The Marriage Gamble

Chapter 3

Leonardo's POV

I stood in front of the altar while feeling a twist in my stomach as I looked at the crowd. All around me were aquaintances, coworkers and a buzz of excitement in the air. Sunlight poured in through the colorful windows, creating bright patterns on the shiny floor, but my eyes were locked on the door at the back.

Today was huge—my wedding day, the day I would marry Lucia Garcia, the woman I had dreamed of for what felt like forever. Just moments ago, the organist began playing the wedding march, and the sound made me feel excited and nervous. I fixed my bow tie, trying to push away the feeling that something was wrong.

Then the doors opened.

There she was—Lucia—beautiful and shining in her lovely white dress. The veil over her face made her seem mysterious but even from afar I could see the joy in her eyes shining through the fine lace. As she started walking down the aisle with her dad who looked both proud and a bit anxious. I felt a rush of feelings.

“Wow.” I heard a Eduardo say next to me, and I couldn't help but smile it was a response that showed the wonder we all felt together.

As Lucia got closer, I saw her shiver a little. Was it the cold of early spring, or was she nervous? I felt a strong urge to protect her all I wanted was to hug her tight and tell her that everything would be okay.

“Take a breath, Leo,” I quietly told myself, close enough for the guests to notice. Finally, she came to me, and the priest’s voice disappeared as I concentrated only on her.

“Dear friends.” the priest started, and my heart raced with every word.

We made promises to love and support each other forever. But I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I looked around for Sofia. She was supposed to be here. Panic hit me as I wondered where where was she?

“Do you want to marry this woman…?” the priest asked, looking at me with significance.

“Yes, I do!” I said suddenly, my own voice catching me off guard.

Soft whispers moved through the crowd as the priest brought us closer to our kiss. I carefully raised her veil, and our eyes met. I couldn’t help but touch her cheek lightly, but she shivered again. Was it joy? Nervousness?

“Just us.” I said quietly, wishing my words could calm any troubles below. I moved closer and kissed her gently—a light, careful touch that sparked sensations all over me.

All I could focus on was the sound of our kiss, my thoughts racing and blocking out everything else.

When we finally let go, Lucia looked so happy, but she was still thin and shaking, obviously still feeling the cold—a nervous bride. Our eyes met with so much left unsaid, but soon the loud cheers and claps filled the church, covering up our worries.

***

Later, at my dad's house, shadows moved on the walls as laughter echoed around the room. The party was lively, with cheers and happiness everywhere. I managed through the crowd—shaking hands and getting friendly pats on the back—even though I wasn't great at social events.

“Leo! Come over here, you good-looking guy!” My dad called as he pulled me toward his friends from work. “You know, marrying Lucia will bring us many new opportunities.”

“Yes, Dad.” I said with a forced smile, looking around the room. I kept glancing at the place where Sofia should be. Her missing presence bothered me, but I tried to set aside my annoyance, telling myself it was only because she was sick.

“I knew you would pick a great choice.” one of my partners said, clearly amazed. “She's a gem.”

“Thanks,” I said, even though I felt like just a piece in a game I didn’t really get. “She deserves it.”

But with every casual conversation, the voice in my head got louder, reminding me that Sofia was missing. Just when I felt myself getting caught up in the small talk, I noticed Lucia standing quietly nearby, her eyes far away, just watching the happiness around us.

“Sorry for a minute,” I said, leaving my job as the friendly host. I walked over to her, the sounds of laughter and talking fading away as I got closer.

“Lucia?” I said quietly. “Are you okay?”

She turned to me and gave a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just... thinking about everything, I guess.”

“It's a lot to handle.” I said. “Do you want to go home? It's okay if you—”

“No.” she said, sounding thoughtful. “I mean—maybe later. I just need a minute.” She looked away again, and I wished I knew how to make her feel better.

“Alright, we have all night.” I said to her, looking back at the people talking and laughing.

As time passed, we talked nicely and slowly moved into a calmer chat while drinking. Still, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling inside something seemed really wrong.

***

In the car on our way home, it was oddly quiet. The city lights flashed past, making a calming beat against the dark outside. I looked at Lucia, sensing a strange tension in the air.

“Hey,” I said, breaking the quiet. “Are you okay? You look... like you’re deep in thought.”

“I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, to be honest.” she said, still looking at the view outside. “Everything is just so... strong.”

“Being intense can be okay, you know. We’ll solve this together.” I wanted to be her support, even if she felt far away—almost like a spirit moving through the dark.

“Thanks for that, Leo. I really mean it. I just want some peace right now.”

“Sure.” I said, realizing she needed some alone time, especially at this moment.

The minutes dragged on, each one lasting forever, until we finally got to my house. The moonlight spilled over the entrance, shining bright, signaling the start of our new life together. At the door, I looked back at her, hoping to see how she felt.

“Lucia, I’ll show you around,” I said, taking her inside.

“Maybe later,” she said quietly but firmly. “I just need some time alone right now.”

“Okay,” I said, opening my bedroom door. “It seems like a lot. You can go slow.”

“Thanks a lot.” she said, her eyes showing some thankfulness. She walked in, pausing for a second. “I'll be okay. I just need—”

“Take your time,” I said to her before going outside. “I’ll just get something fast.”

***

Sofia's POV

He wasn't gone for long when the door open again and he walked in with a twinkle of desire in his eyes.

“So, my dear Lucia,” Leonardo said softly, his hands touching me gently. “I’ve waited forever for another moment like this. I’m going to enjoy every moment with you.”

I felt a chill from his touch, feeling both scared and excited. He took his time taking off my clothes, his fingers moving over my skin. I had to bite my lip to stop myself from gasping. I had never felt anything like this before.

“You're really beautiful.” he said softly, looking at my bare body. I felt shy and vulnerable under his intense stare. He laid me on the bed, with his body over me.

I got nervous as he moved between my legs. I had never done this before. Would he know it was my first time? I shut my eyes, preparing for the pain I expected would come.

But as he gently entered me, it didn't hurt as much as I expected. It felt strange, being stretched and filled completely. He began to move, and I gasped at the new feelings. It started to feel nice, really nice.

“Lucia,” he sighed, pressing his face into my neck. “You feel wonderful. So snug.”

I sighed gently, enjoying the feeling. My hips began to move with his pushes. I was amazed at how right it felt. He felt so great inside me, touching spots I never knew could feel so good.

We moved together, our bodies matching perfectly. I could feel myself getting nearer and nearer to the end. “Leonardo.” I breathed, my nails pressing into his back. “I'm...I'm about to...”

He kissed me deeply as we both felt the intense moment together. I cried out in bliss, my body shaking from my first orgasm. He fell on me, and we both breathed heavily.

As I opened my eyes, I saw a look of total shock and confusion on Leonardo's face. He slowly pulled away from me, and I felt a rush of liquid follow. I cringed, understanding what it was. Blood. Evidence of my lost innocence.

“What is going on?” Leonardo shouted, his voice full of anger. He held my hips and turned me to look at him closely. His eyes squinted as he studied my face, and his look changed to one of rage.

“You’re not Lucia!” he yelled, pushing me away. I jumped off the bed, quickly trying to hide myself with the sheet…