A PURPLE DESIRE

A FAMILY?

"Get off me" Lea said in a deep but slow voice. A hot tear rolled down her cheek.

Realizing that he was already hurting Lea, Frank immediately dropped his hand. He briefly closed his eyes, then shook his head and leaned forward.

"Alright. I will listen on how you explained to Andrei that we are going to be a family."

"Frank..."

Lea widened her eyes by hearing those words. Feeling broke. She sat on the edge of the extra-large size and soft bed. And her brain cells are like a ball jumping on the floor.

"Get ready." Frank said and left.

After those minutes of crying, Lea looked at the mannequins, she admired the three beautiful dresses on display, but unfortunately, none of them were in mourning black.

At precisely seven o'clock.

Lea's breath quivered as she delicately ran her fingers over the intricate lace details adorning her wedding gown. Her eyes drifted down to the stunning design that accentuated her beauty, a choice that had been a challenge to make among the three elegant mannequins. Ultimately, she was drawn to this particular gown with its beaded neckline cascading into delicate cap sleeves.

The dress hugged her figure gracefully until it flared out at the hips, creating a dramatic silhouette that flowed into a rounded train trailing behind her. The sheer fabric, adorned with applique lace and shimmering rhinestones, added a touch of glamour to the ensemble.

As Lea admired the satin-covered buttons that fastened the bodice, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the moment she would walk down the aisle in this exquisite gown. The attention to detail and the intricate craftsmanship of the dress made her feel like a true princess on her unexpected wedding night.

Anne walked into the master bedroom. "Oh, you look beautiful, I remember when I was your age, the day that I married your brother. The great feeling and excitement, dreaming to grow old with him is the best thing that ever happened to my life. Then I told myself, "I'm ready".

"This is not what I want. I want a peaceful life with my son." Lea says while she stands in front of the big mirror.

Anne understands her, she knows how Lea fights for everything in life to provide the needs of her son, even though it is not enough.

"Look at you in that white cocktail dress. You are beautiful" Lea added when she noticed that Anne became silent after what she said.

Anne walked slowly going to Lea and she reached her hand.

"I understand you're uncomfortable, but this is crucial for your son's future. I promise to take care of both of you forever. If you need anything, just tell me, I'll always be here to help." Tears streamed down her face as they embraced.

"I know, I am thankful to have you in my life. You are my only family now."

"No drama please.. I don't want to see you sad. I only want you to be happy" Anne replied. While they are talking, Frank suddenly shows up in his handsome suit.

"Is everything ready?"

Anne took a deep breath and said, "Yes. she's ready."

Lea almost rolled her eyes, as she realized Frank's charisma worked on women of all ages. Anne handed Lea a bouquet of red roses.

"Alright, let us go into the living room." Frank said and turned his back followed by his bride.

Positioned in front of the window, the pastor gazes out at the breathtaking view. The drapes have been drawn back, revealing a picturesque scene after the rain has ceased. The tranquility of the night is enhanced by the millions of stars that adorn the sky, enveloping the world in a serene silence. As the pastor takes in the mesmerizing sight, their attention is drawn to the meticulously arranged altar. Every detail has been thoughtfully prepared for the impending wedding night, from the elegantly set tables to the delectable food and drinks. The overall ambiance is nothing short of stunning, leaving the pastor in awe of the beauty that surrounds them.

Lea took her first step toward Frank, the soft sound of a harp played the wedding march. Lea stopped herself from running
out of the hotel and into the night, blizzard and all. She concentrated on breathing, too numb to do more than walk with Anne at her side.

Michael stood next to Frank, both men in black tuxedos. Michael had a red tie, while Frank and Andrei both wore black bow ties. Andrei stood next to his father holding a red satin pillow, his smile spread from ear to ear.

The ceremony was over all too quickly, and Anne took Andrei to his bedroom. Michael bid them good night and left.

Lea looked out the window watching the wide city from eighteen floors below.
She watched the headlights from one lone car as it drove by. Quietly alone with Frank and now he was her husband.

Her life had changed drastically, going from bad to worse in three days. How could she have let this happen?

"What are you thinking?" A voice behind her. Frank her husband, comfortable sitting on the coach.

Lea turned to him and said, "Frank, we are only married for my son sake."

"Let me correct it, it's "our son"

"Okay, for Andrei. I mean its not a real marriage. We..."

"Is that what you think?" His warm voices became closer to her ear and shivered up her spine, as Frank stood in front of her.

"It is going to be a real marriage with a wedding night, a honeymoon, and...everything, now your saying it's a kind of joke?"

"It should be..."

"A huh! I am the one who plan this. You can't stop me. This wedding is going to be a real family, put it in your head."

"But..."

With strength emanating from his arms, Frank pulled Lea in an embrace and leaned down, capturing her lips with his own. In response, she instinctively pushed against his chest, attempting to free herself from his hold. Breaking the kiss, he gazed into her eyes before tenderly planting a kiss on her forehead and releasing her. Moving towards the elegant champagne bucket adorned in gold, he effortlessly lifted the bottle and uncorked it with a satisfying pop. Carefully pouring the sparkling liquid into two delicate crystal flutes, he approached her and handed one to her trembling hand.

He lifted his glass. "Together, we will make this marriage work."

Then he tapped the edge of his glass against hers, creating a delicate clinking noise that echoed in the quiet room. Lea gracefully lifted her glass to her lips, taking a sip of the bubbly champagne. Frank's intense gaze seemed to pierce through her, causing her to avert her eyes and carefully set her glass down on the table beside and sit on the couch.

"Me as a wife? After what he did before? I already cut any connections to him, even dreaming to meet him again. But why is it my destiny is so self fish to me? Now I am sitting beside him, wearing this wedding dress and the wedding ring he entrusted to me." Lea deep thoughts overcome again.
She found it difficult to believe that she was now Mrs. Frank Guzman's wife. He did not surprise her with an engagement ring and a diamond wedding band. Now, she had over half a million pesos of diamonds on her finger, but to Frank, it was only money. Did it mean anything at all to him?

Frank suddenly grabbed Lea's right hand, so they looked at each other.

"Sleep with me tonight." Frank said, who had a devilish glint in his eyes. But Lea is smart, she picked up her champagne glass from the table. The pale liquid fizzed in the flute, and she drank a big gulp.

"The wedding is done, but it doesn't mean that I am yours." Then she took a second round, drank again. But this time,
she dropped the glass heavily on the table.

"Is that what you are thinking about?" Frank wanted to clarify.

"Yes. Because this is your plan, not mine. Also, I am here for my son only." Lea said. She raised her right palm, showing her finger with the ring, and let Frank look at it.

"This wedding, is just a contract. Whatever it is, there is nothing between you and me." Lea announced.