After the wedding. What's next?
"Congrats on your wedding. I wish you both the best out of life." Congratulatory massages came from everyone who attended the wedding. They all seemed happy for i and Maria. Maria. I acted calm and followed her lead. She was an amazing actress. Maria looked so joyful, almost like she hadn't switched places with my wife some minutes ago. My wife? Did i just say that?
"Congratulations. You better take good care of my daughter." Mr Elvis approached me. "We are now a family." He stated with a dark undertone. I ignored him. Just because I was with his daughter, did he really think I'd forget about the humiliation from a week ago?
"Daddy, don't worry. My husband loves me very much. He'll be sure to take care of me, right?" Maria cut in. She immediately leaned in my arm while giving her best fake smile. The smile was more if a warning for me. Almost like she was saying,' If i wanted answers, I'd have to play along.'
"R-right." I stuttered.
Time flew by, and before long, the entire wedding ceremony was over. The time was 6pm, and i was still without answers. During the reception, i had slipped away for some moments, i rushed over to Maria's chambers to see if my mysterious bride was still there. She was gone. I cursed inwardly.
"Well, isn't it about time you said something?" I questioned Maria. She was beside me in the car. We were driving home. Was it really okay to take home a woman who i had not married? I asked myself during the long drive home.
We arrived and without warning, Maria raced towards the front door. She went up to my room and sat herself up on my bed. "Shouldn't you at least say something?" I questioned once more, Unbuttoning my shirt.
"How about a drink? It's our wedding night after all." She suggested unmagnanimously.
I shook my head then sighed deeply. How long was she going to keep this up? "Tequila or scotch?"
"Scotch."
We drank out rounds in silence. In my mind, i thought of all possible way to make Maria talk. This was the first time i had struggled to get something out from her. It was frustrating.
"Why did you keep it from me?" She piped up.
"Huh?" I dropped my glass.
"You know what I'm talking about."
"Oh..." I thought. "I didn't know about it until a day to the wedding." I tried to explain.
"You should have still told me." She sighed. In a gulp, she emptied her glass.
"Do you want more?" I poured her another glass. The atmosphere around us was too damp. We weren't like newly Weds rather, we were like soldiers returning from a brutal war with no idea what they were fighting for. Full of questions. Full of hidden emotions. We sat there, lost in each other's gaze.
"You'll never see her again." Maria piped up again.
"What?" I dropped the bottle which i used to fill her glass. "What do you mean?" My eyes narrowed.
"I meant, she did her job so i sent her away. I only allowed her to marry you in my place so it wouldn't eventually get out of hand. We both know what will happen if the media or your family find out. Ethan Alexander, married to two women concurrently. The world will never let you off the hook." She paused, staring deep into my eyes she continued, "I did this because I love you. I've already began processes to terminate your marriage. Soon, it will be like it never happened."
"No!" I had no idea i had stood forcefully. Realizing myself, i sat down. "I didn't ask you to sort out my issues on my behalf." I covered.
"It's my duty as your wife." She snapped at me.
"Well, thankfully you're not the one i married." I snapped back. I was loosing my temper. I was unsure of what exactly i said. Then i turned to Maria, she was shocked. Tears welling in her eyes. I cursed. "I didn't mean it like that Maria. I meant.-"
"I'll be in the shower." She stood. With quick strides, she locked the bathroom door behind her.
******
******
Andrew barged into the house he shared with his sister."Where is she?!" He yelled. He had watched the footage.
Annie sat on the floor, the upper part of her dress soaked in tears. She lifted her head towards Andrew who was fuming at the door. Her gaze met his, instantly, Andrew's countenance softened. "Annie." He rushed over to his sister. He held her in his arms, quietly consoling her. "Where is she?"
"I don't know."Annie cried. "She did come back. I tried calling her, but her line, is switched off." Annie lamented. "Andrew please call your boss. Tell him to find her. Please." She continued to cry.
"It's okay. It's okay." He sighed. "I'll talk to him tomorrow. Stop crying. We'll find her."
******
******
"Any news on her?" Ethan walked into his office. His eyes red and swollen, he didn't get any sleep.
"No Sir." Andrew pulled out the chair for his boss. "Did Maria say anything?"
"No."
"I've already contacted all of Maria's bride'smaids to see if they can get us any Intel on her whereabouts plus the PI's have already started their investigations. It's only a matter of time, Sir." Andrew explained.
"Good." Ethan relaxed on the chair behind his desk. His mind had been in a haze since last night.
"Um Sir." Andrew started.
"Hm?"
"You are already aware of my relationship with your bride. She's my sister's closet friend. Um may i ask what you intend to do if you find her?" This question had been on Andrew's mind ever since he found out. He understood the importance of finding Roxanne and making sure she was alright. But after that, what happens next?
"Hm." Ethan thought long and hard. He did not know the answers. He also did not know why he was so interested in this woman. Ideally, he was supposed to go along with Maria's plan and terminate their marriage as soon as possible, however, that was the last thing in his mind. He had so many questions. Questions that could only be answered by Janet. Or as Andrew calls her, Roxanne.
"I..."
*RING**RING* The telephone rang. Andrew immediately picked it up.
"Yes?" He listened to the person in the other side of the call. ",I understand. Thank You." The call ended.
"Who was it?" Ethan asked.
"It was one of our investigators. He said they found Roxanne."
"What?!Where?!" Ethan jolted.
"She's about to board a plane to South Korea."
"Korea?"