Rising Against the Odds: Antonio's Tale

Eight: Wedding Surprise

The next day, Antonio woke up feeling excited about the upcoming wedding and his newfound life of luxury. He headed downstairs for breakfast, hoping for an apology from Andres for hitting him, but none was forthcoming.

"So, I've arranged for one of my guards to take you around today," Andres stated plainly. "First, you should get some new clothes and pick out a top-notch suit for the wedding." He paused, his gaze fixed on Antonio, who was more focused on his breakfast. "Choose only the finest suit," Andres emphasized, "Oh, and one more thing," he continued, "we've decided to keep the wedding relatively small, just close family and a few friends from both my daughter and me."

Antonio listened intently as Andres spoke. "I'll give you a list of items I need you to get for me," Andres added in an authoritative tone.

Antonio raised his eyebrows internally, thinking, "So now I'm your errand boy?" However, he didn't dare voice this thought aloud.

Maria coughed softly as a form of reminder and called her dad, "Dad."

Andres, remembering something, added, "Oh yes, the phone."

Antonio's face lit up with hope at the mention of the phone. He had been longing for one. But his excitement was quickly drenched as Andres added, "You'll get one after the wedding, don't need you calling riff-raffs."

Antonio had thought he would be asked to get a phone alongside the other items, but he had no say in the matter and had to obey.

"Is everything clear?" Andres asked, bringing Antonio back to reality.

"Yes, sir," Antonio responded hastily.

Antonio found comfort in the fact that he would be exploring the town in a car, accompanied by a guard.

That morning, before Andres and Maria left for work, Andres handed Antonio a card with unlimited funds. However, it came with a stern condition: Antonio must account for every penny spent and return with receipts.

Once they had departed for work, Antonio set out with the guard assigned to him. He diligently followed Andres's instructions, purchasing various outfits for himself. He even indulged in selecting the most expensive and exquisite suit he could find. Antonio made multiple stops at different stores to acquire everything he needed.

Along the way, he also decided to get a fresh haircut, aiming to look his absolute best for the upcoming wedding. Satisfied with his choices and the successful shopping spree, Antonio returned home.

As Antonio got home, he encountered a group of individuals whom he assumed to be decorators working on the garden. According to the card he received, the wedding was scheduled to take place at their house. He spotted Maria coming out of the house, he hurriedly approached her, hoping for a moment to talk.

"Hey, Maria, can we talk?" he inquired.

Maria, who had emerged with one of the decorators, stopped to look at him. "Can't you see I'm busy?" she retorted.

Antonio persisted, "Yes, but I'll be quick."

Maria sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Maybe when I'm done here, go drop those things and then help outside," she instructed before walking away with the decorator.

Antonio found himself following her orders, joining in the decorating efforts. However, he couldn't help but notice that Maria wasn't among the decorators outside. He scanned the surroundings and spotted her sitting alone in a corner, smoking. This was a side of her he hadn't known before.

Contemplating whether to approach her or adhere to her instructions, Antonio finally chooses to follow her orders. He didn't get a chance to speak with his bride before retiring to bed that night.

The wedding day had arrived, and Antonio awoke with a heavy heart, overcome by anxiety. There were no friends around to tease him about marriage, no buddies as he watched wedding ceremonies on TV. Even his parents remained unaware of their son's impending wedding. His best friend, who had often boasted about being his best man while growing up, was absent.

Antonio's emotions overpowered him, and tears began to stream down his face. His moment of grief was interrupted by a gentle knock at the door. It was Sara, who had come to deliver a message from outside.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice soft and soothing. "I was asked to tell you to get dressed, as guests have started arriving, and the pastor will be here soon." She had heard his crying but chose not to intrude on his privacy.

Antonio sniffled and managed a weak, "Alright," acknowledging her message. After Sara left, he wiped away his tears and began to prepare for the wedding.

Antonio came out in the exquisite suit he had carefully chosen the day before, looking dapper and confident. The garden had been transformed into a stunning setting for the occasion, with an enormous cake, neatly arranged food and drinks, and a small gathering of guests. Among them, Antonio recognized Andres, his brothers, and their wives, as well as Lucia and her husband.

As he stood in front of the pastor, Antonio was both excited and nervous as he eagerly waited for his bride.

Antonio's jaw dropped in awe as he saw Maria, dressed in her stunning gown, approach him with Andres by her side. He couldn't help but admire her beauty as she gracefully walked towards him, her gown swaying with every step.

"Hey," Antonio greeted her with a radiant smile as she reached him, and Maria responded with a warm smile of her own. As the pastor began the wedding ceremony, he noticed Maria's gaze briefly shift towards a man who had arrived. Antonio gently called her attention back to the proceedings just as they were asked the crucial "I do" question, sealing their marriage.

With the vows exchanged and the couple joined in matrimony, the family gathered around the table to celebrate this special occasion.

They each had a glass of wine in hand as Andres rose to make a toast. However, he noticed Maria's absence and inquired about it.

"Where's Maria?" he asked, prompting Lucia to quickly respond, "She went in to change."

Antonio decided to proceed with his toast despite Maria's absence. "To the newlyweds," he proposed, raising his glass. The rest of the family followed suit, echoing, "The newlyweds."

Antonio then stood to make his toast, expressing his happiness about becoming a part of this prestigious family. However, his words were met with a round of loud laughter from everyone at the table.

"He thinks he's the shit," one of Andres' brothers, Rafael, commented, sparking more laughter and murmurs around the table.

Antonio felt humiliated once again. He excused himself and left the table. He intended to go to his room, but as he reached the door, he started hearing voices coming from the backyard. Curiosity got the best of him, so he decided to check it out. The sounds grew more intense as he approached, and he realized it was moaning. To his surprise, he discovered that his newly wedded wife, Maria, was having sex with the man from earlier.