CHAPTER FIVE

Alexia’s POV

One week later 

I sat in the bridal suite surrounded by the soft glow of candles and the sweet scent of flowers. 

This was it, today was the day I would be married to Ethan. 

My pure white wedding dress hugged my curves in all the right places, it felt like it was tailored just for me. The lace details sparkled like diamonds against the ivory silk, and the veil cascaded down my back like a river of moonlight. It was simply an expensive work of art.

I couldn’t believe he had sent this two days before the wedding. I had already decided to use my mother’s wedding gown when he sent this with a simple note that read: This would suit you perfectly. 

He wasn’t wrong, it wasn’t too tight and it wasn’t too loose. It was just perfect.

I glanced at the mirror at my right to stare at my reflection. My makeup was applied with a light hand just as I requested. My red hair was styled in a chic low bun that showcased my bare neck.

Tears misted over my eyes as I began to think about the circumstances that led to this marriage. If only this was a union borne out of love, I would have been excited and over the moon but now, I didn’t even know what to feel.

The door slowly opened and I turned around to see my twin little brothers, Aiden and Austin walk into the room.

I couldn’t help but notice how dashing they both looked in their suits. They were both seventeen years of age but the dashing suits they wore made them look like young men.  

They were dressed in matching navy blue suits complete with white shirts, navy blue ties, and black shoes that shone like mirrors.

 Austin’s red hair was neatly combed and styled but Aiden’s hair was messy with spiky tufts and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my little brothers looking so grown-up and handsome.

They stared at me with looks of concern still on their faces. I couldn’t blame them. They were initially bamboozled when I told them about me getting married soon and it took a lot of coaxing, bribing, and sweet-talking to get them to accept it. 

“Chill with the grumpy expression guys, it’s not like I’m leaving you guys forever.” I laughed trying to lighten the mood.

“We still think it’s too rushed,” Austin replied quietly.

“Guys, I know it’s sudden but I’ve thought it through. I’m doing what’s best for me.” I smiled trying to act calm but I was hurting inside. 

“I still think that your dickhead husband-to-be is threatening you. Are you sure you're fine Lexi?” Aiden narrowed his eyes as he questioned me. 

He had confronted me privately when I told him about the wedding and I managed to convince him that no one was threatening me to do this. 

“No one is threatening me Austin, I thought we talked about this.” I sighed as I patted his spiky hair. 

Aiden nodded but I could tell his eyes still held a hint of uncertainty and suspicion. 

Austin however pulled out a small box from his pocket.

“We wanted to give you something, sis,” he said opening the box to reveal a stunning necklace.

The necklace was a delicate silver chain with a small opal pendant. It sparkled in the light and my eyes widened as I reached out to touch it. 

“It’s so beautiful,” I whispered with a voice filled with emotion. “Thank you much.”

Austin and Aiden exchanged a smile when they saw that I loved their gift.

“We wanted something special, just for you,” Austin said as he fastened the necklace around my neck.

“Alright, the ceremony should be starting soon. I’m walking you down the aisle.” Aiden declared and he was rewarded with a scathing gaze from Austin.

“What are you talking about? I’m the older one, I should do it.” Austin insisted. I felt a headache coming as I knew they were about to have one of their fights.

“You are just older by 3 minutes. That counts nothing.” Aiden rolled his eyes as he retorted stubbornly.

“As long as I came out before you, I’m older youngling.” Austin countered with a proud look on his face. 

“Guys, guys, stop arguing,” I shook her head in amusement as I interrupted the argument. “There’s no need to argue over this.”

Aiden and Austin paused and they looked at me with expectations in their eyes. Did they expect me to choose? I shook my head again and I reached out and took each of their hands in mine.

“Both of you can walk me down the aisle. That way, you’ll both be happy and I’ll get to share this moment with my two favourite brothers” I settled the matter decisively with a wide grin on my face.

“Lexi?” they asked in union.

“Really guys,” I nodded, my smile growing wider.

At this point, the wedding planner, Mrs, Jenkins, entered the room with a small smile on her face. “It’s time, dear. The ceremony is about to begin.”

I nodded and I glanced at my brothers as they stood by my side. They nodded at me with determination and I felt very grateful for their presence.

 Ever since Mom and Dad died, they were the ones I could call family. They were my only rock at this moment.

Together we walked out of the bridal suite. There were only a handful of guests in attendance, mostly Ethan’s family and business associates. 

Their unfamiliar faces filled the chapel and I wished I could have invited Bridget but Ethan warned me against that.

I began my walk down the aisle flanked by my brothers. I stared up ahead and I saw Ethan. 

He looked like the perfect groom with his well-cut hair and his tailored black tuxedo. Despite the formality of this arrangement, I saw a hint of warmth in his emerald eyes which surprised me. 

I joined him on the altar and just as the priest was about to say the vows, the door to the chapel flung open, startling everyone present.