THE MARRIAGE

"Can..... Can I come in?" He requested in an icy, cold tone that her shoulders shiver.

  Lady Deborah appeared and stood next to him. She winked at Gina with a pretty smile. Gina moved out of the way and he glided past her.

   The deep scent of his cologne made her feel queasy. She shut the door gently and turned to them.

  Jace was checking out the room. It was neatly arranged. He had a satisfying look on his face when he turned back to her.

  She placed her hands across her chest. She cocked her head to one side and took her hands to her waist. Gina's eyes narrowed in inquiry.

  Jace looked over to Lady Deborah. Lady Deborah nodded and handed a brown bag over to Gina.

"You can go", Jace said, and wheeled around.

   Gina passed a skeptical glance at Lady Deborah. Lady Deborah bowed and left.

  The room assumed a tranquil state. Gina stared at his hard back as he crossed his hands behind his back.

  Jace couldn't move his lips. Words became heavy for him. He inhaled softly and dug his hands into his pockets.

"Gina", he called her softly while riveting around.

   Gina's brows furrowed quizzically.

"Our marriage is in five days' time". He started, taking a short glance at her face. Her face scrunched in bewilderment. He looked into her eyes. Her eyes darted with uncertainty.

"I know you will have so many expectations, Gina," He broke the stares and took his gaze to the large wardrobe, "I can't promise to fulfill them all" He confessed.

   Gina felt a knife being drawn through her chest. She felt scabs ripped off her. The words left his lips with ease.

" We have to make this marriage work, Gina. It is for our families," He swiveled to the vanity mirror, "Our own desires may not be fulfilled, but we have to fulfill the desires of our families", he said with an air of finality in his voice.

    Gina stood mute behind him. A dry smile left her lips. She exhaled and walked to her bedside. She dropped the bag on the bed and sat down.

"I know Jace", Gina spoke softly.

  Jace felt goosebumps rise all over his skin when she called his name. He turned around slowly as she continued.

"I know this marriage is only but a charade" She chuckled slowly and wrapped her hands around her body, "It is for our family's greater good..... And I'm ready for it."

   Jace felt a heavy burden leave his chest. He released a gentle sigh of relief. He tilted his head backwards and dug his hands into his pockets. He watched her quietly.

"Have a good night's rest then", he mumbled and left quietly.

  The gentle slam of the door resonated in her head.

  She opened the bag. A radiating glow burst out from the bag. It was her wedding dress. She pulled it out. It was beautiful and a different one.

"I can do this" She affirmed, pulling a tired smile on her face. She placed the dress on her body and stood before the vanity mirror.

~ FIVE DAYS LATER ~

   Gina sat before the large vanity mirror in her room. Her thoughts roamed wildly. Time flew so fast. It was her wedding day already. Her face gleamed under the sharp LED lights in her room.

     She wore a white wedding dress with the veil pinned to her hair.

"Lady Gina, It's time to go" Lady Deborah stormed in.

  Gina didn't bulge. She sat still, staring at her figure in the mirror. Her eyes were pale and sunken.

"Ma'am..." Lady Deborah paused, her heart melted when she saw the paleness of her face.

"Can I stop this marriage?" She asked impulsively.

    A puzzled look crossed Lady Deborah's face. Lady Deborah placed her hands on her shoulders and squeezed them lightly.

"Gina..." Lady Deborah was cut short by the sudden outburst at the door.

   Mr Washington walked in grinning from ear to ear. He dressed regally in a well-ironed tailored suit. His mustache was neatly shaved. A blue bow tie hung around his neck, complimenting his looks.

"Gina, you have made me a happy father" Washington beamed and stroked her hair fondly.

  Gina rose up and pulled him to a hug. Tears left her eyes in thin lines.

"Don't do this now, Gina. Go out there and get this deal for me", Washington whispered into her ears with a hideous foxy smile.

   Lady Deborah watched them with an affectionate smile on her face. Her heart gladdened at the father-daughter moment.

   "It is time to go", Washington released her from the hug, he patted her back. He held her hands and led her out of the room.

•••

   Two black limousine cars drove into the churchyard where the wedding was being held. The churchyard was filled with flashy cars.

    One of the cars opened, Washington stepped out with his shoulders held high. He plodded around to the other side of the car. He opened it and Gina walked out.

   Her whole body glistened with great splendor as she stepped out. Her white dress radiated brightly. Washington stood before her with an enchanting smile that stretched far into his eyes. He drew down her veil.

   He took her hands into his and gave them a little squeeze. The long dress trailed behind her as she walked side by side with her father.

  Together, they walked into the tranquil wedding hall. Everywhere shone with glittering lights. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate chandeliers which seemed to stretch far into the sky, cast a warm glow over the whole hall. 

  Her stares stretched into the wedding hall. Jace stood in the aisle. His chiseled features stole her breath, she could barely breathe properly.

  He wore a resplendent white suit with a black bow tie. His black Brogue shoes were neatly polished. He wore dark sunglasses. 

   He wasn't looking in her direction. He had his gaze on his father, who was whispering some words to him.

      Washington held Gina tenderly as they headed up to the aisle. She ran her gaze through the hall. The faces of the guests glowed brightly.

  They were all excited but did anyone care about the bride?

   Jace stood a step away from them, still maintaining his cold, icy look. Gina frowned lightly as her father handed her over to him.

   Gina felt icy sparks run through her skin when their palms met. Jace tightened his grip around her hands, and together they walked up the stairs.

   Gina was lost in thoughts as she stared at his face through the white veil, maybe trying to get answers. His face was stoic and expressionless. 

   They were now standing opposite each other. Gina's eyes darted around his face. Jace had his eyes on Gina. His gaze was warm.

    Gina's eyes became wet as soon as the priest began to say the wedding oath.

Jace repeated, "I, Jace Salvador, take you Gina Washington to be my wife. I promise to love, cherish and support you through life's joy and challenges. I vow to stand by your side, now and forever."

  Gina felt her heart palpitating as he recited the wedding vow. Gina's gaze tore deep into his eyes. Gina could see the glint of insincerity in his eyes.

   He took the ring from the priest and gently slipped it through her fingers. All the while, Jace's pulse raced wildly. He stared at the ring intensely and then at her face.

  "Repeat after me Gina Washington...." The priest called and began to recite the oaths.

  Gina repeated, "I, Gina Washington, take you J...." Her voice faltered. Her heart thumped loudly filling her ear drums.

   Jace's words from last night resounded in her ears. Her thoughts were clouded, only his voice filled her head. She looked down at her fingers. It felt like a chain of bondage. Her lips quivered as she studied the ring sitting beautifully on her fingers.

  The whole hall went quiet. Her mouth was left agape as she looked up at his face. He cringed and looked away.

     "Are you there, Gina?" The priest's voice resounded from a distance.

   She blinked back the tears already welling up in her eyes.

  She turned her gaze to the guests who were now making hushed noises. Her eyes ran through the crowd. Her eyes grew wet as it roamed. It finally landed on her father, who had a small smirk at the corner of his lips.

  Vincent sat next to him with a big smile. Why wouldn't he?

  After all, he would benefit greatly from this deal. He was the next of kin of his father. She moved on. Cornel sat at the end of the row. His eyes were clouded with tears. She could see him mouth some incoherent words. 

     It felt like some words of encouragement. She only beamed and returned her gaze to Jace, who had a deep crease on his face.

"A.... Are you okay Gina?" Jace uttered hesitantly, taking her hands into his. He gave her a tiny squeeze and let go.

"Are you ready to take the vow again, Gina Washington?" The priest asked.

  Gina nodded. The priest repeated the vows again.

  This time she took deep breaths as she recited each line.

"I, Gina Washington, take you, Jace Salvador". She inhaled and raised her gaze to his eyes.

"To be my husband" Her heart tore when she saw his eyes returning to its coldness.

" I promise to love, cherish and support you through life's joy and challenges. I will stand by your side now and forever", she concluded.

   A thin streak of tears rolled down her eyes as she slowly took the ring and wore it around his fingers.

  The whole audience rose up, applauding.

"You may now kiss your bride" The priest voice came up as soon as the ovation ended.

  Gina froze. She held her breath. Time stood still as she got lost in his stares.

   Jace slowly raised her veil. She felt tingles on her skin when he curled his hands gently around her neck. He drew her closer and draped his hands around her body.

  He leaned closely. She shut her eyes as his lips touched her. It didn't last. It happened like a flash of lighting and he moved away from her.

  The thunderous applause of the crowd brought her back to reality. She found her breath. She touched her lips lightly. Her body was still shaken.

  He pushed her body into his, giving her a tight hug.

"Don't think too much about the kiss... It was just a kiss and nothing more. Don't expect this again" He uttered with disdain in his voice.