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"You will find out soon enough," he continued, giving her a non-answer. "The region is prosperous because of the master. Everyone owes their lives to him."
Another odd thing to say, but one that Noelle took note of. If everyone was so loyal to her future husband, that might prove more difficult if she were to try to escape.
Not impossible. Merely more difficult.
As they neared the main area of the hacienda, Noelle noted that a crowd of people had formed two rows on each side of the road. There must have been at least a hundred if not more people as the lines were extending as far as Noelle could see. Every person, young or old, male or female, was holding a candle in their hands while chanting something in a language that wasnotSpanish. Even more peculiar was the fact that everyone was wearing colorful traditional clothing.
"What are they saying?"
"Oh, don't pay too much attention. It's our custom. This is how we welcome the new bride," Fernando replied.
After almost an hour on the road, they finally made it to the hacienda.
Based on what she'd seen so far, Noelle had expected something luxurious, but she'd never in her wildest dreams imagined something of this magnitude.
It was the biggest house she'd ever seen—though a palace was more appropriate in describing it. It was so grand, she couldn't see where it ended.
The house had two floors and was built in a square style, and Noelle was sure it must house an inner courtyard based on the outer design.
All around, there were well tended fields and a few other smaller houses. Yet what struck Noelle the most was the fact that she noticed another pyramid-like structure. Unlike the ones they'd passed by, this one was under construction, with only the base laid on the ground.
"What are those?" She asked Fernando.
"Temples."
"Temples?" Noelle frowned.
"We have our local religion," he smiled. "Sergio has graciously agreed to hold a Catholic ceremony as a sign of respect for your family," he explained.
"So there will be another ceremony in your religion?" Noelle couldn't help but inquire further.
"You're already looking at it," Fernando said cryptically.
Noelle didn't get to inquire further as the car drew to a halt.
Everyone got out of it, and a slew of servants rushed forwards to help them.
"Please make yourselves at home. Señor Villanueva will meet you at the ceremony in two hours."
With that, Fernando left them in the care of the servants, who led them to their rooms.
Yet even as they walked around the hacienda, Noelle couldn't help but notice the odd looks that were being sent her way. Everyone was eyeing her suspiciously, and she could swear she heard a few of them curse her out too.
Good thing I learned Spanish!
She'd been right to account for all variables and prepare for the worst. And though she'd continuously hoped this wouldn't be her fate, at least now she had a hidden asset—one she wouldn't let anyone know she possessed.
Yuyu trailed behind Noelle, ready to help her dress and prepare for the ceremony.
"It's not so bad, is it?" Yuyu added nervously as they entered the grand apartment Noelle had been assigned.
Noelle didn't answer, merely surveying the area.
There was a big sitting room that led to a veranda with a private garden. In the back, the bedroom was separate, as was the bathroom, both extremely generous in size.
Noelle shrugged.
She didn't care about riches. She would have preferred a small room as long as she was with therightgroom.
