9 CHAPTER:9

"The wedding is supposed to take place now, and Naia's ran away. What will we do now?! How are we going to show our faces to people?!" -Elara's aunt yells, pacing back and forth trying to figure out where Naia could've ran off to, what they're going to say to the people sitting out in the hall, waiting for the bride's entrance.

Elara looks at her uncle, pleading to him to believe her. He stares at her coldly, confused and tensed on what their next step should be.

When a loud voice, yells in anger from behind them; "WHAT DO YOU MEAN NAIA RAN AWAY?!!" -he roars, his eyes full of fury as he steps into the room with his grandfather and father.

"M-Marshall...!" -Naia's mom stutters, her eyes widening in panic as she sees the three men entering the room.

Elara turns to look at Marshall. She tries reading his expressions. She sees them in a state of shock and disbelief. Marshall's expression clearly shows he's feeling confused, embarrassed and angry.

Marshall's father snatches the letter from Elara's hands and reads it out loud.

The news of the bride's disappearance came as a huge shock to them all, considering how everyone is waiting out in the hall right now.

"What does this mean, Elara my dear?" -Marshall's grandfather asks her, his face clearly stating his sorrow.

Elara walks up to him; "Please, please believe me. I had nothing to do with her running away. I swear, I got to know now just like you all. Please, I didn't in any way instigate Naia's eloping. Please, trust me grandpa." -Elara's voice breaks due to her heightened emotions.

His grandfather sighs, "I don't know what to believe my dear..."

"The letter clearly proves your involvement in this Elara." -Marshall interrupts angrily. "It clearly says what you did was with good intentions. Of course." -he scoffs. "I shouldn't have called you to my office that day to come get her. Everything would've went accordingly if YOU hadn't interfered!"

Elara flinches, "Please, believe me. I was in no way involved in this!"

"Why would she lie about it then? What will she gain from doing this?" -He questions. Elara's shoulders drop, feeling defeated.

"I don't know why she framed me like this, please, I'm telling the truth!"

"YOU-"

Before Marshall can continue, he's interrupted by Hana, who pushes her way in through them.

"Don't y'all fucking dare blame Elara here! She had nothing to do with this!"

"H-Hana..."

"Let me handle this El." -Hana says as she turns to face everyone. "Uncle, Naia came to Elara asking for her help to break this marriage off, but when Elara didn't agree she got mad and neither of them spoke to each other for the last two weeks." -Hana explains to Naia's father.

"Of course you're going to defend your friend here, and make my daughter the bad person!" -Naia's mother interrupts.

The two begin a heating argument, as Hana continues defending Elara, and Naia's mother defends her own daughter. The men watch in silence, as Elara continues trying to break off the argument.

Sighing, Marshall's grandfather yells, commanding silence. "QUIET!"

The two quickly stop arguing and turn to look at him, embarrassed.

"If you all are forgetting, there are people waiting outside. This is a crucial situation, and we need to approach it carefully."

Marshall's father chips in; "I agree. Even though it'll affect our families, we cannot leave the guests waiting."

Elara's uncle, Mr. Valdivia, the statesman and the eldest of the family, finally speaks up. His presence, sober and reserved, commanding respect as he draws everyone's attention. He addresses Marshall's family as he speaks.

"I'm regretful and ashamed of what actions my daughter has taken. I express my deep regrets and apologize for not being able to prevent this inconvenience."

Marshall's father shakes his head, "No no, it's not like it's your fault, Mr. Valdivia. We're all frustrated. I wouldn't blame you at all."

Elara's uncle nods and continues; "In light of these events, I believe it would be an appropriate time to explore other possibilities. One where both of our families reputation would be safe. I'd like to offer my niece Elara, to replace my gone daughter. My niece Elara might be a good option for your family, and I believe she would make an excellent wife for your son."

Marshall and everyone else in the room, clearly bemused and shocked at his suggestion, no one sure on how to react.

"W-What?" -Elara questions, believing she's misheard her uncle.

Marshall's father speaks up, still surprised; "Though we appreciate your offer, but we don't want to cause any inconvenience to your family. We understand you're offering your niece for marriage to save our reputations, but she doesn't seem to be prepared for such an arrangement."

Her uncle listens intently, "I understand your concerns. However, she's my family, and her parents left her to my care on their deathbeds. I believe, I do have a say in this. It is important to remember, I've raised both Elara and Naia, equally. And my niece is also of marriageable age, and is ready to take on the responsibilities of a wife. Her education, virtues, values are undoubtedly significant. I assure you that, if given the chance, she will not disappoint your family. I know this seems like a sudden offer, but I hope you will consider it. Considering there are guests waiting outside for us, waiting for a marriage to take place."

Elara speaks, still refusing to believe everything she just heard; "What are you doing?" -she asks her uncle.

"Setting things right."

"I am not marrying Marshall." -She grits.

"You've got no choice." -Marshall interrupts, getting closer to her.

"You've made a mess of things, so you'll set them right too." -staring at her, intensely. "I have no objections marrying Elara." -He announces to everyone present in the room.

"I OBJECT!" -Elara yells.

"Like hell you do!" -Marshall says, his voice dangerously low as he grips her arm.

"You don't get any say in this."

As the two stare at each other intensely, Marshall, not letting go of her arm. Everyone else in the room is ordered to leave, by Marshall. As soon as they're gone, his grip around her arm tightens. Elara winces lightly in pain.

"I don't care what you want or don't want. Everything in my life has been going downhill because of you. And you will be the one to fix it. Am I clear?"

-His face dangerously close to hers. His breath tickling her nose, as struggles to free her arm. "I'm not marrying you Marshall!" -she grits again.

He lets go of her arm, and takes out his mobile. "Name your price and you'll have the money in your bank account by tonight."

"I'm not selling my freedom to you for money."

"I can buy you, your freedom and even your soul with my money. So quit messing around, Elara. I don't have time for your bullshit." -He says, as he begins to walk away. "I expect to see you at the altar in the next fifteen minutes, or I'll drag you there myself. I don't care if Naia's gone, this marriage will take place today." -He says coldly, slamming the door behind him as he leaves.

After Marshall is gone, Elara stands frozen, unable to think. Hana, and Marshall's grandfather enters the room. Hana comes over and stands next to her, rubbing her back. No one saying anything.

Few minutes later, Marshall's grandfather speaks up; "My dear.. I know that you're hesitant about marrying my grandson, but please hear me out."

"Please, grandpa. I don't know him well enough to make him my husband. You've seen the both of bickering the few times we've met. Marriage is about love, which he clearly has no idea about. I don't think I could fall in love with him.." -she explains, her eyes full of sorrow.

"I understand your concerns. But as the elders of our families, me and your uncle only want what's best for all of us. Our families have been close for generations, and we were so delighted to have Naia and Marshall marry. And though I believe you had nothing to do with her running away, what your uncle is suggesting isn't bad either. It would mean a great deal to our families, and to me too, to see you marry my grandson."

"But how can I?" -Elara sighs, unable to form any words as she chokes back her tears. She closes her eyes to clear her head. This feels too suffocating.

"I understand your hesitation, child. But trust me, he's a kind and responsible man. I know he may came off as cold and harsh, but if you grow closer to him, you'll see his true self. You will come to know him better over time, and I'm sure he'll live up to your expectations, my child. I can assure you, no matter what he'll always treat you with respect. Moreover, our families have been great friends for generations. This union between you and him would only make our bond and friendship stronger. I take the guarantee to make sure he'll never say anything that'll hurt you. Please, think about it. We don't have much time in our hands Elara." -He says, trying to persuade Elara. "I'll give you some space." -he says, leaving the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

Hana sighs, "Tell me what you want El. Whatever you say, I'm here for you. Say the word and I'll get you out of here in no time."

Elara smiles weakly. She weighs her options. She could easily leave saying no, going back home continuing her life as if nothing happened. But the look of sadness and helplessness in her uncle's eyes, makes her feel weaker. She knows this is the least she can do to repay him for his kindness towards her all these years. And though, she believes true love exists, she thinks it isn't for her. She's willing to take this huge step for her uncle. The only person who had been kind to her, not through his words, but through how he raised her. She can repay him with money, but her agreeing to this marriage, might help break some barriers between them. All she ever wanted from him, was to look at her the way a father looks at his daughter. Today, his sorrow filled eyes spoke to her in words no one could translate. His eyes asked for help, like a helpless father breaking down in front of his daughter, even though he doesn't want to.

Elara smiles weakly to Hana. She's willing to take this step for her uncle.

"You have no idea how lucky I am to have you, Hana." -she says, hugging her tightly. Letting the tears finally fall.

Hana breaks off the hug and looks at her worriedly. "Are you sure, El? Please, we can leave now if you just say the word.."

Elara shakes her head, wiping her tears. "No.. I'm okay. I'll marry Marshall." -she says, dead set.

She gets up and walks towards the wedding gown, admiring it. And quickly changing into it. She looks at herself in the mirror, as Hana helps with her makeup. The wedding gown is such a breathtaking masterpiece of intricate lace and beading. The bodice is made of delicate, sheer fabric adorned with lace appliqués and shimmering crystals that glitter in the light. The gown hugs Elara's curves perfectly. The neckline is elegantly high, with a sheer illusion collar that transitions into a stunning intricate lace pattern across the chest and down the sleeves. The sleeves flare out into a wide flower shape at the wrists, which are also adorned with sparkling crystal beads. Her hair styled in loose waves that cascade down her back. And her veil gently brushing against the floor.

As Hana is done with her makeup, she looks in the mirror, surprised. Seeing herself as a bride, it was definitely not something she was expecting today.

Hana smiles softly at her; "You look beautiful."

_________

The guests have been waiting for more than forty-five minutes waiting for the bride's entrance. Everyone had started whispering among each other, wondering what's going on. Seeing Marshall stride back towards the altar, standing sternly, everyone quiets down.

He stands patiently, waiting.

As his ordered fifteen minutes pass, he stares at the entrance. He impatiently fiddles with his fingers. Worried about his and his family's reputation. Worried, if Elara actually doesn't come out of the room in the next second. Wondering to himself, what will he do?

Suddenly, the best-man announces the bride's entry on the mic, he turns to look at the entrance.

Elara takes a deep breath as she stands at the hall entrance. Her heart racing with anxiety and fear. The wedding music begins to play, and as she's about to start walking, her uncle comes and stands next to her. Offering his arm to her. She smiles softly, entwining her arms in her uncle's. They begin to walk down the aisle slowly, taking measured steps in her stunning wedding dress. As they finally make their way down to the aisle, Elara meets Marshall's gaze. Neither of them breaking eye contact. As they both stare at each other, and everyone else's eyes fixated on them both. Elara puts up a fake, beautiful and radiant smile.Her face glowing.

Marshall smiles to himself, seeing her.

The best-man begins speaking on the mic;

"Ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered here today, to witness and celebrate the union of Elara Valadez and Marshall Wyatts. Today, they will exchange vows and commit to a lifetime of love and partnership with each other. This is a momentous occasion, a celebration of love and commitment. And a testament to the power of two hearts beating as one. Let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of this special day. And let love guide us throughout this ceremony. Where the two, are joined as one."

. . .