At The Sunrise

Chapter 1

"By the power vested upon me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Next thing she knew, Zach is already kissing her. Maririnig sa buong simbahan ang palakpakan at hiyawan ng mga bisita. But all she could hear was het heart racing so fast that all she could do is stand like a manequin. She wanted to cry but she managed to project a smile after the kiss. She turned to face everyone. She could see their parents happy and her friends with envy. But her heart is breaking to million pieces.

Lumapit sa kanila ang mga bisita pra sa picture taking. Naging maganda siya sa kanyang make up kaya hindi halata na malungkot siya. She had to fake her smile. At least for now.

Everything went well pati sa reception. Everyone was having a good time except her. But if she can give herself an award, that's for being the best actress of the most unforgettable day of her life. She laughed and talked to everyone like a happy bride. She even danced with her husband pretending she wanted it. She had to project a happy Mrs. Valeria as she was expected so. Zach is also doing the same thing and he's a good actor. She smirked at the thought. How could such a man be so happy that they both know this is not about love? This arranged marriage is the most horrible thing in her life. As soon as she can get out of this, she'll move to a place where no one knows her and forget them all. Napangiti siya.

"Are you happy, Mrs. Valeria?"bulong sa kanya ni Zach.

"You wish, Zach!"sarcastic niyang sagot dito.

"Then what's the silly smile all about? Excited sa honeymoon?"tudyo nito.

"Of course, not! You are never going to sleep in my room. Ever." naiirita niyang sagot dito.

"We'll see about that. Excited pa naman ang mama at papa mo na magkaroon ng apo. You don't want to disappoint them, do you?"

"Shut up, Zachy. You are starting to get on my nerves." inis na sagot niya.

"I'm just kidding, ok? We'll soon be out of this place. Kanina pa ako bored dito." sagot nito.

Hindi na siya sumagot pa. Ganito sila mag-usap ni Zach. Pareho lang naman silang pumayag na magpakasal para sa mana. Dahil bestfriends ang kanilang ama, bata pa lang sila ay ipinagkasundo na sila. She thought distance will change it nang ipadala si Zach sa Australia para mag-aral. Doon siya nag highscool at college at nagsimulang mamahala ng kanyang sariling negosyo. Pero dahil sa kasunduan, napilitan itong bumalik ng Pilipinas.

When her mom told her about the marriage, she was upset. Hindi niya gustong magpakasal sa taong hindi niya mahal. She refused at first, but when her mom had a mild heart attack, natakot siya. Ayaw niyang may mangyaring masama rito kaya pumayag siya. And since then, her health seems to improve.

Last year pa naplano ang lahat. All planned by her mother and mother in law. The agreement was they will marry when the both reach the age of 27. Wala silang pre-nuptial agreement pero lahat ng mana ay makukuha nilang dalawa sa edad na 35. Minsan na nilang napag-usapan ni Zach na hahatiin ito kapag nakuha na nila at saka sila maghihiwalay. Oh, she can't wait to get rid of her marriage. 8 years is too long pero titiisin niya.

The only thing that she can't tolerate is Zach's women problems. He is definitely gorgeous. Sino ba namang hindi magkakandarapa sa kanya. He is a living God. Well groomed man, wealthy, successful and bonus are his packed abs. He is sexy and she can't deny it. But they just don't have the chemistry together. Marami na siyang naging babae at ayaw niya nang dumagdag sa list nito. Being his wife by legal terms is the last thing she would want from him.

"Hey, do you wanna get out of here?" pukaw sa kanya ni Zach.

"Pano? Marami pang bisita." nag-aalangan niyang sagot.

"Leave it to me." nakangiting sagot nito.

Lumapit sa Zach sa kanilang mga magulang. Sandali niya itong kinausap at bumalik ito dala ang isang susi ng sasakyan.

"Let's go." bulong nito at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay. Inalalayan siya ni Zach palabas ng function hall. Sa likod sila ng stage dumaan kaya hindi namamalayan ng iba na nakaalis sa sila.

"Wow. That was quick. Paano mo naman sila napapayag na umalis tayo?"

"Simple lang. Sabi ko sa kanila na hindi ka na makapaghintay na masolo ako." naaaliw na sagot nito.

"What? Ako pa talaga, Mr. Valeria?" inis na sagot niya rito.

"Effective naman, Mrs. Valeria. So just stay still at uuwi na tayo." anito habang pinapa andar ang sasakyan.