Prologue

"Do you take Ariana Mason as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you apart?" the priest asked.

"I do," he replied curtly, looking nothing in particular as his eyes void of any emotion he was feeling.

The priest turned to the bride and asked,

"Do you take Ryan Walter as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you apart?" her heart skipped a beat before responding in a crooked voice.

"I do,"

"In the name of the Holy Spirit, I now solemnly declare you husband and wife. Let no one put asunder those that have been joined together today in the presence of almighty God. You may now kiss the bride." the priest pronounced.

She closed her eyes with a beating heart.

Her stranger husband moved to her slowly and lifted her white veil a little. He leaned his head on her right side, and Ariana waited for his cold lips on hers, but a gush of air passed through her face.

She quivered and opened her eyes to know what was delaying him, but to her surprise, she was left alone at the altar chastened.

After all, she was just a last-minute bride.