The metallic tang of blood hung heavy in the Sicilian air, a stark contrast to the soft patter of rain. Clara Massiah, clutching a clear umbrella, hurried through the narrow, shadowed alleyway. A muffled groan echoed from a pile of discarded crates. "Help me," a raspy voice pleaded, "I'll give you anything..."
Clara Massiah hesitated, her breath catching in her throat. Gunfire was commonplace here, a constant threat. Even the sight of a fellow countryman in distress couldn't override her fear. She bit her lip, then turned and fled, the sound of the man's desperate plea fading behind her.
Four years later…
The pulsating bass of the bar vibrated through Clara Massiah's bones. She downed another shot of tequila, the burning liquid doing little to numb the ache in her heart. "That bastard, Julian Forbes! Fooling around with your own sister! If I hadn't seen those photos…" Leo Aloe slurred, his face flushed with anger.
Clara Massiah didn't reply. The images of Julian Forbes and Sarah Massiah intertwined, their faces flushed with passion, flashed before her eyes. She'd returned to the country not just to confront the past, but to fulfill a promise – a marriage agreement with him. Now, that agreement felt like a cruel joke.
"Another one!" she declared, slamming her glass on the table.
Leo Aloe draped an arm around her shoulders. "Forget that scumbag! You deserve better. Marry me!"
Clara Massiah’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. "You'd marry me?"
"Absolutely!" Leo Aloe declared, his words thick with alcohol.
"Then so be it," she said, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "But if you break your promise…"
"I won't!" he interrupted, crossing his heart. "I swear!"
An hour later, they stumbled out of a taxi and into the Civil Affairs Bureau, two very drunk "newlyweds."
Leo Aloe collapsed onto the hotel bed, clutching the marriage certificate. "Hehehe, Clara, you're mine now! Julian Forbes will regret this!" He burped, then drifted into a drunken slumber.
Clara Massiah lay curled on her side, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks. "Brother…we're married," she whispered, the small red book clutched tightly in her hand.
Beep—
The hotel room door swung open.
Leo Aloe blinked, his vision swimming. A man stood there, his features sharp and intimidating. His eyes, dark and intense, scanned the room. "Leo Aloe," his voice was low and commanding. "The documents."
Leo Aloe recognized him. "Uncle Santa! Perfect timing! I'm married! This is my wife!" He gestured vaguely towards Clara Massiah.
Santa Aloe's gaze settled on the woman beside Leo Aloe. She lay curled on her side, her face tear-streaked and vulnerable. "Clara Massiah?"
Leo Aloe grinned. "Beautiful, isn't she?"
Santa Aloe turned to one of the men who had entered with him. "Get him out of here. Sober him up."
Two men in black suits grabbed Leo Aloe, who was still chuckling, and dragged him towards the bathroom.
Santa Aloe was alone with Clara Massiah. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open.
"Husband…" she murmured, her voice soft and slightly slurred. "Why are you so fierce? I'm a good girl…" She reached out and tugged playfully at his sleeve.
Husband? Santa Aloe’s jaw tightened. "Let go."
"No," she insisted, pulling his arm. "I want a hug." Before he could react, she launched herself into his arms.
Santa Aloe stiffened, then abruptly pushed her away. "I'm not your husband."
Clara Massiah pouted, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "We exchanged vows," she protested. "Of course you are." She pulled out the marriage certificate, pointing to the photos. "See? It's you!"
Santa Aloe's eyes narrowed as he looked at the certificate. It was her and…him.
Before he could speak, she lunged forward, pushing him back onto the bed. "Then I'll just have to stay until you admit it," she whispered, her voice laced with a dangerous sweetness. Her hands began to roam…
Santa Aloe's gaze darkened. "Are you sure you want to play this game, Clara Massiah?"
She met his eyes, her lips curving into a mysterious smile. "Absolutely."
He rose from the bed, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. "Then don't regret it," he said, and carried her out of the room.
