Chapter 3

Andre POV

“Man! I still can’t believe you’re getting married.” Cole my best friend looks at me like I’ve gone crazy.

It’s late, I’m back home from the Popes house and I’m in my study trying to get some work done to distract myself from the anger I’m feeling from the argument earlier but I also have to deal with my dramatic friend as well.

“You’ve said that like six times in less than two minutes. Are you going to be my best man or not?” I say with irritation.

“I ain’t got no choice, neither do you. I’m your only friend dude. Nobody else likes your cranky ass” he laughs and adjust himself on the seat in my office.

“But you have to tell me something. How did you get yourself a wife so quickly?” He asks in a serious tone.” I mean just two nights ago, we were partying recklessly and you went home with four different girls. Don’t tell me you’ve had a girlfriend all this while and you’ve been cheating on her.”

He looks at he intently.

“Why are you so bothered by all of this?” I asked in a bored tone. “None of these matter and this marriage is not going to change anything. I’m still going to live my life as I please, ain’t no way I’m changing my lifestyle for a woman”

“You can’t….”

I stand up and walk away, interrupting him.

“Hey! What’s up with you? Where are you going?” He asks coming after me.

I pick up my jacket and walk out of my study to the living room and going towards the entrance door “I’m going to vintage” I say when I’m outside my house and walking towards my car with my chauffeur on stand by.

Vintage is an exclusive hotel and club, my regular hangout spot and one of my many establishments.

“What?! Why?” He questions although entering the car with me.

“ You’re getting married tomorrow, what could you possibly be going there to do now?”

“To tune you out.” He replies plainly.

When we get to the club, I take the personal elevator into the club and head straight for the bar.

“One glass of vodka” I say sitting down on the bar stool.

“Mm rough night?” A lady says, addressing me.

She’s wearing a red slutty dress that could pass for a napkin, barely covering her body, with dark makeup that makes her look sluttier. If that’s even a word.

I stare her down and look away, ignoring her.

I get my vodka and down it at once, requesting for more. I’m so upset about what happened tonight and I don’t even know why.

I down the vodka again, signaling for more

“That vodka would not make you feel any better my love, let me take care of you” she touches my thigh and fluster her lashes trying to be attractive.

I almost push her a way when I realized that she’s right. The vodka will not do anything about my anger, so I down the last glass.

“ what’s your name?” I ask her.

“Julia” she answers smiling

And with that, I pull her with me to my hotel room upstairs.

I need sex. Hard sex.

Lauren POV

It’s the next day. My wedding day.

I can hear the noises from downstairs, my mom and the workers running up and down, trying to get some cooking and arrangements down.

I sit on my bed, staring at my wedding dress that just arrived. It’s such a beautiful dress.

As a child, I always dreamt about my wedding day and how perfect it would be with me and the love of my life, finally tying the knot, in my perfect dress personal made by me.

I can’t believe the day has finally come but it’s the total opposite of what I envisioned. Not only did I not get to make my wedding dress, I’m also getting married to a heartless man that I just met less than 24 hours ago.

Tears fill my eyes as I think about my new life and I burst into tears.

I cover my mouth with my hand and clutch my pillow tightly, sobbing.

My door opens suddenly and my mom walks in with another person, probably the make up artist but I still continue to sob.

When my mom finally notices me, she sends the make up artist out and rushes to my side enveloping me in a warm hug. I cry harder.

“Shhhh! It’s okay baby. Everything will be fine” she says and wipes a tear from her face.

She releases me from the hug and holds my face in her hands wiping my own tears.

“I know this is not the life you wanted for yourself. I’m sorry your dad and I failed you. I wish there’s a way out of this but there’s none.” She says crying now but still looking straight at me.

“I’m so sorry dear”

I shake my head still crying. “It’s not your fault mom neither is it dad’s, Andre is just a terrible person and… I know.. I don’t deserve.. this.” I say in between hiccups.

“I’ve been a good daughter and person, so why is this happening to me?” I hug my mother tighter, crying harder.

We hug and cry for a few more minutes before finally getting ready for the wedding ceremony.

I’m all dressed and standing behind the closed door at the church with my father by my side, waiting for the tune to summon me in.

I hear the instrumentals before the door finally opens and the guests are slowly standing on their feets.

“Are you ready dear?” My father asks quietly.

I’m not but I nod my head.

Wise men say……

He squeezes my hands and says a soft “I’m sorry” before we start marching in.

Only fools rush in……

I stare ahead, taking shaky steps towards the alter to my husband, fighting back tears.

But I can’t help falling in love with you ……

My life is already a mess but makeup doesn’t have to be. At least not right now. So I fight back the tears, straighten my stance and walk ahead.

I glance at Andre and meet his eyes. I tighten my hold on my father for a brief moment.

He’s staring right back at me.

I take in his appearance and I can’t help but admire him. He looks so good in that white blazer and black pants with his hair meticulously slicked back and his hands placed together in front of him.

………For I can’t help falling in love with you.

I’m in front of him when the song ends. Everybody gets sitted and the priest begins the ceremony.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

“Marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, a bond that symbolizes love, respect, and commitment. In this union, two souls come together to support each other through life's joys and challenges. It is a promise to stand by each other's side, to cherish and honor one another, and to create a shared future filled with understanding and mutual growth.”

I feel my heart squeeze.

Addressing us, "Repeat after me: I, [name], take you, [partner's name], to be my lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” He says.

The priest passes the microphone to Andre.

He takes the wedding band in one hand, holding the microphone in the other.

“I, Andre Sabastian, take you, Lauren Pope, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” He finishes and slips the wedding band on my ring finger.

I quietly clear my throat and collect the mic from him.

“I,…” I croak out “Lauren Pope, take you, Andre Sabastian, to be my lawfully wedded husband,” I pause briefly and release a short breath “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” I conclude in a shaky voice, slowly putting the wedding band on his ring finger.

The priest continues "If anyone here knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The hall goes completely silent. I turn to look at my parents, but they’re both looking down.

Since there’s no opposition, the priest continues.

"By the power vested in me by the state of New York and the church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest declares.

My heart sinks as I feel Andre lifting my veil.

He places his hand on my waist and pulls me towards him, bending to my height and kisses me.

I feel a tear trickling down as his lips connects with mine. His lips are soft on mine, I almost find myself enjoying the kiss but the loud cheers and applause brings me back to my senses.

I slightly push him off me and take a step back. With a fake smile on my face, he takes my hands and we walk out of the church together. As husband and wife.