Chapter Four

The large double doors were opened, the priest came into view and asked every to stand. It was the bride's turn, my turn.

All eyes turned on me.  The flower girl lined the path with white rose petals as the music started.

My heart pounded hard in my chest. This wasn't really happening? Was it? It felt so surreal. I was only eighteen and I was getting married, an impromptu marriage for me. This wasn't how I imagined my wedding day. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I was supposed to be happy, I was supposed to be smiling. But I wasn't, there was no emotion in me. I didn't have the strength. I didn't want this, but I have to do it. I couldn't be like Chloe, I had to save my parents and their empire. I could only imagine what would happen when the veil covering my face gets lifted. I could only imagine everyone's reaction when they realize I'm not Chloe.

Zach, my boyfriend. He was here. The love of my life was going to watch me get married to another man. How would he feel? What would he think of me? Would he hate?

Hundred of questions loomed over me, clouding my mind.

I took two steps and tripped on my feet but luckily, my father had taken a hold of my hand, preventing me from colliding with the floor. He held my hand and squeezed it tightly twice. I understood him, I knew what he was trying to say. He was thankful, appreciative. His favorite daughter had turned her back on him and I Lesley was all he had left. I couldn't watch all he worked hard to acquire for years crumble.

But my life, is this me throwing my life away? Does this mean I will no longer get to live my life as I please?

He escorted me down the aisle, which seemed longer than it looked. He became my strength; without him holding my hand I would have fainted. This whole thing was overwhelming.

The guests looked at me, taking pictures of my dress, waving at me, smiling.They must have thought I was Chloe. But they can't be fooled for long, I can't fool everyone for long. 

I looked up an I saw him, Chris. My sister's husband to be, that had was now about to be my husband. He stood tall, his shoulders back and his eyes on me. If I wasn't mistaken I could have sworn he looked nervous.

He thinks I'm Chloe, everyone does. Am I making the right decision here? Doing this, is it really the right thing? Would this ever mean anything? Would if come back to hunt me in the nearest future?

Questions upon questions filled my head. I couldn't gather my thoughts. It was hard to when my mind was all over the place.

As we got closer to him, my heart pounded even harder I feared it might jump right out of my chest.

Can I do this? I asked myself over and over again. I was terrified.

Just like all things in life, to my despair the long walk came to an end.

Through the veil covering my face, my eyes met with Chris'.

Is this him? Is this the man I'm to marry? Or was this his best man? I was puzzled

But, the best man isn't supposed to stand at the altar right? Right?

This couldn't be the Chris Chloe talked about at dinner. It couldn't be. All she said about him, her description, nothing seemed to fit. He was the complete opposite of who she described.

I've always thought my boyfriend good looking and I'm crazy attracted to him but I could easily say that this man standing right before me is the most beautiful man I had ever set my eyes on.

He would have seen the confusion on my face had I not been wearing a veil over my face.

How could Chloe call such gorgeous looking man ugly? Or perhaps she was confusing him for someone else. Did her memory of him get distorted and she just talked about what she remembered?

At the end of the aisle my father hugged me and said in my ear. "Words can explain how grateful I am of you Lesley. You are a blessing in our life." and then he presented me to my groom. His hand was so warm and inviting. My father placed my hand in Chris's and smiled. As a couple, Chris and I stood in front of the priest.

Before my father walked away, he patted Chris on the shoulder. That was his way of welcoming him into the family. Standing so close to someone with insanely good looks as him was overwhelming

"Hi." He mouthed with a small grin on his mouth.

His teeth, I had never seen such perfect dentition in my life.

Chloe had said he had a bucked teeth, while I understand that he could have easily paid to have the best set of teeth, what about his face? How did he get so handsome? Did he get plastic surgery?

"You can now be seated". The priest said and everyone complied. "Dearly beloved," he began, "we are gathered here to witness this man and woman join together in holy matrimony."

He said the speech and afterward we proceeded to exchange vows.

"Chris Storms," The priest started. Chris was staring at me. He looked so nervous, I could have sworn he looked even more nervous than I did. "Do you take Chloe McArthur to be your lawfully wedded wife. Do you promise to her, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to her in all things until death alone do you apart?."

"Yes, I do." He said with shaky breath.

"Chloe McArthur." The priest called and my heart dropped in my chest. This was a sham. I'm not Chloe, I'm Lesley, I wanted to saw out loud but I couldn't. "Do you take Chris Storms to be your lawfully wedded husband . Do you promise to him, to honor and sustain him, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to him in all things until death alone do you apart?."

I couldn't speak. I could see the panic in Chris's eyes. I can't. I can't say the answer he and everyone wants to here. I wasn't the one , I wasn't his wife. My eyes were welled up in tears. I was going to deceive everyone in the house of the lord. This wasn't me. I must have taken an awful amount of time because the audience were now mumbling.

I turned to the side and caught sight of my dad's eyes. I could see the fear in his eyes.

"I repeat." The priest started again. "Chloe McArthur, you take Chris Storms to be your lawfully wedded husband. Do you promise to him, to honor and sustain him, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to him in all things until death alone do you apart?."

My hands were trembling.  I was starting to find it hard to breathe.

"I-I." I stuttered. It was hard to get the words out. I looked at the audience and made eye contact with Zach, my boyfriend. I can't believe this was happening? How don't wanna know how he would react when he find out it had been his girlfriend at the altar and not her sister.

"Ms. Chloe." The priest said, calling my attention back to the ceremony.

I shut my eyes close and said the word everyone wanted to hear. "Yes, yes I do."

The ring bearer came forward and presented the rings. With shaky fingersI placed Chris's ring on first, then he placed on mine.

The priest nodded and asked, "If anyone objects to the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace".

As assumed, no one said a word.  "With the power invested in me by the State of New York I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Chris lifted my veil all and I sucked in a breath.

He was gonna know, he was gonna find out im not Chloe.

I was panicking.

He stared at me for the longest period and a smile broke free on his face.

He leaned in and kissed me, softly like no one has ever done before. Something from within welled up inside me. Everyone cheered for us, however I barely noticed; my full attention rested on my now tingling lips.