Chapter 6. Awkward with the Groom

Clarabelle's heartbeat quickened. Standing in front of the man, though handsome, dashing, and charming, Clarabelle's mind was racing. Did she not make a mistake?

"Miss Johan?" Once again, the show leader called out to Clarabelle.

Everyone present was getting restless, Clarabelle was still staring at her groom. Clarabelle took a deep breath, she couldn't back down. She had to continue what she had decided.

“I accept Jordan Gerald Hayden…”

“Wow, you memorized my name right away?” Jordan answered.

Laughter was heard again from the rows of guest benches. A faint smile appeared on Clarabelle's lips.

“… I will love you, whatever I will go through, I will not say the word divorce. We are united in this marriage, a sacred bond, that no human being can separate. I will do my best to take care of you, and provide support and joy in your life. I want to completely be a faithful wife to you.” Clarabelle's eyes returned to Jordan. To this foreign man, Clarabelle laid down her marriage vows.

It was so weird. She didn't know the man in front of her at all, but Clarabelle was ready to give her life to stand by her side. Clarabelle seemed not to touch the earth, if it was a dream, soon she hoped that she would quickly wake up again.

Applause welcomed the promise of the bride and groom. Then the leader of the show asked them to put rings on each other's ring fingers. Their relationship was officially husband and wife. Jordan immediately landed a kiss on Clarabelle. Of course, Clarabelle wasn't ready. She felt her heart was about to explode. She didn't refuse but evaded a little. Jordan understood, Clarabelle was uncomfortable, because they had just met, and he restrained himself.

The event continued with a fairly lively party. All was happy. Jordan was only accompanied by his friends. Adriano felt strange, the man who married his daughter was not present with the family. In the festive atmosphere, Adriano took his time and talked to Jordan about it. Did his family not like him getting into the wedding, so they didn't want to attend?

"I'm sorry, Mr. Johan. Indeed, my family is not harmonious, so we are not close. I'm used to taking care of everything myself. When I talk about this marriage, they don't really care. It's up to me how I want to. I'm really sorry. It's not that I don't want to, but…” Jordan made a sad face. Acting apparently still had to continue.

Adriano was still not so relieved. If Jordan didn't have a good relationship with his family, what if they wouldn't accept Clarabelle either? It came out to Adriano’s thought.

"But Mr. Johan, there is no need to worry. I live well, I can give Lala everything she needs. We'll be fine for sure." Jordan tried to convince Johan that he was the right man for Clarabelle.

Deep in his heart, Jordan was surprised at how good he was at acting. He looked at Adriano's face, which was slowly starting to look more relieved. The middle-aged man smiled. This was indeed a strange situation. What else could he do? Clarabelle had been married. But seeing Jordan's friendly and polite attitude, Adriano decided in his heart, Jordan could definitely make his daughter happy.

*****

The party was over. Adriano let Clarabelle go with Jordan. They headed to a hotel not far from the wedding venue to enjoy the first night. Tomorrow they would get a surprise from the show crew to go on their honeymoon. Clarabelle waved to her father who was accompanied by Susan and Jack. While she was going on her honeymoon, Susan and Jack would take turns visiting Adriano in addition to a nurse taking care of Adriano.

The bridal room was decorated in such a way, beautiful and wonderful. Elegant and luxurious. Absolutely amazingly enchanting and amazed Clarabelle. Clarabelle stood motionless by the door and looked around the large room.

It was never imagined, she married with all these luxuries, without spending any money. The moment would not be forgotten. Unfortunately, Clarabelle walked into the special room with a stranger.

“Hey… why are you just standing?” Jordan walked in and approached the table in the middle of the room. He took off his coat and tie and slung them over the arm of the chair.

Clarabelle still didn't budge. In front of her was the bridal chamber. She was with her husband. But she didn't know the man. Was it possible that Clarabelle would be able to give herself up to get the deepest touch from Jordan?

Jordan drew closer. He grabbed Clarabelle's waist and held her close. Clarabelle's heart was pounding again with great force. Jordan brought his face closer, wanting to release another kiss. Clarabelle touched Jordan's chest to stop him from moving.

"What?" Jordan was quite surprised by Clarabelle's refusal. During the romantic moment, every woman who was with him would not hesitate to immediately feel the pleasure of touch from Jordan. They were just friends, just to date. Even Jordan had done it with a woman he just met once. As for Clarabelle, she was his wife. What was wrong?

Clarabelle's whole body started to feel hot as Jordan hugged her tightly. The handsome man's breath hit her face so close. Clarabelle knew what Jordan wanted. They had just married, and were in the bridal chamber, of course, Jordan intended to embrace Clarabelle who had officially become his wife.

But Clarabelle dared not go any further. She didn't know Jordan yet, even though their status was as a couple. Clarabelle restrained Jordan from landing a kiss on her. Clarabelle's handheld Jordan's chest and her head were slightly lowered.

"Lala? Why?" Jordan still found it odd that Clarabelle wasn't in the mood for the hugs and touches she was starting to let go of. Jordan's grip loosened.

"I'm really sorry." Clarabelle backed away. She sat on the edge of the big beautiful bed, which was ready for them to enjoy the night. Clarabelle repeatedly took deep breaths, neutralizing her heart cavity.

Jordan stepped to Clarabelle's side, still standing, looking at the tiny woman in front of him who looked so awkward.

“Jordan, we don't know each other yet. I, I can't do it. Not tonight." Clarabelle ventured to say what was on her mind. Jordan had to understand how Clarabelle felt. This kind of relationship, a very deep relationship, cannot be forced.

Clarabelle had always adhered to the principle that Adriano instilled in her, sexual intercourse could only be done by a man and a woman in marriage. From the very beginning that was what God meant. When doing so, it must be based on love, willingness, and full awareness because they want to provide the highest happiness for their partner. Not just letting go of desire.

Even though she had been in a love relationship three times, Clarabelle still kept herself intact, she did not allow her lover to embrace her body. Because of this, Clarabelle, because of holding that principle, which was considered strange by many of her friends, as well as her lover, caused Clarabelle to be betrayed. The three lovers were proven to have sex with other women behind Clarabelle's back.

Jordan looked at Clarabelle questioningly. With the free life that Jordan had been living so far, he finally found a woman like Clarabelle. It was uncommon.

“Well…” Jordan spread his arms, confused. They were husband and wife, were in the wedding room with such a beautiful romantic atmosphere, then just stare at each other? It didn't make sense.