Theo

I got down first and fastened my suit jacket. The entirety of this wedding would be a success only if I got the expression I wanted from my wife.

My wife.

I was watching her from the moment she stepped out of the car, she was distracted from the view, adjusting her train and eventually pulling off her veil from her bun.

All through the ceremony Mira hadn't been at peace with the dress, earlier at the snack bar I noticed the red patch on her neck, she kept touching the lace around her neck, yanking at it and rubbing against the lace on her sleeves.

She wasn't wearing the dress on her P*******t board, the one with a calmer silhouette and a slight lavender hue you could almost miss in the dark, she preferred that over a ball dress in her sister's more extravagant style but there was no other way to have kept this from her if the dress was changed last minute. The two ladies were sisters as far as sisters could go but their preferences were worlds apart.

I was determined to make up for it with the venue.

Mira gasped, finally looking up at the building looming over us. The rustique Meridian stood tall, white and impeccable. It was the dream of every artist and enthusiast.

She blinked between me and the venue, her jaw hung loose, her eyes blinking incessantly, her hand still held on to the car door.

I came up beside her, offering her my arm. “You like it?”

She looked away from the high building and settled on me. “What… what is going on Theo.”

I took her hand in mine and led her into the reception venue but she peeled her hand away from mine.

“Theo I didn't see this in the plan. Selena's reception venue is on the other side of the city, the reception venue is already decorated. Her venue is at Paloma. What are we doing here?”

That wasn't the tone I expected but I could still salvage this. There was no other option.

“That was Selena's choice Mira. This is your choice. Your dream.”

She drew back, again. Her eyes glistened.

“How would you know that? You are supposed to be worried about your wife, Selena. You do not even care that my sister disappeared. No one is bothered in the least that my sister could've run into some danger.”

“You are my wife. Now please, let's go in. I can't wait to see your reaction once you're inside.”

“I won't until you explain what the hell is going on and why the hell we're at Meridia. This is a museum of the oldest art, this wasn't the venue I made plans for and I refuse to let you keep stringing me along.”

God. She just won't drop it. She kept stepping away from me and I hated it. I hated that she was running from me.

Earlier I had spoken harshly to her and I wanted to die doing it, her expression, the way she shrunk, I hated it and especially when I made her do it but I just wanted her to go with the flow, I had plans to explain things to her.

The only way to get her to comply was to keep her frightened and I was a douchebag for it but being with her mattered more. I'd fix it later.

I drew close to her, close enough I heard her gasp, her chest grazed my jacket.

God. She had a scent I had never gotten enough of.

“Don't make me repeat myself Mirabella. Take my arm and walk in with me.” I whispered

She looked up at my face, her lips quivered as they normally did when she was holding back.

I pointed a glance to the entrance. “Shall we?”

The cars of our guest lined up behind us waiting for the valet to take their cars. We held up the line and rightfully so.

Mira curled her arms around my arm to the best of her capabilities, tighter than a lover would.

Yes I got what I've always dreamed of every passing day, marrying her but in the span of four hours I had somehow seen hate in her eyes that I had never seen before.

The grand doors were opened up for us and I watched her every expression, if she was surprised or happy she didn't show it.

The cool air of the common room embraced us, the smell of old paints and mildly scented flowers from the decorations offered a homey yet rich ambience. This time I made sure to get rid of the peonies and replaced them with daisies.

I was pleased with the decorations but there was no telling if she was. I couldn't decipher what the quiver that ran through her body meant.

“Sweetie, are you okay?”

She tore her eyes away from an original Antoinette painting hanging on the wall.

“You did all of this?”

The quiver again in her voice. I couldn't place it, couldn't read it and it was driving me mad.

“I'm glad you like it.” I said as I placed a kiss on the back of her hand.

Mirabella jerked her hand away at the same time The Wests approached us. Friends of my parents.

I pulled her closer to me. “Behave.” I whispered and put on a smile.

“Oh what a wonderful bride you are!” Mr.

I urged her to respond with a little squeeze.

She gave a faint smile.

I smiled apologetically at the couple who already had a question in their gaze.

“My wife is far exerted, and she's shy. Once she's changed she'll be more receptive.”

I hoped it was enough to appease them. The last thing either of us wants is for talks to start. Talk was like fire, it spread rapidly and if people start talking I'd lose her and with no other option, ruin her father.

“My wife on our wedding day was exactly like your wife…?” Mr. West asked trailing off.

“Mirabella.”

“Mirabella. She's a beautiful bride.”

Another faint smile. “You're both so kind with your words. Thank you.”

Her fingers began brushing against the lace resting on her neck again. Her breaths had picked up abnormally and she looked pale.

I clapped Mr. West's back and kissed his wife's hand. “We'll be right back to you once the reception starts.” And steered us away to the East Wing which was role playing as our changing room.

My phone pinged and I fished out my phone from my breast pocket.

The screen lit up with a message.

“We have just gotten married.”

I let out a slow steady breath I didn't even know I was holding as a smile crept on to my lips.

That was the news that kept me on edge.

I was going to enjoy the reception better.