The Bridal Misfortune 7

I thought I was already having a good day. Everything seemed to be perfect. I left for work early to prepare the business report for the stockholders. Things were doing great. I was able to convince the stockholders that we open up a second location for The Island Paradise. Although, it wasn't easy being the CEO and the president of the company that my dad had established, I am having a great time throwing words with the stockholders, who - at this point - are more interested of becoming famous like a Hollywood star rather than earning from their investments. They have filled me with hard work, especially after what happened to me two years ago.

As much as possible, I don't want to talk about it anymore, but I guess it's already a part of letting go and moving on.

Two years ago, I was supposed to marry the woman of my dreams. I loved her like I've never loved anyone before. She was the only one that I loved. She was my life.

She stood 5'7" tall, Margareth caught my heart right away the moment I set my eyes on her. It was a dinner party - an anniversary celebration for the hotel that I had opened. Yes, The Island Paradise. SHe was one of the models that made the TV commercial for my hotel. Although, I have already seen her numerous times on TV, magazines, and print ads, I was like starstruck when I saw her in person. She was the most beautiful I have ever seen.

She was taking a glass of champagne offered by the waiter when I decided to approach her. Everyone in the party seemed to be very busy and so I took the courage to talk to her.

Margareth was very friendly and lovely... and of course, beautiful. She seemed to be so fragile. She has a very enigmatic, yet fulfilling smile. And her brown eyes laugh along with her chuckles. Her skin looks delicate that it makes me long to touch it. To sum it all up, she was irresistible. A beauty for keeps. What I liked so much about her was her ability to bring good conversations. Everyone must agree that women find it hard to keep conversations on track, especially on first encounters. But Margareth was a pro at lengthy talks. She looked like she's having a great time with me... and she looks delicate. She bites her lower lip when she feels anxious with the discussion, and brushes her fingers softly against my skin when she's having a good laugh. Everything that evening was magical.

The next thing I knew, we were both naked in my bed. I was on my back, facing the ceiling, catching my breath. She, then, turned her back on me. I hugged her and cuddled her close to me.

"Lovely," I whispered in her ear. "I love you."

I put a soft kiss on her nape.

"Hmmm," was all she said. It wasn't totally what I expected but I still smiled. I closed my eyes and imagined what could possibly happen to both of us.

"Let's go to sleep, Benedict. It's late now."

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The Bridal Misfortune 6

I hurried to get to the elevator as ‘Justin’ chased me. He kept calling me by a different name but I continued ignoring him. It wasn’t me after all. It was all but a miracle when the elevator door opened as I approached. I went in and pressed the ‘ground’ button, closing the door, leaving Justin behind. He sprinted, but he did not make it. The door shut and I smiled in relief. I had enough humiliation so I decided to call it a day.

What a waste! I said to myself. I thought of going home and not pushing through the application. Maybe, they’d call me back when they realize that I have not gone to the interview yet. I hoped. Somehow. On the contrary, I thought of it – everything that had happened on that day – as a blessing. I couldn’t figure out how to work with a psycho like Justin. He scared the hell out of me when he dragged me to his office. Seriously, I almost fainted earlier. The thought of him suddenly kissing me felt like hell.

Or maybe I was overreacting. I must admit, he kissed nice. Okay. He was good. I mean, the kiss was good – but not him. What kind of a good guy who would kiss a girl out-of-the-blue? The enrage I felt earlier poured over me again, and I thought of punching the walls of the elevator, but then I just kept it to myself. I could feel the CCTV staring at me like I was a criminal on the loose.

The voice prompt had said that I was already on the ground floor. I rushed out of the elevator as soon as the door opened. I hurriedly went out of the hotel. On my way, I bumped into a tall guy wearing a gray suit. I was about to apologize to him when, on my earshot, I saw Justin. Instead, I gave the guy an apologetic smile. I saw his expression full of surprise. I thought he would say something when he opened his mouth halfway, but no words came out. I suddenly felt an adrenalin rush when I could already hear Justin calling out.

“Hey! Wait up!” Justin yelled.

I ran as fast as I can. I know I looked horrible, running out of the hotel but I don’t have a choice. I have to get rid of him, as soon as possible.

“Benedict,” I heard him say. “What are you doing here? I thought you’re supposed to be in client meeting now?”

I didn’t hear the other things they talked about because I already got inside the cab waiting outside the hotel. I looked at both guys as they looked at me. I told the cab driver to drive away. Fortunately, the driver politely followed what I just told him. As the cab was getting away, I looked again to the guys’ direction. My jaw dropped when I realized that they were brothers, judging from the way they look and the features of their faces.

It was a good thing that I got rid of them already. I would never set foot to that hotel again, ever – or maybe soon enough for them to forget me.

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The Bridal Misfortune 5

He cupped my face and kissed me deeply - no, passionately. I was too surprised to react. My whole body froze as I let him conquered my senses. I did not even notice that my body trembled. 

Then suddenly, his hands started to explore my body - that was when I woke up from the, er, sensual feeling that his touches had given me. I transformed myself in defense mode, all of a sudden. My knees landed on his groin with half of my force. He screamed at the top of his lungs while crouching in pain, his hands on his 'precious jewels. To his dismay, I slapped him with the remaining half of my force.

"What was that for?" he quizzically asked.

"What was that for?!!" I mocked. "That was for the kiss without my permission!"

I then grabbed my bag and things, and started walking out when I suddenly stopped just as I passed by him. Without a word, I hit him with my bag.

"Ow!" was his only reaction.

"...and that was for bringing me here in your office, which is the definite reason why I am already late for my job interview, thanks to you!" then I turned my back on him.

"Margareth! Wait!" he called.

I was already at the door when I froze. I was not sure if I misheard him, but I thought he called me by a different name. I held the knob when he held me by my arm.

"Margareth, please! Let's talk!"

"What did you just call me?" I grinned. "Mister, you got it all wrong. I am not the person you think I am. My name is not Margareth and I don't know you, so please let go of me before I call the security of this building," I said with all confidence. Although, I thought there was something wrong with what I said. Call the security?, I chuckled at the back of my mind. Like I am the owner of this hotel?

"You don't have to hide it from me. I know you, after all, I was really the one you love - and not Benedict," he attempted to get near me. I stepped back as he closes his distance.

"Not a chance!" I covered his face with my hand. "You?! I fell in love with?! Man, you've got some guts! Why would I fell in love with a guy whore? Leave me alone!" I said as I opened the door and went out. I ignored him as he called out for 'me'.

"Margareth! Wait!"

Amelia, the secretary, was about to stand up and approach us when I gave her a demoralizing look. She paused, sat down again, and went back to whatever she was doing, as if she had not heard or seen anything. I felt like remorseful for the treatment I gave her, but brushed it aside. Instead, I hurriedly ran for the elevator for me to 'avoid' the guy chasing me.

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The Bridal Misfortune 4

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I - I - I was here for an interview," I answered. I was starting to get scared with the authority in his voice.

"Interview?!" he exclaimed in disbelief.

I thought I had to fire back. I should not be intimidated by him. I shouldn't be scared of him regardless of his position in the company.

"Are you hard-of-hearing? I said I was here for an interview, and you detaining me here wouldn't be of any help! I'm late, so I better go now!" I yelled.

"Interview for what?" he asked.

"Well, I don't think I'm here for a press conference. I'm here for a job, of course! What are you thinking?" then I paused after I realized that this guy might be the person who would interview me. "Wait. You don't happen to be the interviewer, right?"

"No?! Hell, no, of course! Do I look like an interviewer to you?"

"Well, you could be." I stood up. "Since you're not the interviewer, I might as well leave you here because I am more than dead to stay for a chitchat, which I am not interested of, actually. Time is gold, and I have to make use of it!"

"Wait!" he held me, this time it wasn't a tight grip. It was like he was handling me with care.

"It's me..." he said, softly. "Justin, remember?"

"Not really," I said, amusingly. "I don't think we have met before. Uh-uh. I don't know you. I'm really sorry mister but I have to go. If you please..."

...to be continued

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The Bridal Misfortune 3

“Hey! You! Hey!” I yelled. “Hey, mister!” everyone was looking at my direction except for that guy.

Finally, I had the guts to run after him. “Hey!’

He then turned to me. He was surprised to see everybody looking at us.

“Yes? Did you call me?” he asked amusingly.

“Yes! YOU!” I told him.

“What can I do for you?” he raised his eyebrow as he spoke. "It should be important because I am so late for my appointment."

"You just bumped into me!" I said.

"Excuse me?" he asked.

"I said, you bumped into me!" I repeated.

"And?" his only reaction.

I was amused with what he just said. My eyebrows raised higher than it already was. Actually, it curved like it never curved before.

"And... I dropped my things on the floor."

"So? Pick them up!" he said and attempted to turn his back on me.

I tried to think of anything that could catch his attention as fast as I could. I tried to squeeze my brain for any idea, but I'm becoming hopeless. Suddenly, a thought came in mind.

"I can't abort the baby!" I shouted.

He stopped walking. He turned to me. Obviously, I caught his attention. His eyes grew wide as he looked at me. I can sense some panic in him. If there was a thing he was scared about, it's probably having someone humiliate him in public. He sprinted towards me. He grabbed me by my arm but didn't say anything at all. He dragged me until we reached the elevator. People were looking at us. The door opened. He let me get inside, almost throwing me in.

He pressed button 6 and turned to me.

"What are you doing here?" he asked in a very low voice, as if some other people would hear us. His was almost whispering, teeth grinding.

His face was inches away from me. I can smell his after-shave balm. If I wasn't mistaken, he's using Armani Code. It's sexy and seductive, but it doesn't smell very strong at all. I should know. After all, I used to work for Scent Me, a fragrance store in the largest and most popular store in the country, The Andromeda Square.

He was holding my arm. No, actually, he was grasping it. His eyes were round and gray, a sexy combination for a man like him. His lips were pinkish, like it had never touched a cigarette that would make it dry. He has a pair of dimples on his face.

"I... I... I just want you to apologize f-for bumping into me and dropping my stuff," I stuttered.

"You know what?" he stared at me. Suddenly, he let go of me. He was in a state-of-shock. I was confused with such action. He looked like he saw a ghost of his past. "Y-y-you?!"

I was puzzled. Suddenly, there was a tingling sound in the elevator - an indication that we have already reached our destination.

Welcome to sixth floor of The Island Paradise. Enjoy your stay! A voice prompt can be heard, after which, the doors opened.

He dragged me until we reached an oakwood door with brass knob. An average woman was sitting on a table next to the door. She smiled at the guy but she looked surprised to see me. It was the same reaction I saw from the guy earlier.

The guy nodded to the average woman.

"Amelia, don't let any one get inside the office... and I mean anyone! If someone would look for me, tell them I am away for a while. Cancel the meeting that I have, which would due in..." he looked at his watch, "shit! It'll due in an hour from now. You need to cancel it. Tell the department heads we will have the meeting tomorrow, same time. Alright?" his instructions to the average woman, who appeared to be his secretary.

"Yes, Justin," the woman smiled. "If your brother would lo-"

"Tell him I am not back yet," he didn't let the woman finish what she was about to say.

He dragged me inside and almost threw me on the chair in front of a black granite table.

"We need to talk," he said in a manly expression. His face wasn't dark, but it obviously wants a lot of questions answered - and it's starting to terrify me.

...to be continued

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The Bridal Misfortune 2

The Island Paradise, I murmured.


In front of me was a 123-storey building. It's one of the tallest and grandest buildings in the country. In fact, it's one of the tallest and grandest buildings in the world. I hurriedly went inside because I was already getting late for my interview.

When I got in, I was amused with the enormous structure of the lobby. It was adorned with expensive jars and leather couches. The walls were covered with beautiful paintings, but what caught my attention was a picture of two handsome young boys. It was placed on the wall next to the reception area. It was painted beautifully that it looked like they were both breathing and smiling at me.

The two boys were on their bicycles. The joy in their eyes seemed to be endless, which was captured perfectly on canvass.

Everyone seemed to be very busy. I approached one of the receptionists and asked for directions. She was a tall, blonde woman - about 5'7" in height. Her facial feature were strong that it seemed to make her look very intimidating.

"Excuse me," I said. "I'm here for an interview. Which way should I go?"

"Do you have your résumé with you?" she asked.

"I do," I searched for my résumé inside the envelope I brought. Suddenly, a guy bumped me out of my way. I dropped all of my things on the floor.

"Samantha, did you send the things I asked you to send me yesterday?" the guy asked the receptionist I talked to.

"Yes, sir," the receptionist replied.

"Great! I badly need that today. Thanks. I'm running late now," the guy told her and walked away, as if nothing had happened.

I was enraged with how he acted. He left without apologizing. I looked at him with anger.

"Hey!" I called. "Mister!"


...to be continued

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The Bridal Misfortune 1

I had already spent 45 minutes in front of the mirror. I was in a business attire and was getting ready for an interview, yet I can't help but to keep looking at myself in front of the body mirror. I was memorizing some stuff when the door opened.

"Are you gonna stay there the whole day? I thought you have an interview today?" It was mom.

"Yes, ma. I'm pretty nervous right now," I admitted. It was obvious that I was nervous. After all, I won't be in front of the mirror for a long time if I was not nervous at all.

"I know you'll make it, dear. I trust in you, so you must believe in yourself."

"I know, ma, but this is no ordinary interview. If I'd get this, I'd be working at the country's only 5-star hotel and resort... The Island Paradise - paradise at its best!"

“That’s the reason why you should hurry. Don’t spoil the day. I’ll go downstairs and prepare your breakfast,” she was about to leave the room.

“Ma,” I called her. “Thank you. I hope I can make it.”

Mom came to me and gave me a hug. She then kissed me on the forehead.

“Of course you will. You’re my little princess. You’re as intelligent as me. You better get ready so you won’t miss breakfast,” she winked at me and walked away.

I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror for the last time before I gathered my stuff. I checked all the things I need - pen, envelope, application letter, and of course, my résumé.

After I had gathered everything, I went downstairs and saw mom in the kitchen. She was preparing the table for breakfast. She prepared bacon, eggs, and my favorite - fried rice.

Mom always knows what I want to eat for breakfast. She poured orange juice in my glass as I started digging my meal. Mom never wanted me to go out of the house without taking my breakfast or any of my meals. She’s been taking care of me since I was a child, all by herself.

Dad had died, when I was young, because of an accident, and so she had to take care of me alone.

...to be continued

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