It's here! It took me many moons, but it's here, so I'm gonna skip the talking and just get write to it haha! I hope you all enjoy it because this request has been one of my favorites thus far! Thank you again ♡
Betrothed to Another pt. 2
Isabela Madrigal x reader
She was already crying as you spoke, but your last words hung in the air and destroyed her completely. It didn't surprise her, how could it? You'd both known how you felt about each other for years, but just never got the chance to act upon and now you never you would. She knew exactly how big the mistake she was about to make was when she bursted forward and kissed you hard on the mouth, teeth clashing as your hands flew up to cup her face. Your first and last kiss was simultaneously nothing and exactly like you thought it would be, it was bittersweet and clumsy, but you felt alive for the first time kissing Isabela. She stole the oxygen from your lungs just to breathe life back into you, the world around you paused like it had been waiting for this moment all along, allowing you to relish the way her mouth tasted. A kaleidoscope of butterflies exploded in your stomach and fluttered around your soul, filling you with a giddy excitement that made you feel like a child again. You would've busted out into a fit of exhilarated screams if the butterflies didn't turn into bees and his face didn't etch itself into your mind. You pulled away from her, staring down at the tears that hit the ground at your feet as both of you sobbed.
"I love you," she cried, prompting you to squeeze your eyes shut and pray that it was all a nightmare that you'd wake from anytime now.
It wasn't a nightmare though, this horrific situation you were in was all too real and the solution wasn't as simple as waking up. You couldn't believe this was happening, what kind of cruel world would such a fucked up situation come into fruition? You stood there, foreheads pressed against each others and hands clasped between you for minutes thinking about what things could have been. She felt like an idiot for just standing there, but she knew if she spoke it would just be to try and convince you to back out of it.
"Y/N, YOUR BOYFR- FIANCE IS HERE!" Camilo yelled, you wondered if he waited at the door just so he could scream throughout the house.
You stared at each other, sharing the same somber expression. She pleaded at you with her eyes to just stay, but you both knew that you couldn't, so you took her hand and pressed a tender kiss to it. Isa wasn't going to walk you out, she didn't want to see him, she was afraid of what she might do to him if he got the audacity to kiss you in front of her again. As if you put on a mask, your face lifted as you twisted the doorknob and a small, sad smile spread across your features as you gave her one last look before stepping out of her room and down to Joaquin
It was finally happening, the absolute worst thing that could happen to Isabela was finally happening tomorrow, you were going to marry Joaquin Herrera. She tried her hardest to not be upset, but as the months passed, you seemed to grow fond of and even to like the man you were set to marry. Many mornings had she caught you two having breakfast at his uncle's bakery, sometimes you were laughing, and your hand would rest on his forearm affectionately, rage burned deep inside Isa when she saw you touch him. She tried not to get so upset, but as the minutes ticked on and you laid in her bed in silence, she couldn't stop herself.
"So, you're really going to marry him tomorrow?"
"Don't mention it please."
"Why not? You two seem to be growing close, you seem even happy to marry him."
"Isa," you sat up, giving her a serious look as you spoke. "You know that isn't true."
"Do I?" she glared. "You sure seem happy when you're with him, going on your little breakfast dates and laughing with each other like lovesick little puppies."
Your eyes went wide in shock, you couldn't believe what she was saying to you right now.
"Really?" you scoffed. "You expected me to act sad and cold for our entire engagement? I'm keeping up appearances Isabela-"
"Keeping up appearances?" she laughed dryly. "Is that what you've decided to call it? It sure seems like you're enjoying it to me! You walk around town arm in arm happy as can be, flaunting your engagement for all of Encanto to see, do you even care how much this hurts me?"
"Flaunting my engagement?! Have you forgotten that I never wanted this marriage to begin with?! Don't you dare sit there and act like you're the only one hurting in this situation, like I don't care about you. I can't even believe you're even saying all of this right now. You know I'm only marrying him because my parents-"
"Your parents don't care about you Y/N! Do you honestly think they'd put you through this if they gave a damn about you?! They're just selfish idiots who want you to live their drea-" she froze, knowing she crossed the line. "No, Y/N I didn't mean that."
You were shaking with rage as she spoke, fists clenched at your sides so tightly that blood pooled in your palms. You'd probably have slapped her if she was close enough, but luckily for her she stood at the opposite end of the bed, hands covering her mouth as if that would take it back. All those nights you held her and let her cry, never once had you spoken a word of ill will towards any of her family, you supported her all the way no matter how much it hurt. You expected her to do the same, to understand that you were just filling your role, but she didn't.
"My parents broke their backs for years to get where they are now, to give me the best shot possible at a good life so don't you ever call them selfish again you spoiled little princess," you spat in a gravely, acerbic tone. "Some of us aren't born blessed like you who's never wanted for anything in her entire fucking life. My parents worked for years before I was even born because they love me and if I'm being honest," you walked towards her door as you talked. "I'm glad I got betrothed, it saved me from making a lot of mistakes."
You were taken aback as you opened the door and most of her family was stood outside, Dolores at the front of it all to tell them what she was hearing. Julieta stepped forward, taking your hands and slipping her fingers under your own to stop you from clenching your fists. She pushed a bolita into your mouth before wrapping you up in a tight hug,
"She's just upset right now mi amor, please don't take anything she's saying to heart."
You nodded against her shoulder, breathing in her scent and calming almost instantly as the warm liquid stopped flowing from your hands. You knew she was right, Isa was just hurt and saying things she didn't mean. but that didn't make you any less disappointed, so pulling away from her mother you turned to Isabela once more.
"I'm marrying Joaquin tomorrow, whether you like it or not, so you can show up and support me or just stay away. I never wanted any of this either and regardless of what you may think, I'm just as miserable as I was that first day, but I have to do what must be done for my family. I figured that if anyone would understand, it would be you, but I was wrong." you looked back at her family, "Thank you so much for having me over, but I won't be staying for dinner, I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused."
Everyone shared a soft, understanding look with you before you exited the house and Julieta walked in to scold and comfort her daughter her crushed daughter
Isabela woke the next morning feeling absolutely crushed, today was the day and she had completely ruined your final evening as an unmarried person. She spent the morning locked in her room, listening as her family and everyone in town came to life and frantically began preparations for your wedding. She had full intentions to just sulk in her room all day, not feeling like watching you get married for obvious reasons. Her head rang alongside the church bells, and she sat up in her bed, knees pressed up against her chest. You hadn't even asked her to grow the flowers for today, instead opting for an actual florist when she could quite literally conjure any plant known to man. You were probably just trying to save her the pain or maybe you were just so upset with her that you didn't even want to see her flowers today, it stung reguardless. A knock at her door pulled her away from her sulking and when she opened the door, she was greeted with her mothers soft face.
"Good morning corazon, I just came to let you know that we're leaving soon. Will you be joining us?"
"To watch Y/N marry someone else? I don't think so mama," she frowned, hugging herself tightly.
"I understand mi amor," Julieta nodded, reaching for and pulling her daughter into a warm embrace. "I know how hard this all must be for you, but I'm sure they'd love to see you there."
"After yesterday? I highly doubt that," Isa scoffed, guilt rooting itself deep in her loins.
"Isabela," Julieta spoke seriously, cupping her daughters face lightly to make direct eye contact. "The way you feel about this, that terrible heaviness and dread weighing on your soul, they feel that too but absolutely worse. I know you're upset, but you're not the one who's marrying a man you don't love, and you know how dreadful that feeling is. I'm not going to force you to do anything, but I really hope you think about this."
She went from feeling bad, to worse at her mother's words, she knew she was right, she always was. She sat, pouting and bouncing back and forth in her mind as she debated whether or not she should go, then she thought back to her own betrothal. She remembered how horrified she was at the prospect, how utterly helpless she felt and how it sent her into the deepest depression of her life. The nights she stayed up on the very brink of meltdown and how you were the one who pulled her away from the edge every time, you put your own feelings aside just to be there for her. It hit Isabela just how right you were, she was being selfish and childish about this whole situation, but that ended now. It was her turn to be your rock, she just hoped she hadn't had this revelation too late. Leaping from her bed Isabela scrambled to get ready, the bells rang approximately 15 minutes ago, she would be late, but she would be there. She ran out of her house and sprinted towards the church, the streets were so empty that it felt eerie and when she pushed the church doors open, her confidence faltered. Everyone's eyes were on her, but she was looking at you, who despite your argument the night before, was happy to see her. You never looked more beautiful, standing there with his hands in your own in that breathtaking outfit that made her heart flutter, but also made her so fucking sad. She sent you a small, sad smile and took her place in the pew beside her mother, who took her hand and gave her a proud smile.
"Do you, Joaquin take Y/N to be yours?"
"And do you, Y/N take Joaquin to be yours?"
You both held your breath, looking at him you realized now that this was your last chance, you desperately wanted to scream no and run into Isabela's arms. She gave you an encouraging smile despite the tears running down her face and that almost did it, but then a sob erupted from your mother. You looked at your parents your father held your weeping mother, his own eyes wet from tears as he watched you. He wasn't even supposed to be alive right now, but against all odds there he was, proud of you to the point of tears. The man who had remained cold and stoic for most of your childhood, who you wouldn't even think had feelings if not for special moments like this. Dread pooled deep inside of you as you decided that you couldn't do it to them, you couldn't shatter every dream they had for you right in front of their eyes. You felt numb, but your mind was made, so you turned back to your future husband and spoke a very clear,
Each clap and scream of joy rang in Isabela's ears and sent her spiraling but were loud enough to drown out the sound of her soul shattering. She was among them, cheering even though she wanted to die as you kissed, sealing your marriage. Her head was spinning, and she was positive that she would've passed out if not for her mother looping her arm around her own. The warmth and comfort from her mother's touch kept her grounded and she watched you walk by down the aisle, your own face drenched with tears. You just couldn't bring yourself to meet her gaze, it would hurt too much, it already did and each step you took past her sent a sharp pang to your heart. When you made your way out of the church, most of the chapel followed after you as you'd be celebrating your reception at the Casa Madrigal, but Isa lingered behind.
She sat in the pew until her body went stiff, and the happy atmosphere faded, she sat eyes wide and unblinking. She was utterly hopeless, mourning a dead relationship that never existed to begin with. The weight of the hands that came to rest on her slumped shoulders prompted her to regain her composure and she craned to look up at the faces of her parents. They looked at their heartbroken daughter with soft eyes, fearing that even the harshness of a look could shatter her further and made their way to sit at either side of her. Agustin took his daughters hand and Julieta wrapped her arm around Isabela's shoulders, pulling her to lean against her shoulder. Isabela wrapped herself around her mother's arm and tucked her face into the crook of her neck, gripping her father's hand tightly as a string of sobs echoed through the now empty church.
"Do you, Joaquin take Y/N to be yours?"
Your heart was pounding as the pastor spoke, pulverizing itself to dust with every beat against your ribcage. You knew Joaquin could feel how cold your hands were, if you weren't standing right in front of him, he'd probably think you dead and you were starting to believe that that would be a better fate. You were sure that Isabela wasn't coming, she had yet to arrive and although it didn't shock you, it secretly destroyed you inside. You should've just let her grow the flowers for today, you didn't want to cause any unnecessary harm, but at least it would've ensured that you would see her once before you tied the knot.
"And do you, Y/N take Joaquin to be yours?"
You froze, sucking in a deep breath as you realized that this was it, this was your last chance. You wanted to just scream no and run as far from the whole situation as possible, but a whimper forced you to look at your mother. Your parents sat, hands clasped together and crying as they awaited your answer, it made your throat constrict and your stomach went heavy. You had to do this for them, this was all that you were meant to do, the one duty you to fulfil in order to make them proud. You swallowed the thick lump in your windpipe and forced yourself to meet his gaze once more, then the doors swung open, and she was standing there. Your eyes met and it all went out the window, your clarity, the decision that seemed so obvious just seconds ago was lost with her presence. You hoped she'd cause a scene, run up the aisle screaming that you were hers and hers alone, but she didn't; she smiled at you so sadly that it brought tears to your eyes. Ducking her head, the tanned woman slid into the seat beside her mother, proving that you had to make this decision on your own.
"Ms. L/N," the pastor cleared his throat, bringing your attention back to the matter at hand.
You looked at Joaquin and the rest of your life flashed before your eyes, you cringed at the thought of consummating your marriage, of starting a family and pretending to be happy. The thought of having to look at Isabela every day for the rest of your life and wonder what could have been made your insides twist. Taking one deep breath in, you took a last look at your parents, who were quite literally at the edge of their seat as they awaited your response. Then you looked at Isa, who stared wide eyed with her mouth dropped open slightly, she knew you better than anyone in the world.
The loud, scandalized gasp that spread across the guests didn't faze you, but Joaquin's pained expression made guilt pool in your stomach. You could feel your parents gaze burning a hole into the back, but you straightened your posture and squeezed his hands.
"I'm so sorry Joaquin, but I can't go through with this," you started softly. "You're an amazing man with so much love and joy to offer, so I can't put you through a loveless marriage. You deserve to be with someone who provide the same love they're given, but that can never be me and I'm sorry that I had to hurt so many people before I realized that."
You lowered his hands gently before letting them drop to his sides and turning to face the guests who stared at you in shock. You offered a small, apologetic smile, bowing your head as your walked down the aisle and out of the church without another word. You pretended that the mortified look on your parent's face didn't break you, keeping your eyes trained on the floor with that same small smile on your face. No one dared to move, they all sat there stunned, even Isabela couldn't move until the church doors opened and closed once more. As your parents rushed over to Joaquin and his parents, Isa rushed out to you,
"Hey!" she shouted after you.
You only stopped, not turning to meet her eyes as her footsteps became louder behind you. She only realized the tears that wet your face when she stopped in front of you, leaning forward she pressed her forehead against yours, allowing you time to back away if you weren't comfortable. She swiped your tears away with the pad of her thumb gently,
"Don't cry mi flor," she whispered, peppering kisses alone your tear tracks and calming you effectively. "I'm the selfish idiot and I'm so sorry for not being there when you needed me. I'm so proud of you Y/N."
You could only drop your head onto her shoulder as she praised you and apologized, holding her as close as you could. You could only find comfort in her and your grip only tightened as the church doors opened, you knew it was them just by the sound of your footsteps. Isabela stepped between you and your parents as they approached, your heart dropped at the sight of them. They looked confused and angry; you were ready for them to rip into you at any moment, but the silence was far worse than any infuriated words they could hurl your way.
"Senor, senora I know you may be angry," the flower powered woman tried to explain. "But please just hear her-"
"I'm sorry," you cried. "I know that this is all you wanted from me, all I had to do to make you guys proud and I messed that up, but I couldn't do it. I don't love Joaquin and the thought of marrying him when my heart belongs to another," you stepped beside the tanned woman, taking her hand gently and eliciting another wide eyed look from your parents. "Isabela is the only woman I've ever loved, and I should've said something sooner, I'm so sorry for letting you down but-"
You stopped, mouth hanging open in shock as your mother surged forward to wrap you up in a tight hug.
"We are proud of you mi amor, we always have been," she whispered in your ear. "I'm sorry we let you believe that this was the only way to earn our approval, all we've ever wanted for you was happiness," she cupped Isa's cheek. "If you are who makes them happy, then you are perfect for us."
You looked past your her and at your father, who looked at you with the same, indifferent stare he always looked at you with. You knew that you humiliated them, and it was very possible that he'd never forgive you, but he finally nodded in agreement after moments of intense eye contact. A weight came off your shoulders and you instantly felt lighter, squeezing Isa's hand tightly as your parents told you to go home, they'd handle the aftermath. So, hand in hand, the pair of you walked back to your place and collapsed into your bed, another tense silence fell over the two of you before Isabela finally spoke up.
"I understand if you're still upset with me, I was way out of line for talking about them the way I did and if you want me to leave you alone for a while, I will-"
You were straddling her before she could finish, and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of you, on top of her in that goddamn outfit. She sighed into your mouth when you kissed her, and her hands came to rest on the back of your neck, this kiss was different from the first one you shared. It was sweet and although slow, extremely passionate, her tongue swiped at your bottom lip and moved against your own as you allowed her entrance. It wasn't urgent or rough, there was no clashing of teeth or tears to sour your moment and you laughed at her dreamy expression when you pulled away.
"You're forgiven," you hummed, rolling off of her and resting your head in her neck. "But if you ever say anything like that about them again, I promise you'll find a rose where the son doesn't shine."
She giggled, pulling the blanket up over you both and settling in for a much needed nap, these past few months drained you emotionally and a stress free nap was welcome. You waited a few days before asking Isabela to be your girlfriend, she was obviously ecstatic, practically squealing as she said yes. Finally, after months of living the worst months of her existence, the life of her dreams that Tio Bruno promised seemed to be falling right into place.
I really couldn't choose between a happy or sad ending, so I did both lmao! Choose your own ending, or hurt and heal yourself lol. Thank you all so much for your amazing requests, my inbox is closed right now, but I'm looking forward to writing the ones already in there ♡
Have a great day/night! ♡
