3

This is the man who swore off marriage? This is the man who chose me as the one he’d marry? Well, maybe marriage won’t be too bad after all. Of course, we’ll have to see about his personality and the like but looks will do good for now.

My father wraps his arm around mine and I give a genuine smile as my eyes stay focused on Anthony’s. I wonder what his voice sounds like. I wonder if he shares any interests of mine. We arrive to the altar and my hand is given to Anthony’s, his skin soft under my finger tips. I look over to my father who gives me a smile, almost asking me to forgive him.

I pause, not wanting to forgive him just yet but i give him a hug and whisper in his ear, “I love you. We’ll see about forgiveness later.”

He hugs me back,replying in a whispered tone, “I love you too.”

I break the hug and give him a smile before turning to Anthony, who meets my gaze, offering a smile. He looks to my father, nodding at him before bringing us to the altar, both of our hands now interlocked as the officiant starts to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you may now be seated,” The officiant starts, pausing as everyone takes their seats, “We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Violet Lillian Harris and Anthony Davis Daniels. Marriage is a sacred bon between two people who have chosen to commit-”

As the officiant speaks, I begin to zone out, wondering  why exactly Anthony chose me, of all people, to marry. It really doesn’t make sense. But, if Carson wants me to try, then I would, for him and him alone.

Anthony starts to speak and I am drawn in by his deep voice, “I, Anthony Davis, take you, Violet Harris, to be my wedded wife. With all my heart, I promise to cherish and respect you, to stand by you in times of joy and sorrow, and in sickness and in health. I vow to be your partner in all things, and to love you more each day as we journey through life together. Until death do us part.”

My throat feels dry as I muster up the courage to speak, hoping my voice doesn’t go up three octaves, “I, Violet Harris, take you, Anthony Davis, to be my wedded husband. With all my heart, I promise to cherish and respect you, to stand by you in times of joy and sorrow and in sickness and in health. I vow to be your partner in all things, to love you more each day as we journey through life together. Until death do us part.”

The officiant lets out a dramatic sigh as he moves to the side, “I pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride.”

Anxiety rose in my throat as Anthony comes closer to me, a slight look of hesitance on his face before he cups my face and gives me a short kiss. I didn’t even  have a chance to close my eyes before it ended but the people in their seats start to cheer and my smile slightly returns. I wonder why he didn’t give a proper kiss. My face heats up as I wonder about what would happen behind closed doors later tonight, maybe he was saving the rest for later.

Anthony turns to face the crowd and links his arm in mine and we walk back down the aisle together. It was at a slow pace and we pose for some pictures in the middle of the aisle and again toward the end. We turn to face the ceremony once again and smile, allowing the paparazzi to take the last picture of us before we exit the room. We approach an older woman who gives Anthony a strong hug.

She turns to me, her eyes seeming to beam at me, “Violet, dear, you are absolutely stunning. Anthony will do well to keep you happy.”

I give her a confused smile and look to Anthony, who gives my arm a gentle squeeze, “Violet, this is my mother, Lucy. Mom, I will do my best to make her happy. I did marry her after all.”

The two grow silent and judging by the look of their eye contact, I could tell something unspoken was going on. 

I clear my throat and throw up another smile, “It’s very nice to meet you, ma’am. It’s an honor to be a part of your family.”

Lucy looks back to me and gives me a hug, “Let me know if you need anything, dear.”

I nod and she goes away. We are left alone but Anthony still looks around before pulling me into a small area where there is no chance for any cameras to be in sight. My heart squeezes itself and I try not to let my mind wander as he steps closer to me, pinning my back against the wall.

“Violet,” He says, his tone more dominant, almost angry, “Let me make one thing clear. It was not my decision to marry you. It never was and it never will be. I was forced into this just as much as you were. I do not love you and I do not intend to start.”

My hopes and dreams immediately crash and burn, my face falling immediately. My hatred for the wedding came back and I push him away, seeing him slightly stumble gave me satisfaction.

“Anthony,” I seethe, “I agree that I did not want this wedding. And I also agree that I do not love you either and I hope that I never will. Why did you even go through with this wedding? You could have easily called it off, seeing as how your family is the one to set this up.

“You think I didn’t try?” He asks, an exasperated look on his face, “I tried every kind of way to get out of this. My father eventually threatened me to house arrest if I didn’t agree.”

I scoff, “What good would house arrest do? I’m sure that you would have managed to find a way out anyway.”

“You’re right, what about you, huh?” He steps closer, “Why didn’t you call it off?”

“Because,” I sart, trying to find the appropriate words, “Well, because I couldn’t escape quick enough. I only found out about the wedding yesterday, you know.”

He chuckles, “I’m glad we have something in common. Here’s the deal, play pretend for today and you won’t have to worry about a single thing ever again. You won’t even have to see my face either, deal?”

“Deal,” I say, almost immediately, “Actually, I don’t want you to kiss me, if asked to for the cameras, make something up. Something about respect or whatever, I don’t care.”

Anthony smiles, almost taking delight in my words, “I’m so happy that you feel the same way that I do about this. Under different circumstances, we might have even become friends.”

I glare at him, crossing my arms as I let out a dry laugh. “I highly doubt that.”

Clicking of heels is heard and Anthony quickly takes me into his arms, a smile appearing on his face as the flash of the camera is seen behind his figure.

“Pretend with me.” Anthony says between his teeth.

“Just for today.” I say, a smile masking the disgust I felt.

“Ah, young love,” A female voice squeals, “May I ask you two a few questions.”

Anthony winks before turning to face the reporter, “Of course, what would you like to know?”

“Actually, could we start with a kiss? It’d be great for the article.” The woman holds up the camera with a hopeful expression in her eyes.

My eyes flick to Anthony who has a cool expression on his face, “My Violet isn’t a fan of cameras. I would like to respect her privacy by not doing anything like that for a picture. You are, however, more than welcome to take a picture of us how we are now. The shot before only showed my back, I’m sure that you finding us here before any other reporter would be great for your article.”

“Ah,” The reporters face lights up, “Yes, you’re right actually. Hold still, maybe even act a bit surpirsed.”

Anthony chuckles and leans into me slightly as I stare up at him in shock. How did he know my hate for the papparazzi?