In Bond 2
In her heart of hearts, Wilda was not hoping for anything extravagant. To see her beloved daughter happy in this marriage was what she wanted most.
“I just want Elice to be happy.”
Meanwhile, there was a part of the Morales family in the room that seemed to scoff at the extravagance of Elice and Garrett’s wedding. With eyes rolling in mockery, they seemed not to acknowledge that the event was one of the most stylish that would be remembered as historic.
“Ma, I implore you to keep your composure. At least in front of everyone, you should put on a happy face,” Ariel whispered to his mother. He moved closer to her side, speaking softly close to her ear, as if pretending to choose from the food on the table. He picked up a piece of chocolate cake sprinkled with cheese.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
“Do you want to see me throw up in here?” Farrah replied bluntly. Then she turned to her husband, who looked relaxed and smiled as he enjoyed the ongoing entertainment. To the singer singing in front of them. “I am even amazed to see your dad really enjoying this party.”
Feeling insulted, Kurt, who had been captivated by the melodious voice, turned around. A smile still remained on his face. When his eyes met Farrah’s, he blinked once.
“What?” Kurt asked. “What did you say earlier?”
Farrah’s eyes rolled as she shook her head repeatedly. A sigh escaped her lips.
“Never mind. It’s not important.”
Saying that, Farrah got up from her seat. She seemed to be about to leave when Ariel asked.
“Where are you going?”
Pausing for a moment, Farrah exhaled and looked at her son.
“Didn’t you say I should have a happy face in front of everyone?”
Ariel furrowed his brow. Indeed, he had said that a few moments ago. He nodded. “So?”
Farrah looked around the room. At the happy newlyweds. Who seemed to be flashing their big smiles at everyone.
“I want to talk to Elice and Garrett. To offer her congratulations,” Farrah replied. “Just as you requested.”
In fact, that was what Ariel was hoping for. At the very least, he wished his mother could act like a family in public. And not without reason. Thanks to his personal assistant’s input the other day, he also wanted to make sure his parents had their alibis.
Ariel nodded and let Farrah go while his eyes followed his mother’s journey. Walking casually, Farrah seemed to smile and occasionally greeted some of the guests. Until she reached the place where Elice and Garrett were, her steps stopped. She smiled.
Garrett and Elice exchanged glances. They both returned Farrah’s smile. Just as Farrah shook Garrett’s hand, she hugged her niece.
“Congratulations, Garrett,” Farrah said, patting him on the back a few times. “Auntie hopes you’ll always be happy with the woman you choose.”
Garrett had never experienced Farrah being kind to him in his life. Especially not to congratulate him. Never. Even during the engagement, Farrah only shook his hand. Briefly.
This time the attitude was different and Garrett tried to accept it. After all, he did not want chaos here. So, in fact, Garrett was grateful that Farrah showed a friendly attitude.
“Thank you, Auntie.”
Farrah gave Garrett one last smile before turning to the bride, who she refused to admit looked glamorous at the moment. It was hard, but Farrah thought Elice’s wedding dress was a bit over the top.
“Hello, Elice.”
The greeting Elice received from Farrah made her tense. She took a quick breath and tried to calm down. Just before she returned the greeting.
“Hello, Auntie.”
Elice’s hands spread out to welcome Farrah’s hug. Confused, but at that moment, Elice realized something. In the past, facing Farrah had caused a throbbing sensation in her chest. Something that made her feel pain, but strangely, she didn’t feel it anymore. It felt light. And finally, Elice realized that her past had truly passed.
“Congratulations, Elice.”
In congratulating her, Farrah had promised Ariel to show a happy face in front of many people. Including congratulating Elice and Garrett.
However, it seemed that this trait was ingrained in Farrah. Maybe she could control herself a little in front of Garrett. But in front of Elice? Well… that was another story.
“I hope you’re happy. Regardless, your happiness clearly calms me. At least I feel really calm now.”
Elice would not be wrong if she thought there was a subtle hint in Farrah’s words. Despite whatever resentment Farrah had for her, Elice had never expected the woman to be sarcastic with her now. On her wedding day? Goodness.
And at that moment, right after Farrah’s words had landed on her ears, Elice somehow felt as if she heard Daphne’s voice echoing in her mind with a single sentence.
“Be a strong woman.”
Elice was not exactly sure what Daphne meant by that. But Elice knew one thing for sure. It was her wedding day. She was the queen there. And like a queen, Elice would not let her smile fade. Instead, she replied,
“Thank you, Auntie. Thank you for reminding me that I deserve a greater man.”
The hug loosened. Elice did it on purpose to show Farrah her beautiful smile. She also deliberately locked her gaze with Farrah’s, unwavering and intense. She did not allow Farrah’s focus to shift away from her.
“What Auntie said before was indeed true,” Elice continued. “I was indeed looking for a rich and handsome man.”
There were many guests, whether family or close friends. Everyone was happy. But of all of them, it was surely the bride and groom whose happiness was truly immeasurable. Especially Elice. For now, she realized clearly. The tears she had once shed had actually led her to the gates of true happiness.
Indeed. There was no guarantee that a marriage would be free of problems. But facing those problems while holding the hand of a man who would never let go was truly something worthwhile.
So, there was no need to ask how confident Elice was when she ended her statement with a destiny she had already achieved.
“And I found him.”
*