CHAPTER 4

KLAIRE

My heartbeat was rumbling. My eyes were moist, and I felt like crying. It's my first kiss. I've never been kissed since I've spent my entire life imprisoned to the mansion, and kissing, according to Nana Rosa, is a sacred act that should only be performed with the one you love. I don't even like this man, but is there anything I can do? Nothing.

When Mr. Sanvictores raised the hem of my veil, my grip on the bouquet tightened even more. For a brief time, it looked as if the people that surround us had vanished. I was shaking with panic. I feel like I'm about to cry. I'd like to embrace Nana Rosa, as I do whenever I'm terrified of thunder in a raining nights.

Nana Rosa is not here. I had no one to run to, so I waited to see what would happen next.

Mr. Sanvictores' warm and large palm held my chin and lifted it so we could look at each other.

I couldn’t read the emotions welling up in his eyes as our stares collided.

I held my breath. His jaw tightened again before a violent wind blew to hit my face. I close my eyes when it gets closer to me. His lips, however, did not rest on my lips but on the bridge of my nose. I opened my eyes and looked up in amazement. I didn’t expect Mr. Sanvictores to do that.

He looked at me straight in the eyes.

The standing bestman at our wedding came again, which caused the two of us to stare at each other. He greeted me and Mr. Sanvictores. My father simply pulled me by the arm and hugged me tightly.

I couldn't help but wince because of the tightness of my father's hug on me. It was as if my bones would break and I could not breathe.

My father and I were both surprised when Mr. Sanvictores suddenly pulled me away from my father.

“That's enough!” Mr. Sanvictores growled at my father while giving him a sharp look.  ”My wife and I, are leaving.”  

When he pronounces the word my wife, it seems to emphasize that he owns me that made me shiver.

“Won't you at least come to the mansion first? I have a small party prepared for your wedding,” my father said with a wide smile to Mr. Sanvictores, which was not even returned, and disregarding of what the latter said. 

The man's forehead remained serious and furrowed.

“A small party?” Mr. Sanvictores snapped, he looked so angry at what my father said, which in turn lost my father's smile. “To the extent that I gave you money for the preparation of the wedding, have you prepared only a small banquet?”  the anger in his voice was very vocal and was not even hidden.

I was embarrassed to just bow my head. I’m not surprised by the money, Mr. Sanvictores is talking about. I knew it was a lot of money, and I also knew my father wouldn’t waste it on me by giving me a fancy wedding.

My father's face lost color due to the embarrassment of Mr. Sanvictores's brutal speech.

“We're leaving, and we're not going to enjoy the little party you've prepared!” he said sarcastically, then grabbed me and pulled me away in front of my father.

Mr. Sanvictores escorted me exited the chapel. We walk towards the tree nearby. When I see the two large horses tied to the side of the tree, my eyes widen. “Is that where we ride?” I questioned my husband while breathing heavily. 

I wanted to thank him earlier for not agreeing to attend the party my father had arranged for us. But now, I'm not sure if I am glad for it.

I was even surprised that my father had just prepared a feast; if that was true, I couldn't bear to go back to the mansion. I feel like I'm about to collapse. My knees are shaking, and I can feel the tiredness and exhaustion in my body. I accepted my fate, and the last thing I wanted was to go back to the mansion, even though Nana Rosa was there. I think of the place where I grew up as hell because only demons could do what happened to me.

A sadness caressed my heart when I remembered Nana Rosa. I don't know if we will meet again, because I don't know if tomorrow or the day after tomorrow I will still be alive. The only thing I regret at this time is that I didn't tell Nana Rosa how much I love her nor did I thank her for all the goodness she gave me. Even just a glance... not even a hug... I couldn't even give Nana Rosa. I wiped the tears that escaped my eyes.

Under my gown, the first layer of it was wet with blood. The cloth was sticking to my thighs because of the blood. The inside of my shoes are also sticky. There are small drops of blood falling where I am walking, not only obvious because the area around the chapel is not paved but soil.

And now we're going to ride a horse? How can I get on this high horse without screaming in pain? I can't even move my legs properly. I groaned inwardly. Maybe heaven is really punishing me.

As far as I know, San Carlos is far from where we are now. It will take about half an hour before we reach the mouth of the bridge that divides the two towns. And from then on, it will take some time to travel into the courtyard because the area around San Carlos is a forest.

“Don't worry, my Luna, I won't let you fall from that,” said Mr. Sanvictores. His voice was very soft when he was saying that, and even his eyes were looking at me with care. Oh maybe I'm delirious that's why I see Mr. Sanvictores is what I want to see in a husband. I gently shook my head.

“The broken bridge between the two towns prevented us from using the vehicle. This stallion was the only one able to pass through that area,” Mr. Sanvictores was explained to me as if I were a child. He was kind enough to explain, so I won't complain.

How can I say that my concern is not with the form of transport? Even if we only walk to San Vicente, it will not be a problem for me, and I won't complain if my legs don't hurt.

“Klaire?” Mr. Sanvictores inquired of me. I did not realize he was at the top of the horse now. As I looked up at him, I felt the urge to inhale. The sun's rays struck his face, making it appear to radiate with light. He also sits gracefully astride a horse. He resembles a prince extending his hand to his princess. I refrained from expressing my admiration for him.

I had no choice but to reach his hand, but I quickly retracted my hand when I felt the electricity again. I once more looked up at him in awe. Why does it seem that every time I touch his hand, an electric current flows through our hands? I observed in Mr. Sanvictores' eyes that he shared the same emotions as I did. He gave me a gentle smile.

“That's all right, Klaire. You need not be concerned,” He spoke to me in a manner that implied he understood my emotions.

I slowly extended my hand to him once more, despite my reservations. He smiled at me, which accelerated my heartbeat.

I am extremely confused about my emotions. He is the only person I've ever met who had such an impact on me.

“Place your foot on the saddle and cross your leg forward,” he instructed me, and I immediately complied despite holding my breath due to the pain of stretching my leg.

“Are you okay?” he inquired as I managed to get behind him. I was unable to respond due to the overwhelming pain, so I simply nodded even though he couldn't see me.

I was unable to prevent tears from escaping my eyes as the horse moved. With every movement we made, every fiber of my body throbbed with pain. I collapsed onto his back and wrapped my arms around his waist for support. Mr. Sanvictores assumed I was merely terrified, so I gave him a hug. I clenched my teeth tightly as I endured the pain. I wish my entire body was accustomed to numbness.

“Are you okay?” he inquired, glancing at me briefly. However, he was unable to see my face because I was hiding behind him. The warmth of his back comforts me in some way.

I placed my forehead at the back of Mr. Sanvictores. I can feel my wounds increasing in size.

Throughout the duration of our trip, I maintained my composure and remained silent.

My vision began to blur until I was unable to prevent the sudden onset of darkness.