CHAPTER FOUR; WEDDING DAY.

Dalia's p.o.v

I have not seen Jaden since that night in the hotel. He has been sending me expensive gifts almost everyday. It is his way of making sure I don't back out before I sign the contract. 

I really shouldn't go ahead with my plan. But what if Delilah is not dead? What if she is somewhere waiting for me to save her and I cowardly back out? 

No matter how much I think of it, I keep going back and forth unsure of what to do. I guess I'll just have to wait for the wedding day and do what I feel that day. 

****************

I have been waiting for this day and dreading it at the same time. I couldn't even sleep last night. I am on my way to get some more coffee when the bell rings. 

It's Jaden. "Hey, morning," I say stepping back. "Morning," he walks in and darts his eyes quickly across the room. "It's not even six yet," I complain, walking to the couch. "Today is going to be very busy. I thought we should get this out of the way," he gets the contract and hands it over to me.

"Do you at least want some coffee?" I ask, getting my refill. "No, thank you," he sits and follows me with his eyes. 

He tries to hide it, but I can see just how desperate he wants me to sign the contract. "Is there no way to go ahead with the wedding and the marriage without the contract," I hate the idea of not having a way out of this marriage. "No," he says, with a finality in his voice. 

I had a feeling he won't agree, but what's the harm in asking? I look through the contract again, until I see him starting to get antsy. "It's not that bad," he tries convincing me. 

This might be the last thing he ever needs from me. I don't know how he will be when there's nothing more I can do for him. 

"What is making you hesitate?" he asks, playing with a pen in his hand. "The whole thing," I respond. "Specifically what?" he asks in an attempt to help me decide faster. 

"I don't know you and whether it's business or not we are going to be living together until one of us dies," I didn't know that was my main concern until I said it out loud. 

"Well I don't know you either, and if it makes you feel better I don't plan on living for long," somehow that makes me feel better. 

I reach out for the pen earning a small smile from him. I sign it quickly before I change my mind again. "There you go," I give the contract back to him. 

"See you later," he says, standing. "See you later." 

******************

I don't know who they all are, but they have dressed me, styled my hair and put my make up on. Now they are debating on which necklace and earings to put on me. 

"I like the diamond shaped like a pearl," I say. "Sshhh," it's all I get. This is the first wedding I know of that the opinion of the bride is not only undervalued but also entirely not wanted. 

There are still bustling around when I notice a middle aged man's reflection in the mirror. It takes a while for the ladies to see him. When they do they all get quiet. 

He walks in the room, his eyes entirely focused on me. 

"Hello, my dear," he says, standing behind me. "Hi," I reply sheepishly. "Do you know who I am?" "No," he looks surprised that I don't know him rather than offended. I know him. I just can't say that I do given that we haven't officially met.

"I am Jaden's father, your father-in-law to be," he has a warm smile on. Everything about him is different from his son. "Sorry we haven't met before," I say turning to look at him. "It's not your fault, it's Jaden's" I don't know what to say to that, so I just smile.

"Will you give us a moment ladies?" he turns to the ladies. They nod in agreement before rushing out. 

"He didn't even tell me he was seeing someone," he says, clearly hurt. "I am sure he was waiting for the right time," I try to comfort him. 

He gives me a sad smile. "You will be good for him, I can tell," he places his hand warmly over mine. "I'll try my best," I whisper. 

"He comes with a lot of faults but you have made it here so I am sure you're well aware that he is anything  but perfect," I nod as if I understand. 

If this man only knew that I have met his less than perect son three times, he'll be shocked. 

"Okay, let me leave you to finish getting ready," he says standing. "You are a very beautiful bride," I don't know whether it is because he is the first to tell me or that he reminds me a little bit of my deceased father but I greatly appreciate it. 

I don't think they should make the runways to the altar this long. Looking at Jaden standing there, I can barely even make out his face from the entrance. 

The venue hall is full and yet I am sure none of them are here for me. Maybe I should just trun around and run. What is the worst that could happen? I could pay a private investigator to find my sister.

These thoughts run through my mind over and over. Regardless I keep moving forward until I start seeing  his facial features. First it's his well defined jaw. 

He abruptly turns to look at me as I get closer. It is when I see his pitch black eyes. Fear takes over me for no reason.

He gets down the steps and holds out his hand which I take.I should have ran when I had the chance.

I don't know hear what the officiant is saying. I just face forward and hope I don't throw up infront of all these strangers. 

"Face each other and repeat after me," he says, grabbing my attention. 

"I, Jaden Baker take you, Dalia Shaw to be my wife. To love and to hold in sickness and in health, in richness and in poverty, to honor and revere you until death do us part," he stares me intensely as he says the words, as though he means them. 

That thought scares me and I look away. That is when I see him, the love of my life. Seated in the middle of the crowd, heart break written all over his face. Suddenly I can't breath. Everything starts getting dark and  my heart feels like its going to jump out of my chest. 

Everything and everyone starts fading and he's all I can see. He can't be here, he shouldn't be here. Why is he here?