Wedding Bells

Thea stood before the full-length mirror, her reflection gleaming back at her in soft ivory silk. The maid of honour's dress hugged her curves, completely different from the oversized dress Posy had sent over to her.

She had to stop by a dressmaker's shop to resize it just so it could fit better. Posy's pettiness sure knew no bounds!

Its neckline was a sweetheart cut and the slit along her thigh daring enough to make Seth lose his mind. She tilted her head, studying herself.

She was Thea Balmero, the golden child. How could she have lived her life the way she did in the past knowing she was this intelligent and beautiful?

Seth leaned against the doorway, hands buried in the pockets of his black tuxedo. His gaze roamed over her body, his expression hooded.

Thea knew those eyes..and what those hands could do to her.

“You look… dangerous,” he said finally, a smile tugging at his lips though his voice held no humor.

Thea’s mouth curved. “Get your mind out of the gutter Mr Seth.”

He pushed off the doorframe and came to stand behind her, his reflection looming at her shoulder. He reached for her waist, pulling her in to lean her butt on his hard on.

Thea could feel him and something about the way she could make this man lose control, made her feel powerful.

“How could I? You didn't have to touch me for this to happen.” he said, his voice deep and eyes dark with need.

She didn't pull away, only leaned in closer to him, earning a groan from him.

“You'll have to get me out of this dress first..” She said,

Seth sighed, they had to be on their way to the wedding if they wanted to make it there in time. He pulls her closer, hugging her tight from behind.

“Not yet. We need to end things with Runes first. Then I'll get you out of that damned dress.”

Thea chuckled and nodded. Seth sighed, finally meeting her eyes in the mirror.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked softly. “Because once it starts, there’s no undoing it. Not for you, not for Rune, not for Posy. Are you sure about this?”

Thea met his eyes in the mirror, calm and unflinching. “I’ve never been more ready.”

~~~~

The cathedral was already thrumming with life when Thea arrived. Flashing cameras sparked along the stone steps outside, capturing guests in gowns and tailored suits. Inside, the vaulted ceilings glowed with golden light from towering chandeliers, and the scent of roses and lilies filled the air.

It was no wonder how everything in here including the venue turned out to be the same place she had booked for her wedding with Runes.

He'll, Posy's initial plan was to get married on Thea's birthday. If Runes hadn't pushed the date forward, Posy would have had her way…

Thea slipped past the crowd, the click of her heels echoing in the marble corridor. A few whispers and gasps followed her but none of it mattered. She couldn't care less. She needed to find Posy.

Thea made a turn towards the dressing room and she almost collided with Gina, who stood leaning against a pillar, arms folded, lips pressed tight.

The two women locked eyes. Gina’s distant gaze suddenly softened. She let out a breath and a small smile cracked across her face.

“You came,” Gina murmured. Thea smiled and nodded.

“You were right about her. About everything. Goodness I can't even look at her the same anymore. I can't even...”

Gina shook her head, trying to swallow her tears. Thea remained silent but her heart ached a little for Gina.

Gina straightened, nodding. “I’ve got your back. Whatever is coming for her, she deserves it..”

Thea nods. She heads straight to the dressing room, eyes scanning for her prey.

The dressing room was bright with vanity lights, laughter, and chatter. Posy sat in the center, surrounded by her bridesmaids; Yolanda, Seraphine, Yumi and Camila, alongside her makeup artists.

She glowed in a gown of white lace and silk, the very same dress Thea had once picked out for herself, back when she’d still believed in a wedding with Rune. Thea scans the dress in silence, there was really no bound to what Posy would do to prove her point, is there?

“It suits you.” Thea said and the chatter stopped almost instantly.

Posy turned at her entrance, face lighting up with performative warmth.

“Thea! You look….divine,” she gushed, furious that Thea had altered the hideous dress she had sent over to her. “The dress suits you. I’m so glad you agreed to stand with me today.”

Thea’s smile was polite, neutral. “Of course. What are sisters for?”

Posy smiled as the estate of the bridesmaids stared at Thea in utter disbelief.

“Woah, Thea. Your dress. It looks…great.” Camilia said.

“Thank you.” Thea replied.

“They allow anyone into any event these days..” Yolanda muttered in disgust.

“I could say the same for you, Yolanda.” Thea said, smiling.

“What?!” She snapped.

Thea turned to Posy. “I'll be right back. Call me if you need anything.”

Posy smiled as Thea walked away. Yolanda chuckled, clearly furious. “I hate her guts!”

“Just let her be, Yolanda. It's not okay to let someone like her ruin your day.” Posy said.

Yumi, silent all through this shurad , scans Posy's dress and overall appearance in silence.

“Thats what you're walking down the aisle in?” She asked and everyone went silent.

“Whats wrong with her dress?” Yolanda asks.

“Yeah. I mean it's beautiful, isn't it?” Seraphine chimes in.

Yumi shrugs. “If it makes you happy I guess.”

“Runes picked this dress himself.” Posy lied and Yumi's eyes went cold. “As long as he likes it, I'm okay with it too.”

Yumi clenched her fist but she remained calm regardless. “Sure…that's…all that.. matters..”

~~~~

The cathedral bells rang, calling everyone into their seats. Guests shifted into pews lined with flowers, the air alive with anticipation.

Fiona and Jay Sterling sat in the front row. For a woman whose son was getting married, she looked rather irritated.

Why in hell would Posy pick such tacky decorations for this place? Her friends were here to witness the ceremony! Fiona covers her face as though she was embarrassed.

Next to her, Jay was worried about something else. He wore a satisfied smile, fingers drumming lightly against his knee. The merger was all but sealed.

The organ began to play. Rune stood at the altar, impossibly composed in his tailored black suit, though there was something strained in the set of his jaw.

Then came Posy. She glided down the aisle, veil trailing, every inch the picture-perfect bride. Cameras flashed. The crowd sighed.

Gina couldn't even watch her, face filled with nothing but disappointment for the daughter she raised. And Adam, he was just here to keep his promise to Jay.

That Ody would marry Runes. That's it.

Thea stood in place at the front, hands folded, a smile on her face. Next to her, Yumi shifted restlessly, her lips pressed thin. And behind Yumi stood Yolanda, Seraphine and Camilia.

Thea smirks and leaned closer to Yumi, her voice a whisper meant for only Yumi’s ears.

“They look perfect together, don’t they? Rune and Posy. Like they were made for each other.”

Yumi stiffened, eyes flashing, but said nothing. Her nails dug into her bouquet stems.

Thea smirked.

Soon, the vows were exchanged. Rune’s voice was steady, saying the vows and avoiding the gaze of the woman standing in his line of sight…Yumi.

Posy also repeated the vows and Fiona’s jaw clenched with every word. She couldn't believe that classless girl was getting married into their family.

When Rune slipped the ring onto Posy’s finger and kissed her, the cathedral erupted in applause. The couple walked down the aisle together, hand in hand, showered in petals and cheers.

Beside the exit, Thea’s eyes caught Yumi's. She was fuming! She decided to do more damage, enjoying this more than she ought to.

“I heard their honeymoon is in the Maldives! Romantic place to have a baby, I tell you.” Thea said, clapping and cheering even louder.

Yumi fumed, her expression slipping at Thea's words..

Thea’s lips curved, though her eyes never left the couple. She's so going to enjoy this!

~~~~~

The after-party was lovely! Yeah, because it was also Thea's idea. At this point, Posy must have never had an original idea of her own!

A ballroom lit with crystal chandeliers, champagne flowing freely, a string quartet playing in the corner. Guests mingled in silks and tuxedos, laughter and gossip buzzing through the air.

Posy floated from guest to guest, her smile bright, her voice as sweet as ever. Rune stayed near the bar, his glass never empty. He drank fast, jaw tight, eyes shadowed.

He didn't want to be here! His eyes finally caught Thea in the crowd. What the hell is she doing here? He had noticed her at the altar before but couldn't ask the questions brewing in his mind.

That witch ruined his life! And now he's stuck with her dumbest sister!

Runes walks towards Thea only to freeze mid way as Seth comes out from nowhere, standing right next to Thea. His gaze roamed the room and finally landed on Rubes.

Runes froze, the memory of Seth's blow echoed in his head. He excused himself, muttering something about the restroom.

All the way to the restroom, Runes kept glancing over his shoulder, terrified. Seth could come after him, who fucking knows?!

Runes heads to the male restroom, turning on the tap as though the rushing sound would clear his head.

“And I thought you were enjoying yourself.”

Runes' head snapped up, it was Yumi.

He didn’t expect to find Yumi there. Or maybe he did. She leaned against the marble sink, her emerald gown clinging to her body like a second skin. Their eyes met, heat sparking in the silence.

She didn’t speak. Neither did he.

“Looks like you're not having fun..” she muttered.

In two strides he was on her, mouth crashing against hers, desperate, rough. She kissed him back, nails raking his shirt, pulling him closer until his body pressed hard to hers. Their breaths mingled, ragged and hungry.

“Rune,” she gasped when he broke away just long enough to trail kisses down her throat.

“Fuck, I can’t stop,” he muttered against her skin. His hands slid lower, gripping her like he owned her.

The bathroom door clicked shut behind them, their secret sealed, at least, for now.

Back in the ballroom, heads were starting to turn as Thea glided around the room like she owned the place.Seth was nowhere in sight, he needed to meet up with Arian to collect a few things..

“Isn’t it odd? Thea as maid of honour? After everything between them?”

“Too kind of Posy, if you ask me. Letting a woman who’s maltreated her stand beside her on her big day?”

Posy smirked, just as she wanted.

“She cheated on Runes Sterling right? And then lied that the man in the video was her husband! Unbelievable..”

“She's so cheap I tell you! Cheap!”

Thea turned her head slowly toward the cluster of gossiping guests, her lips curling. Enough.

She stepped forward, her voice cutting through the chatter. “Funny, isn’t it?” she said loudly enough for all nearby to hear. “How everyone thinks Posy’s kindness is what put me here today.”

Heads turned. A hush fell.

The guest chuckled. “Is it not? Why would you be here if she isn't a kind and sweet soul who wanted you here even after your disgrace.”

A few guests chuckled. “We all saw the video before it got taken down, you know?”

Thea smirked. “I'm glad you did.”

Whispers. What the hell did she mean by that? Posy's smile faltered. Did Thea just admit it all?

Thea turns to everyone. “That video is proof of Posy's crime towards me that night.”

Posy, across the room, froze mid-conversation. “Thea,” she said sweetly, her voice edged with warning.

She hurried towards her, gritting her teeth. “Shut your mouth or I'll have security throw you out!” She threatened.

Thea smirked and shoved Posy aside. “I'll show you proof that Posy Balmero is not who you think she is. But first, can we stream from our dearest one, Runes Sterling..”

“What are you even saying?! You've been humiliated enough, you should spare yourself all this drama! It's unnecessary!”

Thea’s eyes glittered. “Oh, it is. Today, everyone should know exactly who you are, Posy. What you’ve done. How you’ve ruined lives with that pretty little smile of yours.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Posy clutched her bouquet tighter, her voice trembling just enough to appear fragile. “Why would you say something so cruel? On my wedding day?”

Thea laughed and whispered. “Because you’ve been playing the victim your whole life. And I’m done letting you.”

A screen flickered to life at the far end of the hall, stretching the length of the room. At first, it was static.

Then….video.

Rune. Yumi. Locked together in the bathroom, kissing like they’d devour each other. Clothes tugged, breaths ragged.

The ballroom erupted in chaos.

“Oh my God…”

“Is that…Rune Sterling?”

“And Yumi? What is this?!”

Posy’s face drained of all color, her mouth opening but no words forming as she watched the video on display..

Onscreen, Rune groaned against Yumi’s ear. His voice, raw, unfiltered, carried through the speakers:

“Goodness, you're so wet. Better than Posy’s has eve been.”

The crowd gasped in unison. Some covered their mouths. Others muttered furiously.

Posy dropped her bouquet.

What. The. Hell.