Chapter 6

Ruther was silent for a moment. He on the table and quickly threw the water down his throat.

"Wow, your attention to details is impeccable. You're a smooth story-teller ... No wonder you became a famous artist." he said shaking. He returned the glass he was holding to the table.

"Thank you." I smile outwardly. I raised my forehead and picked up water as well. "I worked hard to become as convincing as this. So, I'm proud of my craft."

As Ruther laughed at the nose. "Well, as an actress, I'm proud of you. But, as a husband, I'm not ..."

I tilted my head. I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrows.

What is this man saying. Doesn't he have a brain? Isn't my craft the reason why HE was saved from this disastrous excuse of a wedding?

"Why not?" I'm having a hard time questioning. I quickly sipped water before throwing my glass on the table. "Isn't my performance the reason why everyone here is happy, now?"

Ruther's eyes glazed over at me. The very serious mold painted on her beautiful face.

“Because your exceptional performance makes me distrust you,” he said directly. "Ever since our paths crossed there in the church, all you did was manipulate me into doing and feeling whatever you want. And, you have the skills to easily maneuver the emotions of an entire assembly ..."

I stiffened even more. My words stuck in my throat.

Isn't that exactly the point? Wasn't I supposed to make the entire crowd believe in the authenticity of our fake love story?

"It scares me how quickly I fell for your shows. At this rate, I'm not far from just being your puppet," he added. "This wedding is as fake as you are, just like you thought everyone was happy here, now ... You should know that the most because, you're just as unhappy as I am in our situation. "

I laughed at the nose and leaned back in the chair. I shook my arms and averted my eyes.

"What nonsense are you talking about!" I quietly hissed. I quickly patted my foot on the floor.

"That none sense is you love someone else too," he said complacently. Ruther turned to the man of honor, who was sipping red wine one after another. "Based on your body language, I could somehow tell who he is. The one you love is none other than Zac."

I suppressed the opening of my mouth. I quickly turned off the slight widening of my eyes.

How did Ruther know? When and what did he notice? Wasn't I careful about my body language and facial expression? Didn’t I use the same caliber of acting, earlier, as I use in movies?

I puffed a laugh. I picked up a table napkin and wiped the sides of my mouth.

"That's preposterous. Zac is just like my brother," I calmly declared. I put the swab on top of my lap and repeated your iron. "Besides, it doesn't matter. I'm stuck with you, now."

Ruther watched me with raised eyebrows as he rubbed my thighs. He smirked slightly before he leaned back. "Whatever makes you sleep at night."

We never talked again. Ruther was busy with his cocktail drink while I was sipping mouth-watering appetizers.

From bite-sized caprese crostini, bacon-wrapped dates, to mini salad boats they have and much more. And, it is obvious from their appearance that the food quality is the highest.

I took tiny bites of everything because the corset was pinching me. If it weren’t for what I was wearing, most likely, I would have absorbed the foods!

Honey! I would be the type who doesn't put on weight no matter what I eat. I can be a pig but still maintain my slender figure after depositing on the throne.

Anyway ... I feel like melted butter with expensive flavor playing on my tongue. I’ve been to many high-end restaurants so, I knew immediately that the dishes were made by high-quality chefs.

I could easily tell that every detail of this reception was really spent. Just like the snacks I taste, the whole place is also very grand.

The venue proudly showcased an unrestrained fairytale-like charm. Its red design is obviously based on Maya's princess-like taste.

Crystal chandeliers flowed like waterfalls from the ceiling. They glow like fireworks in the dark night. Its light bounces off the red row of rose gardens that elegantly mediate the long tables of the guests. Dancing over the scattered gold candelabras are the celebratory flames of red candles.

The rest of the reception went unusually well. I was confused by the guests who did not bother to take pictures of me.

Of course, I still acted dead to Ruther even though I was disgusted with what he said. I can't have me appear like an imperfect bride because the cameras are scattered in the venue.

I'm a freaking celebrity! I have to look graceful, elegant and happily "in-love".

During the first dance, I glared at Ruther as we glided along the vastness of the dancefloor. I tearfully smiled at him and clung myself to him until I watched him fight himself.

His eyes would lose focus every now and then and squeeze his shoulder muscles. It's like he's losing control of his senses before he tries to dismiss it.

Ruther is weird ...

Anyway, that's where I could feel the shape of his body. He is very tone under his white tuxedo.

I wondered what field of sports he was interested in. He must be dedicated to his sport for his elegance to be rocky.

The father-daughter dance followed. Mr. dela Torre tapped Ruther on the shoulder to ask him for permission to let me dance.

I couldn't stop my real tears from flowing when he hugged me tightly. He apologized for what Maya had done because I was involved in this mess.

Him worrying about my career the happiness made me feel that I have a father who loves me. I appreciated him more because not once did he think I should do it as payment for my indebtedness to their family.

In fact, I felt bad because he thanked me so much for saving Maya's public honor. Unbeknownst to him, the dela Torre rescued more than my public honor. So, there’s just nothing like this sacrifice in the gratitude I feel for them.

The rest of the program continued in a blur. The only thing that stuck in my mind was the wedding toast of the man of honor.

Zac was as drunk as a skunk when he raised his wine glass. He said a lot but I didn't understand because he was a slurring mess.

However, he announced one that was almost torn by the mask I was wearing. He said, "Pre ... Take care of my Irah! I love that! If you hurt her, I'll take it back from you."

Then he passed out.

I jumped upright when Zac fainted back and I firmly grabbed my exploding chest. I took a deep breath when I saw that the gentleman had caught him.

I was in a state of shock because I've never seen him in such a state. He's always been a proper gentleman, through and through!

But I was most shocked when he said that he loved me. How and when else? How come he never told me that in the four years we had exchanged letters?

Well, it's not that I can really blame him ... I also didn't confess until earlier, in front of Father.

I noticed Ruther lean over and cross his legs. So, I quickly glanced at him.

My opponent immediately heated up when he laughed uncontrollably at my nose. He had "I am right" conspicuously written all over his smug face.

I grit my teeth tightly. I shivered holding back the rounding of my fists. I modestly went back to sitting and concern replaced my shocked look.

I can't let Ruther look at me like this! I’m not a sucker performer who just loses lightly.

It's against what he wants, huh? Then, I accept his challenge!

"I know we talked in church earlier that we'll talk after the wedding. But ..," I fell down on the soft sofa that swallowed with all my weight. "can we do it tomorrow? I'm tired of the reception, earlier, of entertaining your guests. Besides, I also met my fans who have been waiting for me outside all day. Plus, I haven't relaxing since my shooting this morning ... "

Ruther turned to me. He unties his tie.

"Yeah, sure ... I'm tired too and my head is killing me," he agreed. He laid his tie and suit jacket on the armrest on the other side of the sofa. "You have nothing to lose in that conversation. We're married."

I raised an eyebrow at Ruther. My eyes wandered to the gold ring on his finger busy removing the buttons of his vest.

"Excuse me? I'm not trying to avoid it!" I insisted. I stomped my feet in the air until my white heels flew somewhere. "I'm just exhausted and still too pissed off at what happened, to think straight."

Ruther laughed once. "Oh, so you can be honest," he said excitedly. He bent down to loosen his belts. "Forgive me if I can't easily distinguish whether you're lying or not. You're one hell of an actress."

His insulting tone pierced my heart. But, I still faked a smile.

"Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment!" 'ka ko. I secretly narrowed my eyes.

I put my feet on top of the armrest and laid my head across. I made sure I didn’t put on Ruther’s clothes because maybe that’s what he would say again. I don't have the energy now and I'm really not in the mood to quarrel with him.

I yawned. "Good night." I closed my eyes.

"What are you doing?" buck of his voice.

"Sleeping." I sparingly answer.

"There?" he said louder.

"Yes." I reluctantly answered.

I blinked one eye to look at Ruther. He was standing directly opposite me.

Contrasting eyebrows Ruther sucks on her lips. He briefly played with his lower lip before he waved and drew a circle in my direction.

"In all that?"

I lowered my gaze to what I was wearing. I closed my eyes again and laid my head on my palms together.

"Yes."

"You're wearing a corset."

"Yes ..."

And, you're wearing make-up. "

My forehead furrowed slightly. "Yes."

"Your hair is still tied up."

"Yes."

"Your veil is on."

"Yes."

"One plus one."

"Yes!"

Suddenly the four corners of the presidential suite of the hotel we were staying in became quiet. A few minutes later only the hum of the aircondioner made a noise so, I realized Ruther had left.

I wiggled myself over the sofa until I found the most comfortable position on my side. I kicked the throw pillow behind me and hugged you tightly.

"You do remember that your PA's clothes hit you, don't you?"

I bounced on the mattress in shock. Ruther hadn't left yet. I glared at him angrily before I blinked hard. I slumped violently on the sofa.

Ruther took a deep breath when I didn't answer. "Fine. You're tired ... But, at least take off your corset." he promised.

I thought for a few seconds about what he suggested. My corset is squeezing my lungs.

I’m not really comfortable no matter what I deny. But ...

"I can't ...," I said. "I can't reach the ropes behind me."

Ruther was silent again. But, soon, his weight sank into the space opposite my stomach.

"You fall down." he commanded.

I opened my eyes again. "Why?" my cross-brow question.

"Your dress ... I'll take it off."

"Aaah ..." I muttered. I was a little tired.

"Can you ?! Can you stay still, your highness? Don't be naughty!" Ruther's complaint. He quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"You move too rough, consort! You're squeezing me!" I moaned uncontrollably.

Ruther moved slightly, down. He sighed violently.

"It's so crowded! What can I do?" he asked nervously. "Just a little patience, okay? You'll feel better, after this!"

My tongue licked hard. I'm starting to get frustrated! Why is Ruther so slow? I've stumbled upon it before!

"Ahhh!" I screamed again. I tapped the side of Ruther's thigh hard as my breath tightened again. "Use your mouth, consort! Use your freaking teeth but, just be careful."

"Huh, I don't want that! It's so dirty!" he stubbornly refused.

My eyes widened automatically. "Art is your art! You man ... Can't you see? Your fingers are not good enough!"

Ruther did not touch me so, I violently scratched my scalp. Then, I just let him do what he was doing. Anyway, he doesn't listen to my preference ...

Just as expected though, he continued to fail miserably. He never finished what he was doing.

But, soon, he couldn't stand it anymore. He knelt on either side of me and dipped his face behind me.

He was tugging with his teeth and thrashing his head like a wild animal. I could hear him growl in frustration as he tried to complete his mission.

"There it is!" he was happy in spirit after struggling for a few minutes. He clenched his teeth again as he gasped, "It's coming — uggh — off!

"AAAHHH!" I groaned like a howling wolf. I immediately fell back on the sofa mattress when he left.

Ruther's seat sank hard into the space between my parted thighs. He rode on the thick layer of crinoline of my fun before he fainted sideways. The sofa swayed slightly with his weight. He placed the other armrest.

"Hah ... Darn! That felt good ..." I growled. I took a deep breath to put a new batch of oxygen into my lungs.

Ruther pushed himself on the elbow to sit back down. He stepped a long foot behind my back before he moved back to his seat on the side.

"For heaven's sake! I can never understand women's fashion!" he was free to complain. His whole face was confused in the middle. "Why are you wearing such tight clothes when it gives you this much pain and discomfort !? It honestly is just a pain in the butt!"

Consort, have you heard the term, suffer-nice?" I will ask. "If women feel beautiful, it makes us feel confident, huh?"

Ruther looked at me blankly. He clearly didn't understand a word I said.

Pssh ...

I just sat on my ankle and turned to Ruther to help loosen the strings. I immediately untied the busks that were hooked in front of me when the corset on my chemise spontaneously peeled off.

I quickly removed the glove on my right hand. "Anyway, my corset wouldn't have been knotted like that if you hadn't pulled it wrong! I do appreciate your help. But, I'm just more stressed!"

Ruther laughed at his nose. The sarcastic tone dripped down his throat.

"I'm sorry? I don't know. I'm not wearing a corset."He helped me pull on my wedding ring when I struggled to remove the tight ring, which was measured on Maya's finger. "Ugh, we really need to re-size this."

I glanced at Ruther's face. I stared at him.

"Yeah, we should. But, hey! Don't pin this on me! I told you, I'll just wait for Krystel, in the morning, to help me." I countered.

Ruther stood up violently. He unbuttoned his wrist buttons.

"Fine. Fine ... It's my fault, happy?" his language bored. "It just doesn't make sense for you to put up with what you're wearing until morning. Only monsters can sleep in that monstrosity!"

One of my eyebrows flew. I crinkled my nose and I quickly shook him.

How many times have I slept under a corset? I can't remember! In the entertainment world, you only get to rest when you're on time. The timing, venue and costume don't matter. Heck, even the noise doesn't matter!

To Be Continued......