Forced to Marry the Devil

Chapter 7

Teresa could you hurry up, Selene is coming. Are you even awake yet?! came the cry of Rosalina.

I'm up! Teresa yelled back. That was all that she could say. Meeting up with Leonardo yesterday had been dreadful for her, she tried to hide the swelling of her eyes from all the sleepless nights that she had endured since the day she was told that she had to marry Leonardo just to respect the last wishes of the late Constanza Cortez. This wasn't right. She kept on dabbing eyeliner and dark eyeshadow onto her eyes, hoping that Selene won't notice her sorrow.

There you are! Selene is in the kitchen, make sure you have your breakfast. I'm going out for a while with your father, I'll tell you about it when I come back. In the meantime Selene is here and she will keep you company, her mother chimed on. It surprised Teresa that her mother still managed to remain happy and smile, even though her only daughter's life was crumbling infront of her.

Ok, bye Mom. Take care of yourself. Teresa whispered back.

You crazy girl! How could you skip telling me that you're about to get married?! And that too, to Leonardo Cortez! How did this happen? You didn't even tell me about this when I had called you. Why? came the voice of Selene as soon as Teresa entered the kitchen.

Good morning to you too Selene, Teresa said glumly as she sat down at the counter and began to pour cereal and milk into her bowl. Selene came over to her and handed her a cup of coffee, sitting next to her.

You said that you needed my help in something. What is it? Teresa asked.

It's something to do with your family, Leonardo and my family. I'm sorry that I fired so many questions at you just now. Your mom told me everything, Selene replied. By the way, you did a lousy job with your makeup, I can see how affected you are by all this.

I don't want to marry him, Selene. I never asked for all this. We had plans, didn't we? That we would team up and open our own law firm. I hate my life right now, whined Teresa.

I know you do, baby but maybe one day things will start getting better. I can't help you much in this matter, but I'm always here for you alright. I Selene Catherine Paulina Summers, give you my solemn promise, said Selene in a bid to help cheer up her best friend.

Oh my gosh! I can't believe you just told me your full name. That's funny, but hey, my name is longer than yours honey, smirked Teresa. Now tell me, how can I help you?

Well, Selene began as she held Teresa's free hand and caressed it, you do know that I have two other sisters, right?

Yeah, I know. What about them?

I was away the past few months looking for them.

Okay. Why?

My dad is about to die and he wanted to see us three together one last time before he leaves for heaven. So since I'm the eldest of the three, I have the responsibility to bring my family back together.

I visited Uncle Summers a week ago, he did seem more fragile than before. He didn't tell me all this though, even when I asked him about you, he kept quiet.

Yeah, I know. That's coz I had asked him to. I didn't want you to worry about me. I found one of my sisters, the youngest. She's back home with dad at the moment. I'm just having difficulties with finding my second sister.

Do you have any pictures of her or anything? Are you sure that I'll be able to help you find her?

Yes, you will. Comeon, we're besties since forever. We make a great team. I don't have a picture of her right now, but all I know is that her name is Sophia Summers, I don't know if she has changed it or something, and that she works for your future husband.

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Rosalina couldn't help but glare at her husband as they made their way out of the courtroom.

I can't believe that you helped make such a contract. Couldn't you stop her when she was signing it? What's wrong with you Lorenzo? she cried as soon as they were in the car.

Darling, I'm devastated too. Please try to take my feelings into account here. I don't want this for our daughter, but the contract has now been approved by the magistrate. I can't do anything.

But still... began Rosalina.

Darling, said Lorenzo, grabbing Rosalina's hands and placing a soft kiss on them, all we can do now is wait, hope and pray. Maybe this is God's will.

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Sophia Summers, hmm. Can you give me a picture of hers later? Teresa asked.

Yeah sure. Anytime you want.

Okay, email it to me by tomorrow. What do you want me to do once I have found her?

Leave that to me, hun. Just help me find her and let me know okay. Please?

Yeah sure, no problem. I think Mom and Dad are here, do you want to go now? I know you feel uncomfortable around them, said Teresa as she began putting her dishes into the dishwasher.

Yeah, I'll go. Bye Teresa. Please take care of yourself.

Yep, you too.