Wrong marriage [+18]

Chapter 4

My alarm served no purpose, as I was already awake before it could ring, making my way to the shower, since I woke up 30 minutes earlier. It was a stroke of luck that I hadn't intended, granting me the freedom to stay a while and purge the negative thoughts that swirled in my mind when I woke up.

Shortly after the conversation I had with Abi yesterday, she had to leave and meet Erik for whatever plans they had. I wish she could stay longer, but I couldn't complain too much, at least she is not gone again to whatever foreign country and we can spend as much time as we want together.

After 20 minutes in the shower, I wrapped a towel around my body and started doing light makeup. I kept it simple, recognizing that it's not about my makeup, but about showcasing my character and abilities. Damn, why did I feel like I am a 16-year-old trying to get her first job? I've been through this many times. The key is to act relaxed, the moment people see you're insecure, they will try to put you down on their feet and that's not what my father taught me.

Even though me and my father do not speak to each other at the moment because of our different perspectives about pretty much everything, he taught me things that always brought good results.

I've always been the quiet and tempered one,  the "A" straight student, the back-home-in- time one, never causing problems of any kind, up until I had the "audacity" to fall in love with someone my father didn't approve and that's where our relationship went down. I have only one life and I want to make my own decisions, my own mistakes, my own story with someone I truly am in love with, not to follow someone else's indications and rules just because that worked out for them. He brought up to me many candidates who would be the most "suitable" for me and the most influential for our company but I stood my ground against every single one of them. Arrangements like this improve our company's future and help it extend at its fullest, he said, even though I never approved of this kind of mentality.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard my actual alarm going off, meaning it was 8 am already and I felt like I did nothing at all. I finished my makeup shortly after and curled my hair quickly since I just had to do some touch-ups. I went to my closet, trying to find something formal, but comfy at the same time, I didn't want to be overdressed.

After 30 minutes of searching through all my clothes, I finally decided on a white shirt with a light blue coat over it and a skirt in the same color. The white shirt serves as a classic and versatile base, that hugs my body beautifully, paired with a baby blue skirt and coat, the outfit takes on a soft and elegant color palette that I absolutely love. The baby blue hues add a touch of femininity and freshness to my overall look and that's why this is my forever favorite color, I feel like it makes me feel powerful, but still in my comfort zone. To complete the outfit, I took a matching purse in a complementary shade of baby blue and comfortable heels in a neutral tone.

I glanced one more minute at myself in the mirror before I was ready to take off, it was the time to leave my insecurities behind and be the best version of myself, I only had one shot at this, I am not screwing up this opportunity for myself.

By the time I parked my car in front of the building I watched the time and saw that I was 30 minutes early because I left earlier than I should've to avoid the traffic. I thought about what I should do in the meantime, I couldn't show up this early unless I wanted them to think I was desperate, so instead, I saw a cute café right across the street.

I took my phone and my purse as I got out of the car, making sure I locked it before entering the café. It was quiet, with only two people inside, and the atmosphere was pretty cozy and perfect for my morning coffee every day - in case I ended up working in that incredible and luxurious building across the street.

"Good morning, ma'am, what would you like to drink today?" I heard a sweet voice while checking their menu. I lowered my gaze to the source of the sound and my eyes met a joyful and all-smiling lady, not much younger than me.

"Honestly? A really strong shot of liquor would really help me today" I said with a warm smile as she giggled lightly at my joke.

"Busy day ahead?" She asked giving me an understanding smile and I laughed a little thinking about actually considering what I said earlier.

"Important interview for a potential job" I said as I looked one more time over the menu.

"Oh, I see now," she said laughing. "Lucky you, we have the perfect liquor for this occasion" she continued in a whisper trying to sound serious, but I laughed almost too hard at that.

"I'll stick to a latte for now, but it's good to know" she laughed again and began to prepare my order.

We continued to chitchat a bit while she was making my coffee when I heard the entryway bell announcing a new customer. As she was pouring the coffee into my cup she raised her eyes and immediately stiffened making the drink spill all over her counter.

"O-oh, I am so, so sorry, ma'am, I am going to remake your drink in a second. I apologize" she apologized looking in real distress at the presence of the new customer, making me all confused. "G-good morning, Sir, the usual?" Her voice was all shaky, looking like she wanted the ground to eat her.

I was very curious about the person who made this full-of-life girl turn into the most anxious human I've ever seen. I turned my head in that man's direction and my face went white. His hair was styled perfectly just like the last time I saw it on the night of my proposal. Just a tiny hint of beard contouring his face and the light of the day made his olive skin pop up more this time. His eyes were watching the girl moving around fast to make his -apparently- "usual" order, but then his gaze found me. Oh, good God, this was going to be embarrassing.

I looked at him for a second more, hoping he wouldn't remember me -or at least the things I said. I didn't think I was wrong though, but I could've used more manners.

"Isn't she the woman who told me to fuck off in the most attractive way? Hello again" I heard his amused voice and just like the girl earlier I really wanted to disappear. I put on a fake smile and turned in his direction, he was watching me with those honey eyes full of amusement and curiosity.

"Isn't he the man who doesn't know how to take a rejection from a woman?" As I finished my question he was already laughing and I allowed myself to let out a small giggle, feeling the tension in my muscles going away.

"I am guilty, I must admit, my apologies for that and your coat" he said and I just nodded,  a conversation with him wasn't something I necessarily needed to do, even though he seemed nicer now.

"So, do I really need to die for you to just tell me your name?" He asked as the girl placed two coffees in front of him and I laughed for real this time.

"You never stop trying, do you?" I asked shaking my head, still laughing a bit. At least I didn't feel as bad as I thought when he brought that up, not at all actually.

"Ay, come on now, I know you're engaged, the whole restaurant saw that, I am just asking all family-friendly this time, yadda yadda" he said playfully, making his Spanish accent pop up, and rolling his eyes as I laughed.

"Natalia" I said just when I got my coffee ready and I gave the girl a warm smile so she could relax a bit.

"Oh, Dios Mio, even your name is gorgeous" he said as I took a sip from my delicious coffee and gave him a smile in response to his compliment.

"I'm Mateo, it's a pleasure to meet you. Again" he said raising his hand and it took me a second to decide if the feeling was mutual, but right now I had no reason not to, I guess.

"Hi Mateo, nice to meet you. This time" I spoke and extended my hand, to which he responded with a small laugh as he shook it.