AMELIA

“ Do you take Mr. Gary to be your lawful wedded husband?” The words kept hitting my sides, reminding me that my life was a consistent night mare.

The church was dimly lit, with only a few guests seated in the pews. My step father's grip on my arms was like a vice, holding me in place as though. He feared I would do the unthinkable- run away.

The wedding dress choked my insides, the corsets looked tighter especially with Susan at the left aisle blowing a kiss towards me as if to share in my joy, but deep down, she was mocking me.

“You need to marry the man, it's our only chance” I heard my step father half begging me. And I knew it was a life and death situation.

“What do you mean? “ I heard myself being inquisitive for 5 minutes straight.

“We accepted the payment, 50 invitations have gone out, Gary Filch is a harmless old man. At least you get to finish medical school” my step father pleaded like a desperate politician trying to re-visit his mouth watery manifesto for the sake of the votes.

Shamelessly , like a vulnerable citizen I gladly became the bait for my stepfather's selfishness and greed and now I was making the ultimate sacrifice of paying with my female hood. And on this day, I almost died of a choking white wedding dress and an ugly groom whom I may not touch for the rest of my life.

“Thank you Amelia” My step father expressed gratitude and tossed me lightly to the altar. I felt like a prisoner being led to her execution.

“Smile Amelia, you look like horse fleas”. I heard Susan smile at me, she had offered to be my maid of honour and she took the honour of taunting me even on the day I was supposed to be happy.

“It's a glorious day, two of us will become wives! “ I knew what she meant, she took my groom and left me with a man that I loathed.

“Do you take Mr Gary Filch as your lawfully wedded husband”. My nightmare came true. The priests voice distracted me from my reverie.

“What?” I echoed and the crowd hummed back.

“Are you okay Miss Brets, it is time to take your vows”. The priest called, begging me to get into the moment and I noticed Susan’s sequined dress for the first time.

“Sorry “ I echoed back.

“What's wrong with her” I heard Gary Filch whisper to my step father who in turn begged me with his eyes.

“She is hot in her wedding dress, it's such a good day” Susan whispered in a beautiful coaxing manner which made the congregation laugh then they clapped. In their eyes, I was the naive, shy and tender wife but inside me, I was literally standing in hell's basement.

“Do you take Gary Filch as your lawfully wedded husband ?”

“Yes I do”.

The same question repeated for Gary and he answered effortlessly.

“Is anybody against this marriage, speak now or forever remain silent” . The house reverberated with silence and the priest started with the conjugations.

“Alright….”

The big bang on the metallic Catholic doors sent everyone gasping.

A face I couldn’t place appeared at the door. A tall imposing figure strode in. He has his full gaze on me.

“Stop! I object, I have everything against this marriage”. The male voice called from the light. Every one sat still on their seats, it was a disaster as members spoke amongst themselves.

“What's going on Amelia “. My stepfather turned red upon hearing and seeing a counterplan to his business transactions.

“I don't know father”.

“Who the hell is he?” Gary asked, finally finding his voice.

“Didn't you tell them sweetheart?” the strange man approached, and I wanted to hug him so badly for ending this fiasco.

“What right do you have to end this conjugal bliss”. For a priest, he was a smart talker.

“You just asked anyone who had a thing against this bullshit!” .

“Plead your course properly”.

The strange handsome man ignored the priest and turned to stare at me. His eyes never left my face as he pulled out a document from his pocket.

“ I have evidence to proof that this young lady was held hostage by her stepfather and forced into this marriage against her will. I refuse to keep silent while a woman is sold against her will” The priest looked taken aback, but he nodded in agreement.

My stepfather's face turned red with rage. “ Thisnis none of your fucking business. Stay out of this! Get out before I call the security” he spluttered.

My strange hot saviour smiled coldly. “ I am not leaving without the bride, and I am willing to pay triple of what this oldie paid to take her off his hands” He said without flinching.

“I'm not really good at reciting theories. Are you coming or not!” His eyes held my gaze once again.

Gary Filch raised his pistol up, scaring everyone in attendance and I had just found a legal Foothold to reject the marriage.

“ You are not taking her away from me!” Gary thundered, averting the gun towards me.

My heart stopped for a second. I could see the determination in Gary's eyes. I knew i was going to die. But before anything could happen, my saviour lunched at me, pushing me out of the way. A loud shot rang out, and I could feel a scream building in my thoart.

My strange hero groaned. His heavy body staggered and he fell to the ground, pulling me with him. I struggled to break free.

“ Noooooo…..” I whispered rather, my voice shaking.

His eyes flickered open and he smiled weakly at me. “ It's Okay, I've got you”

His gaze turned to Gary who was still pointing the gun at me “ I'll make you pay for this” He glowed, his voice fierce .

Just at that moment, the guards rushed in. Surrounding Gary, they took the gun away from him and took him away.

Still in shock, I scooped up my enormous wedding dress and as I struggled to stand, my head spun. A large hand grabbed me and I blacked out.