Chapter 3.

Celine's POV

The ride to the church was silent. I was nervous; so nervous that I couldn't sit still. My heart was pounding in nerves as I realize that after today, I would become Mrs Celine Carter. I should be excited because my dreams were coming true, but I just couldn't find it in me to be excited; not when I know that my husband to be is against our marriage.

The car suddenly came to a halt, pulling me out of my thoughts. My heart was pounding hard in fear and nerves. I was afraid that Abel might change his mind at the last minute and leave me hanging at the altar.

I don't know if I would be able to take such humiliation.

I looked out the car window and realize that we weren't at the church yet. But why did Jerry stop?

"Jerry, is everything okay?"

"There seems to be an accident ahead, ma'am. Please stay here, I'll go check it out", he climbed out of the car, leaving me in a panic.

The thought of an accident brought back painful memories of my family's death. What if the person involved in the accident is in need of help?

The memories of my sister with her eyes closed got me rushing out of the car. I couldn't save her, but maybe I can help the victims.

I climbed out of the car and, truthfully, there was a car there that had crashed into a tree. There was no one in sight except my driver, Jerry, who stood inspecting the car and making a call.

I moved closer and my movement must have called Jerry's attention because he suddenly looked towards me. He ended the call and walked towards me. "Ma'am you should stay in the car. I have already called an ambulance."

I was barely listening to him because someone called my attention. The little boy in the back seat bleeding from the head reminded me of a scene I wish to forget.

I subconsciously pulled my arms away from Jerry's gentle hold. I hadn't even realized he was holding me.

My legs moved on their own accord towards the back seat of the wrecked car. Tears were pouring down my eyes as I no longer saw the little boy; I saw Lauren's lifeless body with blood oozing from her injured head. The wedding gown was uncomfortable to run in and the heels I wore made it all the more difficult, but eventually I reached the car and tugged open the door.

I pulled the little boy out, but he was kind of heavy and Jerry must have noticed my struggle because he rushed forward to help.

We successfully pulled the unconscious little boy out and placed him in the back seat of my car and Jerry also helped the unconscious driver out and helped him into the back seat.

If anyone saw us now it would be weird. A woman in a wedding dress trying to save a little boy when she should be on her way to her wedding.

But I didn't care about my wedding at the moment. I just had to save this boy even though I had absolutely no idea who he was.

****

I was pacing in the waiting room waiting for the doctor who had been with the little boy in the emergency ward for over an hour now.

I didn't want him to die. I really don't know how I would feel if he died.

Everyone around kept giving me strange looks. Probably because I'm in a wedding dress, but I ignored them all and waited anxiously for the doctor.

Finally, he came out of the emergency ward and the smile on his face gave me a bit of relief.

"They are both okay" he told me even before I could ask. A wave of relief wash over me, causing my knees to weaken, and I sank into a chair.

Thank God

"Although he lost a lot of blood and if he had been brought here earlier, I'm afraid we would have lost him"

I was relieved that I didn't waste any time waiting for an ambulance. God knows what would have happened if any more time had been wasted.

"If I may ask, are you related to the little boy" the doctor asked curiously, but the warm smile didn't leave his face.

I suddenly became uneasy at his question. It seems like I acted relieved for a complete stranger "um... N- no doctor. I just..."

"It's okay ma'am, you don't have to explain anything to me. I'm just surprised that you care so much about someone you barely know. It shows you're a good person and your husband is lucky to have you."

I gave him a grateful smile at his words. If only he knew how unlucky Abel really was.

But wait, how did the doctor know about my wedding?

I was confused, but the confusion died away when I realize I was still in my wedding dress.

"Oh my God, the wedding!" I exclaimed and quickly thanked the confused doctor before rushing out.

In my haste, I bumped into some women who were also rushing in but apologize quickly without even glancing at them.

Jerry, who stood beside the car, saw me rushing forward, and he quickly opened the back door and I jumped in without a word.

Soon we were on our way back to church and i only hope Abel hasn't misunderstood my delay and called off the wedding.

***

By the time I got there, I was already in a mess. My neatly made hair was now hanging in many different directions and my dress was a mess.

Thankfully, the wedding hadn't been called off and everyone looked relieved that I had finally showed up.

Well, except the groom.

Abel stood at the altar dressed in a fitting tux and his caramel hair was neatly combed back. He looked so gorgeous, and I couldn't take my eyes away from him.

But there was one thing missing though.

His smile.

My Dad walked me down the aisle without saying a word to me. The wedding was so stiff and formal; nothing like the ones I'd always dreamed of.

Abel didn't even crack a smile as my Dad handed me over to him at the alter neither did he say a word, and by the continuous clenching of his jaw, I could tell he wasn't happy that I showed up.

We said our vows and when Abel was told to kiss me, he only gave me a small peck at the corner of my lips, and I was disappointed, no doubt.

At the after party, Abel left after our first dance and Angela approached me with a glass of champagne in her hands. "Hey C. Congratulations. You're finally a married woman", she hugged me.

"Thank you" I said, and she released the hug, smiling down at me.

"Just know that I'll always be here if you need me"

I nodded, knowing what she meant, and she sighed "and I wanted to apologize for how I spoke to you earlier. Its just I really want to forget about Selena and you just keep bringing her up and..."

"It's okay Angel, I understand. I know it hurts you to be reminded of her. I promise I won't bring her up ever again"

She sighed in relief and hugged me again. "Thanks a lot C; I don't know what I would have done without you."

We went on talking for a few more minutes before she apologized once again and left. She still has to return to London immediately.

Angela is usually always busy, and I appreciate her effort at making time for my wedding. She arrived five days ago to visit, and those days were the best. I finally had someone to talk to after a long time.

She was supposed to return today but stayed anyway because she wanted to be a part of this important day in my life.

I'm so blessed to have a friend like her.

Only when Angle left did I realize I was utterly alone in this party. Abel left after our first dance and hasn't return since then. Mr Carter was talking with a group of businessmen as they laughed and clicked glasses.

My parent were also surrounded by family members and close friends and I knew not to join them because they didn't consider me as part of the family.

The only ones missing are my older siblings, Austin and Sammy. Thinking back about it, Sammy wasn't even present at church. It seems like she found the day unimportant and I won't blame her.

We used to be so close the first time the Grayson brought me to their mansion thinking I was their daughter, but after the DNA test confirmed my grandmother's words, she hated me more than anyone else.

I looked away from the happy crowd. Everyone was surrounded by friends and loved ones. It was kind of funny that I am the bride, and yet I am alone in my own party. My groom was nowhere to be found and no one even bothered to question it.

I sighed sadly and took a sip of the champagne before me. Maybe it would be better if I stopped thinking about all this. One day things will get better.

"May I have a dance with the bride?" A hand suddenly strengthened itself before me and I stared at it before staring up at the owner in shock.

Cool blue eyes stared back at my bright blue ones. Standing before me was Lucas Baldwin; best friend to my husband and ex-boyfriend of my missing friend.

He had a warm smile on his face that made me smile back at him. "Why not?" I took his hand shyly, and he led me to the dance floor. He had no idea how relieved I was that he approached me.

Lucas is a good person, although I didn't like what he did to my friend in the past. But it was all in the past and I know he regrets his actions.

We moved slowly to the rhyme of the music, and he stared straight at me with those blue eyes of his. I remember when those same eyes always lit up in happiness at the sight of Selena, but now it is filled with sadness and regret. I miss Selena very much. She was a kind, gentle soul. The one who believes in fairy tale just like me. The voice of reason among the three of us.

Although young, she was very wise. Always speaking and thinking like an adult, even when she was far from one.

I miss the beautiful relationship she shared with Lucas. It gave me hope that maybe my mum wasn't wrong and everyone had their own prince charming. But one stupid mistake ruined it all.

"You look beautiful, Celine," he began, after a moment of silence. By his tone of voice, I could tell he was nervous, and I knew why.

After what he did to my friend, I hated him for it, but my hate for him didn't last long because I understood his fear at that time. He was young and scared and I of all people would not judge him for it.

"Thank you"

"Abel is very lucky to have you" he continued, "if only he could just wake up and see you properly."

I smiled at his kind words, knowing fully well that it probably wouldn't happen, but I could only hope that someday Abel would realize how madly in love I was with him.

"Selena would be happy if she was here today" he went on sadly. "She had always wanted to be the maid of honor at your wedding."

I smiled at the memory of Selena always teasing me that she would be my maid of honor and the godmother to my children, but now she isn't even here to share this day with me.

I looked at Lucas who now had a distant look on his face. Probably relieving sad memories and his eyes were glazed like he wanted to cry. "You miss her" I stated.

"So much. I wish I could go back in time and change the past. I wish I could undo what I did to Lena"

"We all make mistakes, Lucas, and I'm glad you learned from yours. All that is left now is to find Lena and make things right."

"I'm trying, but it's like she vanished from the surface of the earth. The private investigators I hired couldn't find her and even her parents couldn't find her and it's seriously scaring me."

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Lucas" I told him softly, "she's still out there and you will find her. I know you will."

He nodded slowly and smiled "I don't know how you do it Celine. I don't know how you forgive so easily, and I definitely don't know why anyone would want to hurt someone like you". For a moment, he glanced at my parents like he knew something but quickly turned back to me "But I know you're a real gem and a good person with an amazing heart. My best friend doesn't deserve you"

His compliments almost made me cry. He had no idea of all what I had done to my real family and the Graysons. He had no idea how I caused the death of my parents and my older sister. If he did, he wouldn't think that.

Everyone keeps telling me that Abel was lucky to have me, and he doesn't deserve me, but I'm thinking the opposite. I'm the one who doesn't deserve a man like Abel.

After the dance with Lucas, I decided to go search for Abel, so we could leave for the Carters' mansion.

The mansion was a wedding gift given to us by Mr Carter because he was leaving for England tonight and won't be returning for a year.

I had absolutely no idea where Abel would be, but nevertheless, I went in search for him. He had missed half the party, and I was beginning to get worried.

My search brought me to the men's restroom and as I got closer, I began to hear voices behind the closed doors of the restroom; one of which I recognize as Abel's.

"Tay, please listen to me", Abel pleaded desperately.

Did he mean Taylor, his girlfriend? I mean ex-girlfriend. What was she doing here? She was supposed to be in Hong Kong.

"No Abel. I'm fed up with listening to your bull shit. You f****** got married today and didn't even have the decency to break up with me first", Taylor's angry voice yelled, causing me to flinch at the harshness in it.

"Please calm down and listen to me. It wasn't my idea; it was dad's and I couldn't just refuse him. You know how much I..."

"Don't f****** give me that bullshit Abel, you could have easily refused your dad. You're old enough to make your own decisions yet, like a child, you gave in to his ridiculous plan."

"Tay please..."

"YOU F****** GOT MARRIED TO CELINE GRAYSON" she screamed, cutting him off. "of all the girls in the world it had to be that bitch I hate the most"

"Tay, you know I hate her too" I tried not to be affected by their words, but it, stung. Why did they hate me so much? I have never done anything to deserve their hate "but I couldn't defy my dad", Abel continued.

"Whatever Abel, I don't care anymore. It's over between us; we're done, and I don't want to see your f****** face ever again"

The sound of her heels against the tile floor alerted me and I quickly hid away as they exited the restroom with an angry Taylor marching away and a pleading Abel after her.

Should I be happy or sad about what happened? I don't know if what happened was good or bad. This won't change Abel's hatred for me.

In fact, I think it would only make things worse.