MARRYING A RUTHLESS MAN

At Church:

   I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I am looking good in a long white wedding gown with matching accessories. Though they are not my choice, they fit me perfectly. Everything on my body reflects the richness of the groom. My father walked me to the aisle. Everything completed in a flash. Nothing registered to me except HIS commanding voice of accepting this marriage in front of the priest.

“Now, By the power god invested in me I am announcing you both as husband and wife” Priest announced completing marriage. I heard a round of applause. 

“You may kiss your bride now.” Father said, making me nervous. The scariest moment in the whole wedding came in picture. I am excited yet nervous about my first kiss.

   He took a step forward and kissed my left cheek, it's a simple peck but surely it left some effect on me. Everyone cheered for us. I took a step to move back, unable to be in his proximity. but Lord! I stumbled. I closed my eyes in fear of falling down and embarrassing myself. But someone held me by my waist. Not someone. my husband.

    Now I can have a clear view of his face, he is looking so handsome. He has chocolate brown eyes with a small cut just about left eye, perfect eyebrows, sharp nose and jawline. He will be more than 6 feet tall which makes me shorter in front of him. In a single word he is looking like a Greek God. There is something in his eyes which makes him more attractive. This is the first time I am checking out a man, but that man is my husband now. Some unknown satisfaction spreaded my heart like I found a missing part of life. My heart beat increased, I doubt if it is audible to him or not. In all this I don't know that my heart will break into pieces sometime.

    While I was feeling all these unknown emotions, my husband stood there with a rigid expression on his handsome face. I can't conclude anything with his expression. Didn't my mother say, he loves me? Then why are his eyes cold towards me? Is it because I was about to fall down and make an embarrassing situation?

    I can feel something more to be there in this wedding which I don't know. I came out of thoughts when a lady shook me. 

“I am Juliana, your sister-in-law,” She said with a sweet smile. 

“She is my grandmother, Elizabeth Hudson. She is the matriarch of our family, She is the reason we all live together."she said, pointing towards elderly lady. I felt an instant respect towards her because she is able to run a joint family without any issues.

“He is Schroyer Hudson son of Elizabeth Hudson and his wife Donna Hudson.” She introduced me to the middle aged couple. 

“Lastly, my husband Jack. Our son Daniel is at home. He has a mild fever.” She said with a sad face. They welcomed me with warm hugs. It truly felt good to meet them.

   Finally it's time for me to leave for my husband's home. I composed myself not to cry in front of my parents and make them cry. I said my final goodbyes and sat in the car. He is sitting beside me and checking his phone without uttering a word. I am staring outside the window and preparing myself for this new change in her Life. We didn't speak throughout the journey. We reached his home in thirty minutes. I was in shock after seeing his mansion, it is not less than any palace. Again a doubt came into my brain, he is very rich, he must have seen more beautiful, smart women in his life. Then why did he select a middle class girl? Is it really because of love?

    Both Christian and Amelia are standing in front of Hudson mansion with different thoughts in mind. One is in confusion and the other person is in anger. When it was time to enter the mansion, Amelia took a step to enter but Juliana stopped her. Everyone looked confused at her.

    "Why are all of you looking at me like that? we have a tradition to bring a bride inside home, Forgot?" Juliana asked.

    Christian rolled eyes at her knowing what she was implying. So, to avoid drama he turned to Amelia in swift motion and picked her up in his arms. For a second he can feel Amelia got stilled in his arms.

    Amelia is confused when Juliana mentions tradition, but is more shocked when Christian lifts her in his arms and her hands automatically reach the hem of his shirt.

     Everyone hooted seeing the couple and they completed all the remaining rituals unknown to the storm going to take place between the couple.

   Amelia felt a lot of butterflies getting life inside her belly. He made her stand once they reached the living room. She didn't dare to look up due to teasing glances from family.

“I am so happy Sister-In-Law. You don't know how much we waited to see the bride of The great Christian Hudson” Juliana said so excitedly.

“Yes of course, We thought he won't marry ever” Donna joked, Annoyed Christian left for his room. He is not a family person. It's not like he dont like family but he dont know how to express his emotions anymore.  

“Don't misunderstand him child, He is a person with a golden heart.” Elizabeth said observing Amelia’s confusion.

“Yes, You will get to know once you see him with Chri..” Donna’s words are interrupted by a nervous Juliana.

“Actually aunty she must be tired. Let her take a rest” Juliana said, signaling Amelia to follow her.

They went to one of the guest rooms on the first floor.

“Amelia, I know you got less time to prepare for this sudden marriage. But trust me, everything we did is for your own good.” Juliana said.

     Juliana's thoughts went back to the day when she saw Amelia for the first time. It was Sunday and Daniel's birthday. She went to a nearby orphanage to donate money and clothes. Once her business completed she turned to leave. Her eyes fell on a beautiful girl playing with kids, she looked innocent and child in between them. Her smile is so contaguos. Kids looked happy with her, suddenly she picturized Christy instead of those kids. She liked the thought and decided to get to know more about her. Without wasting a minute she proceeded to talk with Amelia but unfortunately she moved out of the orphanage.

“I know, my thoughts were wrong that day but I will do anything for my brother and Christy's happiness. Forgive me Amelia” Juliana apologized to Amelia in her thoughts.

“Mrs. Juliana, Where are you lost?” Amelia said a bit loud observing Juliana immersed in deep thoughts.

“Nothing, No where. I am just thinking randomly” Juliana covered it up.

“I will leave now, you take care. I will come back after sometime.” With that Juliana left the room giving space to Amelia.

    Again her thoughts drifted back to the day she saw Amelia for the second time. It's four days after the orphanage incident. Juliana went to the church to pray for the happiness of their family. When she entered the Church she spotted Amelia inside the Church praying. Juliana observed Amelia from afar, how she talked to the priest and how is helping an old aunty to climb down Church steps. 

    For the second time, Juliana was impressed by Amelia. She somehow managed to get her details from the priest. 

   Sweat beads formed on her forehead thinking about what she did next, how she made this marriage possible. Her insides shivered thinking possibilities of Christian reaction after he gets to know about the truth. 

    Before that she is afraid of Amelia's reaction to the biggest truth kept hidden by her parents.