Santiago and Joan sat beside each other, in front of the judge who would officially stamp their wedding. Santiago’s mom went mad when they informed her of their impromptu court wedding and the idea of discarding the whole wedding preparation.
“Not fair; after all, I planned,” she whispered to Flora, who was amused by the whole thing happening. She wasn’t expecting this sort of arrangement from them, but if her daughter says she has it all in control, then she has it all in control.
“Now, I pronounce you husband and wife.” Everyone in the court cheered as the couple stood facing each other. “You may kiss your bride,” the judge winked at Santiago.
Santiago pulled Joan closer to himself by her waist, then slowly revealed her beautiful face bare of any makeup from behind the veil. He held her waist with one hand and her neck with the other as he leaned in to give her a kiss on her lips.
When their lips locked, a surge of electricity flowed through their bodies as their lips moved in sync against each other.
The room erupts in excess cheers and applauds as they seal their marriage with an intense kiss.
They pulled away to catch their breaths, eyes locked for a moment before they looked away and turned to the crowd with smiles on their faces.
Jullian motioned for him to hold Joan’s hand and he obeyed without any protest. They turned back around to sign their marriage certificate.
After all had been finalized, they drove back to Jullian’s mansion, where a small party was organized to celebrate the latest couple.
“This is the beginning of something.” Santiago handed her a glass of wine while he held one.
Joan’s brows furrowed at his statement.
“Beginning of what?” she sounded confused as she watched everyone mingle and enjoy the classic music playing on the background.
Santiago frowned and looked at her. “Our marriage”
“It’s not real,” she cuts in immediately.
The frown on Santiago’s brows deepened and he sighs.
“If it’s because I didn’t address the whole pregnancy rumor flying around for the past days, then you sho-”
Joan turned, so she was facing him. Her eyes held no emotions as she gazed into his.
“We signed a contract, remember? So, whatever goes on in your life is none of my business; the same goes to you,” she points at him and drank all the wine in her cup.
Santiago wasn’t pleased with her words, but he couldn’t argue. She was right. This is strictly business and them being friendly with each other is just to ease whatever tension that arises. Nothing more.
‘You wanted more?’ he heard his subconscious ask him. He shook his head at that thought.
“Very well, Joan.” He finished all the wine on his cup too and placed them on the table close to where he stood. “Just don’t bring any sort of embarrassment to this family and union by having an affair,” he said curtly. He couldn’t explain why he was suddenly annoyed.
Joan giggled. “I’m not the one with a pregnancy scandal that has been all over the place for days now,” she retorts.
Touche!
“Well played,” he commented. He opened his mouth to say something, but they were called by his father to where the stage was setup.
He took the empty glass from her and placed it beside the one he used, took her hand in his, and walked them to where his dad was standing with a proud look on his flushed face.
“First, I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to come here to celebrate with my son and his wife’s matrimony.” He paused for a while. “It might not be what we expected, but I am glad this was possible. There were quite some challenges on the way, but this union proved to be strong enough to withstand every obstacle,” everyone clapped after his speech.
Jullian filled his wine glass and lifted it up to make a toast.
‘To the newlyweds,” he said with excitement.
“To the newlyweds,” everyone chorused and clicked glasses, then went back to enjoy the reception.
Santiago held Joan’s hand and pulled her towards the door, but Daniel stepped in front of them with Camila in his arms. Joan didn’t miss the glare Camila threw in Santiago’s way, but he ignored it.
“Hi Cam,” he greets her.
“Camila, only acquaintance, call me Cam,” she spoke coldly.
“Easy feisty, we promised to be nice to him.” Daniel pacified and released his hold on Camila, then held his arms out to Joan for a hug.
Joan released Santiago’s grip on her wrist, then went in for a friendly hug.
“Congratulations little on,” he grinned, his arms around Joan firm before it was abruptly removed by an annoyed Santiago.
“Control yourself, will you. We’re not even married for a day, and you’re jumping into another man’s arms,” he complained irritably.
“Daniel is my friend,” Joan defends in an annoyed tone.
Daniel looked between the couple with a little furrow on his brows.
“Everything okay?”
The pair looked at him.
“Just stay away from her,” he tried to grab her wrist again but she prevented him by placing her hands behind her.
“Not a day married and you’re already controlling her.” Camila scoffed. "Delightful,” she said sarcastically.
Santiago threw her a glare. “Mind your business, will you?”
“Don’t speak to my friend like that,” Joan warned him in a low tone, trying not to yell and cause a scene.
Santiago turns to Joan. “Let’s leave this place already. The party is done,” he said to her. His features were free of irritation and annoyance.
“I don’t want to leave yet.” Joan crossed her arms and looked away.
Camila opened her mouth to say something, but Daniel stopped her and whispered.
“I know you care about your friend, but she’s a married woman now and can handle herself and her relationship with Santiago. You get to come in when it’s beyond her,” he held her hand and started walking away.
“We’ll leave you both to sort your issues,” he said, waving at them.
“Call me when you get home,” Camila said to Joan and waved her goodbye before she and Daniel disappeared into the crowd.
Santiago sighed, looking around the place that was slowly getting crowded. It was making him feel stuffed up. So, he looked down at Joan again.
“Can we leave, please?” He starts adjusting his tie to release the tension he felt. “It’s getting stuffy,” his voice sounded heavy.
Joan looked up at him with furrowed brows, concern replaced her annoyance when she saw how uncomfortable he was.
“Let’s go,” she starts walking before him, while he takes long strides to catch up with her.
On their way out, they met with a few investors his father called for him to meet with, but their meeting was rescheduled when Joan informed them about her husband needing to rest because he had a headache.
They were pleased with her and excused them. Joan and Santiago were able to leave the hall and walk out of the mansion, where the cool breeze softly brushed against their skin.
“Feeling better?” she asked him when they walked side-by-side to his car.
“Yeah, thanks,” he said, looking ahead and letting the silence settle between them. He opened her door for her to get inside the car and closed it after she was settled.
Santiago walked over to the driver’s seat and tried opening the door but missed and tripped on his foot. He shook his head and stood with the help of his car, opened the car door, and entered the car.
He sighed and rested his head on the backrest. He felt dizzy, which was weird since he had little to drink that evening. He shook his head and was snapped out of his haze when he felt Joan’s hand against his skin.
“What?” he asked when he only saw her lips moving and no words came out.
“Are you okay? I saw you trip out there.” there was concern on her face.
He nods and starts the car, then honked for the security to open the gate.
“If you are feeling too tired, I can drive,” she suggested when she noticed him shaking his head and rubbing his eyes constantly, just a few minutes into their trip.
“I’m fine,” he replied after all her questions of concern. “Just don’t feel good.”
“Do we need a doctor?” she inquired.
Santiago turned to look at her for a second. A light shone on them and Joan looked at the front to see a bright light getting closer.
“Santiago, look out!” she yelled and he immediately looked at the road, trying to swerve out of the way but the tire hit a rock, which caused one of the tires to burst, charging the car from the back right in the air, landing upside down a few inches from the edge of the cliff.
They both were thrown back and forth in the car till it stopped upside down and left them in deep darkness.