Chapter 3 Her Husband

The dreadful day arrived at last.

The hall was like a dream come true. She never expected that she'd be getting married with such beautiful decorations fit for a queen. Judging by Diana and Olivia's hanging jaw, they too couldn’t believe that this was happening to her.

The Catholic Church looked like a piece of heaven. With scented candles giving off a nice scent in the air, it was warm and welcoming. The floor to ceiling window gave a perfect view of the warm sun, the soft music of the piano and harp eased her spirits and somehow lowered her guard.

This wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. It wasn't bad at all. It was a simple yet sophisticated setting and a few people were already seated.

Evelyn suddenly felt out of place in the church. Her soon to be husband was from a wealthy family and they had taken the time to plan his wedding so beautifully. It suddenly felt like she had no one on her side but herself.

"Are you sure he was disowned?" Olivia asked her mother, wanting to make sure. As simple as the scene looked, it screamed luxury. She didn't want to think for a second that she was going to allow Evelyn into a place of luxury-- she would never forgive herself for passing up the opportunity.

Her arm was locked in Jackson's who was her plus one for the wedding. Unfortunately, Evelyn hadn’t reacted the way she wanted her too. She looked unbothered by it- annoying bitch! She had hoped for some drama by bringing Jackson along.

"I'm certain of it," Diana mumbled, sounding a bit unsure but she soon threw it behind her. "It doesn't matter. They probably just wanted to send him off in a grand way since he still bears the family name," she said dismissively.

"They probably don't want to be humiliated by the press to allow their son to hold a very broke wedding," she further added to her theory. "According to the rumours, Lucas doesn't even have a home for himself so there's no way he can afford something like this."

If he didn’t have a home, where were they going to live? Evelyn wondered. It was scary how she kept discovering bad things about her soon to be husband and even worse when she knew she had no choice but to stick to this sham of a marriage for her nephew's health.

"Quick, stand by the priest and get ready," Diana ordered her. "This wedding won't last thirty minutes, I'm certain of it. It's such a shame that the Graham's spent such a fortune on this. If only they had been so kind enough to lend you the money for a wedding dress." she folded her arms with a small smile on her lips as she kept her eyes on Evelyn's dress.

The white dress belonged to Olivia who still didn’t want to give it up without a fuss!

"I gave you my wedding and even my dress. You owe me a lot," Olivia mumbled and narrowed her eyes. She held a grudge. Since the Graham's didn't send any money to take care of their bride, she had to make do with Olivia's dress.

What was the need of the Graham's getting involved anyway! If they didn’t care about their son then why would they even give two fucks about her? She could wear pyjamas for all they cared, apparently.

They had done enough with the decorations already and actually, Evelyn thanked them in her heart. At least this was one beautiful thing to see on a day like this.

Evelyn looked around, the people here didn't seem like they were here for the wedding. They just seemed like regular people who were curious as to what was happening in the church. What about Lucas people? They weren't here yet.

She suddenly felt a gaze on her and she turned to hold Jackson's gaze. Why was he staring now? He was finally with the woman he wanted, wasn't he? Evelyn didn't care about any of that though, she had herself to worry about.

While he looked at her with longing and apologetic eyes, she rolled her eyes and turned her neck around in search of the groom. Who comes to their own wedding late?

She caught sight of Olivia glancing back and forth between her and Jackson with anger in her eyes as she huddled closer to him like he was a property she was never letting go of.

“Well, it looks like our prince charming is running late,” Olivia sighed, glancing at Evelyn with a smile. “What? It's not my fault a scoundrel like him doesn't take you seriously. I gave up so much for you and you still can't grab a hold of it. Jeez, Evelyn,” she rolled her eyes.

“Quiet down, you two,” Diana scolded. “He's probably busy dressing up. It's not easy for an ugly man to play prince charming, Olivia. There's a lot of work to put in. I hear he's not just ugly but short and skinny. Also, he's weak like an old man. Evelyn, if your husband doesn't have a strong body, don't take it out on him. It's just your fate.” she chuckled, causing Olivia to laugh too.

Evelyn ignored them both. She was used to both mother and daughter's sarcastic mockery that she had developed thicker skin over the years. They'll have to try a lot harder to get through to-

“Oh, look. I think he's here,” Olivia said, pointing to the door.

Evelyn turned her attention there and a man entered the church in his black and white suit. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the man that took up quite a lot of space.

He was short, fat that he looked round like a ball with his short arms and legs. Evelyn didn't mean to look so horrified but this was her husband she was talking about here!

“Haha!” Olivia threw her head back and laughed with her mouth wide open. “Ohmygod!” She wiped the tear at the corner of her eyes when she saw Evelyn’ face. “You should've seen your face. It was priceless.”

That… that wasn't him, right? Evelyn thought.

“The rumours don't seem quite accurate but, he sure seems like a good match for you,” Olivia tried to cheer her on. “In fact, since you look so malnourished, maybe your husband can spare you some fat-”

The man suddenly turned and looked in their direction and Evelyn sucked in a breath as he examined them all with a curious frown on his brows. He had probably felt their gaze and maybe he could sense he was being insulted but when the priest walked up to him to take a seat, he declined, turning to the door and walking away.

Evelyn released her breath, feeling relieved that it wasn't him. She didn't know what else to expect. The rumours were bad enough, Olivia wouldn't shut up with her tease and her husband was rubbing late.

Everything was working against her today. Was this a sign to just give it all up and continue her hard work? Maybe she could find another well paying job to take care of Peter's medical bills-

“Look, Evelyn, I think your husband is a no-show. That's so sad but maybe he's just trying to save everyone from his ugly face,” Olivia said with a pout causing Evelyn's blood to boil.

She snapped her angry eyes at her, ready to tell at the immature little child to shut the hole in her face and get a life-

“I'm late, aren't I?” The voice was rich and deep, almost hypnotic as his words flowed with such calm authority that had everyone looking towards the door.

Unlike last time, a man with a charming face stood there, his eyes scanned the room and when they fell on her, Evelyn could only blink in shock.

What was he… doing here?

This man, with his wide shoulders, tall frame and his muscular physique, made his way down the aisle in his three piece suit behind the priest.

He was easy on the eyes, his every step dripped with a choking aura that made the air tense and thick. Soon, he was standing by the altar right in front of Evelyn, his attention on the Priest who immediately opened the ceremony.

“What is going on here?” Olivia whispered her shock.

Evelyn was still knee-deep in thoughts as she blinked at the familiar face, over and over again hoping to wake up from her daydream.

“And do you, Mr. Lucas Graham take Miss. Olivia Williams to be your lawfully wedded wife…”

As the priest's voice trailed off in her head, she suddenly realised that the moment before her was truly happening.

This man was her one night stand at the Casino last night. This man… was going to be her husband.