Chapter 12

Chapter twelve 

Emily 

Fate was on my side. On the day I was supposed to get married to Louis,  Malcom and I tied the knot in an elaborate wedding in his courtyard. We thought an elaborate wedding would be a good head turner, and yes, it served its purpose.

We transformed Malcolm's ethereal courtyard into a fairytale looking wedding rendezvous, while allowing the soft, warm light of the setting sun lit over the lush greenery.

An exquisite floral arch made of roses and eucalyptus stood facing rows of white chairs adorned with delicate silver ribbons and fresh peonies. These chairs were arranged in style on the two sides of a gold colored aisle runner.

Mercury glass holders held candles that flickered beautifully and soft music echoed from the live band perched on a raised platform at the rear of the courtyard.

Malcolm looked his best - although it was a fake weeding, in a dashing black tuxedo that caught my breath hanging in my throat as I walked in. My parents refused to walk me in, but Julian had offered. So, he and Tasha walked beside me like warriors of the queen.

I was donned in a gorgeous strapless, lace mermaid gown that accentuated my curves. Tasha picked it. When I emerged through the door and walked down the aisle, the crowd stood on their feet as my hair, styled in loose, effortless waves, danced on my back and a delicate diamond necklace sparkled on my throat. 

For a moment, I wished this had been a real wedding. I wished my joy was actually real and I didn't have to fake it. I wished that my life hadn't been a joke, then maybe I wouldn't have been forsaken by the people who meant so much to me.

Malcolm smiled as I approached with his eyes crinkling at the corners that for a moment, I thought he made it look too real. Had he forgotten that this was a camouflage?

"You look gorgeous," he whispered when I was within earshot and I repeated the same, feeling my heart teether.

For a moment, I wondered if I was doing the right thing. I hadn't really thought it over. Would I change my mind if I did? Would I have made a better decision than this?

Standing in front of the crowd, and exchanging vows with Malcolm, I had to remind myself that this wasn't the right place to ponder about what I should've done differently.

“Do you take Miss Emily McKenzie as your lawfully wedded wife?”

I figured that this wouldn't be a difficult question for Malcolm to answer. He only smiled from his eyes and replied, “I do.”

“Do you, Miss Emily McKenzie, take Malcolm Dominic as your lawfully wedded husband?”

I blinked back a river of tears, and the words got caught in my throat. I was glad that the people only mistook it for tears of joy as they clapped and cheered me on. I had no idea that it was going to be difficult at some point.

“Yes. I do.” I replied, finally freeing my vocal cord.

“Then by the powers vested on me, I declare you man and wife,” the Vatican decreed, and the crowd went wild with cheers and screams. “You may now kiss the bride.”

“Whoa! We finally get to do this.” Malcolm whispered, with a smile.

“This wasn't in the plan.” I whispered back, through gritted teeth, sensing hundreds of eyes on me and not wanting to let myself out.

“Think of this as an addendum.” He answered, pulling me into a short kiss.

It was so short that I didn't even have the time to think when it ended. For that, I was deeply appreciative. He made it so smooth that I doubt if anyone suspected a thing.

After that, we both turned to the crowd, smiling and waving our hands and acting like we were so much in love. When we weren't. I didn't even know his favorite meal or color. Again, this wasn't the right place to contemplate this, I reminded myself.

Never in my life had I dreamt of a fake wedding, who would want that for themselves? Well, the more reason I should make Louis and my family pay for this hurt. This marriage had to work, this was all I had left now. My last lifeline.

While the live band entertained us, and the crowds indulged in laughter and champagne toast, I sat alone on the swing chair by the altar looking into space. I had no idea what I was thinking about, but I knew that I was deep in thought when a voice jerked me out of my world.

"So you think you've won?" The voice was laced with so much anger and resentment.

I knew who it was even before I stirred up to look. It was Louis. I watched him stroll purposefully towards me, his eyes blazing with accusation. "You think you can use my uncle to get back at me, huh?" he whispered harshly, his voice low and menacing. 

I scoffed, wanting to act, to feel like I was in control. "Why would you think that my world revolves around you?"

"Admit it, Emily, you're only using him, aren't you? He accused, his voice even more intense.

"Oh, you don't know anything." I said with a dry laugh. I wish he knew that this was his uncle's idea, then maybe he couldn't be acting all superior.

"Yes, I do. I know that you're up to no good. But listen, Emily I'll be watching you. I hope you do not go around thinking you've won."

"And I hope you do not go around telling tales. Malcolm and I love each other."

"Oh please, cut the crap. We both know you're only there for his money and you think this can bring you and I back together."

I felt a momentarily flush, and I nearly staggered. That was true, although I hadn't admitted that to myself. There was a time I wished this could bring us back together, but not anymore so why was I still fighting?

“Is there a problem here?” The formidable voice had us both cocking our heads to look.