all. Is it really worth it?
"Sebastian?" Melissa quietly called, breaking him from his thoughts.
"Sebastian, please say something. Everyone is watching," she quietly pleaded.
Melissa watched as tears trickled down Sebastian's cheeks.
"Melissa, I'm sorry. It's too much. I can't go through with this," he confessed.
"Sebastian, please. Remember our promise to each other."
"I've accepted the loss of someone else having you, but carrying his child? I... I can't," Sebastian explained, his voice shaking.
"Sebastian, please," Melissa's eyes welled up with tears.
The congregation was left in confusion, trying to understand the conversation between the couple instead of witnessing their vows.
Sebastian turned to walk away from the altar, causing a commotion among the guests.
- Writer
