The day that I was supposed to marry the woman I loved, with the vows in my pocket and guests assembled in the yard, she vanished without a trace. After a few hours, I discovered her at a bus stop, where my father was standing next to her. The events that followed completely disproved everything I had taken for granted.
When you finally meet the person you should be with, it is said that something deep within you just knows. It was clear to me from the moment I laid eyes on Marisol. It was not a lightning bolt or some other stereotype from a movie. It was much more subdued than that, like a piece of a puzzle that had been missing for years but had now found its way into position.
Marisol exuded a sense of steadiness, warmth, and calmness that caused the atmosphere around her to feel more buoyant. I was able to settle down the restless churning in my mind simply by being with her.
She never made an effort to be someone that she was not. During the very first date that we had together, she made eye contact with me and said, “I have a daughter.” Elara is her given name. How old is she?
“Then it sounds like I get to fall in love with two girls at the same time,” I recall saying to her while smiling at her and feeling something in my chest expand to a different extent.
Yes, I did it. Elara was bright, curious, and humorous in a manner that only toddlers can be; she was half full of wonder and half full of mischief. When she was three years old, she began referring to me as Daddy at that point. It was at the park, while I was pushing her on the swing, that she made her first observation about it. I was surrounded by wood chips and the aroma of freshly cut grass when my throat suddenly stopped up, and I came dangerously close to crying right there.
Because of that, we became a family from that point on. Although we are not perfect and do not lack any shortcomings, we are genuine in the aspects that are crucial.
I had been with Marisol for a number of years when I made the proposal to marry her. Almost before I had finished my sentence, she responded with a yes. Over the course of more than a year, we meticulously planned and perfected every aspect of the wedding. The location, which already had a sense of reverence, would be the garden that belonged to my mother. In the presence of string lights that hung above us like captured stars, we would exchange our vows while standing beneath a wooden arch that was covered in roses.
I was a bundle of nerves on the morning of the wedding, and it wasn’t because I was afraid; rather, it was because I was so overcome with love. As I continued to walk around the garden, I went over my vows, paying particular attention to the portion that I had written for Elara: “Today, I marry your mother, and I promise to be your father every single day.”
When midday arrived, the venue was bustling with activity and vibrant colors. While the caterers were setting up the buffet, guests were dressed in soft linens and drinking lemonade. A breeze helped to keep the air at a reasonable temperature despite the brilliant sun. It was all fine up until the point where it wasn’t.
As I waited for Marisol to show up, I went to the altar and stood there with my eyes locked on the house. Nevertheless, the minutes passed by. An assurance was given to me by one of her bridesmaids that she was just finishing up her makeup at 1:45. At 2:10, the DJ inquired as to whether or not we should postpone the initiation music. At 2:25, my best man could be heard murmuring, “It’s likely that she’s just running behind.” “Don’t freak out.”
I was concerned, however. Certainly not for anything of this nature, Marisol was not the type of person to be tardy. I attempted to call her, but she answered her voicemail. I felt the knot in my stomach tightening even farther.
My arrival at the house revealed that her bouquet was still sitting on the table. On the back of the door, her bridal dress was hanging there, unworn and unworn. There was no sign of the makeup artist.
After returning to the garden, I surveyed it from the outside. The guests were now whispering apprehensively. There was a cluster of bridesmaids standing within the shade of the oak tree. Most appeared to be apprehensive. One of them, Teresa, was unable to look me in the eye. For the purpose of evading me, she fiddled with her bracelet.
Without any delay, I hurried to her. Theresa, ” Marisol, where are you?
A halt occurred in her. “I… I am not sure why.”
“You do,” I spoke in a level tone. “You’re trying to conceal something. Then tell me.
She had a sagging lower back. “This morning, she sent me a message asking for a ride. Before the wedding, she stated that she had to perform an errand of some kind. She was dropped off at the bus terminal by me. She had Elara by her side.”
The globe began to tilt. Just the fact that I had to locate her is the only thing I can recall about leaving.
It was a chaotic scene in the bus terminal, with children crying and bags rolling around, and the loudspeaker crackling with announcements. I was able to recognize her right away.
The hand of Elara was held by Marisol as she stood close to a platform. Her clothing was not on her body; rather, she was wearing trousers and a gray pullover. She wore her hair in a ponytail that was not too tight. With trepidation, she looked around the crowd. With a tight grip, Elara held her toy bunny.
After that, I came across him.
My father stood next to them, seeming unconcerned, as if this were just another day in the ordinary. He came in close to Marisol and whispered something that I was unable to hear. After that, he placed his hand on her back and led her in the direction of the bus.
My heart was beating as I attempted to hide behind a vending machine. First, I called my mother.
“Mom,” I enunciated, my voice trembling. “Marisol just arrived. And with Elara. Oh, and Dad!”
There is a pause. Her tone became more tense as she continued, “I had my suspicions.” For the past few weeks, he has been behaving in an odd manner… To be honest, Michael, I didn’t intend to make any comments today.
No more could be heard by me. I hung up the phone.
It was a long-distance bus that they boarded. I was able to get the last ticket that was available and sat two rows behind them. My father smiled at her while he chatted to her, touched her back at pauses, and carried her suitcase along with him. They appeared to be a couple to anyone else who saw them.
A few hours later, when they arrived in a tiny town, I followed them to a motel that was not particularly fancy. At the counter, they were each given a single key to the room.
It was my father who accompanied her inside. After a few hours, he left by himself. This was the time for me.
I strolled up the stairs, where each step felt like a gradual burn under my feet, after crossing the street, getting the room number from the clerk without question, and then walking up the stairs.
I gave the door a single knock and then opened it.
A teddy bunny belonging to Elara was held tightly by Marisol as she sat on the side of the bed. When she saw me, her eyes grew wide with excitement.
What are you doing in this location? I inquired about it. The question is, “Why are you with him?”
Slowly, she stood there. “Michael—”
I intervened and said, “You left our wedding.” “Without an utterance. And now I arrive at this location. Alongside my father.”
She cast her gaze in the direction of the room adjacent to hers. Please refrain from yelling. There is Elara asleep.”
I don’t give a damn. Please fill me in on the situation.
Her eyes became less intense. “I was not in the mood to run. Last week, however, he came to see me. Apparently, he did not think I was suitable for you. that you were acting in an incorrect manner. He offered me money in exchange for absconding. Due to the fact that I declined, he threatened to assist Elara’s biological father in removing her from my custody. He stated that you would believe him more than you would believe me.
Her tone was shattered. “I couldn’t take the chance of losing her. Or it may be you.”
I whispered, “You definitely ought to have informed me.”
“I was so terrified.”
With my back turned, the door opened. When my father arrived, he brought two cups of coffee with him. When he spotted me, he became completely still.
“Michael,” he said, after immediately regaining his courage. A mistake has occurred here—”
I responded with a “no” as I moved on. “She was threatened by you. You attempted to drive a wedge between us.
He stated in a chilly manner, “I did what I had to.” Her mother is a single parent. That is not your future:
This is the person I have chosen. And how about that young girl? Whether she is my biological daughter or not, she is my daughter.
“If you continue to be with her, you will lose everything, including your job and your inheritance.”
I responded by saying, “Then I lose it.” “Do not give up your residence, your money, or your name.”
This was the first time that he appeared uncertain.
Marisol is my favorite. My heart belongs to Elara. This is the only thing I’ve ever desired.
His jaw became more tense. You will come to regret this.
“No,” I clarified. “Yes, you did. ‘Mom is aware ”
He did not respond; he simply departed.
Marisol was the one I turned to. Her sobbing was completely silent. I offered her my hand. We are going to work it out. A group of three of us.”
On that particular evening, in that hotel room, there were not many words spoken. They were unnecessary for us. Everything that was significant had already been brought up.
