Royal Wedding: Married to a stranger

Clara's POV:

I remember the story of Cinderella. It has always been my favorite since I was a child. Little did I know that it would soon become my reality. However, unlike Cinderella, my story does not seem to have a happy ending anytime soon.

The main difference between Cinderella and me is that I am fully aware of the reasons behind my suffering. Moreover, we are a wealthy family, for which I am grateful. I do not have to perform all the household tasks. But is this life any easier than what I am currently enduring? Living here without any dignity is a struggle that I face every single day.

"Sister, did Grandma scold you again?" Paxton inquired, holding my hand. He is remarkably mature for his age. One of the reasons I endure everything here is because of my brother. He is too precious to me and I can do anything to save him from these people.

"She can keep trying, but I will not give her the satisfaction of breaking me," I reassured Paxton, planting a kiss on his forehead as he shyly smiled. He truly is adorable.

“Why don’t you share this with Father? I am sure he will teach her a good lesson.” Paxton said in a sad tone.

Father's love for me was undeniably doubtful. However, his question about why I did not share everything with him brought back painful memories. The day when I lost my lovable father forever.

Long before Paxton entered my life, a traumatic incident occurred.

***

Flashback:

"Dad, I'm telling the truth. Grandma did it on purpose," I sobbed as I showed him the burn marks on my legs. I was barely 6 years old at that time.

"Master, I didn't do this. I promise. Baby Clara fell on her own. I tried to save her and even injured my hands," Elena, the elderly head housekeeper, spoke with fear evident in her trembling voice. However, she would occasionally glare at me, sending shivers down my spine.

"Dad, she's lying." I received a scorching slap across my face. My father, who had always been the best dad in the world to me, not only believed that I was lying but also punished me for something I did not know of. I felt utterly betrayed.

"I can see that you've started lying to me. All of this is because of your mother," my father screamed and my mom intervened to defend me. But I could not take my eyes off my dad, unable to comprehend what had just happened. While my mom embraced me, I no longer shed tears. I witnessed the lady's victorious smile.

Was it her plan all along? But was it really her fault? Not at all. It was my mistake to trust my dad.

The flashback came to an end.

That marked the final day I referred to him as my father. However, in the days that followed, I limited my conversations with him to only necessary matters. I refuse to dwell on the countless events that led to the disintegration of my family. I have no desire to shed tears over the past. My focus has always been on creating a brighter future. I am aware of the steps I need to take to distance myself from these individuals.

"Remember, power and status are the only means by which we can protect ourselves from malevolent individuals. Learn while you are young, and apply that knowledge when the time is right." I consistently impart these teachings to Paxton. Although he is still young, I do not wish for him to remain small forever. I want him to grow strong swiftly.

I descended from the room, eager to escape this torment even if only for a brief respite.

"Clara, have your breakfast, my dear," I am accustomed to this charade. I glanced at the familiar elderly woman.

"No, I am not hungry," I replied, determined to leave the premises as soon as possible. I feel suffocated in this environment.

"Do not direct your anger towards the food, my dear," Elena said with a smile, while Ron Taylor, my father glared at me with fury. He despises it whenever I show disrespect to anyone within this family.

"They have prepared food for you as well. Do not create a scene every day," Mr. Taylor shouted at me. His tone made me recoil, but I silently approached the table and took a seat.

"You always enjoy pasta, don't you?" Elena served me a steaming plate of pasta. I took a slow bite, fully aware that this woman took pleasure in seeing me distressed. It was excessively spicy. I swallowed it down without a word of complaint. I took another bite, followed by a third. Damn it, tears welled up in my eyes as Elena smirked at me.

“Are you feeling all right, my dear?” Bella Taylor, Elena's daughter, is approaching. Now everyone will be aware of Elena's intentions for that day. Undoubtedly, she planned to make her daughter Mrs. Taylor by getting rid of me and my mother. However, I am still here as my mother passed away a long time ago.

"I have a crucial meeting," I muttered. I got up and left my food untouched. I didn't want to listen to Mr. Taylor's shouting.

I ran into another obstacle early in the morning. Oh, what a day and what a mood.

"Hello, dipstick. Everyone has eyes, but I can't seem to find them in you," Elsa, my step-sister who is just a year and a half younger than me, said with a cunning smile. She always enjoys taunting me.

"Just like everyone has a brain, I hope you find yours," I didn't stick around to hear her response. I always retaliate with words. However, I know that each time, my response will only make matters worse. She will complain to her grandmother, who will then conspire against me.

Didn't I mention that I am like Cinderella in the first part? Well, she doesn't fight back or respond. But my mouth always gets me into trouble. I can't just sit back like a damsel in distress. My own words are my worst enemy.

"Did you enjoy the spiciest pasta? It was for flirting with my friend to impress him," Elsa said, reminding me of the conversation with her friend, James. However, it was he who was flirting with me. Regardless, Elsa always finds ways to torment me. I don't understand why she holds so much animosity towards me.

"I absolutely loved it. Tell your grandmother to put in a bit more effort. It's becoming quite dull around here," Once again, my mouth got the best of me. My mouth was already on fire, and I couldn't control my words. These people will only make things worse. Should I just give in to them?

I departed from the location to avoid escalating the situation any further. Upon arriving at my residence, I reflected on the significance of My Shopaholics, my fashion house, and my mother's fashion house. The only request I made to Mr. Taylor was the only instance where I compromised my self-respect and engaged in conversation with that individual.

"Ma'am, Miss. Florida is offering a higher amount for you to consider," Jenny exclaimed as I entered the office.

"Jenny, I am not driven by business or money in this endeavour. It's my passion, and I will select my projects. I have no interest in working with Florida. I do not wish to design for her daughter's wedding," I stated softly. Her daughter was my classmate and Elsa's friend, and that was the end of the matter.

"Do not disturb me. I am going to rest now," I declared, reclining on my couch. It was my favourite spot. The weight of my daily routine burdened my heart. Why must I endure this?

Whenever I lay on this couch, I feel as though I am sleeping on my mother's lap. Tears welled up in my eyes involuntarily.

"I miss you, Mom," I whispered as tears streamed down my face. I longed for her presence. Perhaps she would appear like the fairy godmother in Cinderella and grant me any wish.

***********

In a renowned restaurant:

A reporter grinned as he prepared to capture an exclusive picture, having received a tip that the great Alexandar is dating a model and they are about to meet there. Victoria, a famous diva in the modelling world, entered the restaurant with a smile. She noticed the reporter and smiled even more, seemingly aware of what was about to unfold. She simply wanted to be featured in a news column with Alex to get closer to him.

"I have arrived," Victoria stated in a phone call.

"Just ten more minutes," the person on the other end replied abruptly before hanging up, much to Victoria's annoyance.

After ten minutes, someone approached and sat in front of her. The reporter snapped a picture instantly, only to have his expression fall when he realized who had arrived.

"Hello, Miss Victoria. We are pleased to collaborate with you on the upcoming project. Here are the agreement details for your consideration," Mac, Alex's secretary, said with a smile as Victoria glared at him with a stoic expression.

"I was expecting Alex to be here," Victoria expressed in a disappointed tone.

"He can't personally meet every model, can he?" Mac emphasized the word 'model' loudly enough for the reporter to exit the premises disheartened, leaving Victoria feeling embarrassed. She was just another model to him.

"I sincerely hope that you refrain from engaging in such deceitful actions in the future. And please remember, his name is Mr. Fernandez, not Alex," Mac cautioned her with a stern tone.

"He will not show any leniency if this happens again." With that, Mac departed, leaving Victoria to clench her teeth in frustration.

Inside the car, Alex glanced at her through his window and tightened his fist. The audacity of this girl.

"Dad really needs to put an end to this," Alex muttered, grasping the situation perfectly. No girl would possess the courage to confront Alex unless she had someone supporting her, and that someone could only be Frank Fernandez.

Alex received a notification and a smile formed on his face as he read the contents.

"Life is too short. Make mistakes and learn from them. If someone disagrees with you, give them a high five to their face." Alex chuckled heartily as he read the quote.

He had recently stumbled upon this blog and was captivated by its quotes. Nothing had ever caught his attention like this before, except for this mysterious stranger.

"Fascinating. Who is she?" Alex pondered aloud as he observed her signature, a stylish S with a C.

In Shopaholics, Clara closed her blog. It's her only solace. She has no readers but she feels happy to pen down her emotions like this. Her signature was composed of her letter and her mother’s name, Stella.

Clara's POV:

Following a tiring day, I settled into my car to head back home. Why does time pass by so quickly? Recollections of the morning conversation with Elsa flooded my mind. What will the elderly lady do next? She has exhausted all possible means of punishment on me. Now, she can only resort to repeating them. Perhaps, my advantage lies in my accumulated experience. Tears welled up in my eyes as I dwelled on those memories. It is best to shed them now, so I can confront everything with composure.

I take pleasure in recalling how the lady's face would drain colour each time I remained unfazed. That was my only source of strength. However, her punishments and torments are excruciatingly severe, beyond what one would inflict even on their worst enemies. I vividly remember the day she locked me in a room for an entire day when I was merely eight years old. A sense of dread always engulfs me whenever she is nearby.

Standing before what used to be my home, it now seemed unfamiliar.

As I stepped into the hall, boisterous laughter echoed through the room. Numerous individuals were seated there, and all eyes turned towards me. An elderly lady flashed a smile in my direction. She appeared familiar, yet I could not recall ever meeting her before.

"Clara?" she embraced me, catching me off guard.

"You have blossomed into such a beauty," she continued to praise me.

"It's Grace Fernandez. Your grandmother's dearest friend," Mr. Taylor introduced her to me. Suddenly, it clicked. I now remembered her. During my early childhood, my mother and grandmother would spend summer vacations at her residence, and I was too young to recollect the exact age. Meeting her stirred up emotions within me, akin to reuniting with my mother or grandmother after a prolonged separation. I embraced her, conveying my sentiments, as she gently patted my back.

"We came here to ask for your hand to marry my grandson" I broke the hug as I looked at her in shock. 

Marriage?  

I have despised the concept. My mom gave her everything in this marriage. But what did she get in return? Betrayal? Is it coming to me now?  I gulped the lumps in my throat. I looked around nervously.

"No. I am not ready for marriage. Please," I voiced out suddenly, as I didn't want anyone to compel me on this topic. I looked at Mr Taylor. He didn't expect me to talk this way. He didn't like the idea. But I can't let him decide my life.  

"Dear, you can meet my grandson," Grace Fernandez tried to convince me. What’s the point of meeting when I have no interest in marrying anyone?

"Please, Grandma. Don't force me." I replied with a soft plea, and the lady seemed to understand me instantly. She smiled at me as she kissed my forehead. 

"Anyways, I am happy to see you." she kissed my forehead. I sat beside her, and she talked about everything. Her family, her son, Frank Fernandez, and even she gave a hint about her grandson. She always praises her grandson, and I suppose it's Alex. I have read about him in magazines. Did I push the luck away even without thinking about it? I shrugged off my thoughts as I knew marriage was only a betrayal. I entered my room after a long talk. It's the only time I talked for so long.

Upon reaching the doorway of my room, I was taken aback by the disarray before me. My garments were strewn about haphazardly. Among the mess, I noticed the red gown that held sentimental value to my mother. Hastily, I gathered the scattered pieces of the dress, feeling a sense of urgency.

"Oops. My bad. I thought you would agree to marry Alex. So, I wanted to show you what will happen if you agree to marry him." Elsa stood there with no regret. All I want now is to smash her head for real. Why the hell it's always me? I took the pieces of the gown without minding her words. 

"Princess, why did you worry? I had already made sure that she wouldn't say yes." Elena came behind her with a smirk. What did she do now? Paxton? I stood up abruptly as my hands trembled. What did this woman do now?  

"Don't panic. Your brother is fine as long as you don't say yes." Elena laughed as I was relieved to hear them. They are the worst people I have ever seen. 

In just a few days, as per my grandma's will, my mom's property will be in my name once I am 23 years old. I will leave this place forever with Paxton.  The thought made me a little relieved. I must endure them just a little more.

"It's even boring to blackmail her. See how she is standing there." Elena seemed to get pissed off to the next level. I never spoke to her or replied to anything, and even retorted her torture. 

"Her mouth works like fire whenever she is with me alone," Elsa spoke the fact for a hundred percent. Elsa at least got to see my real me for at least 10%.  

"Whatever. We should now focus on getting your proposal for Alex," Elena whispered to Elsa. Did she think I was dumb too? But wait, I saw Elsa kissing another guy that day. But she is blushing with the proposal thing? Whatever. These people can plot anything, and I don't give a damn. I picked up my mom's gown. I started designing another one and have decided to use this fabric to style it.  

***

Third Person POV.

"She denied marrying him," Grace Fernandez expressed her words with a tone of sadness, her lips forming a deep pout.

"Omg, someone rejected my son?" Frank Fernandez exclaimed loud enough to grab the attention of someone who came inside the room, listening to their dramatic wailings.

"How can anyone reject the most eligible bachelor of the city?" Roselyn Fernandez asked with a fake faint as Alexander Fernandez sat opposite the crazy family that was teasing him black and blue.

"Should we celebrate this?" Mac, his secretary cum his best friend spoke with a giggle, and Alex was like to smash his head for real.  

"Should I reconsider your pay this month?" Alex asked as Mac took his phone, pretending to attend a conference call about the next project, showing he was damn concerned about his pay alone.  

"You didn't even ask my opinion. I am not," Alex started as all the three spoke in the union.  

"Not ready for marriage" All the three laughed as if they had cracked a big joke.  Alex sighed tiredly. Why is it so hard to understand?  

"Should I be the old and cunning woman to blackmail my grandson to get married or forget about the family empire?" Grace asked as her eyes twinkled with the thought alone.  

"How about I join you and make his life miserable by snatching his credit cards and every luxury thing?" Frank seemed to like the idea. Rose was damn enjoying the scene.  

"How about you all play in the hall and leave my room now?" Alex asked, standing up as if he was exhausted from their drama. Grace stood up with a worried face. She is sad. She couldn't watch her grandchildren like this.  

"I wish for you to get married soon. We won't force anything. But try to consider our wish" Grace is always wise to convince anyone with her words. Even though it's not emotional, it hits right at Alex. Of course, he can't be selfish and mourn over his past over the years.  

"It's high time you move on. So, we can at least take steps to convince Rose. Why are you still holding on to the past?" Frank sighed tiredly. It's painful to watch his children like this.

"If you are not ready to move on, there is no way we can expect anything from Rose," Frank spoke with dismay. Rose's face turned dark with his words. 

Alex looked at his little sister. She deserves a happy life. If he can do anything for her, why not? But is he ready? Alex and Rose sat there in complete silence. 

"You can't stay single forever. Just say yes to Dad. They will find a good partner for you. You can't just waste your life." Rose spoke, keeping a hand over his shoulder.  

"On my wedding day, I will tell you the same, and I hope you say yes to me" Alex stood up as Rose started trembling with the thought of marriage alone.

But wait. What did he mean?  

"Omg, He said yes? Isn’t it?" Frank was hiding behind the door and came inside jumping.  

"Of course. Dumb son. He meant that only" Grace jumped like a teenager as she also was hiding there. Alex rolled his eyes at their drama. How dramatic his family is. But yeah, he got curious suddenly to know who Clara was.

Did he get rejected? His ego didn’t let him accept the fact that he was rejected by anyone.