Sky Rocket

After the Wedding

In the bustling city of Alto, where old-world charm met modern ambition, two collided in an unlikely union. Maria Gracia, a woman with a heart as ordinary as her name, found herself thrust into a marriage she neither desired nor understood. Ken Aldevinco, heir to a vast fortune, was bound by duty to wed, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness.

Their union was forged in desperation— orchestrated by the hands of fate. Maria, with her unruly curls and eyes that held both wisdom and sorrow, stood before Ken in a simple white gown. Her heart raced, not with anticipation, but with resignation. She was a pawn in a game of wealth and power, and her feelings mattered little.

Ken, on the other hand, was a man of sharp edges and cold glances. His chiseled features betrayed no emotion, and his disdain for the situation was evident. He had envisioned a life with a model-like beauty, someone who would grace his arm at social events and enhance his status. Instead, he was shackled to Maria—a short, plain woman who seemed to defy his expectations at every turn.

Within the confines of their shared home, Ken's disdain for Maria was unmistakable. With each glance he cast her way, his blood boiled with animosity. "Maria, the dishes are stacking up!" Ken would snap, his voice sharp and belittling. Unperturbed, Maria would reply, "On it," her tone a serene foil to his agitation. He demoted her to the status of a housemaid, laden with every chore. He mocked her, deriding her simplicity. Yet, Maria stood unaffected. She had faced tougher trials in life, and this marriage was merely another obstacle to overcome. Her days were consumed with cooking, cleaning, and tending to the garden, her hands etched with the calluses of toil. Though she appeared younger, Maria was actually five years Ken's senior.

Some other day, as Maria was tending to the garden, Ken stormed out of the house. His face was a mask of irritation. "Maria, why are there weeds in the garden?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the quiet afternoon. Her hands covered in soil, looked up at him. "I've been pulling them out. But they grow back," she replied calmly. "That's not good enough, Maria. You need to do better," he retorted, his tone dismissive. Maria straightened up, brushing the dirt off her hands. "I'm doing the best I can. If you think you can do better, feel free to take over," she said, her voice steady. Ken was taken aback. He stared at Maria for a moment before turning on his heel and storming back into the house. It was a small victory for Maria, but a victory, nonetheless. Their arguments were frequent, but Maria was learning to hold her ground. She took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill her lungs. She looked at the garden around her, the plants she had been tending to, the weeds she had been pulling out. It was hard work, but it was honest work, and it was hers.

Inside the house, Ken was left to his own thoughts. The silence of the house seemed to echo his own frustration. He thought about Maria's words, her calm defiance. It was not the response he had expected. He found himself in a strange state of introspection, contemplating further.

As Ken basked in the glow of his riches, Maria was silently carving her own path. Her days were spent in the service of their home, her nights in pursuit of her own financial independence, unbeknownst to Ken. She was preparing herself for a life beyond this marriage life. Maria's past was a closed book shielded against the eyes and ears of the world. 

Maria's solitude in the expansive mansion was a consequence of Ken's frequent business trips, which she accepted without complaint. Her own secret pursuits kept her occupied. With Ken's departure, Maria would transform her routine with remarkable efficiency, swiftly completing household tasks. Then, she would shed her domestic guise, exchanging an apron for a sleek suit and slippers for high heels. Maria would assume her alter ego, Trena, the covert operative. "Good evening, Trena," would be the greeting from the other end of her secure line, delivered by the leader of the clandestine organization she worked for. "Good evening, boss. What's the mission tonight?" Trena would ask, her voice a bastion of calm confidence. As Trena, Maria carried out tasks for the organization's head, receiving significant remuneration. She invested her earnings wisely, ensuring her financial independence. Her assignments were as diverse as they were exhilarating. She might be in the shimmering corporate high-rises, sifting through confidential documents, collecting intelligence for her organization. Her small stature and discreet presence allowed her to blend seamlessly into the crowd of business attire. On a different evening, she could be stationed on a rooftop, observing a suspect through a high-powered scope. Time would fly as she diligently recorded every action, every exchange. On some nights, she was the sentinel, safeguarding her organization's most precious assets. Whether it was an individual of interest, an innovative technology, or vital information, Trena guaranteed their security with unwavering dedication. There were also the undercover missions, operations demanding absolute discretion. She would glide like a phantom, invisible and silent, as she installed surveillance devices or secured sensitive data. These tasks pushed her abilities to their limits, yet Trena consistently met the challenge. And during crises, Trena was the serenity amidst chaos. Whether brokering a hostage negotiation or containing the repercussions of a data breach, she managed each situation with elegance and composure. Every night presented a fresh assignment, a new test, and Trena confronted each with steadfast determination.

Ken, the sole heir of the Aldevinco Corporation, had recently taken over the reins from his grandfather, Eugene. The transition was not easy. The responsibility was enormous, the hours were long, and the pressure was intense. Ken found himself buried under piles of paperwork, endless meetings, and countless business calls. His once lively eyes now bore dark circles, a testament to his sleepless nights and relentless work.

Meanwhile, Eugene found solace in a serene island, enjoying his retirement with Maria's grandmother, his first love. Their days were filled with laughter, shared memories, and the tranquility that only true love could bring.

Maria, on the other hand, was a simple woman who cherished the little things in life. She was content with her life, away from the hustle and bustle of corporate affairs. However, she couldn't ignore the changes in Ken. His late nights, skipped meals, and the constant worry etched on his face concerned her. She missed his playful banter, his remarks about her height, and his cold gaze.

She decided to help him, Maria took it upon herself to ease Ken's burden. She started by preparing delicious meals for him, insisting that he eat while working. Despite his initial resistance, Ken couldn't resist the enticing aroma of her cooking. Slowly but surely, he began to look forward to these meals, a welcome break from his hectic schedule. Maria's efforts didn't stop there. She took over the household chores, ensuring that Ken returned to a clean room and freshly prepared clothes. She waited for him every night, opening the gate to their carport. As time passed, something shifted within Ken. He found himself seeking Maria's presence that seemed to elude him.