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MALIA'S POINT OF VIEW
The room was filled with deafening silence. There were only four of us inside, Aunt Elena and me, Ashton, my soon to be husband and the judge. It's my wedding day but none of my dreamed wedding was achieved. There were no bridesmaids and groomsmen. Same as with cute flower girls who'll bring us a basket full of petals. I didn't experienced wearing a white long gown with a veil while I'm holding a bouquet of flowers.
I wasn't married in the church but in an isolated room. Instead of ring, it's paper I signed in. Instead of a priest, it's a bald old man wearing a tuxedo with a case on his side. While I am only wearing a simple white dress appropriate for civil wedding same as with my soon to be husband who's wearing a simple pair of black american suit.
The old man smiled to us, showing some crinkles on his face.
"I now announced you as husband and wife, Mrs. Maria Aurelia Ferreira–Campbell," the judge announced smilingly.
I and Ashton both nodded in agreement.
I thought I would have a kiss after this...
I should be happy because finally I'm married but why does I just felt empty?
Ashton gave me a cold glance before shifting his eyes on the judge.
"I'm waiting for your call. Please take care of everything, Atty." He said coldly.
His voice was cold as the ice. There were no hint of gentleness. All of him were tough and rude—from his features to his inside manner. His whole being shouts for coarse.
The judge nodded like he understood Ashton's words clearly.
Then Ashton motioned to Aunt Elena, my guardian since birth. She doesn't want to be called Mom by me. That's why I called her Aunt in a very nicest way. Aunt Elena took care of me right from the day one when I was left alone in front of the orphanage. She's strict and tight but she served as a good parents, being my mother and father.
She taught me lot of things about life. I understand why she was like that in my childhood. She's overprotecting me, that's her way of showing her love. Aunt Elena wanted only what's the best for myself and for my near future.
My eyes widened when Ashton handed Auntie a bundle of money.
"W-what's t-the meaning of t-this?" I asked slowly, I can't stop myself from stuttering. Aunt Elena just looked at me flatly same with Ashton.
How dare they try to ignore me?! Really?!
An idea popped up in my mind but I totally ignored it like an innocent baby. But it's bothering me, why would Aunt Elena do such thing? It's not her demeanor! She hated iniquity! She always loathe evildoings!
After a long silence passed by just staring to the two who's talking through telepathy. Auntie grabbed me outside and stared at me with pity.
"Why would you looked at me like that?" I asked calmly.
She sighed heavily as if she was loaded by the problems in the whole world before turning her eyes to me and stared at me eye to eye which scare me a little. Auntie wouldn't stared that way before even how mad she was.
"You are now Mr. Campbell's property. You should do whatever he wants you to do," She reminded me, making me frown.
"Then what about the money?!"
"You don't have to know everything Malia!" Auntie hissed.
Unbelievably, I looked at her with a big eyes.
"D-did...did you j-just sold me off?" I asked her frankly though stammering.
She didn't response.
I waited but she lowered her head in silence while both eyes on her feet. She didn't say anything. She keeps in silence making my blood boiled in annoyance.
I don't want to think of it because I am not yet ready to hear lies. But based on Auntie's action, I knew I'll be living in hell starting today.
"W-why are you so unfair?" I asked her in dismayed. I managed to say it without cracking my voice but I failed. I ended up tearing.
She sighed and looked away.
"Please understand Malia. You knew our situation and this is the only way I've seen so far. We're broke. A-and...a-and I need to sell you off-f..."
Tears after tears rolled down on my cheeks. I can't believe it! She literally broke my heart! I didn't expected her whom I consider as my only family would do such horrible things!
"What am I to you?! I'm not a thing! I'm not a material that you could sell off when you're in bankruptcy! You're being selfish! I don't know you anymore Aunt! You're being blinded by money!" I exclaimed angrily, earning a hard slap from her. This isn't the first time she slapped me. But right now, I can't feel anything but disappoinment and the stinginess pain in my heart.
Yes. I am her adopted child but still she doesn't have the right to sell me to anyone. I am ready to pay all her hardships because of me, in a very legal way. And this isn't the way I'm talking to!
I cried my heart out and I can't stop myself from sobbing. I'm hurting! I'm in a too much pain!
I married Ashton due to her favor because she said, marrying Ashton would save us and our properties but still I can have my own freedom. I thought, she's asking me genuinely, without the involvement of money. But I'm wrong, I was sold off to a billionaire, like a useless property.
"I hope this will makes you happy..."
After saying that, I left her. She's trying to stop me from turning my back at her but I shove her hands away.
I don't need any explanations. What I witnessed was enough for me to understand what's really happening.
I accepted her favor and married Ashton because what she promised me was still I can have my own freedom but I'm wrong! I am truly wrong!
My freedom was taken away from me! I am not the owner of my freedom! It's his already!
I went straightly to comfort room and cried my heart out. After that I washed my face and concealed my pain with a smile. I know everything will be okay. Feeling contented, I walked back to our room.
I stepped inside and saw Ashton sitting like a king while puffing a cigarette.
He puffed while looking at me intently. Smoke came out from his nose and mouth.
I cleared my throat and swallowed the lump on it that hindered my voice to come out.
"I came back to get my bag. I'm going—"
"And where do you think you're going?" He asked, cutting me off. His voice sends chills to my spine.
I hurriedly grabbed my bag and step back when he stood up and step forward in my direction. His dark and gloomy eyes devouring mine.
Am I seeing a demon?
He's scary...
I continued stepping back until cold walls touched my back while he is still moving forward and I can already feel his breath.
"W-what..."
He's so near!
I winced when I smelled his minty breath commix with the cigarettes.
One of the thing I've hated the most is the smell of a cigarette. It makes me feel dizzy and nauseous.
He's very near that I can't even move a muscle.
"Where do you think you're going, Wife?" He muttered. Our distance makes me suddenly dizzy.
"H-home..." F*ck! I want to course myself for always stuttering. I pinched my right leg to wake me up but then my strength briskly lost when he touched my shoulders and made me faced him.
He smirked evilly.
"Okay let's go."
"Huh?"
"Where's your home, hmmm?" He asked.
I just want to trick him but looks like I was the one being tricked.
I sighed then stared at him.
"I want to go home..."
He nodded and distance himself. I loose my breath and look at him. I creased my eyebrows when I saw how he gripped his hands tightly and clenched his jaw.
Did I do something to make him feel bad?
I shooked my head.
It's not your business anymore, Malia! All you have to do is to follow his orders. Nothing more. Nothing less.
"Then I'll take you home..." He said.
I nodded earnestly.
I hope your home feels home. I hope so. I hope.
