Chapter 7: Kiss the Bride

“May the bride come in now.” The pastor’s voice echoed through the hall, but all I could hear was the sound of my own heart breaking.

I looked around in search of Dad; he is the one who is supposed to walk me down the altar. We had agreed on it. In reality and in movies, I had seen dads walk their daughters down the aisle, so why wasn’t mine here to do so?

“Ma’am, let’s go in. You know we arrived late. All the guests are already here and the groom is already waiting for you in front of the altar,” my maid’s voice found its way into my head. I stared at her, knowing she was right.

I didn’t say anything; I just nodded and walked into the church with her. Standing at the church door, my eyes fell on the massive crowd and I could swear they almost popped out.

“Where are all these people from? I only invited a few… Mom and Dad?” I grunted in dissatisfaction. They were behind this. Do they need to invite the whole world to their daughter’s wedding—sorry… fake wedding?

It pissed me off so much that I clenched my fist and my face swelled. I don’t know why they are doing this. For Christ’s sake, this is an arranged marriage that will end in three months, so why are they acting like it’s forever?

“The bride is here, let’s welcome her in,” the priest’s voice filled the air, and slowly heads turned toward me following the gesture of his hands.

As a model I have had millions of eyes on me while performing, but I have never been this shy of having too many eyes on me. “Let’s welcome her in,” they clapped and slowly I moved toward the altar.

“Why isn’t her dad walking her to the altar? That’s mean of him,” I heard from a young lady. I turned to her; my mouth didn’t move but my eyes said enough.

“So scary,” I heard her say after me.

No doubt I was humiliated. How could Dad do this to me?

I looked up, trying to unwind my mind from the thoughts swelling in me. I caught a glimpse of Adrian and my heart shattered the more; my anger deepened.

The sight of him alone irritated me even though he looked way better today. He was dressed in a black suit which showed his sinful structure. His hair was styled nicely. I had to admit it, reluctantly. Perfect black shoes sat on his feet and on his wrist was a black Royce. He had a smile on his face, but it only irritated me more. What’s so funny to smile about?

“Welcome, my lady.” He stretched his hands forward for me to hold. What is he doing? His attitude is suffocating me so badly.

I gave him a stare which was warning enough for him to drop those dirty hands, but instead of taking my warning, he stretched them further and moved closer toward me.

“Hold my hand, my lady.” I glared at him in defeat before taking his hand. “Don’t even think of disgracing me out here,” he whispered into my ear and walked away with a smile as if he had said nothing.

I glared at him, my mind already imagining all the things I would do to him if we were alone. “Don’t play smart with me, Adrian. I know you did that on purpose.”

“I did what, my lady?” he smiled and taunted. “See, everyone is watching. They think we’re cute.” I looked up, my eyes meeting those of the audience.

And it was then I spotted both our parents. Seeing Dad sitting among the crowd while I walked down the altar alone, my heart shattered.

I wondered why he did that, but I shoved the thought away immediately. There must be a reason.

“We will go on with the wedding ceremony since the beautiful bride is here,” the priest smiled, calling our attention back to the pulpit.

“ Mr. Adrian Wolfe, do you take…” At that point I waited for a miracle, for him to say “no” so I could just wake up from this bad dream. He turned to me, giving me a calm smile before letting out his dreadful response: “Yes, I do.” The words stung my ears like a bee. I felt betrayed. Why was I even waiting for a miracle?

“Mrs. Zora, it’s your time to take the marriage vows.” I turned to the pastor, my eyes filled with shredded hope.

“Do you, Zora, take Adria..n to be your”

The weight of the decision I was about to make came pressing in full speed; I could finally reflect on what I was doing. Am I really ready to do this? To openly get married to a man just for three months and then break up? Won’t it mess with my reputation? My mental health? My business?

I was finally seeing the risk in my choices. Everything reflected back into my head like a hidden memory. And now I wondered if I could do this. No, if I really wanted to do this,to take the risk, to live with a man I loathe so much, or to either repair or kill my business, it was draining me fast.

I looked up at the pastor, my mouth shaking. “I d….” the words hung in my mouth. Adrian’s mom—her life depends on my decision.

Memory flooded me, the happy times she’d spent, all the help she had given. Her love, her concern, everything. And now I wondered if I should pay her back this way.

I turned slowly; my eyes hit her. She was sitting next to her husband, her eyes full of so much sadness, like she already knew what I wanted to say.

“Mrs. Zora, you haven’t….” “Yes. I do.” Adrian gave a deep sigh of relief and applause erupted in the air. I turned to her slowly; I could read her lips: “Thank you.”

I didn’t know why I smiled, but I did. Deep down I was happy I could be of help to her.

I turned back to Adrian. My smile disappeared just by watching him smile. “You made a great choice today.” His hands landed slowly on my shoulders.

I shrugged his hands off. “Don’t even think you have that privilege, Adrian. Remember the deal behind this marriage, so stop acting stupidly.”

He chuckled, displaying his rotten dimples. Oh, if only you knew what’s waiting for you. I can finally have a taste of those juicy lips.

“What are you saying about? Are you still…?”

“You may kiss your bride.” I turned to the priest, my eyes wide in surprise. How could I forget couples kiss during weddings?

“You heard the priest. Time to test those juicy fresh lips of yours. I have been longing for them.” Adrian pulled closer, whispering in my ear. He wore a sly smile.

I stared at him, my hatred for him deepening. What audacity did he think he had? I wanted to slap him so badly. But what pained me the most was knowing I couldn’t escape this.

People were watching; the press were around ready to capture any mistake so they could hit big. My parents’ businesses were on the line. Many things to lose.

I looked up at Adrian slowly, wondering how distasteful kissing him would be; he annoyed me so much. “Let’s kiss, baby,” he didn’t give me time to think. He pushed his lips into mine, sucking everything that was left of me.

I swear I will get back at you for this, Adrian.