Chapter 2

Krystel sighed loudly. He rubbed his chest round.! It's good that the wedding hasn't started yet! I really thought we'd be upset."

He smiled at me for a moment. He looked around to find the spot of my waiting fans.

I also looked around. But, I didn't stop looking at my sea-like fans, carrying signs, across the street.

I was on the lookout for someone. He is a member of the bride's family so, more likely than not, he is also out here and is also wearing a barong with a maroon flower on his left chest.

Destiny did not disappoint me. As I expected, Zac was standing on the stairs and, still looking at my car. His antenna phone was glued to his right ear and he was running downstairs.

My heart was pounding like a drum as Zac's distance to the passenger side door of the van narrowed. It was as if my skull was knocked when he lightly tapped the tinted window with his fist.

Zac looked around the van as Al lowered the window. He was shocked for a moment when he saw me but, he quickly turned around after looking at the whole car Z-zac!" my loud call. I moved to the side and almost ran to the front row of the back seat to catch up with him. I barely opened the sliding door.

Zac turned to face me. Her eyes were full of concern. He dialed the phone number again. He let out a deep breath before I looked up and met his eye "What's wrong?" my cross-brow question. I squeezed the door handle of the van tightly.

began. He scratched his messy hair and he twirled in place.

Maya is one of Zac's younger siblings. They were the children of the couple who adopted me when I was young.

I was so bitten by the lip. It can't be!

I was close to Maya when we were young so, I knew immediately what she did ... Maya ran away and left her groom at the altar!

I sucked on my lower lip and I thought hard. "She's not coming ..." I whispered softly. I worriedly watched Zac's shoulder drop.

A runaway bride. That's the character I played, earlier, in the shooting of the teleserye I'm starring in. Who knew this was happening in real life? I owe the writers an apology for thinking that the story they imagined was very out-of-this-world Tell me more."

Zac briefly massaged his senses. He glanced at his parents quietly arguing at the entrance at the top of the stairs.

My heart broke when I saw the depth of the wrinkles on the foreheads of the couple who became my second parents. I owe these wonderful people the life that I'm living now. If it weren't for the Montero Nas, most likely, I would have been a street thief in the morning and beaten up at night. If it weren't for them, my future might have been ruined The best man is missing too," Zac squeezed in his voice. His tired eyes flickered back at me. "The Buenaventura family, Irah, will be in great shame. I'm worried. What are they going to do to my sister ..."

I thought, a thrill will engulf me the moment Zac says my name again. But, all the anxiety is enveloping my heart now.

I'm worried about Maya, who looks like my sister too. I am also more concerned for Mr. and Mrs. Montero Na. They may be able to care for their youngest. The lady still has high blood pressure.

I got back inside the van and quietly drowned in my thoughts. I turned to Krystel who had been dumbfounded and gaping at me.

In the turmoil of Krystel's imagination, she probably got to miss the bride and the best man. Her face was very pale and she was squeezing the white petticoat of the wedding gown next to her. I ripped off my wine-like skirt and slammed the sliding door of the van shut. I quickly ordered Al to park the car in a secluded corner and secretly thanked him for not spitting out any questions Krystel. Please pass that to me," I ordered when the van stopped. I point to the wedding gown she is holding.

She slowly handed me the wedding dress. The wrinkle went deep between her eyebrows when I quickly reached and opened the zipper of the maroon dress I was wearing.

Krystel's eyes widened when she saw me wearing the white corset. He bumped into the roof of the car when he suddenly stood up.

The van shook.

"What are you doing!" he shouted. He violently stroked the top of her head.

Quick, help me get dressed!". I tied the crinoline tightly around my waist.

Help with which?" he was afraid to question."You'll help me get married!" I untied the strap on my skirt because my corset was still loose.

Krystel stepped back and sat in the farthest corner of the backseat. Why I let go of all the ropes I was holding and met my assistant's gaze. Without her help, I wouldn't have been able to wear the wedding ball gown properly.

"Because I want to reciprocate the kindness of the family that gave me life. They're in trouble! And, I have the necessary tools to help them!"

"In that case, why do you have to? There are a lot of women around - your fans who are willing to do everything for you. Just let them wear that," Krystel suggested. He shook quickly. "You don't know the groom! Besides, you're at the peak of your popularity. You'll lose so much if you continue like that!"

I was silent for a moment. I closed my eyes and forced a spell before refocusing my determined gaze on my assistant It should be me because the Buenaventura S are a prominent family. They won't be satisfied as long as the woman who walks to the altar passes their standard," I said. "She has to be either filthy rich or ridiculously famous so they can keep their mouths shut. And, it's good that I'm one of the second. I also have the skills to act and make a credible story that the public can accept. I'm a brilliant liar. "

"B-but, miss Irah ... How can I explain this to Madame Joy? How can you break contracts once you sign a marriage contract?" he asked tremblingly. He pats his nail with his thumb Don't worry. I'll take care of all that," I assured her. "So, come on. Help me get ready for my grand wedding!

We had been standing opposite the priest's desk for a few minutes. The ceremony has not yet begun. So, I peeked at my "groom".

He stood up straight with his mouth shut. He was half a ruler away from me. He doesn't look at me. His eyes were glued straight to the altar.

This man has no idea how relieved I was when I saw that he wasn't a balding, stomach-out, middle-aged man. I also take care of an image.

I know I decided to help the dela Torre. But, I also don't want my fans to think I'm a gold-digger. God knows how hard I worked to achieve what I achieved. I don't have to marry the old rich man just to rise in life!

I decided to have a good look at him. And, the more I looked, the more I got bewildered why Maya ran after him.

I mean, look at his side profile! He has the shape of the face that some people are trained to sculpt by venerable sculptors.

His nose was pierced with a sharp tip. His deep-set eyes swirl in irresistible dark mystery. The angle of his jaw seemed to split protractor. Her prominent cheekbones are also not begging for attention.

I was distracted by the arrow-shaped lips of his. I was worried for a moment. Why on earth is he nibbling his lips? Isn't he afraid that his mouth might be injured which is already so bright red?

Suddenly my face tapped on the altar when I remembered the kiss as part of the wedding. It was as if an elephant had touched my chest. I squeezed the bouquet I was holding tightly. I even tasted a kiss from some of my leading men, then, but, later, I'll share my first non-professional kiss, with him.

And, honestly, he looked better than some of them ...

Can you come with me?" request of the priest. His open palm pointed to the back edge of the altar.

The old man did not wait for our answer. He went to the vestry first.

I noticed that Father's hand was tightly handcuffed to Zac's arm. He also drags it into the secret room.

My heart pounded for Zac. He looked extremely distraught especially since he was alone shouldering the chaos taking place here.

I hope the gentlemen and ladies help him. He's not just Maya's relative, here, eh ...Ever since we confronted the groom at the altar, Zac had been trying to explain our 'situation' to the priest. But, based on the whispers of the two, which occasionally reached my ears, Father is refusing to officiate 'our' matrimony whispered softly - What's his name again? He gently pushed the bottom of my back.

I quietly followed Zac and the priest into the vestry. Next to me was the frowning groom.

I'm 5'9 "tall and have heels of three inches. Yet, for some reason, it seems like Groom's nightly hair still has a little more top than mine.

That's rare! Usually, only foreigners pass me every time I wear heels. For example, even though I was leading the shooting, earlier ... I had to put my feet under the gown so that she could just trim my height.

What shall we say?" Groom suddenly whispered. He tightly wrapped both lapels of his expensive tuxedo. His gold watch shone.

My shoulders rose slightly when my arm touched his. His arm felt like a fleshy boulder, under his long sleeve.

Like I said, I'm going to think of a backstory. I'm a professional. Just trust me," I whispered back. I met him in the eye. "Just nod at whatever I have to say. Don't say a thing."

Groom nodded obediently. He smiled a little before he motioned for me to enter the vestry first.

I cautiously entered the cramped room. I stood in the middle and faced Father.The priest sat on the side of the alb and chasuble hanger. A few meters to his right, Zac was standing.

Attached to the roof behind them were two large cabinets. The parish records peeked out of some drawers.

Quietly standing in the corner of the room was a stool chair. The groom picked it up and placed it behind me.

Hmm ... This man looks like a gentleman, so I was surprised. If her appearance, age, or state in life is not the problem, what is it that Maya has left her? I called you here to resolve some problems," the priest began. He microphone Ed one hand before sneezing loudly. "Jesus' first miracle took place at a wedding in Cana in Galilee where He turned water into wine. That's where pre-Cana is based, one of the steps for wedding preparation."Yes, Father." my answer. As discussed, Groom remained tight-lipped. Before a couple's marriage can be approved, at least six months of intensive preparation is required. The two will first go through the initial meeting, prenuptial investigation and pre-Cana," the priest continued. He looked around at Groom and me before he looked at me again. "The purpose of the prenuptial investigation is to explain that the marriage is voluntary, permanent and exclusive. It is also open to having a child. As proof of consent to the premise of the marriage, the bridegroom must submit a notarized document."

Groom immediately nodded. But, I did not say a word. My unmoved appearance remained with the old priest. But, my palms secretly grew cold.I was simply horrified! Why would I sign like that ?! I don't want a child!

Pregnancy is just a hindrance to my dazzling future! I'm still at the top of my career so, I don't want to lose my luster! The priest looked up at Groom. "You two must have complete proof of baptism, communion, and confirmation. You have no problem. But ..." his eyes moved to me. "We don't have the documents of your sacraments, Irah. Affidavits would

have been possible but, there is no time for that. Also, we have not had the opportunity to investigate whether you have been married or not. The name was not mentioned either. you've been on banns for the past three weeks. "

I was quietly bored. The hassle of getting married!

Why do so many etchos have to be done? No one mentioned that the researcher of the wedding scene of the teleserye I starred in was like this, ah! Anyway, I remained silent first. I need more information before I can make a credible storyline.

To Be Continued....