Remorseful Enticement

Pleasure 37

Wedding bells chimed as the bridal car stopped in front of the church. Both my parents look very happy, especially Dad. Nag-unahan pa silang lumabas ng kotse at saka ako inalalayan.

"Ayusin mo 'yang itsura mo, anak," Mom said.

"Natatakpan din naman ng veil ang mukha ko."

As per requested, my wedding gown is indeed black. Nagalit pa ang mga magulang ko, pero wala nang oras para magpagawa ng bago kaya sinabayan na lang nila ako. They excitedly escorted me to the door and I can hear the commotion inside. Ilang saglit pa, lumabas ang event organizer at sinabing maghanda na akong pumasok.

Nagpalinga-linga ako sa paligid para tingnan kung may paramdam si Theo. A few nights before today, I always cry myself to sleep dahil nawawalan na ako ng pag-asang magpapakita pa siya ulit. I saw no signs of that man, kahit isang maliit na balita ay wala.

They opened the grand door and everyone was shocked. Alam kong dahil iyon sa wedding gown ko. Si Dior ay nasa altar na at nakangiti. Nagpagupit siya kaya maayos na ngayon ang itsura niya.

As I slowly walk towards him, pakiramdam ko ay unti-unti na ring nauubos ang pag-asa kong makawala rito. If my parents didn't lock me up the past days, siguro ay umalis na ako.

"Just a few minutes from now, you will be Dior's wife. Be a good wife to him and you will have a happy married life just like me and your Dad," Mom whispered.

"Pake ko naman sa happy and married life. Gago ang mapapangasawa ko, sadyang bulag lang kayo para makita iyon."

Dad held onto my arm tighter. "Shut up, Calista."

Nanatili akong tahimik habang patuloy na naglalakad. Nang makarating kami sa altar, sa harap lamang ni Dior, nanginginig ang mga kamay ko nang inabot ni Mommy at Daddy ang kamay ko sa kaniya. He acted lovingly, as if we've been in love for years. Pwe!

"Dearest friends and family, we are gathered here to witness the wedding of Calista and Dior," panimula ng pari. "Anyone who wishes to object, speak now or forever hold your peace."

I quickly looked up to the priest, but I felt Dior's hand gripping tightly on mine. I turned to him and my eyes met his devilish stare. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from speaking up.

The whole time, nakatingin lang ako sa pari pero walang pumapasok sa mga sinasabi niya. My mind is too clouded to think of anything and I just went with the flow.

"Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church."

Nang sabihin iyon ng pari, napagtanto kong oras na para sabihin ang wedding vows namin. Magkaharap na kami ni Dior at malapad ang ngiti niya sa labi. Huminga muna ako ng malalim at umaktong ayos lang ang lahat.

"I take you, Calista Vasiliev, to be my wife. I will be truthful, and will be with you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will cherish you 'til death do us part."

They handed me the microphone. I couldn't find the courage to speak. I looked at everyone else and they were staring at me, waiting for the lies that will come out of my mouth. I looked for my parents, Mom was smiling and Dad was glaring at me– as if telling me to go on.

"I-I..." My voice cracked, I felt my eyes sting and my heart getting heavier. It was another minute of deafening silence before I found the courage to speak up. "I, take you, Dior Solarez, to be my... husb–"

"Stop! Stop the wedding!"

Everyone, including me looked at where the voice came from. Theo was at the entrance, obviously catching his breath. I heard murmurs and gasps everywhere. I felt a sudden excitement and my heart beats fast again, pero nawala iyon nang hinigpitan ni Dior ang kamay ko.