Chapter Three

We stared at the dozens of paparazzi that crowded the entrance of the church from the windows of the limousine.

“Wow. They weren’t capping when they said it was gonna be the biggest wedding in New York.” One of Chloe’s bridesmaid said. I think her name is Daphne.

“Who is they?.” Penelope, another bridesmaid asked.

“The news, the internet, Twitter. It’s everywhere.” Daphne said.

“Why am I so nervous? Is it normal for me to be this nervous? I’m not even the one getting married. Oh my God I think I’m freaking out.” Eva, Chloe’s best friend said. She was the only friend of Chloe’s I like.

“It’s completely normal. I’m nervous too.” I told her.

The limo was parked at a spot and how door was opened for us.

We all stepped out and began walking down the short and narrow trail that led to the entrance of the church.

One of the paps standing at the entrance turned around and immediately the rest of the swarmed around us like a bee, they were smart enough to stand by our sides and not block our path.

“You must be the bride’s sister.”

“I have a few questions for you.”

“What do you think about today’s wedding?.”

“Is it true this isn’t a love marriage.”

“Is it true the couples to be have never met each other before.”

“Is it true the only reason why the marriage is so soon is because the bride is pregnant with another man’s child.”

“Is it true the marriage is all fake.”

They kept bombarding us with questions but neither of us said a word.

We successfully got in through the entrance and we were directed to a corner where we sat and waited for the bride to arrive.

All six of us occupied a row.

From where we were, we could see all that was happening inside the church but I doubt anyone inside the church could see us.

The priest stood at the altar, talking about how beautiful marriage was.

I looked around and noticed how none of the important guests were in yet.

I sent a text to Zach asking if he was in yet.

‘On my way.’ He had replied.

We were meant to arrive at the church together but me being the maid of honor meant I had to arrive with the bridesmaids. He added that he was surely gonna make it in time before the couples exchange their vows.

Weddings were boring and I think everyone else would think the same.

One by one people started walking into the church. Starting from the groom’s grandparents and then my grandparents went in next. Even though they were over seventy, both of them could still walk on their own without any support.

My grandparents sat on the left while the groom’s grandparents took the right row.

Not up to ten minutes later, everyone turned their heads around, away from the priest standing at the altar.

A man who didn’t look a day over fifty walked down in his pristine suits. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that was the groom’s father, Samuel.

With every step he took, you could feel the significance, the power radiating of him.

I even think I heard the priest stop talking for a moment.

Even though I couldn’t see his face and was over twenty feet away from him, I could feel the intimidation that came with him.

Two guards walked a few feet in front of him, leading him to his seat.

“Wow, he really is powerful.” Daphne commented.

“And terrifying.” Eva added.

The priest continued with his sermon and all eyes were once again on him.

My mom walked in next, with her younger brother Adams, escorting her.

Minutes later the groomsmen walked in in twos. Even thought we couldn’t see their faces even though all we could see were their back view it was clear that they were gonna be good looking. The were looking so tall and radiating in their expensive tuxedos.

“I sure must go home with one of these hotties tonight.” Daphne said.

“That is a must.” Clara sighed.

They were four in total and they walked down to the right side of the altar and stood there. Soon they were joined by who I think to be the best man. All five men wore identical tuxedos and patent leathers. The only difference between the groomsmen and the best man is that the best man is wearing a bow tie whereas the groomsmen are wearing a tie. Just like how my clothe bridesmaid only differ from the bridesmaids’ in style.

Soon the groom was with them. He didn’t go in through the main entrance. Apparently he went in through a small door in front of the altar. He was in a wine colored suits while his men wore grey tuxedos. All I could see from here was how tall he was.

He was about 6ft3 tall. His face wasn’t so visible from here but I could see he no longer wore glasses like Chloe said he did when he was younger.

“The groom looks dashing.” Daphne commented. She almost sounded dreamy.

“Can you not say that about your friends husband to be.”

“It’s just a compliment besides it’s not like Chloe will mind. She clearly said she wasn’t in love with him.”

“It doesn’t matter. Just stop okay.”

“It’s our turn.” Eva said.

All five bridesmaids got on their feet and walked down the aisle, over to the left side of the altar leaving me all alone in the room.

I took a deep breath. It was my turn.

Nervously, I stepped out and walked down the aisle over to the place the bridesmaids were standing. I tried not to look around and instead focus on my legs and the steps I took.

I tried to ignore the fact that I could feel a dozen eyes on me and walked down as careful as I could without tripping over.

I let out a breath of relief as I arrived at my destination.

Even though I was now close to the groom, even though I was mad curious about what he looked like, I couldn’t bring myself to look up. I just kept staring at the ground as my heart thrashed in my chest.

I’ve always hated being around so many guys. And although I wasn’t alone, I still felt nervous especially because their delicious cologne scent wafted through my nose from where I was standing.

It was time for the most important entrance of this gathering.

Chloe’s.

Just minutes later I could see my mom and dad whispering to each other and then to the people sitting beside them. I didn’t even notice when my dad walked in.

His phone rang and he excused himself out of the church. My mom looked up and her eyes met mine. She looked really worried and that made me worried too.

“What’s wrong?.” I mouthed to her and she shook her head.

A few seconds later Matt, my dad’s PA went to my mom and whispered something in her ears. She immediately went on her feet and walked up to the altar, whispering something in the priest’s ears.

“What is happening?.” I heard someone say from behind me. I didn’t bother turning around to know who it was. I was just wondering why Chloe wasn’t here yet.

We’ve been waiting for almost ten minutes now.

My mum finished talking to the priest and he made no gesture that could give away what it was she said.

She carefully climbed down the stairs and held my wrist.

“What’s wrong?.” I was startled.

“You need to come with me now.” She said. There was no room for argument or time for explanation I just did what she said and went with her without turning back.

We didn’t leave through the main entrance, we left through a small door by the right corner just before the main door. Probably because of the paps outside.

“What’s wrong? Where’s Chloe?.” I asked as she dragged me off to lord knows where. She didn’t say anything, we just kept on walking down the narrow corridor. I asked again and she still didn’t say a word so I decided to wait till we arrive at our destination.

“Mom, where’s Chloe?.” I said the minute we got to a small barely lit room.

“She’s gone.” My fathers voice said from behind me and I turned around to face him.

“What do you mean she’s gone?.” I frowned. I didn’t understand what they were saying.

Gone where?

“She ran away Lesley. Your sister fled.”

“What! What about the wedding?. Everyone is here? She can’t do that. Have you tried calling her?.”

“Her line is dead. She left this behind.” My dad said handing out a small piece of paper.

I looked at his face, confused before collecting it from him.

I’m sorry mom and dad but I can’t do this. I know I agreed to it but I’ve thought things through, I can’t end my life like this. I can’t get married to someone I love.

I know you’re probably disappointed in me right now and I’m sorry about that but I can’t throw my life away like this. I hope that someday you are able to forgive me for this.

Love Chloe.

I was speechless. I had no words. I looked up at my parents who looked to be on the verge of breaking down. My mom eyes were welled up with tears.

“What about the contract? What about our house, your company?. Doesn’t she care about you losing all that.” I all but yelled. I knew Chloe had always been selfish I just never knew she could go this far. I never knew she could be selfish enough to not help out parents at their lowest.

“Honey.” My mom said as she held the side of my face. She didn’t say any other word but someone I understood what she met.

My eyes went wide and I shook my head.

This can’t be!.

“No no no that that can’t happen. I have a boyfriend.”

“You’re gonna have to forget about him Macy. You’re our only hope.”

“What you can’t be serious about….” I trailed off.

“Yes we are honey. You have to marry Chris Storms.”

And that was how I went from being the maid of honor to being the bride.

That was how I went from being a guest at a wedding to being the one getting married.