Unexpected Groom

"I'm getting married today." Ruby muttered to herself, while pinching her thigh hidden beneath the billowing skirt of her white wedding dress. Making sure she wasn't dreaming.

She was indeed getting married today, even though just two days ago she didn't have a boyfriend.

"Remember, if you want your mother to receive care and that money, you must not withdraw or annul the agreement between us."

Ruby, who had just held her breath—calming the nausea in her stomach—turned to look at the bald-headed old man who was currently holding her arm. The words were only whispers, but they were clear enough amidst the buzz of the guests in front of the altar.

"I have promised; I will not break it." Ruby whispered back, affirming that she would fulfill her part of the deal they had agreed upon.

Ruby agreed to marry a stranger she had only seen in a photo in exchange for money. That was the essence of her role. Ruby was aware of all the risks, and she believed they were worth it.

"Remember it for the best, and ensure that the man does not discover that you are not my daughter." The man, who in this charade pretended to be her father, reiterated his desire to ensure that Ruby wouldn't make any mistakes after this.

"I understand, Senor." Ruby nodded, adjusting the veil that draped over her face. Her anxiety, along with the nausea in her stomach, returned as the man's warning reminded Ruby of the most difficult part of her agreement: pretending to be Liz, the daughter of the man standing beside her.

Liz was supposed to get married today, but an accident befell her, and Ruby only knew that their faces were similar—and the marriage couldn't be called off. Ruby only focused on the part of the agreement that stated her mother would receive treatment and money equivalent to a restaurant server's salary for fifty years, disregarding the other details.

"Put your eyes on!" The man's reprimanding whisper broke Ruby's reverie. She had accidentally stepped on his foot.

Ruby staggered as the man, her fake father, pushed her away. It wasn't too strong, but Ruby was already off balance. Fortunately, Ruby still held onto his hand, preventing herself from falling.

But Ruby had to swallow her pain. The push wasn't necessary. It almost embarrassed her. Besides bearing the weight of the dress, Ruby's head felt dizzy. Ruby had vomited earlier during the journey. Difficulties that she had to keep to herself. No one would care about her condition. Her 'father' only cared that the marriage went smoothly.

He now grasped Ruby's hand back, as if to ensure she wouldn't run away, as they reached the front of the altar. But Ruby didn't see the man who would become her husband.

"Don Rosas is still attending an important call. Just a moment." The pastor leading the ceremony explained before anyone could ask.

Ruby didn't care—instead, she was grateful for having more time to calm herself. Her head and stomach were in turmoil, in sync with her pounding heart.

Ruby had seen the face of her 'prospective husband' in a photo, and he was handsome. A typical Latin man has a firm face and curly hair. There was a considerable age gap between them—more than twelve years—but he was handsome.

"Ah, there he is. Don Rosas has arrived." The pastor exclaimed in relief.

Ruby hadn't raised her head yet; her head and stomach hadn't improved. As her hands shifted, she bowed her head, gazing at the hem of her own dress. Liz's prospective husband accepted it, and she felt a warm, strong, and sturdy hand.

The man didn't say anything, and Ruby didn't want to speak because she felt like she would vomit if she opened her mouth. Thus, the ceremony proceeded while they stood facing each other.

Ruby continued to bow her head, praying for her nausea and dizziness to ease a little. There was still a reception to attend after this.

"Alright, let's begin." The pastor started the ceremony, delivering a sermon that Ruby missed due to cold sweat beginning to trickle down her back and forehead. Her unwell body compounded with tension.

"Lizeth Marin Ramos, accept this as a token of my love and trust in you."

The man made a clear statement as he handed over a tray filled with thirteen gold coins. It was a local symbol of trust. A sign that the man would take responsibility for the woman he married.

Ruby's hands trembled slightly as she lifted her head, but she managed to accept the copper tray.

"Eduardo Rosas and Lizeth, are you ready to commit to each other and honor each other in a lifelong marriage?"

Luckily, Ruby heard the question.

"Yes." 

"Y...Yes."

The groom's answers flowed smoothly, but Ruby stumbled. In addition to being tense, Liz's husband's warm hand made her panic. She was marrying under a false name, but the weight of that hand was real. That hand would touch her later, when they slept together.

"God unites you at this moment; may you always be together forever."

The pastor looked relieved, and the guests in the chapel applauded. The pastor offered an additional prayer before asking for something that made Ruby's heart race again.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Ruby's face grew paler, with beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. She had forgotten about the kissing part.

A breeze lifted the veil covering her face. Ruby held her breath as she saw a hand reach out, touching her chin and asking her to look up. Ruby didn't resist, as it was her duty. Moreover, it wouldn't be so bad; the man who kissed her would be handsome.

Ruby looked up, expecting a face that would immediately captivate her.

However, just as Ruby opened her eyes, the woman stepped back, not expecting the sight just inches in front of her.

"AGHH!" Ruby screamed.