Chapter45
“Why?” I couldn’t help but ask.
Samuel looked back at me. “My mom says shopping cheers a woman up when she’s down.” Freddy piped up, “Count me in. I’m also feeling down.” Samuel playfully nudged him aside and then he steered me off.
On the way, I tried to explain the whole story, but Samuel cut me off, “It’s water under the bridge. I don’t want you picking at old scars. Trust me. I don’t mind it.
“I’d rather hear more about how you praise me as a man of integrity. That really hits the spot. Keep those compliments coming!” he joked, and it made me laugh.
We returned with so much stuff from our shopping spree. The car’s trunk and back seat were both stuffed. Freddy, a little jealous, cuddled my cat and made fun of us.
The tense mood brought by Antonio was soon overshadowed by the laughter.
On our wedding day, Antonio and Alicia were there. They were on the guest list this time.
Antonio, with a cast on his leg, was leaning on Alicia for support.
Security was all over them, making sure they didn’t make any unexpected
moves.
I looked at Samuel with confusion, but he shrugged it off. “Easier to keep an eye on them here. Less chance for drama.” Freddy curled his lip. “You just wanted them to witness the wedding with their own eyes so they would feel more devastated.”
As we swapped rings, chaos broke out on Antonio’s end.
He gave Alicia a push. She hit her head on the table’s edge and bled, but he didn’t even glance at her.
It was the same thing at Alicia’s welcome–back bash. When he moved so abruptly that the soup spilled all over me, he didn’t even turn his head but rushed out to chase after Alicia.
Antonio wanted to charge over and shout, but the security was on him, pinning him back. They covered his mouth to stifle his cries. The loud pops of the confetti poppers and the joyful music drowned out any signs. of his resistance.
After the wedding ceremony ended, I walked up to them.
Staring at the awkward Alicia, I asked her calmly, “Look at us now. Do we still look alike?”
She just gaped at me and then broke into a mix of tears and laughter. “Who cares if we look alike? The person he truly loved was never either of us.”
Antonio shot her a glare. “Bullshit. I did love you, but that was then. Grace’s the one I love now.
“You’re the one who messed up by coming back. You ruined everything and caused trouble between Grace and me.”
I cut in, “Antonio, cut the act. I’ve been to your study.” Antonio widened his eyes. He crumpled to the ground, speechless.
Samuel and I walked away together.
Barely had we moved when Samuel joked, “Let’s go. We’ve got a crowd waiting to play the wedding game.” I playfully pinched his arm, and he responded by pulling me close for a kiss.
Word had it that Antonio laid all the blame on Alicia and made her life a living hell. She lost her job over and over again. Her life was a struggle, and in a moment of despair, she drove into him. His leg, not yet healed. from a past break, was crushed, leaving him paralyzed.
The Kaufman family hounded Alicia, and with no hope left, she took a leap from the top of the Kaufman Group building.
The Kaufman Group lost its successor and got caught up in a murder case. Their stock nosedived, and soon enough, they were forced into bankruptcy by rival companies.
Samuel made a call to make sure Antonio survived.
When I looked puzzled, he clarified. “I always keep my promises. I said he’d watch you happy for the rest of your days, and he can’t kick the bucket before that.”
Words failed me.
Freddy was right. Samuel was totally cunning.
Yet, I was sure he would bring me happiness and a safe place to call home.
The end.