Chapter 4: It's A Deal

His words enter my ears like an exploding bomb, it's blast makes me deaf that for a minute I can't hear anything except for his voice saying that words again and again.

"WHAT?!" We both said in chorus. He is obviously shock like me, who wouldn't right? I mean if someone said to you to get married on someone you just met, wouldn't you be surprised? I almost lose my conciousness when I heard that.

"Since you really look like Skye, you can be her replacement or a substitute bride for Red. The media and the other people won't notice since you really look like her! But the main reason is of course to keep Red's image and reputation." He goes on to explain while obviously being the only person that is clearly happy with his plan.

"Uhm, I'm sorry? But I'm not an  actress, I don't even have the talent for acting. So whatever you're shooting here, it's either for a movie or teleserye, I'll just support you. And wait! Aren't you suppose to have some extra talents to be a substitute just in case your lead actress can't come?" After that long speech of mine, they don't answer me. They just look at me as if I gain another head.

"Seriously? You thinked that were here 'cause we're filming a movie? OMG! Can't you recognize him? He is the most famous — "

"Don't bother Tita Beks. We can't force her into something that is really hard to do in the first place, and we just met her so it's really inappropriate for us to asked her that favor. Just say that the wedding is off, problem solved." Red said cutting off whatever that Tita Beks had to say.

"No Red! I can't let that happen. If I do that, it's like already saying goodbye to your career that you work so hard for on the past ten years! And one more thing, you'll just prove your Mom right when she said that that girl is going to be your downfall." Red looks taken aback by the last sentence that Tita Beks said. And whatever that words mean, it seems to be effective as Red looks like he is convinced now to do the ridiculous idea that the man suggested.

While me? I'm so confuse and perplex on what's happening and what they're talking about. Is this some sort of a prank? If so, where are the hidden cameras? They should put it out now because it's not really funny!

When Red just stand there and didn't reply, Tita Beks grabs the opportunity to get to me and hold my both hands. Pervert! Now I already knew where Red inherited his habit of holding someone he just met. But maybe these two people with me are high because of dr*gs?

"Please Scarlet, help us out of this mess, be Red's bride. If you think that this is just an acting, well, partly yes. You will act as his bride today to cover up the non occurrence of the real Skye, which is by the way Red's real life fiancee." He explained while convincing me. "So, is it a yes or yes?"

I sigh out of pressure. I don't even have a choice to choose from on what he said. "And then what? What is in it for me? Nothing. It will just give me a headache and a pain in the heart. I've already read a story like this, and the scene you're asking for only happens in novels and drama, not in real life." I said and remove his grip on mine, I already turn away ready to leave, but I stop on my track upon hearing what Red had said.

"I'll help you to get your Mom on a surgery! Isn't that what you asked for at the wishing well?" He heard that? He heard what I wish for? He thinks I should be happy on his offer? Argh! What a bastard! Here I am feeling guilty on listening and eavesdropping on them before but actually he also did the same?!

"Let's say we'll do this for a few months. I'll give you 5 thousand pesos a week for your allowance, and you will also live on my house as my pretend wife. And the money you need for your mother's operation is separated from those benefits I mention earlier, you just need to pretend as my wife and as Skye." Red said with determination.

My brain stopped working and I can't think straight when I heard all the perks of being his pretend wife. It also bothers me that they're using my Mom's condition to make me say 'yes', and it's not a good thing because right now I'm in my most desperate state and I can agree on anything that is against my will. Even Miguel, whom I have known for a long time is rejected on his marriage proposal on me, so why should I accept their offer when we're practically stranger to each other? Argh! I need to think about this things thoroughly! I can't just make a sudden decision, it's marriage we're talking about! A sacred thing! Aish!

But I really really need to get my mom on a surgery as soon as possible, and maybe this is already the sign I've been waiting for God to give me. So I should take the chance and grab the opportunity right? Although it is somehow against my will and belief, but I'll give it a try as I'm so desperate to have a money so I can get my mom a surgery ASAP. She's the only  family I have and I couldn't afford to lose her. And 5 thousand pesos a week? Will I still refuse? Not that I'm greedy about money, but I'm currently at the point of my life where I have so much needs, so no matter what life will offer me, I guess I'll just gladly take it so I won't have any regrets in the future.

"Okay fine. I-it's a d-deal, but remember that I'll solely do it for my mother's sake. Fine, so I can help you too somehow." I added even though I was embarrassed to say that, and I made the decision fast 'cause I knew there was already no time and their guests seemed to be waiting since earlier.

He just smile and nod as a response to my decision, he already let Tita Beks to take charge so he pull me in an extra room that is still part of the church. In there, I see a wedding gown that was still intact on a mannequin, expensive looking jewelries and make-up kits. "When I found out that Skye will not go on with the wedding and she's not on her hotel room, I quickly get everything she needs to use in there to be brought here so we can avoid suspicion. Anyway, my team will take care of you. I'll go and check Red and the guests, you still remember that this should be kept as a secret right?" He whispered and I nodded in response. He quietly go out while the glam team comes in.

"Miss Skye where did you go?! You made us worried sick! But let's start to glam you up first, it's too late now and we're already behind the schedule." I just nodded and dare not to speak, I don't want to talk because I might just say everything wrong and that could make our secret be revealed.

Although I was feeling sweaty and sticky all over because of so much running earlier, I already wear the wedding dress which surprisingly fit on me as if it's made for me. It's really beautiful! I should've at least shower for five minutes! My last bathe was in the morning, it's almost 6 PM now and many things already happened and I should at least wear this beautiful dress in a clean state! Argh!

I suddenly stop talking in my head when they put an expensive pair of earrings and necklace on me. "Perfect! You look stunning Miss Skye! Your already ready to walk down the aisle! Goodluck! Go to Diane, she will guide you on the way. " The make-up artist said and pass me on the care of another woman who gently smile at me.

"This way ma'am." She said and  take me to the entrance of the church. I saw the whole entourage lined up neatly, and at the middle of the line I notice that there was a teary-eyed female who was staring at me happily. It's impossible that she is Skye's mother, because she looks too young. Speaking of which, where could Skye's parents be? No one is coming near me or introducing themselves as her parents, that means no one will walk me down the aisle and the altar?! That makes me more nervous. This is not what I imagined my marriage would be like. But well, it's understandable since this is reality, not everything we dreamed of and imagined our life will be before will turn out the way we want it today. That's how destiny and fate works.

But I shouldn't worry too much about that now, I must think about how can I successfully walk down the aisle! What if I fall down? That's possible as my knees are shaking from too much nervousness! And ... Argh! What am I thinking? You need to think positive self! Remember, this is not your real marriage but you need to do well because your shame is not the only one on the line. Okay! Breath in! Breath out! I can do this!

Now, I really am a temporary replacement bride or to put it simply, a substitute bride.

And I'm doing this for my mother's sake.

Can I handle this mess I willingly enter?

—.—

Note: In case you're confuse, remember the term "Tita" that means "Aunt" in English? Red call his manager "Tita Beks" because he is gay but that doesn't mean Red is discriminating him, he just like to be called that way by Red cause he treats him as his son/nephew. As for me, I'm using "he, his, and him" on describing him because basically he's not a trans yet and also that's what "Tita Beks" like for us to address him (∩o∩) No offense meant intended to the LGBTQ+ Community.