Beautiful Mistake (Us against The World)

Chapter 1

It was a pleasant afternoon in the lively city of makati. The streets buzzed with life, but in one serene part of the city, the sound of wedding bells filled the air. Guests dressed in elegant white streamed into a beautifully decorated outdoor venue, settling into their seats.

Inside a quiet room, Maya Lucas Antonio stood in front of a full-length mirror. At twenty-three, her striking Filipino Italian features were complemented by a simple, elegant dress that skimmed her toes. Her long brown hair was styled perfectly, and her veil framed her delicate face. Yet, despite her beauty, Maya's expression was far from joyful.

The sound of a familiar voice broke the silence.

You don’t have to do this, someone said softly.

Startled, Maya turned to see Isabella, her friend. Relief flickered across her face.

Isabella, I wasn’t expecting you, Maya said.

“How could I miss my best friend’s wedding?” Isabella replied with a smile, stepping closer and placing her hands on Maya’s arms. You look beautiful, you know.

Thanks, Maya murmured. I wish you didn’t have to see me like this.

Maya, you don’t have to go through with this, Isabella said gently.

There’s nothing I can do, Maya replied, her voice tinged with sadness. But there’s something I need to tell you. You must promise to keep it a secret.

Maya, come on. We’ve known each other since childhood. You know you can trust me.

Maya hesitated, glancing toward the door. It’s about Riccardo. There is something I need to tell you about him.

What about him, Isabella inquired curiously.

Before she could continue, a sharp voice interrupted them.

Maya, it’s time, a firm voice called.

Maya turned to see her mother, Beatrice, standing in the doorway. Isabella stepped back quickly.

I will leave now, Isabella said with a small nod. See you later.

Beatrice entered the room, her face glowing with excitement as she looked at Maya.

My dear Maya, you look stunning, she exclaimed. “Just perfect.

Maya didn’t respond. Her face remained blank.

Don’t give me that look," her mother said, her tone firm. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Hundreds of girls would kill to be in your shoes. Becoming part of the Alessandro family is a dream.

But, Mom, I'm not one of those girls, this is not a dream for me, rather it is a nightmare. Maya said softly," I don't even love him.

You don’t have to love him, Beatrice replied, brushing aside her protest. You will learn to love him with time. Marrying Riccardo will secure our family’s future. That’s all that matters.

“Mom, this isn’t what I want,” Maya pleaded.

Beatrice’s tone hardened. Enough, Maya. I have made my decision, and you’ll go through with this wedding. Now, don’t keep the guests waiting.

With that, his mother stormed out of the room. Maya stared at her reflection in the mirror, tears streaming down her face. She wiped them away and took a deep breath, her hand brushing the cool surface of the mirror.

“Let’s get this over with,” she whispered to herself.

Gathering her composure, Maya stepped outside. The sleek black Rolls-Royce provided by the Alessandro family awaited her. As she approached the car, her younger sister, Sophia, ran up to her.

Maya, you look so beautiful. Sophia beamed and loved your dress.

Maya forced a small smile for her sister’s sake. Thank you, Sophia.

You will be fine alright, Sophia said, and maya just smiled, nodding.

But as she climbed into the car, her heart felt heavier than ever. This wasn’t the wedding she had dreamed of, but there was no turning back now.

As the car rolled through the gates of the venue, Maya sat stiffly in the back seat, her mother beside her, radiating excitement. Up front, Sophia chatted happily with the driver.

The car came to a gentle stop, and through the tinted windows, Maya caught her first full glimpse of the wedding venue. It was breathtaking.

Rows of chairs were draped in white and gold, flower arrangements lined the aisle. Guests filled the seats, chatting and smiling as they awaited the bride. The bridesmaids and flower girls were already in position.

Sophia hopped out first, joining the bridesmaids with a beaming smile.

Maya’s mother turned to her with a reassuring yet firm look. Is this not the kind of wedding you have always dreamed of? A grand affair, a perfect setting. Everything is just as it should be.

Maya didn’t respond, her hands trembling slightly on her lap.

You will be just fine," her mother continued. Now walk down that aisle and make your family proud.

Without waiting for a reply, Beatrice stepped out of the car and gracefully joined the guests, her demeanor one of pride and satisfaction.

The procession began. Bridesmaids and flower girls walked down the aisle to soft, melodic music, scattering petals and eliciting smiles from the crowd. Everyone seemed joyful, except Maya.

Taking a deep breath, Maya opened the car door and stepped out. A wave of cheers and claps greeted her as she stood at the entrance, her veil covering her face. She forced herself to take the first step, her movements graceful and deliberate.

Every eye was on her, and Maya felt the weight of their expectations with every step she took. She scanned the crowd, her gaze landing briefly on familiar faces, her family, her childhood friend Isabella, other guests, and the Alessandro family, sitting with an air of superiority.

Finally, her eyes found Riccardo. He stood at the altar, tall and composed, waiting for her. But to Maya, his expression wasn’t one of love or excitement, it was cold, detached. All she could see in his face was pain, anger, and a darkness that matched her own turmoil.

Her heart raced as the distance between them closed. Each step felt heavier than the last, her breathing quickening. She blinked back tears, but they escaped anyway, rolling silently down her cheeks, unnoticed by the crowd.

Halfway down the aisle, Maya’s steps faltered. Her chest ached. She stopped, her tearful gaze locking onto Riccardo’s unreadable face.

No, she whispered, shaking her head. Her voice grew louder. No, I can’t do that.

Gasps rippled through the audience as Maya tossed her bouquet onto the ground. Without a second thought, she turned and ran, her veil trailing behind her.

The crowd erupted in shocked murmurs. Her mother called out, “Maya! Come back!” but Maya didn’t stop. She ran past the car, past the gates, and into the open street. Ripping off her veil and entering a cab, leaving behind the perfect wedding that wasn’t hers to begin with.