Chapter 3

ZACK'S POV

What had come over me? Why had I even decided to go through with this crazy marriage plan? I paced round the room the morning of our wedding. My parents were Catholics, and they demanded that we have a real, church wedding ceremony.

Something I had urged against. It was enough that we got married legally, we did not have to spend so much money on an actual wedding.

I lit a shisha pen and puffed out a cloud of smoke. I had been staring out the window for a really long time.

There were some really beautiful young ladies walking in and out of our front yard. I admired them all. A smile played on my lips as I took in the generosity of their exposed skins and cleavages.

Then, I saw her! And my mood immediately went sour. How and when I had come to detest the sight of her, and even the thought of her, I had no idea.

This whole marriage was a sham! She was just trying to pull me along for money! Yet, she did not even have the guts to admit it! She was just a sad gold digger! But that was not even the problem! 

She did not care about me at all. She should have refused this marriage but she didn't!

I knew that this was all just a business proposition between our families, but she had gone and played along with it, instead of holding on to her dignity.

I angrily tossed the shisha pen aside and grabbed the suit jacket which hung on the back of a chair and walked out of the room.

In a matter of minutes, I met her downstairs. She was busy barking orders at the decorators. She stood in her dressing robe, unashamed about her clothes and hair.

I wanted to despise her guts, but how did you hate a woman who managed to look so damn beautiful with just her robes on and no make up.

The car carrying more decorations parked in front of her and she walked over to the trunk and pulled out what I suspected was her wedding dress. It was how calm, casual and collected she was in spite of knowing that she was about to enter into a marriage she would regret for the rest of her life.

I lit a real cigarette this time and sucked it in. I waited for her to approach the doorway with her dress before puffing out the cloud of smoke from both my lungs and mouth.

The irritation on Leena's face gave me all the satisfaction in the world. She had no idea how much I loathe her for stealing from me.

I had everything planned out for the miserable married life she was going to lead, and by the time I was done with her, she was going to beg to get a divorce from me.

"What the hell do you think you are doing? Guests will be arriving any minute, do you really want them to see you smoking outside?" She asked me.

I clenched my jaw and blew another cloud of smoke in her face. She began to cough, slowly and then seriously.

"What... What the hell is wrong with you, Zack?? Put that away! Put that away now!" Karina, my older sister scolded me.

"What is the fuss about anyway? It is just a smoke. " I said to her and turned and walked away.

I heard Leena still cough as I left.

The garden was full to the entrance. I stood on the wedding dias waiting to seal the deal with the evil woman I had once called my friend.

The music started and that was the sign that she was about to actually take this step.

She walked down the aisle, holding a bouquet of flowers. The white dress she wore was tightly fitted and clung to her body in the most sensuous way.

I felt like throwing a feat of rage. I wanted a drink, alcohol, no rocks, just hot, bitter and painful. I thought I had drank enough of it, but I hadn't. I still loathed her. Inspite of the fact that some men would have found her extremely beautiful in that moment, I despised her dearly.

Leena stood in front of me, her gaze strained on the ground. I stiffled a sarcastic chuckle. This was a sinister moment for me and I was not going to let her get away with ruining my life.

The Priest read out the vows, one which I had not written myself, but had my best man, Fred write out for me.

Her vows were equally read out to her. Ha! The useless woman had not even bothered to sound bitter. She just went out to the points, playing the part just like she had planned it. In order to sell out completely.

"You are a man of honour, funny and kind... Inspite of everything we have been through together and will be through, I hope that our years of friendship, will keep us strong and I believe that our bond will continue to grow."

Leena's words were as callous as the expression on her face, but what did I care! She could fool the world, but she could not fool me.

"I now Pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." 

I lifted up the veil which had covered her face as the crowd shouted, "kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!"

I looked down at her. Her eyes remained cast down, even though her chin was held up with pride. What arrogance!

I leaned towards her and nibbled on her ear lobe. I felt her startle in my hands.

"Don't be scared, Leena. You are about to find out what hell really looks like, and I will make sure that I show you every corner of it in this marriage. If I'm not happy, then you won't be either." I whispered to her.

As my words hit her ear drums, she froze. I seized that opportunity, and planted a stiff yet intense kiss on her forehead.