Chapter 13

After the whole conversation ended, I retreated to my room with a new found confidence and settled heart. I had nothing to be afraid of.

It was strange but I had a bit of closure. It wasn’t a mistake that I was here even though my father hadn’t planned it.

Adrian had wanted me, not Emily and the realization settled sweetly in my mind. The way he assured me, made sure that I knew without a hint of doubt, that I wasn’t a mistake, was the best part.

With a small satisfied smile, I move on to prepare for the day. The D-day where I got married to a stranger who had suddenly become closer than even my own family.

Within a few minutes, I was ready. I’d taken a nice shower, humming along as the water cooled down my pent up nerves. I’d never felt this much peace and inner calm.

I was staring at the wedding dress that hung in the rail, thinking about how this was now my reality. I came here thinking it’s be yet another gilded cage.

Another place where my silence would be all I had to give. But as things were tuning out, I had the best luck.

My fiancé was a psychopath but he adored me. I hadn’t thought too deeply about it but it stayed heavy in my mind, the realization of how I’d felt meeting him.

Aside from his handsome face, I never felt any kind of fear or worry that he would hurt me. Maybe it could be owed to how animate and smiling he hooked for the first time.

I realised with a smile that although this was not my planned life path, this might be a path that’s lead me to my much anticipated freedom.

I quickly get dressed. My dress still as beautiful as the first time I saw it yesterday. I adorned myself, doing my make up lightly. I’m glad Adrian knew not to get me a make up artist.

But now I wonder if it was even for me, I didn’t think he would be even want me to wear make up.

Pleased with how I looked in the mirror, I sat back down at my vanity, waiting and bidding my time for when the wedding would eventually start.

Walking down the aisle, I take note of the few guests who had been invited. I had no idea who half of them were, the only familiar faces being that of my father and mother. Even my siblings were not present.

I wasn’t betting on it. Emily couldn’t be here especially since she was the major reason I was here and he was probably halfway through the country.

Ignoring the relentless warning bells ringing in my head, I turned to the man standing before me at the altar. He was striking—painfully handsome in a way that made it hard to reconcile him with the rumors that clung to his name.

He pulled my veil up, his face bright and eager as he stared at me like I was the next best thing. I could only stare at the top of his head. His gaze was too intense.

Before I could even blink, a featherlight kiss landed on my forehead. The sensation was electric and fiery, flusters erupted in my belly immediately. My eyes darted to meet his gazing at me with longing of one who had waited years.

The officiant started with his procession. We both exchanged vows with his more eager than mine.

The rings arrived and we exchanged the rings , the one he had given me yesterday now presented again along with the official wedding band of similar structure and design.

As much as I wanted to avoid admitting, the ring looked beautiful and exquisite. Almost like it carried the adoration and glimmer that surfaced in the eyes of Adrian himself.

We were nearing the part where we had to kiss and I grew increasingly nervous, sweat clinging to the back of my neck in anxious anticipation.

“And now before we join these two in holy matrimony,” the officiant continued, “ if there be anyone present who knows of any lawful reason why this couple should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Adrian turned at that to glare at the officiant who swallows immediately, “Okay.. uhm… So now you may….”

“I object.”