Chapter 20: Chapter 20

“I WISH I could invite you to my wedding. But since I’m not marrying for the right reasons, it’s all right of you can’t witness it.”

“And I don’t want to scare your groom and ruin your special day,” Alexander said matter-of-factly.

“I’ll tell you what happens tomorrow night,” she said as a consolation.

“You’re supposed to spend the whole day with your husband.”

“But that’s not the case with Javier and me. I can’t see him after sunset because he had his business that does not concern me. I can’t force Javier to tell me everything, can I?”

“I hope he’s still treating you right.”

“He does. I believe he gave me everything that could please me. I am contented with that.”

“Then I believe you. And it’s getting late. You should go back to your room, Gretel.”

Gretel wanted to protest. She liked talking to Alexander. He was a great listener. If only she could talk to Javier like that.

“Will you be all right?”

“Of course.” Alexander moved closer and cupped her face.

Gretel could only freeze as she anticipated what he would do next.

Alexander dipped his face and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Gretel stared in disbelief as a weird feeling seized her. Why did his kiss remind her of Javier? The manner and the impression it brought her.

How could two different people make her feel the same way?

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“N-nothing.” Gretel forced a smile. “Promise me you’ll see me tomorrow.”

“I promise.”

“Good night, Alexander.” She planted a kiss on his pale cheek and grabbed the lamp as she stood up.

“Good luck on your wedding day.”

“Thank you.” She waved and turned her back.

GRETEL took a deep breath and pressed her cold hands together.

“Seriously, Gretel. I already lost count of your sighs, “ Dory said. She was looking at her through the mirror.

She was fixing her hair in front of the dresser.

“Do I really sound like nervous?” she asked with an awkward smile.

“You do. But at least you don’t look like running away from the wedding any moment from now.” Dory laughed.

“Dory!” Gretel could not help laughing.

“Look at you. You are a very pretty bride. I’m sure Javier will fall in love with you even more.”

Gretel wished it was the case.

“You think so?”

Dory pushed Gretel’s long hair to her front. The sides of her hair were tied into a braid, and her friend put daisies on the end.

“I believe Javier chose you over Lady Arcie because you were more beautiful.”

Gretel snorted.

“Javier chose me because I have a pure heart.” And she laughed.

“Well, whatever suits you,” Dory joked. “There. You’re good to go.”

Gretel stood up and took a deep breath.

“I’m so jealous of you.” Dory wrapped her arms around her and put her head on Gretel’s bare shoulder. “I hope this is the start of your bliss, Gretel.”

“I hope so.” She bit her lip as she felt her tears at the corner of her eyes. “I guess I have to save my tears later.”

“I wish I’d meet a man who will bring me happiness, too. A man who was so in love with me that he’d want to marry me after meeting me shortly, just like Javier and you.”

Gretel laughed awkwardly.

“I’m not sure about that.”

DORY knocked on Javier’s private office. Gretel took a deep breath as she stood behind her friend. The ceremony will be held there. This would be the last time she’s going in there using her father’s name.

Mr. Martinez opened the door wide. Dory pulled her inside.

“Here comes the bride!” she announced.

Gretel met Javier’s eyes.

She stopped and surveyed him. He was wearing white shirt and black pants. Those were not Javier’s most expensive clothing, yet he looked elegant just the same.

Slowly, a smile curved his lips. Her heart skipped a beat.

GLENDA began to cry as she pulled Gretel in her arms.

“My daughter...”

“Mother,” Gretel choked. “It’s going to be all right.”

“Please be happy, promise me.”

“I will, Mother.”

Hansel came to hug her in turn.

“I still could not believe you’re leaving us.”

“I am not,” she said. “I’ll be living in a different house, but you are still my home.”

“My bride, please,” Javier begged in a humorous tone.

“Of course.” Hansel cleared his throat.

Javier took her hand and pulled her to the table where the officiating minister sat.

“You look lovely,” he whispered.

Gretel stared at him in amusement. His eyes spoke of sincerity.

“Well, you look... decent, Mr. del Mundo.” Gretel suppressed her laughter when Javier gaped. He was expecting she’d return the compliment.

“Don’t ever think I’d let this pass, Mrs. del Mundo.”

Mrs. del Mundo. How lovely to hear.

“Can’t wait.”

“All right, lovebirds. Let’s make you official Mr. and Mrs. Javier del Mundo first, and you can continue whispering sweet nothings to each other for the rest of your lives,” the aged minister interrupted.