Fiona had been standing in front of the full-length mirror for some time, examining her reflection. She wore a light blue strapless gown, long and flowing, with a high slit on one side. It was clearly an expensive piece, even without much adornment.
Her hair was all up at first, but she decided that it looked classier and more sophisticated when worn down, leaving a few strands to frame her face.
Many said that at a glance, she resembled Lucy Torres who had just come back from a tan. However, her hair wasn't perfectly straight; it had a shaggy style with curly ends that she had highlighted in chestnut brown, complementing her personality.
The color of her gown accentuated her flawless morena skin. She turned slightly to view herself from another angle, smiling contentedly at what she saw.
No wonder a millionaire had chosen her for his bride. Fiona knew that even though she didn't belong to the high society that Julian was part of, he would be proud of her.
"If that mirror could talk, it would have complained a long time ago," said Aunt Nona, peeking through the door. She was also dressed up, wearing an off-white gown. They both needed to look presentable for the evening.
"I just want to make sure Julian won't be embarrassed introducing me to his friends and family."
"Are you still not confident that the Zaavedras' guests will be impressed by you?"
Fiona handed her stepmother a silk pouch containing a pair of diamond earrings that matched the ring Julian had given her. "From Julian?" Aunt Nona asked before putting them on her. Fiona nodded, smiling. "Do you like them, Aunt?"
"I wouldn't know when diamonds are pretty or not. To me, they're as simple as my glass baubles."
Fiona laughed and threw one last glance at herself in the mirror. "And I'm sure you're not interested in knowing how much these earrings cost."
"Don't tell me. I'll just get dizzy. And I'll be mad at the rich again. Instead of throwing their money at those little stones worth millions, they could build homes for orphans or help with livelihood programs for those in slum areas. Then God would be pleased with them."
"Aunt, you're really bringing out the church-goer in you," Fiona replied, laughing as she picked up her black leather purse and followed her stepmother out.
"Even now, I can see how Julian is gradually changing you," Aunt Nona said seriously as they descended the stairs. "But are you happy with what's happening to you?"
"Don't I look happy, Aunt?"
"I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see the glow in your eyes that I'm looking for."
"Oh, you're making me curious again, Aunt..." She pouted. "I might just be tense, so my happiness isn't showing on my face. But I'm definitely happy because I'm about to go to Paris."
"Don't you want to tell your mom that you're getting married?"
"I want to surprise her."
"Or shock her? To make your accusations hurt more?"
Fiona was saved from answering her stepmother when her father entered. He looked incredibly handsome in a black suit.
"I'm not used to this kind of outfit. If it weren't for this occasion, you'd never get me in something like this," he complained. Just then, their ride to Manila honked outside. But before they could leave, the phone rang.
Indo, Fiona's cousin, answered the call. He had been asked to stay at their house for the night.
"Fiona, it's for you…"
At first, she hesitated to answer. But she thought it might be Julian.
"Hello…"
There was a long silence on the other end. Annoyed, she said, "Hello? Whoever this is, I don't have time to play. I'm in a hurry—"
"This is me, Fiona."
A strange tingling sensation ran down her spine when she recognized Hendrick's voice.
"Hendrick? I'm sorry, I can't talk for long. It's Julian's engagement party at the Zaavedra's house. Besides, I don't think we have anything to discuss."
"Don't worry, I won't take up too much of your time. I just want to say something to you."
"What is it this time? Are you going to badmouth Julian to me again?"
"You're not marrying Julian!" he said firmly, his voice filled with determination, sending a shiver of fear through her.
And before she knew it, the line went dead.
For God's sake, why can't you leave me alone, Hendrick?
---
Fiona didn't tell her father and stepmother about Hendrick's warning. But she couldn't deny that she felt restless after their brief conversation.
What power did Hendrick have to disturb her thoughts?
No, it wouldn't be just Hendrick who would stop her dreams. No way! she vowed to herself as the Pajero sent by Julian sped toward their destination.
As they arrived at the lavish gathering, Fiona became increasingly tense. Guests were beginning to fill the expansive garden of the Zaavedra mansion.
Julian warmly greeted her with a kiss on the lips and guided her over to his parents. He introduced her father and stepmother to his family.
Soon, the party was in full swing. Julian proudly introduced her to everyone. Afterward, they danced in the middle of the ballroom.
Don Edmundo was the next to dance with Fiona.
Amid the celebration, one thought occupied her mind: the confrontation with her mother was imminent.
We will face each other again, Lili Guevarra. You'll see me again, not as the crying five-year-old who begged you not to leave, but as your proud daughter. No, not daughter. Because since you left us, I've never considered you my mother again.
Just then, a maid from the Zaavedras approached Fiona while she was dancing with Julian.
"Ma'am, there's a man looking for you. He says he's your friend. We didn't know if we should let him in."
"Who is he?"
"He didn't introduce himself."
Fiona decided to follow the maid to find out who was looking for her.
They went to the back of the Zaavedra garden where the party was taking place. Upon entering the gate, the garage and modest landscaping came into view, housing the gazebo and a four-seater visitor's table. The living room led to the garden and swimming pool. A large glass sliding door served as the entrance to the garden.
So, no one would notice Fiona talking to the visitor mentioned by the maid.
"Don't worry, I'll handle my guest. You're more needed inside," she told the maid, who promptly returned to the party.
Fiona approached the gate alone to confront the person waiting for her.
She opened the gate slightly, trusting the security of the exclusive subdivision, only to be shocked by the sight of the man outside.
"The glowing bride-to-be, huh?" Hendrick said with a suave yet mocking tone.
Fiona stepped back, especially when she noticed the sarcastic and almost venomous smile on his lips.
"W-what the hell are you doing here?" Although alarmed to see Hendrick, she forced herself to appear unaffected. What power did his eyes have that left her speechless on multiple occasions?
"The gown looks perfect on you, Fiona. And the diamond earrings too." He lowered his gaze to her hand, grabbing it and lifting it. "I know these flawless diamonds are worth millions." He referred to the engagement ring she was wearing.
Fiona stared at him in disbelief.
Hendrick was intimidating at that moment, no longer in a taxi driver's uniform but dressed formally, complete with a matching coat. Anyone seeing him would think he was one of the guests at the party.
"But it's a shame about this extravagant party and the diamonds you're wearing… because your wedding to Julian isn't going to happen."
"What did you just say? Are you out of your mind?" Fiona exclaimed in shock.
"I told you, I will find a way to stop you from making this mistake."
"This isn't a mistake! Marrying Julian is a dream come true!" She tried to suppress her anger, glancing anxiously around to see if anyone was noticing her talking to Hendrick. "Please, don't ruin this night. Just leave before Julian finds out you're here."
Just as she was about to turn away, he grabbed her arm.
"Hendrick… please," she pleaded firmly, trying to break free from his tight grip. "You shouldn't have come here in the first place. What will Julian and his family think if they see us talking here?"
"I won't let you go back inside until you talk to me in my car," Hendrick said, his voice low but filled with determination. He showed no signs of releasing her.
"Julian might be looking for me inside."
"You'll take longer if you don't agree to what I want."
"If you don't let me go, I'll scream…"
"Go ahead, scream, my dear. That'll draw attention, and then Julian and I can confront each other. And I'll kiss you in front of all the guests and announce that I'm your boyfriend and the one you truly love. That you're only marrying Julian for his money."
"No, you can't do that, Hendrick!" Fiona nearly panicked. She sensed he wasn't joking and would follow through on his threat. She looked around again. There was no one around. Everyone was enjoying the party.
If she talked to Hendrick for a moment, perhaps no one would notice.
"Okay, fine. We'll talk. But promise me it'll be quick, and then you'll leave me alone."
Instead of responding, Hendrick forcibly led her toward the parked car a short distance away. It was an elegant vehicle, not the taxi he usually drove.
They quickly got inside.
"Just say what you want to say before Julian notices I'm missing from the party."
But Fiona was shocked when instead of answering, Hendrick started the engine and drove away without hesitation.
"H-Hendrick?! W-what does this mean? W-where are we going?"
"I'm taking you away from Julian."