Chapter 4

Today was the D-day. They never met again after the meeting at the restaurant until today.

Emma kept a straight face as she sat before the mirror in the dressing room. She was all dolled up already and it was just her and Evelyn in the room.

"You shouldn't have agreed if you wouldn't be smiling at all. Where's that smile I have always been used to? I can't see any of that today." Evelyn her best friend commented as she fussed with pinning the veil rightly.

"Do I have to keep smiling all the time? I am not angry or against the marriage. I am just tired from all the stress of running around for this day. Besides, can't you see what is all over my face? How can I smile with this?"

"But then you shouldn't let it show on your face for the next couple of hours. Or is he..."

"What is it?" Emma asked, looking at her friend's reflection in the mirror suspiciously.

"Maybe he isn't as cute as Liam. Remember Liam, right? Don't tell me you forgot him after leaving us for some years?"

She managed a smile, trying hard not to tear the heavy makeup on her face, "I think you should think about your David and your wedding plans and stop pestering me."

"Hmph! Whatever!" she scoffed and they laughed together.

"I heard he is a cripple but I wish you all the best, my friend. I know you'll come out well because there is nothing you can't handle well. Tsk, tsk, that's the thing with rich families,you can't lead a simple life, a simple marriage with the one you love..."

"Aren't you the one trying to ruin the mood now?" Emma cut her short, chuckling a little.

"It's time for the bride to come out." a head peeped in through the door and announced.

"Here we go." Evelyn said, rushing forward to show her the way out.

***

The sun shone brightly on the lavish wedding venue, casting a warm glow over the gathered guests.

Emma, resplendent in her white wedding gown walked along the carpet with Mr Lucas holding her hand. He got to the where the priest was and handed her over to Adriel.

She stood beside Adriel who was seated in his wheelchair, her eyes fixed on the floor. He, dashing in his tailored tuxedo, smiled charmingly for the cameras, his eyes never leaving hers.

As they exchanged vows, Emma's voice was barely audible, her responses mere whispers. Adriel's eyes sparkled with amusement, his smile growing wider. He knew she was nervous, but he didn't care. This was a business arrangement, after all.

"With the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." the priest declared and the guests clapped hard in agreement to this union.

For most, their thought would be that the Carlos family was lucky to have a betrothed bride agree to marry a crippled CEO.

The smile on Mr Lucas face was the widest as he and the others cheered them on for the obligatory kiss after the pronouncement.

As they sealed their union with a kiss, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Emma's eyes fluttered closed, her lips trembling beneath Adriel's. He pulled back, his gaze piercing hers, his eyes glinting with triumph.

They had to walk back down the aisle. The wheelchair was electronic but Adriel insisted she pushed him down. He was all smiles, waving at the cameras, leaving Emma to wonder more about her suspicions.

"I believe my guts are right." She muttered understand her breath, confirming her clear observation from the last time at the restaurant.

They moved on to the reception venue.

The reception was a grand affair, with champagne toast and lavish food. Emma smiled and laughed, her eyes never meeting Adriel's. He did not seem to mind, his attention focused on the guests, his charm and charisma on full display.

Although he was on the wheelchair, it felt like he was up and standing with the way he carried himself.

As the night wore on, Adriel's smile began to falter, his eyes clouding with a different kind of expression.

Emma noticed, her gaze flicking to his legs, hidden beneath the tablecloth. She knew the new said he was crippled, his legs paralyzed from the waist down. A tragic accident, the media outlet had said.

The music slowed, and Adriel's eyes locked on hers, his gaze intense. Emma's heart raced, her palms growing sweaty. He extended his hand, his smile twisted. "Shall we dance, my bride?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Emma hesitated, her eyes darting around the room.

"Why did he want a dance now?"

But Adriel's grip was firm, his eyes commanding. She placed her hand in his, her heart light with resignation. This was her duty, after all.

"How do you intend to dance in this state? Oh, do you want to do a wheel dance?" Darwin, Adriel's stepbrother stepped in from somewhere out of the crowd to where they were with a glass of drink in one hand.

Emma looked up at him and back to Adriel.

"I see he hasn't introduced me to you yet. I am Darwin, Adriel's stepbrother. Welcome to the family, our latest bride."

Adriel lost interest in dancing immediately and put on a pissed look.

"Hold on, Emma, I am coming." he said and left.

Darwin stayed behind, "Let's have a toast." he offered.

"I am sorry but I am full." she apologized and he walked away.

Emma made her way to the balcony for some fresh air and away from the loud, noisy hall.

She leaned on the railings, breathing in the fresh evening air. Her mind was occupied with a lot of thoughts.

The sound of someone coming behind her made her turn around. She turned and saw Adriel.

"I thought I asked you to wait."

"I am sorry but I had to come out for some fresh air."

"Was it suffocating in there?" he asked with a smirk.

"It's time to go home."

"Go where?"

"To our new home. Shouldn't we spend our first night as a couple together, wife?"