4. The Big Day

SADIE

My heart had been beating so fast, like I’d been running for miles. I wasn’t sure if I was going to pass out or from the discomfort of knowing that my future husband was waiting for me at the altar.

I behaved like a royal princess for the last forty-eight hours as I kept telling myself that I wouldn’t want another mistreatment from my father before they handed me to my new owner wrapped in a big bowtie.

My father walked me down the aisle around these two hundred fifty guests that I didn’t even know them. The venue went dead silent except for the live band playing the classic At Last by Etta James. The music alone didn’t feel right. At Last, I was free? Or, At Last, I was doomed? Either way, there was no going back.

I would give credit to the event planner, though. They did a pretty good job. I felt like I had just walked into a fantasy land filled with flowers I didn’t even recognize. I wore a gown of my choosing, which was a strapless princess bridal gown with a v-shape back. The simple sweetheart bodice uplifted a transparent effect. I also put on the diamond set as part of the bridal trousseau.

I would die in shame if I ever saw a disappointment in his eyes after he raised my veil. We skipped the dinner rehearsal like normal weddings usually did. Even this wedding was just a front because my father and my brother already got what they wanted. They didn’t have to waste their money on this ceremony. We could just officiate this arrangement at the city hall, and they wouldn’t even care.

My lack of knowledge of this business transaction didn’t do me any good. People behind me started murmuring. I didn’t realize I had already arrived in front of my groom. Let me guess, my father was beyond relieved that he had won his prize.

In a few minutes, I was officially Wollf’s property. My legs started to shake. My hands trembled as I was passed on to my next torturer for the rest of my life. At least I wouldn’t get a beating from my family anymore, and it would not look horrible coming from the person you barely knew. Nonetheless, nobody would want it if it could be avoided.

My asshole father just pressed his cheek against mine and didn’t even lift my veil. That was how an asshole he was.

I tried to calm myself down before I went unconscious. The first thing I saw was the big hand in a three-piece tuxedo offered to me. I lifted my gaze and placed my slender and delicate hand over his strong and calloused fingers.

The bouquet trembled in my grasp. My maid of honor, Zhuri, took it from me. Cenric gripped my hand as he might have just witnessed how frightened I was over this union, that I had finally sealed my fate to him.

He slightly ran his thumb through the engagement ring. I knew he never saw it. His brother, Cas, handed it to officiate my engagement to his brother. In all in fairness, he was too lavish in choosing this ring.

Father Bartholomew started with, “Dearly beloved….” As much as I wanted to concentrate, I couldn’t. All I could think of was after this ceremony, after the reception. I hadn’t thought about it that much other than kneeling Cenric in his balls, and then I bolted away like in a freaking rom-com movie. Did I ever get that chance? I didn’t think so.

I’d already observed and counted on my fingers the guards before I entered the venue. I had no chance unless I turned invisible and just vanished like I had a superpower.

“Cenric Thaddeus Gillean…” His name was so ancient. I wondered who suggested it. It suited him, though. I hadn’t fully checked out his face, but judging by his smell and his posture, he could snap my neck just by his two fingers.

“I do,” he answered.

My nerves calmed down a bit, knowing he didn’t reject me.

“Sadie Charmaine Armelle, do you accept Cenric…”

“I do.” I bit my trembling lip. I bet he would really snap me in half if I answered no. So, it was safe to say that I was not going to die at this hour.

“You may read your vow, Cenric,” said Father Bartholomew to my groom.

I lifted my gaze, meeting his. I stared and studied him.

I expected nothing but striking because Cas was handsome with a wicked smile. But his picture didn’t do justice. Not even a little. He looked like a modern Greek god. His dark curled hair was pulled back in a fashionable way. His dark hooded eyes held a lot of untold memories, and his lashes were envied by many women.

He stood like a warrior. His body was taut and trim, and those biceps. Damn, this man was a perfect masculine. He had a strong jaw straight nose, and those lips were full and now spread into a full-blown smile.

“See something you like?”

“H-huh? Yeah.” Wait. Did he say something?

“Should I repeat my vow?” he asked softly and quietly. His lips twitched.

Bastard. Gorgeous and hot bastard. My pulse quickened. My face flamed. He just caught me checking him out, and he didn’t seem to care. I bet he used to get attention like this from women. Jesus, help me over here.

He slipped the ring into my finger. “Mi Cielo.”

I swallowed hard. “I didn’t write my vows, but the very moment I laid eyes on you just a few moments ago, I knew you would be my forever. I promise to be loyal and faithful to you. I promise to honor you and respect you, and I promise to be your best friend, your number one supporter, and cry and laugh with you for the rest of my life.” I slipped the ring into his finger. “Now you’re mine, Wollf.”

I just heard him chuckle. “Yes, I am.”

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.”

The crowd applauded. I didn’t know if I was to be excited or terrified. But the unexpected happened. He cupped my face, pressed a kiss on my forehead, and then whispered, “You’re beautiful. It hurts to look at you.” His voice was like silk, so smooth, unlike the way he talked to me over the phone. 

And then kissed me on my lips. 

I froze. My heart stopped for a moment before it galloped so hard it could burst out of my chest.

I wasn’t expecting him to kiss me, let alone say those beautiful words. It might be only his facade in front of these people, but I took it as a win over my father. And yay! I’m now married.

Thank God he didn’t notice the bruise on my lower right eye. Otherwise, this wedding would be doomed.