Diamond’s POV
I sat in front of the vanity mirror, getting dressed by two stylists and their assistants. One was applying makeup to my face, while the other was almost done with my hair. I was looking stunning, like a bride should, as my hair was curled in a retro bun, leaving two strands on each side.
The makeup on my face was exquisite, with a double-layer foundation and bright red lipstick.
My brows were carved like waves, and my lashes were straightened with light mascara.
A pair of shimmering pearl earrings on my ears and a pearl necklace around my neck. It was the day of my weddingthe day a new name would be added to my precious name.
The day I’ll be married to the love of my life, Max
I met him two years ago, and I fell in love with him at first sight, so without hesitation, I agreed to become his girlfriend when he asked me out.
We were good together, and last year he unexpectedly proposed to me. We were all on vacation on the islands, and he declared his love on the seashore.
Of course, I agreed to marry him.
It seemed different when I was with him. He understood me more than anyone, and without a doubt, he was my missing rib all along.
“Is everything ready?” Liam asked loudly when he burst into the room.
Liam was my dad’s driver and his most trusted guard.
“Everyone is already waiting for you,” he added.
The stylist seemed to be done with my makeup and hair.
“Where is Max?” I asked nervously, straightening my long, beautiful red wedding dress.
“Dont worry, diamond. Max is at the venue already, and youre just being nervous,” Mr. Liam reassured me, and I couldnt help but gulp down the lump forming in my throat.
I touched my neck and noticed the platinum necklace Mom gave me wasnt there.
I turned to the stylist.
“Where is the platinum necklace that was around my neck just now?” I asked, and she looked away before mumbling,
“I don’t understand what you are talking about, ma’am; there was no platinum necklace.”
“What do you mean by there being no platinum necklace? I cant get married without it. Its my lucky charm. No way.”
I groaned. Mom gave me the precious necklace as my wedding gift. How could she lose it?
“It’s fine, Diamond; you need to take a deep breath. Can you do that for me?” Liam asked, taking a step closer.
I took a deep breath and turned to face him.
“I’m fine. I just need my mothers necklace to calm down.”
Liam looked at me wide-eyed. “Uh, Diamond, do you not want to marry the love of your life over a necklace?”
I shook my head.
“Good, because if you dont marry him, I know a bunch of ladies who would love to, without hesitation.”
He said that, and I shot him a deadly glance.
“Fine. Lets go.” I said it grumpily.
I took one last look at myself in the mirror before following Mr. Liam.
…………
It was an autumn wedding that was being held at sunset. It had always been my dream to hold my wedding on the beach.
The weather was a bit dark, and the scenery before me was breathtaking. It was exactly the wedding of my dreams. This arrangement was perfect; it matched how I had imagined it to be.
Red rose petals were spread all over the floor in a straight line, and I needed no one to tell me that was the point where I was going to walk through, hand in hand with my dad.
White and pink Lily flower petals were spread all over the other places. There were green leaves too, representing nature.
Lighted lanterns and candles in heart shades and shapes hung on the man-made trees in the surrounding areas.
With small line lights of different colors shimmering in the dark and the chair and table for receiving guests covered in red and white linens, it looks just like my fairytale wedding. The paparazzi and reporters were everywhere, which didn’t surprise me.
For a moment, I wondered how much preparation my parents had put into this wedding. It’s funny how my parents loved Max at first sight and how they encouraged us to attend this wedding.
I walked down the aisle dressed in my red wedding gown while holding a rose bouquet. The red gown was utterly gorgeous, with sparkling pearls and diamonds all over. It had joints with white laces, and the length covered a long distance backward.
The smile on my face was the most sincere of all time. I could see smiles on everyones faces who were present. They all seemed happy that I was getting married.
Pleasant, slow music was played as I headed confidently toward the end of the aisle. I could see the priest and Max dressed in black suits. He has an exciting smile on his face.
I turned to my right, and there were my parents and my younger sister, Fiona. My smile instantly dimmed at the sight that just welcomed me. Why was Fiona dressed in a red wedding gown as well?
Fiona smiled proudly as she snarled at me. My nervousness kicked in tenfold as she walked up to Max while holding the hem of her dress, then hooked her arm around his. I gasped out loud when I noticed Moms necklace on Fiona’s neck. I wasn’t going to believe my eyes. Why was Max smiling and looking affectionately at her? And Mom and Dad?
The guests looked at Fiona, taking pictures of her dress. My world came crashing down as they both turned to the priest. The guest started clapping and cheering. I looked around, only to discover that no one was paying attention to me.
All their attention had always been on Fiona the entire timefrom the very beginning.
I wiped the sweat dripping from my forehead. The atmosphere was already suffocating me, and I panicked. My mind yelled at me to turn back and run away, as I vaguely understood what was going on.
But my feet were too stumped to move, and I found it hard to lift them. Here was my chance to run away since all the attention was on Fiona and Max, but I couldnt do it. The fear of what was about to take place wracked my nerves.
“I do.”
I was startled out of my thoughts as soon as I heard Fionas reply.
“Do you, Max Zachary, take Fiona Xander to be your wife, to love and to cherish, to be with her during the worst times, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, till death do you both apart?”
My heart was beating so fast. My face speaks so much about my ongoing emotions. Was he going to do this to me? His silence was an unspoken answer. I gulped, waiting patiently for his reply.
“I do,” came his reply.
My lip parted as my expression paled and my body quivered. I just couldnt believe Max could do this to me. He loved me, and I loved him. Hump! What was I saying?
We both fucking loved each other! Trains of questions railed through my mind as I held on to my broken heart.
“What happened? How did it happen? What went wrong? ” I thought with disbelief, unable to gasp at the significance of what was happening. I was the best girl for Max. He dislikes Fiona.
So did he suddenly lose love for me and find my sister more like him?
He could have talked it out with me if he felt we could no longer continue with the wedding. But why the humiliation?
“Then I pronounced you both husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.” The priest announced it, and the crowd let out a cry of vivid happiness. My world was almost falling apart as the priest declared them husband and wife. Tears compiled under my eyes quickly as they flowed down, doing great damage to my makeup. I felt a tightness in my chest.
They were married. Under my watchful eyes, Max got married to my sister.
“Oh, God!” I whimpered. Endless resentment and pain surged in my heart. My body trembled.
Max turned to Fiona, who had already faced him. His hand moved to her face, lifting it gently by her jaw. His thumb rubbed softly on her face. His gaze was affectionate, and he let a satisfactory smile play on his lips. I stared at them with tears clouding my eyes yet again. The same seductively plumped lips that bloomed a different feeling in methe same lips I had thought only belonged to me. Slowly leaning his head down, Max captured Fionas lip in his, letting her feel the softness of his lips. I shut my eyes in disgust and bit harder on my lower lip.
I was humiliated publicly, and it was not something I could tolerate. I frantically looked around. Everyone seemed to be engrossed in them. I felt the drumming in my chest. Why did my parents encourage me into this marriage just to humiliate me this way? Why?
I couldnt find the right answers to my question. They both broke the kiss, and the two of them unanimously turned to look at me. Just when I opened my mouth to speak, Fiona beat me to it.
“Hey sister,” she said, emphasizing the word ‘sister’ mockingly.
Fiona got to where I stood and then chuckled while eyeing me like some disgusting creature. I simply sniffed and wiped away my tears. She smiled when she saw me do that.
“Seeing the great diamond this way gives me so much joy!” She laughed, and I gulped uneasily.
“W..hy me?” I stuttered, staring at the lady in front of me. She smirked and looked at me hatefully with her blue eyes. She and I were not alike. She had blonde hair, and mine was brown and medium-length.
She was much shorter and thinner. Her big blue eyes were bright, just like the blue of the sea, while mine were bottle green. She shrugged and tapped on my shoulders.
“Hey, pumpkin. You should blame it on your mother,” she said, and I wheezed.
“This is the fate she left you with,” she added.
“My mum…” I muttered and slowly turned to look at Mom, who was now beside her.
“Mum. Whats she talking about?” My lips couldnt stop recoiling. I stared in awe at the woman I’d taken as my mother all these years. She watched me grow up. She was my mom. Then what was Fiona ranting about?
We peered at each other with different insinuations.
“Mom…” I called with my tone fully held back.
“Yeah. Thats right. Im not your mother!” She replied. I shook my head, not wanting to believe it.
“Its not true, right?” I asked, taking failing breaths with many thoughts dribbling through my head while trying to comprehend what she just said. My mom, Mrs. Sharon Xander, scoffed with an eye roll.
“Mum…”
“Im sadly not your actual mother, so stop with the picky title now that you know,” she snapped.
I was beyond wordless; the capability to express myself in words was lost in my system as I stared dumbfounded at the woman in front of me.
“I probably should tell you everything, right? You deserve to know,” she suggested rhetorically. A weird smile formed on her lips.
“I got married to your dad when you were just a year old. I was already pregnant with Fiona. So we got married, and then I found out something shocking.”
She giggled and smirked at me.
“W…what do you mean?” I muttered with my lip partly agape. She smirked afterward and faced me with a vicious look.
“Whos my mother?” I found myself asking after finally processing their words.
“Well, your mother.” She paused momentarily, taking a sniff and wiping imaginary tears from her eyes.
“Your mother was a prostitute,” she said.
“What?” I jerked in shock.
“Your father can explain much better. But I’ll help him out a bit,” she grinned, and her face contorted with anger and her eyes narrowing with fiery intensity. “Yes. Your mother was a high-class prostitute. She cheated on your dad, and the product of that filthy relationship was you. She deceived your innocent dad, who did nothing but love her. She was just a flirt and had to die of a serious sexual infection. Your father found out when she was dead. You were just a year old. He was heartbroken and drank himself into a stupor. We had a one-night stand that resulted in me getting pregnant with Fiona. Since I was already pregnant, we just went ahead and got married. We considered taking you since you were just a year old. I thought you’d be a good girl, but you were just like your mother. It took us all these years to finally get revenge on you. Revenge for what your prostitute mother did to my husband!” Mrs. Sharon Mrs. Sharon Xander continued, her voice dripping with disdainful superiority and punctuating her words with sharp, accusatory gestures.
“Its not true,” I muttered, not believing a single word she just unleashed. My eyes turned misty as I listened to those words.
“Yes, baby. Its a lot to take in.” She made a soft sound as she came close to me. I moved my gaze to Dad and pointed a finger at him.
“Does that mean youre not my dad?” I mumbled.
“Arghhh! Im going crazy.” I laughed like a maniac as my body fell to the ground.
“Father…” I cried.
“Im not your daughter? What are they saying? Its a dream, right? I want to wake up from this horrible nightmare,” I cried.
“You heard her right. Youre just like your mother. I shouldnt have considered taking you in after finding out youre not even my daughter,” Dad finally said, and the whole place went silent. Even the sound of a dropped pin couldn’t be heard at this moment.
“You all are lying!” I murmured. I thought I was embarrassed by Max, but this was the biggest humiliation.
“Thats a lie, Father. Youre my father; how can you say such a thing? Its unforgivable!”
I gritted my teeth in rage as more tears fell from my eyes.
“All these years, I have tried my best to believe youre my daughter. But youre just nothing like me and only a pain to me! Do you even know how much I disgust the sight of you?” He shrieked. I subconsciously moved backward and leaned on one of the chairs for support as I tried to look directly into the eyes of the man I have always called Dad.
I was starting to feel weak and didnt think I would be able to move my body, which was slowly turning into a log of wood.
“Your mother was a well-known prostitute. I thought she changed when we got married, but she fucking played me!” he shouted, throwing a file at me.
“A picture of your mother and a DNA test that proves I am not your freaking father!” He yelled. I slowly picked up the file. I tore it open and brought out a piece of paper and a picture. My mouth opened slightly as I burst into uncontrollable tears. It was freaking true. They are not my parents.
“You see, were not even related. I dont know if I should rejoice or not!” Fiona giggled.
“Wow, its true, Diamond. Look! We arent your parents,” Mrs. Sharon said with a tone of caricature.
“All these years, Ive been thinking of how to get back at you. I wanted you to feel the same pains your mother made me pass through. I wanted you to go through all of it. It finally happened when you introduced Max to us. You see, it was all a game. We planted Max in your life just to ruin it.”
She flaunted her wedding ring right in front of my eyes as she mocked the engagement ring on my finger. I couldnt do anything but stare blankly at them. These are the ones I called families, or rather, theyre the ones Ive known as families.
“How could they do this to me?” I lamented. Everything I was made to believe was nothing but lies.
“I hate the resemblance she shares with you; it makes me want to do more than ruin your life. Ugh!” He spat with deep aversion over my body before turning back and walking away. I felt my world threatening to crumble as everything became silent.
“Your mother is a prostitute, and you will make no difference,” Mrs. Sharon said.
“Nothing is true. I wont believe it,” I argued.
Why was everything happening so fast?
“Oh, poor being. Are you saying the DNA results are fake?” She asked with sarcasm.
“It’s best if you just accept your ugly reality. Dont be dense, Diamond.” She muttered and crouched down next to me. She touched my hair, and I shrieked back in fright.
“Seeing you broken like this makes me happy. I pray it breaks all that makes you human and alive into pieces.
When you reach that stage, darling, I recommend you choose death!” She said it to my face, emitting a dark chortle at the end of her sentence.
Before I could understand what she was saying, Mrs. Sharon hugged me and faked a sob. I was taken aback by her sudden outburst, which was way out of line after this divulgence.
“Thats right; now you can leave and wont have any reason to come back.”
I bit my lower lip. Now I understand why she did it. Of course! No one heard except me. She patted my hair afterward and stood up. Looking at me one more time, she sauntered away, and murmuring arose immediately.
“You disgust me, Diamond!” Fiona spoke up.
“I cant believe I was made to believe you were my sister when youre not close to that!”
“When I found out you were nothing but a prostitute’s daughter, I felt the urge to strangle you to death. I couldnt believe I had a thing with the daughter of a prostitute. I was fed up with rage toward you. I was so glad when Mom told me about her revenge game.
We had to work Max, who was my boyfriend, into your life. We encouraged you into this marriage just to break your ego and push you into the mud,” she said.
I wiped my tears. I wouldnt let this little thing see me in tears or plead for her mercy.
“You see, I got the wedding ring while you only have the fake engagement ring,” she mumbled, showing off her wedding ring right in my face.
“pft! Its such a shame.” Fiona said and walked to pick up an already prepared bucket of mud water, which hasn’t been oblivious to me all this while. She took it and walked back to me. She splattered it all over my beautiful dress.
“Thats right! For everything your mother caused my dad. You are the daughter of a prostitute.” She growled, and I couldnt help but burst into another round of sobbing after seeing my beautiful wedding gown ruined. I look around as the paparazzi capture everything. My gaze went back to the ground as I cried harder.
I kept sniffing, trying to control my tears, but it was to no avail. I hated my life. I despised my mother, who brought me into this horrendous world.
They destroyed my life; they destroyed everything. It was Mom, and she just had to involve me, who knows nothing about their messy vengeance.
“You punk!” Fiona made to slap me, but Max held her hand.
“Thats enough, wifey. You look stressed. We still have our honeymoon to go for,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist tenderly.
She shot me a glance and walked away. Not saying a word, I held onto my moms picture and the DNA results.
I stood up and subconsciously walked out, not minding the hateful eyes staring at me. It began raining. I walked like a zombie into the rain, crying.
I could never have imagined my life would be crumbling like this right in front of me.
Not on just a normal day, but on a day that was supposed to be my wedding.
“Why do you have to be my mother?” I murmured in tears, staring at the already wet picture.
“I hate you!” I mumbled and broke down in a wail under the rain.
The next day, I stood, staring at my supposed fathers house, which now looked strange to me.
The house I grew fond of was The only place I could find comfort in was now anomalous to me. I slept at the church last night since I had nowhere to go.
My red gown looked tattered, and my hair was messy. No doubt, I stink. I sighed, and without another thought, I entered.
I met them sitting down, eating chicken, and watching a movie while laughing endlessly. They didnt notice me.
“Mother,” I called slowly and bit on my lower lip. Thats right! I shouldnt have spoken the word ‘mother’
She is no longer my mom. They all turned towards me, and I gulped down
Dad, Mom, Fiona, and Max. They all look like a big, lovely family without me.
“The princess is finally home,” Mom laughs sarcastically, and Fiona joins her.
“I only came to get my things.”
I swallowed hard and walked away, making my way toward my room.
I entered my room and sighed again.
“Hey Diamond, you better dont forget anything. You wont be allowed in here once you leave,” Fiona said.
I turned behind and lo and behold, she was right behind me, leaning against the door.
“I just came to supervise. You might just take whats not yours. Your mother is a prostitute, and you might be a…” She paused and shrugged.
I scoff and balled my fist. I eyed her but didnt say a word. This is my junior, talking to me like I’m just nothing.
“This punk!” I growled silently.
“I wont,” I simply replied.
“Theres nothing precious to steal anyway!” I added.
“Thatd be amazing,” Fiona giggled.
“I thought you were wise, but youre just a Moron, diamond. Weve been dating behind your back for two years, and you couldnt tell. Gosh! Darn foolish!”
She giggled. My face turned pale listening to all she was blabbing.
“Its okay. You have him. What else are you afraid of losing?” I asked.
“Of course, nothing! Hes my everything.” She chuckled.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to keep the tears at bay. It still hurt.
“I should go into acting. My skills are damn awesome!” She giggled and walked away.
I sighed and walked to my closet. Just beside my closet was a trash can. I saw my clothes wet and dripping in it.
My chest tightened immediately. These are the only expensive clothes I have. I washed and arranged them thoroughly before coming back to see them wet inside the trash can.
I knew for sure that they did it. Picking out the clothes, I walked out of the room furiously.
“Seriously! Why would you guys do such an inhumane act to my clothes?” I yelled, descending the stairs. I was trying so hard to hold back the weepings.
“Whats wrong with you, Diamond? What are you yelling at again? Those clothes were bought with my fathers money. I chose whether you have them or not,” Fiona said.
I could hear Mom chuckling.
Oh, now I get it. I smiled and nodded my head as I vaguely understood.
“Okay,” I said, and they were taken aback by my sudden outburst, which was way out of line.
Yeah! I wasnt going to show weakness in front of them anymore.
“You should leave!” The mother suddenly chimed in. I nodded again, like the moron I am.
“Youre taking longer than expected. I cant stand seeing your face. It makes me remember your shameless mother.
I cursed myself for not being able to kill her with my bare hands. It was such a pity that she had to die of that sickness.
I wish to kill her, and staring at you right now, I wish for nothing but to rip out your head. Get out, diamond!” My presumed father shrieked.
I beamed and shook my head in disbelief.
“Youre unbelievable, Dad. How can you say such things about my late mother, your wife?” I asked helplessly.
I was just gaping and blinkingly at them.
“I will take my leave now.”
Without waiting for their response, I walked out of the house, maintaining a smile on my face.
Once outside, I bent down and encircled my arm around myself. Thats it!
I broke into uncontrollable tears. The cries I seem to have been holding in front of them all this while.
I hiccupped and squeezed my dress. Soon, I felt people surrounding me.
“I can’t believe she was able to show her face; how despicable.”
“A child of a prostitute is also a prostitute.”
“She’s shameless, just like her late mother.”
“What did you expect? Birds of the same feather stick and flock together.”
I frantically looked around and saw people gawking at me with contempt and revulsion. I gobbled it down in chagrin.
A cold shiver ran down my spine. I passed on my gaze back to the ground again. I could hear their scornful laughter.
My eyelids twitched a bit. The mist in my eyes rolled down.
“I detest you, Mom. How dare you do this to me!” I cursed as my tears dropped.
“I did nothing wrong to deserve all this. I disdain you! I hate you!” I murmured, hitting my chest.
The tears dropped from my cheek and fell.
I felt a car stop in front of me. I didnt bother to look up since I was still in tears.
“Poor bestie”
I heard a familiar voice and was forced to look up.
“P..pinky,” I stuttered, staring at my long-lost best friend who just came out of the car.
“W…w”my brain couldnt figure out what to say.
“Lets leave. These places look like misery,” she muttered.
I was slowly feeling dizzy, and my vision was blurry. I only managed to nod.
…………..
“Diamond, are you okay? Geez, you look like the living dead,” she said.
I didnt reply but instead encircled my arm around her waist, hugging her. She didnt try to push me away but instead embraced me back and stroked my hair.
“I will go make you a hot chocolate. You need one,” she offered, and I nodded just like a baby.
We disengaged from the hug, and she walked into the kitchen, I reckoned.
I sighed and gaped at the room I was in. It was small but well-arranged. I presumed it was just her little apartment.
Pink returned a few minutes later and handed the cup of chocolate to me.
“What happened to you, bestie?” She asked worriedly after I took the cup from her.
I didnt respond immediately, and Pink understood as she gave me more time to get myself
“Max…he” I just couldnt say it.
The words were too stiff to let out
“What are you saying? Please tell me everything, bestie. I need details of everything that happened,” she urged.
“Max played me. My parents are not my parents, and they were the ones that planted Max in my life,” I finally blurted out.
“They all deceived and used me,” I muttered and hiccupped. My voice was cracking. Pinky stared at me weirdly.
She slowly took the cup of chocolate from me.
“You should get some sleep, bestie; just go to bed, and we will discuss this later in the evening.
Youre not even in your right state of mind, and I cant pick out a word from what youre saying,” she muttered.
She helped me lie on the bed and made to leave the room, but I held her arm. I was scared. Was she going to leave me like everyone else?
“Dont go anywhere pink. Dont leave me too,” I muttered as tears rushed down my cheeks. I heard her sigh before patting my hair.
“Im right here, by your side.”
– – – – – –
My eyes fluttered open as I welcomed the familiar scene, the smell, and the warmth of it. The door opened, and Pinky sauntered in. I grabbed my head, trying to recall how I got here.
I went to get my clothes and then was humiliated all over again. I was taunted by the public, and I met Pink.
Yeah! Thats how I met her.
“Youre awake. You should wash up and come have dinner,” she said, and I nodded.
Pink kept stealing glances at me as we ate dinner. She sighed and finally asked.
“Are you alright?”
“Huh- -” I looked up, and my eyes met hers.
“Sure. Im fine!”
I swallowed hard and looked away. In an attempt to make no eye contact with her.
“Are you going to act like things are alright?”
She asked raising her brows. I didnt reply or look up as I chewed gently on my food.
“Seriously?” She chuckled, and I flashed her a fake smile.
I bit my lower lip, and slowly, I told her everything. She was only surprised that the Xanders are not my real parents, but she was not surprised that Max ditched me.
“That bastard!” She balled her fist. My pupil dilated.
“You knew.?” I asked, astonished.
“Diamond…”
“Dont fucking lie to me, pink,” I yelled. I knew her too well. I was already familiar with the expression she makes when trying to cover up.
She was my only friend in high school. Pink was a weakling back in school. The Guys bullied her a lot.
I hate bullies, so I salvaged her a lot of times, and surprisingly, we ended up being best friends.
We graduated together and went to the same college. We lost contact just when I met Max two years ago. I had only introduced Max to her once.
“It was obvious. I could tell just by meeting him once. You wont believe that bastard secretly asked me out when you both were still dating,”
she said, and I gasped. My mouth opened widely.
“Pink!” I yelled, and she shrugged.
“You wouldnt have believed me if I had told you. You were blindly in love with him. You were crazy and all over him too!” She said that, and I bit my lower lip.
She was right. Max acted mischievously towards Fiona, and I could have figured it out right away if I wasnt crazy about him.
I sniffed again.
“I should have known. I was blindly into him. It was obvious Max never loved me, but I felt reluctant.
My parents were suddenly interested in me when they found out I was getting married. I should have been suspicious, but stupid me thought they were doing the best for me.”
I said, and my mind flashes back to a month ago when I was making preparations for my wedding.
Backtrack to a month ago.
We were all having breakfast together except Fiona, who just left her meal halfway a moment ago.
I will be meeting up with Max in the next hour. I guessed he had planned another surprise date already.
“How are your wedding plans coming along?” Dad asked after taking a sip from his red wine.
I came to a halt, putting down the knife and fork I was using to cut my steak to give my dad my full attention.
“Everything is fine. Max suggested we send out more invitation cards next week, but I declined.
We have invited more people already. I dont want something grand, just small and simple,” I replied, moving my gaze back to my food.
“Huh?” Mom looked at me, surprised at what I just said.
“Does the Xander family look like a joke to you? Youre our eldest daughter and the only heir to the Xander empire.
Your wedding ought to be in grand style,” she said, before turning to face her father, who was sitting next to her.
“Right, darling?”She asked.
“Huh,” Dad looked at her; his mind was somewhere else at the next minute.
“Yeah, thats right,” he said.
“I’ll invite all the wealthy and influential people. Close and faraway businessmen. The media will be everywhere to capture the great event.
I’ve already arranged a venue. You should check it out when youre less busy,” Dad said, and I gasped.
“Dad!” I whined.
They seem to be doing everything for my wedding. My parents never found me interesting, or rather, interested in what I do.
But, ever since my wedding news broke out, they seem to be paying more attention to me.
I bit my lip.
“Oh, I see.” That was all I could mutter.
“Everything is ready for your big day. If you need any help with anything we fail to acknowledge, let us know, alright,” he said. I forced a smile.
“Yes, Dad,” I said uncomfortably. I was having trouble getting used to their sudden interest in me.
I dropped my spoon since I was no longer cozy. I wiped my mouth with the napkin.
“I’ve got to go,” I said, staring at my wristwatch.
“But you havent finished your meal!” Mum said with concern written all over her face.
“Im full, and I dont want to keep my fianc waiting,” I said, and I rushed out without waiting for their response.
I opened the door but came to a halt when I saw Fiona and Max outside. I was surprised since Max told me to meet him somewhere.
I noticed Max wiping his lip while Fiona was trying to fix her dress quickly.
“You didnt tell me more about your fianc. I mean more.” She winked and licked her lower lip. It was red and plump like someone who just had an aggressive kiss.
I turned my gaze to Max.
“I decided to pick you. I was tired of waiting.”
I frowned as he stuttered nervously. Fiona smiled mischievously at us but said nothing.
“Lets go,” I said rather, and he simply nodded before kissing my forehead.
“I cant believe youre getting married, Diamond,” she said excitedly.
“Right, who would have thought that someone would marry you over me? Your fianc is one of a kind,” she remarked, winking.
I clenched my fist as I gave her a quick look. I was already used to Fionas hurtful comments since she never for once concealed her hostility towards me.
Still, I couldnt help but feel awkward, especially since I was with Max.
I hate the fact that she will not hesitate to make fun of me, be it in private or public. I felt mortified.
“Sisters or not, Diamond is someone I admire for who she is, so sister-in-law, I hope you dont mind me saying this,
but Id appreciate it if you would stop taunting my fiance,” Max said, causing me to look at him with surprise.
I wasnt expecting him to respond to Fionas parody of me. Hes usually a calm and collected person. What he did took me by surprise, and it made me happy.
“Let’s go, darling,” he said, taking my hand in his. I gave Fiona a middle finger as I walked out with Max.
“I shouldnt have spoken to your sister that way. Im sorry,” he said once we were outside.
“Its fine.” I caressed the back of his hand. Fiona deserved it. I was grateful that he defended me.
“I love you,” he whispered. My cheek flushed, and I stared deep into his eyes. One of the reasons I love this man.
“I love you too,” I replied sweetly. I was surprised as he grabbed my waist and leaned me against his car.
“What are you doing? Someone might see us.
“Who cares? Were getting married soon,” he said softly before touching and lifting my chin.
I simply shook my head before closing my eyes and allowing him to devour my lip. His tongue brushed across my bottom lip, asking for entrance, and I granted it with ease. I felt him smile as my mouth opened wider under his.
“Mmm,” I moaned louder for Fiona to hear. His breath was hot, and I felt a smile crawl onto my face as we kissed, both hands tangled in each others hair and bodies.
I gently pushed him away from the kiss. He bit my lips, causing my cheek to turn bright red.
“Come on, stop seducing me,” I said, and he smiled mischievously before kissing me again.
– – – –
Back to the present, I shut my eyes, recalling everything. “Ugh! I cant believe I’m such a fool. I didnt see their plans.” I lamented.
“Youre not doing it again, right?” Pink asked, and I sighed.
“I dont enjoy seeing you like thisthat you look like a fool crying over a man. Does it make you feel good?” she sneered.
I sighed, and she ran her finger through my hair.
I sniffed. Im not going to shed any more tears. Im going to get my revenge on them for all the embarrassment and humiliation.
Im going to make them pay. All I need is to become powerful and I’ll be unstoppable.
The next morning, I woke up with a throbbing headache and a broken heart as I felt empty.
Yeah! right. Everything will always be the same. My family took vengeful revenge on me just because my mother was a prostitute. They used Max as a tool to get to me.
I was betrayed and insulted publicly. A strong feeling of animosity for Fiona and the Xander family surged in my heart.
I was determined to assert revenge for my embarrassment.
My phone!
Yeah, my phone. It was with me at my supposed wedding.
I remembered taking it when leaving the church. It has been with me all this time. I touched my body and felt nothing. Thats when I remembered I was in another dress. Pinkys own to be precise.
I frantically looked around and saw it on the stool beside the bed. I sigh in relief. I might have kept it there without knowing.
I picked it up and opened it, but I was shattered upon seeing all the love letters I have sent to Max and my dark secrets online.
A video of us kissing and making out was all over the internet. Max’s face was covered in the video, leaving just mine.
I shut my eyes in pain. How dare he do this to me?
I love him. I do love him, but why did he have to treat me like this? Did I do something wrong to him? Have I sinned for him to punish me like this too?
“What have I ever done to you too?” I shouted resentfully and finally burst into tears. My eyes began to tear up as I read the hateful criticism.
“Are you crying?” My subconscious mind said that, and I sobbed hard.
“Did you expect me to laugh after that?” I sarcastically asked.
“Theres no place for me. How can I possibly walk in public? They finally ruined me. Theyre all jerks. Right, all humans are jerks. I cant leave it on anymore,”
I muttered, and without thinking, I found my way to the kitchen.
Dropping my phone, I grabbed the knife at the counter. I shut my eyes as I held the knife up high.
“I cant do this anymore. Im sorry, pinky. Im stupid and selfish. Im ashamed to live The world will taunt me. I will be devastated. This is the best option for me,” I muttered.
I closed my eyes with deep regret as I lowered the knife.
I was about to stab myself with the knife when a message popped on my phone. I stared at the message to see it was sent by an anonymous, with only four words content:
“You are a diamond.”
The knife subconsciously fell from my hand.
“Im diamond…” I muttered as well and fell to the ground.
But who was the sender?
My stomach rumbled, and I groaned.
“I cant possibly think when my stomach is still growling,” I thought. The kitchen door opened, and Pinky entered.
“Oh, bestie!” She muttered.
“I went out to get some foodstuffs as you were fast asleep, and I didnt want to disturb you,” she said.
“I should prepare breakfast; you must be hungry.” She added.
I lazily stood up, and that was when she noticed the knife on the floor.
“Careless me. I might have left it when I hurried out,” she uttered as she picked it up.
I said nothing. I grabbed my phone and left.
– – – – –
A month later
– – – – –
I was home all alone. Pinky left earlier, saying she has a meeting with her dad.
Pinky is a billionaire CEOs daughter, but she chose not to depend on her parent’ wealth and just build her world.
She had dropped off her card for me to buy lunch since she didnt cook. I couldnt believe I still had a friend to rely on.
She left without a trace two years ago. I thought I had lost a friend, but she surfaced and helped me just when I needed it most.
Ever since I rescued her in school, I guessed she took it upon herself to look after me.
I bit my lip as I unclad myself and found my way to the bathroom.
I returned with a towel around my body. I went to Pinkys small closet and started rummaging through it for clothes to wear.
I chose a grey gown and put it on. It reached my mid-thighs. I took one of her low, flat black shoes and put it on. I combed my long brunette hair and looked in the mirror.
My eyes werent red anymore, but they still looked like I was going through hell. I sighed, put some powder on my face, and put a little pigment of the lip into my lips.
I stared at the mirror, and I look a bit okay now. I sighed again and grabbed a bag before leaving.
My feet stumbled on the floor as I kept walking. My gaze never left the floor. I was nervous and oblivious to where I was going as well.
I didnt notice the old Jeep that was already close to me.
“Argh!!!”
I screamed out the next minute. The Jeep came to a halt just when it was about to hit me.
The driver alighted from the car and was surprised to see it was me. Wait a minute. Did he know me?
– – – – –
The wind kept blowing. And our hair cascaded along with it, and it felt surreal how calm the situation was now. He was gaping at my bottled green eyes. I gazed back at his hazelnut-brown eyes.
The man right in front of me was a demi-god. He looks like some sort of good-looking devil. like those I read in books.
Over his head was his black hair gelled straight to the left side with some strands sticking out of it in perfect ringlets.
The strands fell dos into an exceptionally rounded profile that’s smooth and beautifully carved.
A socket, housing enticing muddy-color orbs that have such cute lashes flapping over them.
His nose was another piece of perfection, inches away from his heart-shaped pink lips.
Lining on both sides of his profile was a thin beard that ran down the surface of his chin, colliding at his jaw area.
The scruffy pieces of hair moved up from his jaw, around his mouth, and beneath his nose as a thinly lined mustache that suits his manly look. This all accounts for his flawless, handsome, and breathtaking face.
My eyes crawled over to his broad shoulders and chest, which clashed with a white ruffled shirt that wasnt fully buttoned and left his upper trunk slightly visible.
From where I sat, she could catch sight of how fit he is, from his thick arms to his large torso muscles against the shirt he wore.
Gosh! This man here is every ladys dream. He looks like a Greek god, literally. I could tell that not only his face was godly, but his body was more than that.
I immediately looked away, but like a compelled being, my eyes came back, returning to look at him. His eyes never left mine either, and it seems we were engaging in a staring competition.
There was silence between us. We could be seen in one of the most expensive restaurants in the city.
He took me here as his ‘treat’ for almost hitting me with his Jeep.
Gazing at him, I can tell how wealthy he looks. His aura smelled of power and money. He’s already ordered food, but none of us seems to be interested in the food.
My stomach rumbled for the umpteenth time. I groaned and slowly took the glass of red wine and sipped from it.
The wind blew again and,
“Lets get married,” he said, and I choked on the drink. I coughed, clutching onto my chest.
I stared at this man. Hes too good-looking to be a psycho.
“Lets get married. Ive searched everywhere for you, diamond.” He repeated, and my eyebrows knitted.
How the hell did this stranger know my name? Who is he?
“Hmm,” I thought. His face was still expressionless. He knows I look troubled. I had millions of questions buzzing inside my head.
“You don’t belong to high society; youre ordinary. Youre not royalty; they say” he muttered, and I was forced to look at him. I coerced a smile.
I’m not going to argue, nor am I going to fight. Hes right. Im just ordinary. The daughter of a prostitute
“But there’s one thing they all seem to forget: A diamond is just like an ordinary stone; it just needs a polisher to gloss it and tell its worth.”
He said this, leaning his back slightly on his seat. My eyes were delighted. No one has said these words to me.
I felt the urge for him to hug me and console me. Who was he? How come he knows me too well?
“Life couldn’t have treated you any better. Just by giving you the name Diamond, I knew for sure you werent going to end soon.
Youre a diamond. You just need the lucky one to shine you into effulgence. That lucky one is right beside you,” he said, and my eyes twitched.
‘Do I need a burnish? Am I going to get one to get back at those who have stabbed me in the back?’ I thought looking confused.
“let’s make a deal and I will grant you all the power you need for your revenge.” His words were calm, but they sent shivers down my spine.
“But what makes you think Ill agree to this?” I asked, my voice a bit lower than expected.
Was this Greek god affecting me?
“You look smarter than I expected,” he said, finally taking his glass of red wine.
He gulped it all in one go before facing me again.
“I dont have a habit of making deals that will only benefit myself, you know,” he smirked.
“We both know you need my help. Youre just the exact woman I need. We are strong, fearless, and we both desire one thing: revenge,” he said, ememphasizinghe the word ‘revenge’.
I was lost in thought. Is this right?
Did I need to make a deal with this man just to get my revenge?
“What did you think?” His hoarse voice asked, and I jolted from my trance. I was a little nervous as I stared at him again, but it faded as I concluded my response.
“Alright then, what’s the deal?” I asked.
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