Episode 3

Elizabeth

Two weeks later

Today is the big day of the sham wedding. I offer my mother a broad smile, even though I feel so bewildered. I can't decide whether to be happy about marrying the man I love or cry because it's all a sham for him to be with the woman he loves.

My bedroom door opens, and I see Rosa in a beautiful red dress that falls below her knees, her short hair adorned with a black ribbon.

"Rosa!" I rush to embrace her, desperate for a hug. "What are you doing here?" I ask, a bit nervous.

"How could I miss my best friend's wedding?" she says, shaking her head and clicking her tongue repeatedly.

(A week ago, I couldn't bear to hear my mother talk about the wedding and the preparations anymore; I felt suffocated. Rosa noticed how bad I was feeling and kept insisting that I tell her everything. Eventually, I did. I told her all about the wedding, my fake husband, and my unrequited love. She didn't want me to go through with it, but she agreed when I told her to relay whatever happened to me. She supported me, even though she didn't want to, and she'd be there when I needed her most.)

"Elizabeth, it's time!" my mother calls out for me to come out. I pace back and forth, debating whether to go out or not.

"Don't worry, I'll be there in case you want to run away," Rosa says, making me laugh involuntarily. I hug her with all my might. She steps out, and I stay in my room a few minutes longer. Anyway, the wedding is in my home's garden; they can wait a few more minutes for me. My father awaits me outside the room, and I step out to see him.

"Daughter, it's time. Let's go," he urges me, offering his hand, which I don't take immediately.

"Father, is this the right thing to do?" I say, very nervous.

"I wouldn't hand you over to that man if I didn't know it's the best for you," he reassures me, kissing my forehead and smiling widely. "Besides, you look stunning." I show my gratitude with a tight hug and a kiss on his cheek. We walk to the altar. There's Andres, who, despite his smile, I know it’s false, the only truth being that he wishes he could run away just as much, if not more, than I do.

"Elizabeth Palacios, do you take Andres Castillo as your lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?" the officiant concludes.

"Until death do us part? We're already planning on divorcing."

"I do," I reply.

"Andres Castillo, do you take Elizabeth Palacios as your lawful wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?" the officiant locks his gaze on Andres, awaiting his response.

"I do," Andres states, offering me a smile.

"You may kiss the bride," declares the officiant.

*WAIT! KISS ME*???

I forgot completely about the kiss he has to give me; this would be my first kiss. I hope he doesn't notice.

Andres steps closer, his lips hovering near mine but not touching, though I am certain it appeared as a kiss to the onlookers.

The celebration is simple, just what I expected from all this. The impending night is what I dread most. My mother mentioned that I must spend the wedding night with Andres, the whole night in one room. I am frightened by what might happen... My parents go to bed, as does my grandfather, leaving us alone in my room. Andres seems calm, the complete opposite of me.

"I'm going to change, could you please turn around?" I ask him.

"Of course," he replies, turning his back on me. I try to reach the zipper on the back of my dress, but it seems impossible.

"Could you..." I hesitate to ask Andres for help; I don't want him to get the wrong impression.

"Don't worry, I'll help you," he chuckles, turning back around and noticing my struggle with the zipper. He lowers it slowly, so slowly it seems never-ending. Once done, I thank him and he turns away again. I change as quickly as I can to not keep him waiting, but there's one problem...

"How are we going to sleep?" I ask, indicating my bed while I watch him strip off his jacket and shoes, leaving him in just a shirt and trousers.

"We'll have to sleep together. If your mother comes in and sees me on the couch, she might get suspicious," he answers, making sense even though I'm not fond of the idea. If my mother saw that scene, the fake wedding could be ruined.

"You're right... Did you bring pajamas?" I venture to ask.

"OH MY GOD! HE'S IN HIS UNDERWEAR!"

"I don't wear pajamas," he states bluntly. I turn away to hide my blushing face. "Time to sleep," he declares, flopping onto my bed like a small child. I remain standing for a few seconds, waiting for the redness to fade. When I finally manage to compose myself, I lie down next to him, turning my back, yet even without touching, it feels strange. His presence disturbs me somehow. I try not to think about it and gradually fall asleep...

I wake up next to Andres, my head on his chest and his arm around my neck. Not wanting to wake him, I rise as carefully as possible and head for the shower. Exiting the bathroom, I see Andres waiting for his turn.

"Good morning," I greet.

"Good morning, Liz," he replies, still groggy, and enters the bathroom. I go to the kitchen to help Mom with breakfast. In a few minutes, everything is ready, and I set the table for a family breakfast like we always do. We start to eat and chat about everyday things; I've always been grateful for our close-knit family.

"After breakfast, Andres and Elizabeth, we need to step out; I have a surprise for you," my grandfather announces. I glance at Andres, and he mirrors my action. Without a word, we both know what the other is thinking.

*Another surprise?*

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