Chapter 5: Wedding Blues.

Aurora

The clock ticked—each second carving away at what little hope I had left.

I drove fast. Too fast. 

I hadn't even picked a dress. That was the least of my concerns.

I felt nauseous. I reached into the cup holder and threw a piece of mint I found into my mouth.

I had spent the last 20 minutes ignoring Brian's texts.

Five of them so far.

 He was getting persistent.

It terrified me. 

I heard a notification, another text. I didn't want to look at the screen but I dared to.

"You have 5 minutes to get here. You know what will happen if you don't"

His threats always struck a nerve. His arrogance and egoism never seemed to catch me off guard.

Liliana's call came in. It startled me.

"Where are you Arie?"

"Meet me at Grey Weston estate, I sent the full address to you"

A pause. "How about your dress?"

"Just pick something off the rack."

Another pause, longer this time. "Arie stay safe. No matter what happens, you've got my support"

I swallowed. "I love you Lily" 

Before she could reply I ended the call, I was too tense to talk.

I hit the gas pedal. The car surged forward.

A text from Damon came in. Exactly what I needed.

I checked the time. I had about 45 minutes till I was safe.

I read the text in my head. Keeping an eye on the road.

"Don't worry, everything is handled. Just show up Mrs Grey"

"Mrs Grey?" I loved the sound of that way more than I'd like to admit.

It was a sharp contrast to the former contract, "Mrs Wood" which came with chills.

In about 5 minutes, I got to the location. The Grey estate.

It was transformed to a more breathtaking view than I expected.

White florals, lights, guests. 

How could they have done that in two hours?! Unless it has been planned all along.

I stepped out of the car, my breath shook. I was sceptical.

Images of Damon's contract flooded my mind, his words echoed in my ears.

"I offer you my name, your life, your freedom on one condition..."

Some women rushed toward me and directed me towards the main building.

Once I got to the room, I was greeted by the most beautiful gown I've ever laid my eyes on.

I examined it. Pure white. Perfect size.

How could he have known?

I walked towards it and sat on the bed it laid on.

A note was attached to it.

"To Mrs Grey"

I knew who it was from. 

Before the next words could escape my mouth, Liliana walked in.

I rushed towards her, I embraced her longer than I should've.

"I came here as fast as I could Arie. Where's he?"

"I haven't seen him."

One of the women spoke up.

"Master Grey is attending to some important duties. He expects us all to help you with all you need. You're in great hands."

I sighed.

Everyone moved hastily round the room. I tried to put on a fake smile, like I always did. I couldn't. I was terrified for obvious reasons.

Liliana stepped forward holding me by my right shoulder.

"I know you're scared. I'm with you. I've got you. I'll rather die than watch Brian take you"

Those words broke me.

She hugged me. I sobbed.

"Please excuse us" she told the women.

"We'll be right outside the door whenever you need us"

Liliana nodded.

As soon as they left, I sank into Liliana's chest.

"This is all too much Lily, too much!. I don't think I can go through with this. What if Brian comes?. What did dad say about all of this, does he know?"

"Shhhh. It's okay amor. Breathe... Dad doesn't know about the wedding. Neither does Brian nor Mum. It's best that way."

"What if it all goes wrong?"

 "Damon won't let it"

In that moment, when everything felt heavy, when the world slowed, I had my best friend. That should've been enough but I couldn't shake this terrifying feeling that everything was about to go horribly wrong.

For the first time since this madness, I smiled, confidently.

"Let's get dressed"

"That's the spirit Chica. Yes!"

I slowly took off my red dress, the one I'd subconsciously chosen to attract him. 

As soon as we were done, one of the women was called in to put on my make-up.

Finally, with 10 minutes to spare. I was ready to walk down the aisle with someone I'd only heard of recently.

Liliana took my phone. She held onto it for the majority of the time.

When I walked out of the main building into the courtyard, the Sun shone brightly, and illuminated the dazzling Swarovski diamonds on my dress.

The sexy design hugged my curves. The plunging neckline and the mermaid style design were perfect.

For someone who didn't know me well, he knew that I loved fitted outfits. For that, I trusted him.

But one question kept flooding my mind, how did he know my dress size?

Earlier, the main stylist had said he had given them instructions on the perfect dress to find. He had included all the details and sent them all they needed to know.

I had exchanged glances with Lily and she stated that he hadn't asked her for details. He had only invited her to the wedding.

She was the only relative of mine present.

If Lily wasn't the one who picked the dress, who did?.

She held the train of my dress. The veil covered my face and shielded me from the sun.

The music started and soon everyone got up to welcome me.

I moved as slowly as I could.

If looks could kill, I'd already be 6 feet under.

I saw Damon in the distance. "God! that man is hot!" 

Even though I tried to hide the attraction I felt, the way his presence drew every inch of me closer, the way I knew if I were left alone with him I wouldn't so much as forget to close the door, I couldn't help but gasp.

"Deep breaths Chica" Liliana whispered. 

The guests sat.

I didn't recognise any of them.

"Hey, you ready?" Damon asked.

I held my breath, more nervous than I was whenever I was alone with Brian.

I glanced at the pocket square on his chest. Fascinating colour. 

I looked at the priest whose glasses tipped a little too far from him nose.

"Ready" I replied.

"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today to..."

I zoned out. My heart beat echoed in my head.

Damon seemed in control while I was barely hanging on to dear life.

Someone sneezed.

I turned to look at them but Damon slowly tilted my chin and directed my face back to him. He smiled.

Some questions were asked. Damon answered, I nodded.

My reaction barely convinced the priest I was doing this mainly out of my freewill. He continued nonetheless.

It got closer to the moment where the audience would be asked if they would like to object.

Damon stretched out his hands to reach mine. He quietly assured me. 

I handed over my bouquet of roses to Lily.

I stepped closer, the wind blew my veil.

A strand of her clung to my lipstick, I nervously removed it.

Damon leaned closer and whispered something into my ear. I didn't hear it.

I turned to face Lilly. I whispered in her ear.

"Lily, I can't do this"

"You can. You will. It's the only way"

I looked up to the heavens and back at Damon. Pleading in my heart that I wouldn't die of a heart attack on my wedding day.

I knew one thing was certain. It was either it all went down in flames or I was saved.

The dreaded question was asked.

"If anyone can show a just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

I froze, the clock ticked a little slower than usual. We waited for a few seconds and just when I was about to heave a sigh of relief, someone spoke up.

"I object"