Chapter 5

Maren sat in front of the dressing mirror, staring at her reflection. She couldn't believe that she could still be in this position after what Williams did to her three years ago.

The makeup artist had just finished on her face and left Maren in the room, admiring herself. She really was proud of what she had achieved in those three years. The best being Nathan.

“You really drained my beauty when you dropped out of me, Maren,” her mom said, walking into the room.

“We both know that's a lie, mom, I look more like grandma and you know it” her mom chuckled and walked further into the room. She placed her hands on her shoulders while looking at the mirror.

“You're from a pretty generation then, my dear,” she said, and Maren smiled. Then silence engulfed the room as each person struggled with their thoughts. “Are you sure you want this?"

“I'm scared, mum," Maren said quietly. “But it's for the best, right?"

Her mom kissed her brown hair, then smoothed it with her hand. “Whatever you do, I'll always be proud of you my love" she flashed her an assuring smile.

“Mummy?"

They both turned to view Nathan in a tuxedo, his brown hair gelled to shine in the light, a little flower tucked on one side, close to his chest. Standing outside the door. Maren smiled, almost moved to tears at how cute he looked.

“Oh, Nathan” she said and stood up from where she sat to meet him. As she stood up, his eyes widened. She nodded on seeing his expression. “Yes, you're as cute as mummy is," she said, holding back her tears.

Nathan chuckled and stretched his hands to her. She bent to his level and hugged him tightly. She just wanted to see him happy.

*****

"Now here's our groom!!”

"Where have you been, Eddie?” Alexander asked, coming down the stairs as he fastened the buttons on the sleeve of his white shirt.

“Alex, my bro!!” Eddie hailed when he got to the bottom of the stairs, with the energy of a drunk while raising a bottle of wine in the air.

“Stop it, Eddie. I don't have time for this” his face was serious with what seemed like anxiety written on it.

Eddie set the bottle on the table and turned to his friend, a teasing grin spread in his face. “Come on now, you need to loosen up a little. You look like a nervous wreck with that face”

Alexander ignored him. "Where are the others?"

“You know, we did have a bachelor’s night without you, last night. "

“What? Don't tell me…"

"Relax, they're all sobered up. You've got nothing to worry about, bro” he paused and looked at his friend. “What's wrong? It's just a wedding. It's not that deep."

“My dad is going to be there, okay? It's really deep, Eddie”

Eddie collapsed onto one sofa in the sitting room where they stood. “You've always been obsessed with pleasing that old man and you hardly disappoint him, so what's the fuss?”

“I just need this day to be perfect, that's all,” he said while checking his wristwatch. "It starts in three hours. Why isn't Maren here yet?” He asked no one in particular.

His friend chuckled on the sofa. "Now I get it. This is more about your father's company, right? Or is it about Maren?”

“Come on, be reasonable, Eddie. The old man's in his final days. I'd like to give him a nice show, which is my marriage ceremony, before he finally leaves. That's not too much to ask for, is it?”

Eddie just scoffed and stood up to face his friend. “You and I know you're doing all this to get the company your father wrote about in his will. You can fool the old man, Alex. But you can't fool me,” he said with a grin and moved away from him towards the exit of the house”

"You can choose to believe what you want to believe, Eddie. Just make sure my wedding is perfect,” he called after him.

An hour to the wedding, and Maren hadn't yet arrived. He had given the driver he sent to her a call, and he confirmed that they were on their way, so he called down a little.

Few minutes later, there was a kind of commotion downstairs and Alexander walked down to the sitting room where it came from, hoping it was his bride.

“Thank goodness…” he stopped in his tracks.

“Hello, Alexander”

"What are you doing here? Who let you in?" Alexander asked, gritting his teeth.

"Chill out, baby bro. I only came to pass a peaceful message. His tone was gentle and icy.

“I'm not your brother!” Alexander shot back, moving closer to him. The other man was unmoved, a bitter smile spread across his face. “Get out!"

“Watch your tone, bro,” the man said. "I'm not here to banter words with you or attend your false wedding. I'm here to warn you”

Alexander scoffed, dryly, “About what, hmm?"

“Dad's company is mine. I'm the first son and I deserve it"

“You lost that right the day you made that stupid decision, fool," Alexander spat, veins building at the sides of his neck. “You're not dad's son and so, you better fuck off."

This man smirked, looking down at his brother as he was taller. “You really have lost your respect, Alexander''

"Leave my house and my life” Alexander's eyes were starting to show a little redness.

“I know the old man is dying. You've become as greedy as he is." he paused and edged forward, his face was now serious. “You know nothing Alexander”

“Sir, the bride has arrived,” a voice called from the head, which popped out of the door from outside.

"I'll let you get back to your false wedding and your little wife. I've just come to tell you not to assume that company. That's all. " He turned and headed towards the door.

“Or what?"

He stopped midway and gave a laugh, which rang around the building. It sounded…dark”