Loving The Heartless Man

Chapter 2

Elara Pov

I was just staring blankly and without reaction while being made up by the makeup artist sent by my mother's friend, my future mother-in-law.

After some thought, I decided to agree to marry the son of my mother's friend. I thought that what I would do was for my father's well-being. And besides, I planned that after I got pregnant with that man, I would divorce him. And then, I would return to my own life. Unrestrained. Meanwhile, my father's life would be extended. On the side of my future husband, they wouldn't lose out because my child would go to them, so they would have the heir they dreamed of. I know that my child's life will be okay with them. They are rich and could provide for my child's needs, so I won't worry about leaving my child with them.

After I agreed to marry the son of my mother's friend, we immediately met with my future mother-in-law. Even though I hadn't met my husband-to-be yet, our wedding was quickly arranged. They had the money, so they took care of all the expenses, from my wedding dress to the wedding reception, which I requested to be simple and only immediate family from both sides would attend. All I had to do was go to the church and complete the wedding ceremony.

I know that my husband-to-be is also being forced to marry me. That's why he never once accompanied his mother when meeting with me and my mom even once. So he has no idea that I signed a contract with his mother, saying that I agreed to marry her son and give her a child in exchange for ten million pesos.

My future mother-in-law requested that we hide the contract we signed to her son. She said if her son finds out that the exchange for our marriage is a child and ten million, he definitely won't like it and might back out of the wedding. I don't know why her son agreed to marry me, but I didn't bother to find out the reason. I don't care about that anymore. My mind is made up that after I get pregnant and give birth, I will immediately divorce him. The contract I signed didn't state that I was not allowed to divorce her son, so I was free to divorce him after I gave birth.

"Are you really sure you want to do this, Elara? What if, in the end, you regret marrying someone you don't know? A man you don't love?" Liam asked me after the makeup artist finished with me and left my former room at my parents' house.

Ever since Liam found out about my marriage to a stranger, he immediately showed his disapproval. He said he would help find money to take my father abroad for treatment as long as I don't sacrifice my happiness. But my father's health cannot wait. As the days pass, it continues to worsen.

"Don't worry about me, Liam. I know what I'm doing. Besides, I'll only be married for about one to two years because I'll make sure to get pregnant by my husband right away after the wedding so I can give them the heir they dream of. When that happens, I can divorce my husband. And don't worry about me marrying a man I don't love because you know I no longer believe in love," I explained at length to Liam. It seemed that he still wasn't convinced by what I said, so I held his arm and gently squeezed it to let him feel that I was really okay.

Liam took a deep sigh when he realized that no matter what he said, my decision would not change.

"You look beautiful, my dear. I'm sure your future groom will fall in love with you at first sight. He might fall for you and never let you go," Liam couldn't help but praise me as he looked me over from head to toe.

"That's his problem. As for me, I won't change my mind about my plan."

We stopped talking when my mother suddenly entered the room. Liam immediately left to give us some time to talk privately.

My mom came up to me and held my hands. "My daughter is so beautiful. I never thought your wedding would be like this. It's far from what your dad and I dreamed for you." My mom's eyes suddenly clouded as she spoke.

"I'm sorry, 'Ma. I'm sorry." I couldn't stop myself. I hugged my mom while apologizing to her even though I didn't know what was wrong I did. Maybe because I chose to go away and stand on my own feet and leave them. And maybe because I deprived myself of seeing them for several years.

"I should be the one apologizing to you, Elara. I blamed you for what happened to your father. I didn't listen to your side. I was narrow-minded," my mother said tearfully while hugging me tightly. "I'm also sorry for forcing you to marry a man you don't love just to save your father's life."

"It's okay, 'Ma. I'm doing this for Papa," I replied to her tearfully.

"Oh! What is this? The bride's makeup is ruined. Stop being dramatic or the bride will look bad on her wedding day," Liam teased with a laugh as he returned to my room and saw Mama and me crying while hugging each other. He took my makeup kit and retouched my face.

"After the wedding ceremony, I will take your father to America. Always take care in your new home."

I just nodded at what Mama said. Even though I am only forced into this marriage, I am still happy because finally, Mama and I have reconciled. This marriage became the way for us to reconcile.

After Liam retouched my makeup, we all went out of the house together and got into my friend's car, then headed to the church where my future mother-in-law and future husband-to-be were waiting.

"For the last time, Elara. Are you sure about this marriage you're going to do? You might suddenly run out of the church when you see that your groom looks like Shriek," said Liam as we stood in front of the church's huge door that was close.

My mom strongly slapped my friend's shoulder and glared. "Don't joke like that or what you said might come true. If my future son-in-law looks like Shriek, I'll replace him with you as the groom and you'll marry my daughter."

"Oh, please, no, Mother! My best friend and I might get struck by lightning before we say I do!" Liam complained with a grimace, which made me laugh out loud. "Don't worry, Mother. I feel that Elara's groom is handsome and charming."

My mother was unable to respond to what my friend said because the huge door of the church opened and the loud sound of the wedding march echoed throughout the surroundings. My mother immediately went to her designated seat while Liam stood in as my father who would walk me down the aisle to the groom.

As I walked down the aisle and approached the groom, who had his back turned, I couldn't understand why a sudden intense nervousness overwhelmed my chest. It felt like a sign that something bad was going to happen. There weren't many people inside the church to trigger my phobia because I had asked my future mother-in-law if we could have a simple wedding. She agreed because that's also what her son wanted, so only one godfather and godmother, my mother, the mother of my future groom, the groom, my best friend, and the priest were inside the church.

I was only a few steps away from the groom when he turned to me in slow motion. I suddenly gasped and stopped walking as my whole body went cold upon seeing the face of my groom. Oh my God! Is this some kind of joke with me?