To Be Yours Again

“You’re really beautiful.” I heard him say and I lifted up my head to stare at him. He offered me a small smile. I hate a lot of things in this world and that included compliments. “I know. You don’t have to tell me.” I snapped. He opened his mouth to say something but then closed it and looked away. I dropped my cutlery. “I have to get going.” I announced. “You hardly touched your food.” He pointed out. “I’ve lost my appetite.” “Is it because of the compliment? I’m sorry...I didn’t realize it was wrong for me to think you’re beautiful...” “Mr Moretti, I have an appointment in thirty minutes time. See you at the wedding.” I faked a smile and stood up. I got my bag and walked away. I’m offended when people say that because I hardly see the beauty in me.

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RAPHAEL When she left, I felt highly relieved. God, she was nasty. I mean, what’s wrong with complimenting her? And her eyes, oh man... Wasn’t Enzo scared of them? Why hadn’t he backed out of marrying someone like her? Well, that wasn’t my problem. I greatly hope he gets found before the wedding. I can’t pretend to be that frosty woman’s husband.

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“How was it? Did she suspect anything?” Allegra asked when she came by Enzo’s house that evening. Dante had gone out. “She didn’t.” “Then why the long face?” “I’m just thinking of the probability of getting married to her, it’s low, right? It should be low.” She sighed, heavily. I stood up. “She had this dark glare in her eyes until she left. Did Enzo do something bad to her before?” She shook her head. “They only met just once officially and when he got back, he thought she was perfect to be his bride.” Perfect? Why would he think that? “Well, I’ve heard some rumours that Monalisa Garcia isn’t an easygoing woman but I don’t think she can be all that bad.” I facepalmed myself. This shouldn’t be my cross to carry. “We fired the maid today.” I frowned. “Why? That woman makes delicious meals.”

“She had been working for Enzo for some years now and she might notice the differences between you two.” “Still, you left her jobless, that isn’t fair.” She might have a family to take care of. “Fine, I will make sure she gets a job somewhere else.” I grinned. “Thanks.” Allegra stood in front of me. “I know this is hard for you but you have to try harder to be like him. Enzo’s not a softie, he doesn’t get intimidated by anything, he’s strong willed and bold, you have to behave exactly like him.” I looked away from her. Deceiving a lot of people was beginning to tore at me. “Don’t you feel bad for doing this?” I asked. “Doing what?” “Deceiving people, we’ve both being there, I was deceived all my life and I’m yet to even make sense of everything.” She moved closer to me. “This is a lot different from what Julia did. I know deceiving a lot of people is wrong, But I have no choice right now, Enzo’s position is very important. And I also know putting a pause to your life to live someone else’s is tedious but I need you, Vincenzo.” “Vincenzo?” Tears filled her eyes. “Yesterday, I came across a book your father had. He had written down the names of his twins before you two were born. He spent months contemplating on what to name them. He named your brother Lorenzo and you...Vincenzo.” I blinked. Allegra told me he died and it kinda hurts now that he didn’t get to know me. “When did he die?” “Seven years ago.” And her tears dropped. “I really need you, Vin...this is too much to ask but I don’t want Enzo to be devastated when he gets back. He already seemed so broken inside ever since your father died and if he loses everything. I can’t imagine how he would feel, so I have to protect all he has and I can do that through you.” My jaw clenched. “I talked to Grandpa Andre, he’s willing to let you rest a bit, you have till after the honeymoon to resume working at the company. Hopefully, by then, Enzo would be found.” I nodded in comprehension. “Thank you so much, Vin.” Vin. Vincenzo. I do not know how to assimilate the fact that that’s my real name. “Can I hug you?” She asked. My lips parted and I couldn’t say no to her so I nodded. She closed the distance between us and wrapped her arms around me. “My son.” She breathed. My mother’s face flashed through my head and a tear slid down my cheek.

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And that was how I found myself few days later, at the top of the church’s aisle. Dante who was my best man was behind me. I couldn’t believe I was going through with this. If I had dreamt about marriage before, it was in my hometown, in Puerto Vallarta, super happy to spend the rest of my life with someone I love...with someone who loves me in return. My only consolation was that this wouldn’t be for the rest of my life. This was just temporary. The church doors opened and she stood there, holding her father.

I blinked. She was glowing again...in the white long dress. It was as if everyone else went stilled and it was just me and her. I could see her face from the veil, she looks like an angel. Her father handed her to me, I took her hand and led her up the steps beside me. I lifted the veil up and over her head, looking down into her eyes and for a tensed moment, I saw an unmistakable glint of hostility in her eyes. I swallowed, discreetly. The ceremony passed in a blur. Somehow, I knew I must have said everything required of me but I couldn’t remember. I was aware of the cool band of gold on my finger. I stared at the wedding ring on my finger unable to believe that I had taken wedding vows in place of someone else. “You may now kiss the bride.” The priest announced. My eyes dilated. I had totally forgotten about this part.