Beautiful Mistake ( us against the world)

It was a pleasant afternoon in the lively city of makati. The streets buzzed with life, but in one serene part of the city, the sound of wedding bells filled the air. Guests dressed in elegant white streamed into a beautifully decorated outdoor venue, settling into their seats.

Inside a quiet room,Maya Lucas Antonio sat at the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the portrait in front of her. Her face, beautifully adorned with flawless makeup. The stylist had done a remarkable job,her hair cascaded in soft curls, her eyes shimmered, and her lips were painted the perfect shade of pink. Yet, she felt nothing but dread.

Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of the impending doom that awaited her. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but instead, it felt like she was walking toward a life sentence.

An elderly maid entered the room, carrying a glass of milk. She moved gently, towards maya.

"Here, Maya," she said, offering the glass. Drink this. It will help calm your nerves.

Maya hesitated but eventually took the glass, her hands trembling. She lifted it to her lips and took a small sip before setting it aside.

Just then, the door creaked open. The maid, upon seeing the figure that entered, immediately took a step back, bowing slightly. Her demeanor changed.

Maya wondered why, and then turned around. Her breath caught in her throat.

Riccardo.

He stood in the doorway, his sharp, dark eyes fixed on her. His presence alone was suffocating, a reminder of the man she despised yet was being forced to marry.

"Leave us," Riccardo said without looking at the maid.

The woman hesitated for a moment, glancing at Maya, then gave a slight nod and hurried out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

Maya instinctively adjusted her robe, pulling it tightly around her body as if it could shield her from his gaze.

Riccardo smirked, taking slow steps toward her before pulling a chair and sitting right in front of her. The air between them thickened, charged with tension. He reached for the glass of milk she was holding and placed it on the table beside him.

Look at you... he murmured, his voice smooth yet laced with something dark. You're breathtaking, just as I imagined you'd be on this day.

Maya's heart pounded even harder, her fingers digging into the fabric of her robe. But her eyes,void of warmth, void of love,were filled with fear and disgust.

You shouldn't be here, she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you want, Riccardo?"

A slow, amused smile curved his lips. Are you sure you want to know?" he asked, reaching out to touch her face.

Maya flinched, turning away before his fingers could make contact.

If you have nothing to say or do, then leave," she commanded, her voice firm despite the fear gripping her. It's heart-wrenching enough that I'm being forced to marry you.

Riccardo's smirk vanished, his expression darkening. "Is that the right way to talk to your soon-to-be husband?

His voice was edged with anger, and before she could react, he raised his hand as if to strike her.

Maya's breath hitched. She flinched, instinctively raising her hands to shield herself, her eyes squeezed shut. But the slap never came.

When she hesitantly opened her eyes, she saw his hand hovering mid-air. He held it there for a moment before slowly lowering it.

"Not today, Maya," he said, his voice eerily calm. "I won't let you ruin this day. One thing for sure is, you must marry me, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Maya's lip trembled. "You monster," she spat, her voice laced with venom. I would rather die than marry you.

Riccardo's jaw tightened, and within a second, his hand shot out, gripping her jaw painfully.

Maya winced, struggling against his grip, her eyes welling up with tears.

"If you want to die," he murmured, his lips inches from her ear, "that can be arranged, after I've had my fill of you.

Terror gripped her chest. She thrashed against him, trying to free herself, but he was too strong.

Riccardo chuckled darkly. "You're all mine, Maya," he whispered. "And tonight, whether you like it or not, I will make love to you, even if I have to force myself on you.

A muffled sob escaped her lips as he pushed her onto the bed, pinning her hands above her head.

"Stop struggling," he hissed. You're only making this more exciting for me.

Maya whimpered, her tears hot against her cheeks, her body trembling beneath him.

Get ready for our big day my princess, he whispered into her ears.

Then, as suddenly as he had pinned her down, Riccardo released her and stood. He adjusted his shirt, smoothing his hands over the fabric as if nothing had happened.

Maya curled into herself, her breathing ragged, hatred burning in her eyes.

I hate you, she whispered, her voice breaking. "I hate you, Riccardo.She said repeatedly.

Riccardo walked toward the door, his hand resting on the knob. He turned back to look at her.

"Hate me all you want, Maya," he said. But that won't change a thing.

With that, he swung the door open and strode out, slamming it behind him.

Maya sat there, staring at the closed door, her body shaking with rage and fear. Then, like a dam breaking, she let out a scream, grabbing whatever she could find and hurling it across the room.

Shattered the delicate glass ornaments on the vanity. She wanted to destroy everything.

The door burst open, and the elderly maid rushed in, wrapping her arms around Maya, trying to calm her.

Be calm my dear, the woman soothed, holding her close. You mustn't do this to yourself.

But Maya couldn't stop. She sobbed, gripping onto the maid like a lifeline.

The maid gently stroked her hair, whispering comforting words.

Come let's get you to another room,so you can get dressed, the woman said to her pitifully, as she held Maya and guided her out of the room.

Maya stood in front of a full length mirror. At twenty three her striking Filipino Italian features were complemented by a simple, elegant dress that skimmed her toes. Her long brown hair was again styled perfectly, and her veil framed her delicate face. Yet, despite her beauty, Maya's expression was far from joyful.

The sound of a familiar voice broke the silence.

You don't have to do this,someone said softly.

Startled, Maya turned to see Isabella, her friend. Relief flickered across her face.

Isabella, I wasn't expecting you, Maya said.

How could I miss my best friend's wedding? Isabella replied with a smile, stepping closer and placing her hands on Maya's arms. You look beautiful, you know.

Thanks, Maya murmured. I wish you didn't have to see me like this.

Maya, you don't have to go through with this, Isabella said gently.

There's nothing I can do,Maya replied, her voice tinged with sadness. But there's something I need to tell you. You must promise to keep it a secret.

Maya, come on. We've known each since childhood. You know you can trust me.

Maya hesitated, glancing toward the door. It's about Riccardo. There is something I need to tell you about him. Something I've kept a secret for months, no one knows about it.

What about him, Isabella inquired curiously.

Before she could continue, a sharp voice interrupted them.

Maya, it's time, a firm voice called.

Maya turned to see her mother, Beatrice, standing at the doorway. Isabella stepped back quickly.

I will leave now, Isabella said with a small nod. See you later.

Beatrice entered the room, her face glowing with excitement as she looked at Maya.

My dear Maya, you look stunning, she exclaimed. "Just perfect."

Maya didn't respond. Her face remained blank.

Don't give me that look, her mother said, her tone firm. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Hundreds of girls would kill to be in your shoes. Becoming part of the Alessandro family is a dream.

But, Mom, I'm not one of those girl's, this is not a dream to me, rather it is a nightmare. Maya said softly, I don't even love him.

You don't have to love him, Beatrice replied, brushing aside her protest. You will learn to love him with time. Marrying Riccardo will secure our family's future. That's all that matters.

"Mom, this isn't what I want," Maya pleaded. Riccardo beats me.

Beatrice's tone hardened. Enough, Maya. I have made my decision, besides Riccardo is a gentleman, I doubt he will and you'll go through with this wedding. Now, don't keep the guests waiting.

With that, her mother stormed out of the room. Maya stared at her reflection in the mirror, tears streaming down her face. She wiped them away and took a deep breath, her hand brushing the cool surface of the mirror.

"Let's get this over with," she whispered to herself.

Gathering her composure, Maya stepped outside. The sleek black Rolls Royce provided by the Alessandro family awaited her. As she approached the car, her younger sister, Sophia, ran up to her.

Maya, you look so beautiful Sophia beamed and love your dress.

Maya forced a small smile for her sister's sake. Thank you, Sophia.

You will be fine alright Sophia said, and maya just smiled nodding.

But as she climbed into the car, her heart felt heavier than ever. This wasn't the wedding she had dreamed of, but there was no turning back now.

As the car rolled through the gates of the venue, Maya sat stiffly in the back seat, her mother beside her, radiating excitement. Up front, Sophia chatted happily with the driver.

The car came to a gentle stop, and through the tinted windows, Maya caught her first full glimpse of the wedding venue. It was breathtaking.

Rows of chairs were draped in white and gold, flower arrangements lined the aisle. Guests filled the seats, chatting and smiling as they awaited the bride. The bridesmaids and flower girls were already in position.

Sophia hopped out first, joining the bridesmaids with a beaming smile.

Maya's mother turned to her with a reassuring yet firm look. Is this not the kind of wedding you have always dreamed of? A grand affair, a perfect setting, Everything is just as it should be.

Maya didn't respond, her hands trembling slightly on her lap.

You will be just fine, her mother continued. Now walk down that aisle and make your family proud.

Without waiting for a reply, Beatrice stepped out of the car and gracefully joined the guests, her demeanor one of pride and satisfaction.

The procession began. Bridesmaids and flower girls walked down the aisle to soft, melodic music, scattering petals and eliciting smiles from the crowd. Everyone seemed joyful,except Maya.

Taking a deep breath, Maya opened the car door and stepped out. A wave of cheers and claps greeted her as she stood at the entrance, her veil covering her face. She forced herself to take the first step, her movements graceful and deliberate.

Every eye was on her, and Maya felt the weight of their expectations with every step she took. She scanned the crowd, her gaze landing briefly on familiar faces,her family, her childhood friend Isabella, other guest's,and the Alessandro family, sitting with an air of superiority.

Finally, her eyes found Riccardo. He stood at the altar, tall and composed, waiting for her. But to Maya, his expression wasn't one of love or excitement,it was cold, detached. All she could see in his face was pain, anger, and a darkness that matched her own turmoil.

Her heart raced as the distance between them closed. Each step felt heavier than the last, her breathing quickening. She blinked back tears, but they escaped anyway, rolling silently down her cheeks, unnoticed by the crowd.

Halfway down the aisle, Maya's steps faltered. Her chest ached. She stopped, her tearful gaze locking onto Riccardo's unreadable face.

No, she whispered, shaking her head. Her voice grew louder. No, I can't do this.

Gasps rippled through the audience as Maya tossed her bouquet onto the ground. Without a second thought, she turned and ran, her veil trailing behind her