Chapter 4

Present

Cassandra.

A wedding ought to be a beautiful thing. A joyous and memorable occasion. Where two souls are joined in holy matrimony. Bonded by laws. To love, to Cherish and obey. In sickness, health and otherwise. The day where two young lovers vowed to spend the rest of their lives together in each other's arms. A percent union of two imperfect people. Like the happily ever after. It is meant to be a loving, intimate, selfless relationship between a man and a woman.

If you tell me I'll be getting married three weeks ago, I'll laugh right in your face and call you stupid. Three weeks ago, I never imagined I'd be walking down the aisle or being led to the altar by a complete stranger. A man I met just once. On our engagement day. The very day he threw my ring so carelessly. As soon as I got back inside that night, I ignored everyone and went to bed immediately. I didn't care if my father got angry or that I had an engagement party going on. All I needed was space.

Sebastian Spenser.

The heir of Spenser cooperation and legitimate face of the family business. He is taking me as his bride because he needed me to give him an heir. Because my grandfather thought it was good for business.

I stared down at my wedding dress. It is a heavy Ralph Lauren custom made ball. It was made up of the finest Chinese silk with a floral of white lilies. It is gorgeous, fancy and expensive. It was chosen by my mother. I would have preferred a simple yet elegant one but mother insisted I get this particular one.  Only the best for the Spenser and Hastings union.

"It'll be the talk of the town" She had said.

It is a cover up story for the public, the people and media. Grandfather was one of the richest men in the country. He is resourceful and very influential. He mingled with the richest men in the country. Likewise the Spencer family.

"Are you nervous?" Isabella asked as she did the last touch of my make up. She is an old maid in my grandfather's house and took a liking to her whenever I was there. Today, I wanted her to dress me up.

My mother already hired a professional to do the makeup and dress me up but I turned it down because I don't want to share the last few minutes I have in this house with a bunch of strangers who only care about dolling me up.

Mother was infuriated but she later gave in as she didn't want to cause a scene on an important occasion like this.

"No," I replied. The truth is I couldn't even tell if I was nervous or not. Terrified

Yeah. That's the word. I didn't know what was in it for me or what was to come.

"It's okay to be nervous, Cassandra." She is finally done with the make up. She swirled my chair so that I was facing her. "It is always like this at first, later it will get better"

I wanted to tell her there's no better ending to this. In less than thirty minutes, I'll be tying the knots with a man that couldn't bear to see me. I'll be bound to him for the rest of my life.

Running away isn't even a possibility because my father would hire the best team to hunt me down. My face will be displayed in every media and no one who knows who my grandfather is will ever help. Unless they'll be returning me home for a ransome.

"You were like a daughter to me Cassandra, I watched you grow up right under my eyes. Your grandfather loved and Cherise you. I want you to know that. Even though he later had to drag you in his battle with your father" Isabella paused and nudged my chin high with her index finger so that I held up high.

" You're about to get married and become a Spencer. You'll get served and be his wife which means you'll have to produce him an heir. No matter what Cassandra, you don't have to give up. You'll be responsible for your new family. You must not let him use your weakness against you. " I nodded, feeling my thrust closed with unshed tears.

She pulled me into a warm embrace. "I'll miss you Isabella" I say in a small voice.

"I know, me too Cassandra. I'll miss having you around" she said, patting my back in a Rhythm.