ARRANGED LOVE EPISODE 3

ARRANGED LOVE EPISODE 3

Two months later…..

August……

Time had flown by really quickly. Maria had to call me a few time about my shoes and dress size. She was buying my wedding dress. I was told that it would be a small private wedding. Our grandparents were going to be our witness.

I had been packing my things into boxes for the past two weeks. My books had to be put in boxes. My clothes had to be folded and fit into boxes. Everything had to been put into boxes and labeled with my name. They would be sent to New York City.

Also, while I was packing my things, I had to make a phone call to my boss Linda Rosario at the cafe. I didn’t tell her the reason. She was very sad that I was quitting but, she told me that I could use her as a reference for jobs in the future. I was grateful for working with her.

Last week, I had turned eighteen. I invited Pietro and Maria to my birthday. Maria tried to get Adrian but, he was busy with work. He had important meetings to attend. I didn’t mind. I was happy to spend more time with Pietro and Maria. Plus, Maria wanted to discuss the wedding with me. Maria had everything set up for me. I had to show up on my wedding day.

Today, I was getting married to Adrian. at a Catholic church in San Francisco that the Minettis attend since they arrived in the United States. I had spent the morning hours getting ready for the wedding. Maria had helped me with the make up. I had to say that I didn’t look like a teenager. My grandmother fixed my hair.

“Let’s get your veil on you shall we.”

My grandmother walked to the table with my wedding stuff. Maria helped me with my wedding dress. I had to say that the dress was very beautiful. The dress touched the ground. When I walked around the room, the dress trailed behind me. The top half had an off the shoulder neckline that showed off my shoulder and neckline. The dressed hugged my body perfectly showing off my curves.

Wow. Maria managed to find a dress that fit me perfectly .

While Maria helped me with my dress, my grandmother came to me with the veil. “Let me put this on you,” she said to me. Carefully, she placed the veil on my head and made sure that the veil was secured. I had my hair down. Through the veil, I could see the tears forming in her eyes. I gave her a small smile.

“Don’t cry grandma,” I said to her. I reached over to her hand and gave it a squeeze. A tear slowly made it’s way down her cheek. Maria came over to us and gave my grandmother a tissue. “Thank you,” my grandmother said to her and dabbed her face so that her make up wasn’t ruined.

Maria handed me my bouquet. The bouquet was very beautiful. “I hope you like the flowers,” she said to me. “I do,” I said to her. She gave me a big smile. As I looked closer at the bouquet, I noticed something.

She used flowers that had very deep meanings. White Lilly meant purity, chastity, and innocence. Aster symbolized love, daintiness, and trusting. Red carnation meant deep rom-ntic love and passion. Purple tulip meant forever love.

She really wants us to fall for each other huh…..

Knock…Knock….

I heard the door knock and turned around to see the door creak open to reveal a lady who I didn’t recognize. “It’s time,” she said to us. Nervousness started to spread through my body. I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself down.

I can do this. I can do this…..

“Vera.”

I opened my eyes to see grandmother. “Lets go,” she said to me. I got up from my seat and proceeded out of the room to the chapel. I counted the steps and felt the nervousness grow as I got closer to the chapel.

In some ways, I felt that it was a dream and a nightmares. It was a dream to see myself in a beautiful wedding dress but, it was a nightmare because I was going to be given to a man who I was arranged to be with for the rest of my life.

Soon, we found ourselves outside the chapel doors. Grandfather was there to walk me down the aisle. He gave me a big smile. “Oh Vera. You look beautiful,” he said to me. I gave him a small smile. “Thank you,” I said to him.

My grandmother walked over to me. “I’ll see you in,side,” she said to me. I gave her a nod and watched her walk to the door of the chapel. I turned my attention to my grandfather who was trying to keep his composure.

“Ready?” he asked me. I gave him a nod. We positioned ourselves in front of the doors. Once the music started in the chapel, it would be the signal for the doors to open and for us to start walking down the aisle.

Grandfather had some tears in his eyes. I couldn’t help but to feel emotional. I felt sad, relief, angry, nervous, and more. I knew that my life was going to change once I marry Adrian. Soon, I heard the music from in,side the chapel.

The doors opened to reveal the chapel. The stain glass windows were shining bright by the sun’s rays. The aisles were decorated with baby blue ribbons and the same flowers in my bouquet. The music was played fluidly through the air. The combination brought the feeling of the wedding.

I looked ahead to see Pietro and Maria on the left side while my grandmother stand on the right side. They were happy to see me walk down the aisle. I didn’t see his parents. I guess they are busy to come.

In front of me, I saw him. Adrian’s appearance made me gasp internally.

Oh my….

He made himself more handsome than when I first met him. He wore a black suit with a white dress shirt. Also, he wore a metallic grey tie and polish black shoes. His hair was slicked back. As I got closer, I could see that he had shaved to make his face look good.

I cursed at myself. Don’t think that he looks good Vera. He’s the one who grandfather is giving away. Your life is being given to someone else. There won’t be freedom in this marriage. This is your new reality .

Soon, we got to Adrian. Grandfather gave my hand to Adrian. “Take good care of her,” I heard him say to Adrian. I felt tears forming in my eyes. “I will sir,” I heard Adrian say to my grandfather. Grandfather gave me a smile.

Under the veil, I gave him a small smile in return. Thank you Grandfather for raising me. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you. Grandfather stood next to Grandmother. Adrian and I faced the priest and waited for instruction.

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

I didn’t turn around to look. Nobody was going to stop the wedding…though I wished that someone did come and rescue me. After a while, the priest continued to conduct the wedding. The rings were brought forward to us. We faced each other. Adrian took a ring.

“Repeat after me,” the priest instructed to Adrian. Adrian listened and repeated his words.

“I, Adrian Minetti, take you, Valeria Laurenti, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part,” Adrian said and slipped the ring onto my finger.

The priest turned to me. I listened and repeated the priests words.

“I, Valeria Laurenti, take you, Adrian Minetti, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part,” I said and slipped the ring onto his finger.

“You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined, men must not divide. Amen. You may k-ss the bride,” the priest ended.

Adrian lift my veil to reveal my face. His eyes w¡den for a second before his face return emotionless.

He must be surprised about my appearance.

Slowly, he lifted my face with his fingers and leaned down toward me.

Here he comes. I closed my eyes and waited for the moment. I had dreaded about the k-ss since I learned about my arranged marriage to him. Honestly, I never had my first k-ss with anyone. I had planned to save my first k-ss to someone special….not to Adrian.

I came out of my thoughts when I felt his l-ips on mine. Automatically, I tightened my grip on my bouquet. I felt my cheeks burn from the touch. Goosebumps and chills gone up my arms. After a while, I responded by returning the k-ss.

After a few seconds, I felt him remove his l-ips from mine. I opened my eyes to look up at him to see his blank face. I wasn’t too surprised about him enjoying it. I wasn’t too experienced with k-ssing.

The wedding was officially over.

We were now husband and wife.

 

Adrian and I turned around and walked down the aisle with our arms locked together. Once outside the chapel, we unlocked our arms and faced each other. I kept my gaze to the ground and thought about what had happen.

“Congratulations.”

I turned my head to see the our grandparents walking towards us. Pietro shook his grandson’s hand while Maria gave me a k-ss on a cheek and a hug. “Welcome to the family,” she said to me. I gave her a nod.

I turned around and gave my grandparents a hug. “We love you Vera,” Grandfather said to me. “I love you both,” I said to them. I held my tears back. I pulled away and gave them a smile. “Time to take some wedding pictures,” Pietro said to us.

Adrian esc-rted me to a room where our pictures would be taken. Our grandparents were giving us some alone time. The photographer looked up at us. “Mr and Mrs. Minetti. It’s an honor to be at your presence as well as take your pictures,” he said to us. “Indeed,” Adrian said to him. I kept myself silent at watched them have a conversation for a few moments.

After their conversation, the photographer finished setting up his camera. “Alright. The newly weds please stand in front of the camera,” the photographer instructed us. Adrian brought me in front of the camera and wrapped his arms around me wa-ist. He brought me closer to him so that there was no space between us.

Automatically, I placed a hand on his chest and held my bouquet on the other hand. My face felt a bit hot from his touch. Force yourself to smile. I tried to smile. “Perfect,” I heard the photographer say while he took a picture.

We took about five different pictures. Next thing I knew, the day had went by. I had to say that the pictures came out better than I had expected. “I’ll have these developed right away,” the photographer told us. Pietro had entered the room.

“Lets go and celebrate,” Pietro said to us. We walked to the cars that were parked in the parking lot. Surprisingly, I did not see any paparazzi in the area. The Minettis must really made sure that nobody knew about the wedding.

Adrian’s driver was waiting for us. Adrian esc-rted me tot he car and opened the door for me. I got in,side and made sure that my dress was in,side the car. He closed the door and walked to the other side of the car.

He got in,side the car and wore his seat belt. “To the Minetti Mansion,” Adrian instructed the driver. “Yes. sir,” the driver answered and drove out of the parking lot. Throughout the ride, I stayed quiet and looked out of the window.

I watched the buildings go by as the car drove up the street. I tried to take in the scenes that I passed by me. It was going to be the last time that I see them. Tomorrow, I would be on a plane to New York City with Adrian.

At the corner of my eyes, I could see Adrian looking out of the window on his side of the car. I still wasn’t used to the idea that he was my husband. In time, I would have to accept the fact that I am married to him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once at the Minetti Mansion, Maria took me away to a room so that I could change into something comfortable. I liked to continue to wear the wedding dress but, it felt suffocating if I wore it for long period of time.

Maria had me wear a grey and white wrap dress with metallic grey high heeled sandals. I remembered something. I looked at Maria who was tying the dress for me. “Why wasn’t Adrian’s parent at the wedding?” I asked her.

“They were busy with business in Asia. They were happy to know about the marriage and hope to meet you very soon,” she told me. I gave her a nod. I wonder what they are like . I smoothed the dress down.

“I’ll meet you downstairs,” she said to me and left the room. I fixed the dress a bit and shoes quickly. I got my glasses and wore them. Almost look like a librarian . I didn’t care. The glasses made me look smart.

I put my hair up in a neat bun. I made sure to take off my wedding gloves and slip the wedding ring onto my finger. I wasn’t used to wearing rings on my fingers. It felt odd to me. I better get used to wearing a ring .

The wedding ring was adorned with diamonds. So pricy looking . I would have been fine with a simple ring. After all, the ring wouldn’t have much sentimental value. The marriage was loveless and arranged.

“Are you ready Vera?” I heard my grandmother call out to me. I turned my head to see her at the door. “Yes. I’m ready,” I said to her. She took my hand and led me out of the room and through the different hallways.

We walked down the stairs to see my grandfather talking to Pietro and Maria. I turned my head a bit to see Adrian who was wearing a grey dress shirt and black p-nts. He looked up at me. I couldn’t read the emotions in his eyes.

Once down the stairs, Adrian walked over to me and wrapped an arm around my wa-ist. I felt the chills go up my spine. My cheeks tingled a bit. What is he making me feel? Our grandparents seemed to approve the match.

We walked to the dining room to see that food was set on the table. Adrian pulled my chair for me. I sat in my seat and watched Adrian take a seat next to me. I had many questions popping in my head about him.

In my mind, in order for our marriage to work, I would have to know about him. I didn’t want to know him from the media’s perspective. I would rather learn from him directly. I knew that the media portray people differently.

We passed the food around the table and enjoyed the meal. The servers came with wine glasses and a bottle of wine. I waved at one of the servers. “Can I get water please,” I said to him. “Yes. Of course ma’am,” he said and walked away to get my water.

Underage .

The server came back with my water. “Thank you,” I said and took a sip. At the corner of my eyes, I could see Adrian taking a sip of his wine. I helped myself with some salad and penne pasta. I wasn’t in the mood to have a large dinner.

After the meal, the cake was brought to the dining room. “This is your wedding cake,” Pietro said to us. The wedding cake was decorated elaborately. Wow. The baker really showed off his or her skills.

Everything was symmetrical.

“Adrian and you should cut the cake,” Grandfather suggested to us. I looked at Adrian who gave me a nod. We got up from our seats and walked over to the cake. I looked down at the cake cart to see the cake knife with a crystal handle.

I could see Grandmother getting ready to take pictures with her camera. Adrian took the cake knife and gave the knife to me. I took the knife in my hand and waited for Adrian to hold the knife with me. He placed his hand over my hand and got ready to cut the cake.

“Ready?” I heard him ask me. I felt shivers go up my spine and tingles on my cheeks. He hadn’t spoken to me until now. I gave him a nod. I felt him guide my hand to the cake. We made the first cut and were blinded with flashes.

After cutting the cake, we had the cake slices for dess**t. Adrian seemed to have a lot in his mind even though he would talk to his grandfather and my grandfather. It was in his eyes. His eyes looked a bit distant.

“Well…look at the time. It’s time for us to go,” Grandfather said to us. I felt my mood fall. I knew what he really meant to say. We got up from the table and walked to the front doors. I helped my Grandparents wear their coats. It was the least that I can do for them for one last time.

Grandmother gave me a hug goodbye. “Stay health Vera,” I heard her say to me. “I will,” I said to her. I pulled away and gave my Grandfather a hug. Tears were forming in my eyes. I felt him rub my back to comfort me.

“Don’t cry Vera. Be happy,” I heard him say. “I will. I promise,” I said to him. He pulled away and gave me a smile. Hesitantly, I let go of him. Slowly, they made their way out of the mansion and walked to their car.

I watched them get into their car and drive off into the darkness. They were gone. They left me to live my new life. I started to feel different emotions. I felt sadness, loneliness, fear, and nervousness. My new life felt…scary.

I turned around to face my new in laws and my husband. “Well, you should go to your room and get some rest. You have a flight to New York tomorrow,” Maria told me. I gave her a nod. I felt a hand on my small back that made me jump a bit.

“Let’s go,” I heard Adrian whisper softly to me. I felt him push my back that led me to walk up the stairs. He used is hand to guide me through the mansion. I had no idea where we were going. I still didn’t know my way around the place.

Soon, we arrived in front of a door on the right side of the mansion. He opened the door to reveal a large room. I was very surprised about the view. He had a King size bed with a grey blanket, an office desk with a duel screen computer, and a large bookshelf.

I felt him nudge me to go in,side the room. Slowly, I walked in,side the room and looked around to see that a bathroom was connected to the room Even though the bathroom was dark, I could see that the bathroom had a large size bathtub.

I turned around to see that Adrian closed the door. I felt really nervous. He walked over to me and took my hand. Instantly, I felt a tingle s-nsation go up my arm and all over me. It’s probably from my nervousness .

He pulled me over to another door. He opened the door and turned the lights on to reveal a large walk in closes that was filled with clothes.

Wow. I really have my own mall here . I saw that the closet was separated into different wears.

He walked me to where my pajamas were located. “Pick one out and wear it. I’ll wait for you outside,” he told me before he left the closet. I let out a deep breath that I seemed to have kept in,side the wh0le time. It was a breath of relief in a way. When I thought about the situation, I didn’t want him to look at me……unclad.

I turned my attention the pajamas. I could tell that Maria had them picked out. Sifting through the clothes, I found one that was a bit more conservative than the other ones. The other pajamas were a bit too…appealing for men.

After getting dressed in my pajamas, I walked out of the closet and to the bathroom without seeing Adrian. I made sure to lock the bathroom door so that I didn’t get any surprises. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I should shower in the morning .

Once I was done, I walked out to see that Adrian was on his computer. Is he working? He didn’t seem to notice that I was looking at him. I walked towards the bed and got under the covers. I laid down close to the edge of the bed to be sure that I didn’t touch him during my sleep.

I could hear him typing on his keyboard. Maybe a long night . I closed my eyes and tried to drown out the sounds. Usually, I couldn’t sleep with any noise around me. I laid on the bed waiting for Adrian to stop his business.

I didn’t know the time but, after a long while, I heard Adrian stop typing. He must be done. I started to drift away into a deep sleep. I heard heavy footsteps go around the bed and to the closet. I heard the lights go on. I didn’t open my eyes to see because I was already ready to go to sleep.

Soon, I was at the edge of falling asleep. I didn’t hear Adrian come out of the closet and wash up in the bathroom. I did feel the bed dip a bit. He must be in bed now . I felt him adjust the blanket so that he had most of the blanket.

I didn’t fight for the blanket because I slipped into a deep sleep.