The next day. Antonio was having breakfast with everyone when his phone rang. He looks at it, it was an unknown number. He ignored it.
"Mijo... Why don't you answer the phone or better still turn it off" Abuela said. "It's an unknown number" Antonio said.
"Then turn it off before we lose our eardrums" Alejandra said in irritation. Antonio switched off his phone.
"Sunny. Your father contacted us last night. He's still eager to find you" Abuela said. Sunny's grip on the spoon tightens.
Alejandra slowly watched her reaction. "I think it's time we change identities again" Ariana said. "For how long?" Sunny asked.
"It's for the best" Ariana replied. Sunny exhales a shaky breath.
"How did the meeting with Roberto go?" Abuela asked trying to change the subject. "Better than expected. The wedding is tomorrow" Ariana said.
"That soon?" Pengxi asked. "He doesn't want to delay the wedding any longer" Ariana said.
"Mama bear.... Aunty bear!!!" Sofia yells as she made her way to them. "Baby bear what's the problem?" Sunny asked in worry.
"Papa bear wants to talk to you" Sofia said. "What?" Ariana asked in surprise. Sofia hands her iPad to them.
A call came immediately. Sunny looks at Ariana before answering the call. She puts the call on speaker.
"Hello?" Ariana said. "Aria... Thank goodness you're there"
"Melissa!!! Where are you? Are you alright?" Sunny asked. "I'm... Alright.... I tried calling Antonio but it was switched off" Melissa said.
Everyone looks at Antonio. He quickly drank his whiskey. "Where are you Melissa?" Abuela asked.
"I don't know Abuela... Rest assured, I'm fine" Melissa said. "Did he hurt you?" Ariana asked.
"No... He can't afford to hurt me. He cares about me too much to hurt me" Melissa said.
"You don't sound fine to me Melissa" Antonio said. Melissa laughs awkwardly.
"I'm fine... I just went for a jog that's all. Anyway Ariana when's the wedding?" Melissa asked. "Tomorrow" Ariana replied.
"I'll... I'll be there tomorrow" Melissa said. "Promise?" Ariana asked. "I promise" Melissa said.
"Melissa are you sure we shouldn't come get you?" Antonio asked. "Don't bother... I'll come by myself tomorrow" Melissa said. "Alright, we'll be expecting you" Abuela said.
"Is Pengxi there? I'd like to speak to him" Melissa said. "I'm here" Pengxi said. "Get me off speaker.... We have something to talk about" Melissa said.
Pengxi looks at everyone present. They all gave him approval, Sofia gave him an earpiece before leaving.
Pengxi plugged the earpiece before stepping outside. "You're off" He said. Melissa took a deep breath.
"I know you have a tracker on me" Melissa said. "I.... I...." Melissa cuts him off.
"I want you to do me a favor Pengxi. If I don't return by 1 pm tomorrow.... Please find me. Dead or alive find me" Melissa said.
"But you said he wouldn't hurt you" Pengxi said in confusion. "I was wrong.... I was dead wrong. That man is going to kill me. I escaped before and I'm not sure he's going to let me leave here alive. I'm going to try" Melissa said
"Why did you lie to them? Why didn't you tell them the truth? Pengxi asks. "I didn't want to worry them. I know if I had told them they wouldn't hesitate to look for me. I want them to focus on Ariana's wedding first" Melissa said in exhaustion
"Fine, once it's 1 pm and you're not back I'll find you" Pengxi said"Thank you, I have to go now. He's looking for me" she hung up.
Pengxi entered the house "What did she say?" Sunny asked. "Nothing"
"You're lying" Ming Lin said. "I'm not lying" Pengxi said. "Tell us the truth" Ariana demanded.
"All she said was that your father hired people to look for you. They're looking for you in Rio, he knows we went there and he believes we're still there. She just wanted to give us heads up"
"Why didn't she say it In front of us? why did she ask you to take her off speaker?" Antonio asked.
"I don't know... I don't know... I'll be in my room if you need me" Pengxi said before leaving.
"This doesn't add up. He's acting weird" Sunny said. "Yeah weirder than usual" Ariana said.
"Whatever it is, I just pray he knows what he's doing" Ming Lin said.
The day of the wedding finally arrived, Ariana wore a beautiful wedding gown. People of higher status attended the wedding. Presidents, Governors, Senators, Mayors, Kings, Queens. Mafiosos, Billionaires and millionaires were in attendance.
Ariana never imagined such things in her life. That a lot of wealthy people would attend her wedding. Most importantly she's getting married to Roberto not out of obligation or pity but out of love.
Samantha walked her down the aisle. Roberto gently took Ariana's hand and led her to the altar.
The ceremony began, the priest preached for a while. When it was time to exchange rings, Ariana and Roberto did that with smiles.
Antonio who was the best man wipe a tear from his eyes. Sunny who was the maid of honor, helped Ariana arrange her dress.
"If you think there's a reason why this two shouldn't be joined in holy matrimony. Speak now or forever hold thy peace" The priest said.
"I object" Jessica said. Everyone turns to her. "What are you doing?" Roberto asked pissed.
"She doesn't deserve you" Jessica said. "And you do?" Ariana asked sarcastically.
"Don't worry bro, I'll handle this" Antonio whispers to Roberto.
Men pulled out their guns and aimed at Jessica. "I promised my bro this wedding would move on smoothly. It's a shame a little blood must be shed" Antonio said.
"Wait.... She doesn't deserve to die by your gun. Take her outside but make sure she regrets ruining my big day" Ariana said.
Antonio grins menacingly. "Sister-in-law I think you and I are going to get along just fine" Antonio said to Ariana.
"You heard the lady, take her out" Antonio said to his men. "If that be the case... Do you Roberto Gonzalez take Ariana to be your wife?"
"I do" Roberto said. "Do you Ariana take him to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do" Ariana replied. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife..... You may kiss the bride"
Roberto pulled Ariana in for a passionate kiss. "Careful now, there are children present amongst us"
Everyone laughs.
The reception was taken to a hotel. Where people congratulated them and gave them gifts and good wishes.
Pengxi had a plate of cake in his hands when his alarm when off. He looks at the time.
"1 pm" He said to himself. He drops the plate and heads out.
"Where the hell are you going?" Ming Lin asked. "I'm heading out for fresh air" Pengxi said.
"The air isn't fresh enough for you here?" Ming Lin asked.
"I have to do something" Pengxi said. "Get in the car I'm driving" Ming Lin said. Pengxi entered the car as Ming Lin drove out of the premises.
He brought out his laptop. "Care to fill me in?" Ming Lin asked. "I'm trying to track Melissa" Pengxi said. "Why?" Ming Lin asked.
"She asked me too. She said if she didn't return by 1 pm, I should come get her" Pengxi said.
"This is 1:15 pm" Ming Lin said. "I know, my alarm rang five times and she still isn't here" Pengxi said.
"Very well then, I'll do the driving, you do the tracking" Ming Lin said. Pengxi nods in approval.
"The GPS says she's in a place called Culia...cán" Pengxi said. "Culiacán. Shit how did she get there?" Ming Lin asked. "You know this place?"
"Yes, you're not the only one who had a wild adulthood. That place is known for theft, drug dealing, armed robbery, violent assault, kidnapping, murder, child trafficking... Whatever bad thing you're looking for, you name it they've got it" Ming Lin said.
"We need to move quickly" Pengxi said. "Don't worry, I know a shortcut" Ming Lin said as she stepped on the gas.
Ming Lin drove to Culiacán. "She's over there by the right" Pengxi said. Ming Lin drove to an alley where Melissa sat on the ground. She buried her head on her legs.
Pengxi got out of the car and ran to her. "Melissa are you alright?" He asked. "I'm sorry for troubling you" Melissa said weakly.
She looked weak. Her body was covered in bruises and blood. "We need to get her out of here" Ming Lin said.
"There's no where to go. He has his people looking for me. Leaving here is impossible" Melissa said. "Nothing is impossible... Just difficult" Ming Lin said.
Pengxi helped her to her feet. He noticed her shirt was stained with blood. "Your stomach" He said in concern. "Don't worry about that. I'm fine" Melissa said.
They entered the car, Pengxi sat beside Melissa while Ming Lin drove the car.
A man spotted them carrying Melissa into the car, he informed Davin about it. Within minutes they were being chased.
"Hold on tight" Ming Lin said as she tried to avoid an incoming truck. They were being shot from behind, Pengxi pulls Melissa down for cover.
Ming Lin brought out her gun and shot the car by her side.
"Ming Lin, straight ahead... The road is blocked" Pengxi said.
"Not for long" Ming Lin said as she drove into the closed sign.
"See there's no such thing as impossible" Ming Lin said.
They arrived at the wedding venue. Pengxi helped Melissa to her feet. Ming Lin assisted them as they made their way inside.
The hall was silent when they entered. "Melissa" Sunny said in surprise. Ariana and Sunny ran to meet her.
"Not too tight" Melissa warned. "Your bleeding" Ariana gasped.
"You said he wouldn't hurt you" Ariana said. "I was wrong" Melissa said with a weak smile. "Antonio take her inside" Abuela said.
Antonio went to Melissa, he placed her hand on his shoulder and used his hand to support her waist.
"Michaela!!! I know you're here" Davin said as he stormed into the room. Melissa flinched instinctively.
"There you are little bunny. Let's go home" Davin said. "NO" Melissa said.
Davin tilts his head in amusement. "Ohh... You've grown wings little bunny" Davin said.
Antonio looks at Melissa, he noticed she was tensed. She looked terrified and for some reason she was shaking.
"This party is for invitees only. Unless you have an invitation but if you don't then get the fuck out of here" Antonio said.
"I see how it is... You found someone who bends you over" Davin said. "Don't piss me off" Antonio said.
"COLOR!!!" Davin yells. "No... Not here" Melissa said. "Answer me when I ask a question bitch" Davin said.
Antonio kicked Davin causing him to fall to the ground. "I would willingly paint this room with your blood. if that's what you prefer" Antonio said.
Davin stood to his feet, he charged at Antonio. "RED!!!" Melissa said. Davin paused, he looks at Melissa.
Melissa was breathing heavily. "You pick him over me?" Davin asked. "Let's end this.... I'm..... not.... your toy" Melissa said.
"Tsk.... Is that what you want little bunny?" Davin asked. "Yes" Melissa replied as she forcefully swallowed the saliva stuck in her throat.
"Very well.... I'll leave you for now but that doesn't mean I'll let it go that easily. I'll come back for you when you least expect" Davin said. He left with his men.
Melissa collapsed to the ground, Antonio caught her. She buried her face on his shoulder as she sobbed uncontrollably.
"Are you alright?" Antonio asked. "Thank you" Melissa whispered. He pulls her close to him.
"Let's get you home" Antonio said. He carried her in his arms. Melissa winced from the pain.
"Just bare with me" Antonio whispers in her ears.
He drove her to his house. A doctor came and attend to her wound.
Melissa opened her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar surrounding. "You're finally awake" Antonio said. "Mr Antonio?" Melissa asked.
"Call me Antonio" He said as he made his way to her.
"How did I get here?" Melissa asked. "I brought you" Antonio replied.
Melissa slowly sat up. "I'm sorry" She said. "What for?" Antonio asked. "For witnessing such an embarrassing moment" Melissa said.
"There's nothing embarrassing about being scared" Antonio replied. "You must be wondering what happened"
"I won't pry into such sensitive issues" Antonio said. "He's my ex.... My abusive ex. I thought I was over it... I thought I was over the fear.... I was wrong. I trembled at his presence.... He.... He does this dirty things.... I can't stand myself anymore" Melissa said.
Antonio sighs. "He won't hurt you.... I'll make sure of that" Antonio said.
"I wish I was stronger. I pretend to be strong around others but deep down I'm always terrified. Always terrified of messing up" Melissa said.
"You're here with me now. I'll protect you from him... That's a promise" Antonio said. Melissa sobbed loudly, Antonio hugged her.
"It's okay to cry. It doesn't make you weak, it makes you strong. You're brave enough to stand up for yourself" Antonio said.
"Really?" She asked. "Yes"
"Even after breaking down?" She asked again. "Especially after breaking down" Antonio said.
Melissa smiles softly. "Thank you for being here. For not judging me" She said.
"How can I judge you when I'm not perfect" Antonio said.
Antonio's phone vibrated. "That must be Roberto... Your friends are worried about you" He said.
Melissa sighs. "I'm glad everything went well" Melissa said. "I'll inform them you're awake" Antonio said.
Antonio left the room. Minutes later Sunny, Ariana, Pengxi, Ming Lin and Roberto entered the room.
"Congratulations to the newly weds" Melissa said. Ariana's cheeks became red from embarrassment.
"Welcome to the family brother-in-law. Take good care of her for me. If I notice you hurt her then you'll regret it" Melissa said. "I'll take good care of her. You have my word" Roberto said.
Sunny holds Melissa's hands. "Thank you for saving me... I'll forever be in your debt" Sunny said. "Shut up... What's with the sudden act of chivalry?" Melissa asked.
"Nothing.... You all could have lost your lives because of me" Sunny said. "Then it was worth it" Ariana said.
"You won't have to risk your life ever again" Sunny said. "Why?" Melissa asked. "Because Abuela has promised to help us" Ariana replied.
"What? You told her?" Melissa asked. "Of course we did. Did you think that night in china wasn't broadcasted on the news?" Ariana asked.
"Fuck" Melissa said as she rubbed her face with her palms. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me" Abuela said.
Melissa sighs in relief. "You are a hard nut to crack Melissa but I'm not giving up that easily" Abuela said with a smile.