Chapter 21BIANCA'S POVOn hearing the doorbell ding, I rose at a measured yet swift pace to put on my dress. “Are you expecting anyone?” She asked, her brows pulling in together. “No, not really,” I replied, searching my mind as I hastily got dressed. The only person I was expecting was David, who was on his way. If he arrived, he’d call and head straight to the rooftop; he wouldn’t come to the suite since I didn’t mention staying here to him. Nina shrugged. Seconds later, I heard the door open. Then a little scream. “It’s the delivery guy! There’s a package for you. Want me to sign on your behalf?” “Delivery?” My face scrunched up. I don’t remember ordering anything, online or offline “B?!...” Nina called again, snapping me from my thoughts. “Yes, you can!” A few moments later, she came back with a big grey box and placed it on the bed. “You didn’t tell me you had something big coming?” She asked with a mix of confusion and amusement as if it were for her. “Trust me, I didn
Chapter 22BIANCA’S POV After taking a closer look, the rooftop turned out to be a great venue, contrary to what Nina thought. Surprisingly, Richard made the right choice. He had rented it just for our wedding this evening. It had a small bar and eatery with fairy lights, giving a cosy glow. Elegant tables and chairs covered in soft linens were neatly arranged in tables, and artificial climbing ivies adorned the walls. One could enjoy their drink and food while surrounded by the open sky and cityscape. It was the perfect spot for our wedding. The venue itself was already beautifully decorated, so we didn’t need much. Still, we added delicate drapes and floral arrangements in the colour of the event; ivory, wine gold, and rose red to create a more wedding-like atmosphere for our guests to know it’s a special occasion. For inexplicable reasons, my pulse throbbed unevenly. My heart knocked against my chest and my breathing was icy, freezing. Though the heater was on, it wasn’t really h
Chapter 23RICHARD’S POV The guy was in a black suit and had round nerdy glasses. My jaw tightened. I emphasized keeping the guest list minimal, but this wasn’t minimal. And she’d never hugged or smiled at me like that – it was always nervous, secure, but hers to this guy was carefree, smooth, unguarded like they’ve known each other for long. “Richard,” her soft voice barely above a whisper as though she was surprised to see me at our wedding - What? Sad and nervous I bumped into you and ruined your blissful moment with your nerd? Her gaze scanned me like light rays. Mine returned the favour. The dress I sent her was divine. It covered her from neck to toe, hugging her figure perfectly, accentuating her slender shoulders, firm high-perched breasts and dainty waist. Looking down a bit, I can already see the toi et moi ring sparkling on her finger. “Bianca.” Her brows furrowed. I could tell it was probably because of the bridal bouquet I was holding. I know I said no flowers. But re
Chapter 24RICHARD’S POV “Do you, Richard Smith, take Bianca Sinclair to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?” David looked at me expectantly. I was lost in the depths of her eyes when those words echoed in my head. Inwardly, I jolted and my breath hitched a bit. Was this real? Was I really getting married? If someone had told me this day would arrive so soon, I would have thought they were ridiculous and laughed my lungs out. But the day has come. The day was now. Marriage was never something I envisioned for myself after Heather’s disappearance. Tales of marriages falling apart and the demands and daunting challenges made me see it in a not-so-positive light. If my father hadn’t set this up, I might have waited until I was over forty, or honestly, I’d have been content as a bachelor. That way, life would’ve been simpler,
Chapter 25 RICHARD’S POV On the long dining table covered in a fancy dark red tablecloth, there was a huge variety of food – grilled chicken, fish with lemon butter sauce, roast beef, a mashed potato bar with different toppings, vegetable curry, and a selection of vintage wine, along with other side dishes. Since David loved carbs and had a thing for bread, there was a pile of freshly baked bread and a container of butter to spread on them right in front of him. I couldn’t help but wonder how he’d manage to eat all that without feeling sick later. Strangely, a part of me wished that would happen. Like right now if possible so he can stop talking and staring at my wife like a fucking pervert. After signing the marriage register, we settled at the rooftop venue’s eatery for a reception dinner. However, it quickly turned into something like a high school reunion dinner, all thanks to David and B’s best friend. I watched B laugh out loud at the cock and bull stories flowing from their
Chapter 26 RICHARD’S POV I furrowed my brows, feeling confused and disoriented. Worried one of those hungry reporters or paparazzi might be stalking me, I scanned the area, hoping to find one. If they found out about the wedding and had my phone number, the news of my marriage to B could spread like wildfire tomorrow. I don’t want that to happen after putting in all this effort to prevent it. But how did they even manage to find my number? Fuck!! This wasn’t good at all. Ben! Maybe that idiot ratted me out. Or even worse he could be the stalker monitoring and sending me this message. He did say he’d ruin every relationship I got into. And this was perfect timing. If I find out he was the one behind this, I’ll do more than punch him in the face, this time, I’ll make sure he spends the rest of his pathetic life in the ICU. My phone binged again, almost startling me as I quickly looked back at it. Unknown number: You’ll soon break your neck(a hand on the face disappointed emoji) I’m
Chapter 27BIANCA’S POV“Already?” I frowned, puzzled and surprised while getting up.I couldn’t figure out why he insisted on leaving so soon. It wasn’t even late, and the night was still young. I was having a good chat with David, and we were just heading to his family’s house, which wasn’t far away.“Yes,” he breathed out deeply as he buttoned his suit, walking to where I was. He was acting kind of strange. I could sense it, like something bothered him, as if he couldn’t tolerate something anymore. What could it be?Ever since he saw me with David, he got all jealous and possessive, even though I assured him that David was just an old friend and there was nothing to worry about.Maybe it was those text messages he kept getting. I couldn’t help but notice, even though I tried to distract myself by chatting more with David. He seemed uneasy on getting them and typed furiously like someone was provoking him. Who was he texting? His ex-girlfriend, current girlfriend, or someone else
Chapter 28BIANCA’S POVThings were about to get ugly, and I didn’t want that. Not on a day like this. My wedding day! I tried convincing Richard to let go so we could be on our way, but he wouldn’t listen. It felt like he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. My parents were the only ones who could intervene and bring them back to their senses before something bad happened. Surely, they wouldn’t disobey their elders.“Officiant of the year! Of course, you deserve a standing ovation,” Richard acted hysterically, faking a clap and giving David a condescending sneer. “Oh please! Tolerate and appreciate you, my foot! It’s not like I begged you to come to officiate the wedding. Left for me, I would have never invited you. Even if you were the last judge in the city, I’d rather fly across the continent to find another one.”Gasps and shock echoed around the dinner table. David’s mouth hung open as he blinked in extreme surprise and bewilderment, wondering what he did to deserv