Four

THE WEDDING DAY

ROSE POV

I feel sick to my stomach. I take a deep breath as I stare at my reflection in the mirror wearing the slick bright white dress Amy had prepared for this day.

I still can't be convinced today is really happening. Today I will marry a man I've never seen in my life, I'll be his wife till death do us part. No chance to escape or divorce, It’s my grandfather's wish to stay with him for the rest of my life.

The make-up artist retouched my lips one last time before we went downstairs for the ceremony. She did a very good job, the make-up is really natural, but at the same time it highlights my good features.

I look like a queen. A queen that is being blackmailed into marrying a monster.

"You look beautiful, my daughter , I wish your parents was here to see you," my grandfather says,

I sneer at her. What is he even talking about?

This is definitely not a happy occasion.

"I’m glad my parents are not here to witness how you force their daughter to marry a pathetic monster," I spat with resentment.

"Rose!!!, I get that this is not what neither of us expected.

But I am trying to make this a happy day, you don't have to be so difficult, "he replied.

“I’m not having this conversation with you”

“You haven't even met the guy, I heard he is a good man, you might even fall for him." He persuaded, and I burst into laughter.

"You seriously need medical help if you really think I am going to fall in love with the son of a monster that is forcing me to marry him. No, I will never develop feelings for my husband." I confessed.

"Oh, Rose, I know this is a terrible imposition for you. I wish I could help you, but you should at least try to find some happiness in your new life till when I’m gone.” He did his thing again, and his guard pushed his wheel off.

“I’m so mad,” I scoffed.

We went downstairs, the wedding ceremony is about to start. The mansion garden is brimming with people. I can see them through the window from our library from where we were waiting for the wedding planner to tell me when it is time to go in.

Amy, as my maid of honor, is waiting beside me. I was so eager to see the face of my future husband that I kept scanning the whole place but I guess Amy caught me.

“Why didn’t you just search the web for him instead?” She chuckled.

“Do I look like I care about any Daniel?” I rolled my eye, and she laughed.

“Oh my God, that’s him” she pointed out, and I quickly peeped to check but she laughed holding her tummy.

“Got you” I frowned when it dawned to me that I was being played.

“That’s not funny”

We went back to peeping and checking out the guest. I don’t even know half of the people seated outside but atleast I recognize my grandfather and a few other business partners.

I thought he’s keeping his identity a secret?

I have to admit the wedding planner did a superb job: our garden looks like a magical fairy tale with fairy lights all over the tent and a beautiful arch made of flowers on the far end of the garden, where I am going to join my life with a complete stranger.

We are getting married no matter what, his physical appearance, and every other detail about him is irrelevant; it won't change anything. I am doomed to enter this marriage.

'The wedding planner comes in. "It's time," she says with a friendly grin.

Amy and I take our places, my heart sinks to my stomach, I can't believe this is happening.

Amy goes first, she steps out into the garden the moment the harp music starts to play, my legs are trembling.

My grandfather comes in and takes my arm.

"Are you ready, my daughter?" He asks me nervously, I nod without saying a word and we go out.

All the guest's eyes turned to me as I walked down the aisle and I was uptight.

My heart beats rapidly, I can feel my palms turn wet. I avoid looking at anyone, not even Daniel who had been eager to see his face.

Finally, we reached the altar and he handed my hands to him. I managed to look up to see his face, he wasn’t even surprised to see me but still held this amazed expression on.

I draw my breath in.

He is even taller up close, his sharp strong features are intimidating at this distance.

His oblong face is attractive, he has thin lips, a straight nose and almond eyes. I can notice his muscles through his suit, he's really ripped.

He is focusing his attention on me; I look down, intimidated by his piercing blue eyes, his stare burns like fire.

My fingers grasp my bouquet tight. He is undeniably handsome. There is a certain air to him, he seems ruthless, cold... and as miserable as I am to be here.

"Dear beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the matrimony of Daniel Prescott Adrian and Rose Hildegard Arabella.."

"Do you, Rose Hildegard Arabella, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The officiant asks after a short speech I don't pay attention to.

My heart starts pounding in my chest, my mouth feels dry. My silence is so awkward it is painful. Some of the guests clears their throats. My eyes look for my Grandfather , and I sigh, I have to go on with this. Just to grant his wishes

"I do," I mutter, the words taste bitter as they come out of my mouth.

"Now repeat after me," the officiant says as Amy hands me the ring to put on Daniel’s finger.

"I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live."

I gulp. Words feel like rocks in my mouth.

"I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live."

Daniel reaches out his hand, I take it to place the ring on his finger, the moment I feel his skin I feel electric waves through my body. I let the air slowly from my lungs to try to compose myself.

"Do you, Daniel Prescott Adrian, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"He asks Daniel.

"I do, " Daniel replies with a deep voice and an emotionless expression, it's like in his mind, he is somewhere else.

"Now, Daniel , repeat after me: I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live."

"I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live," Daniel takes my hand and places an enormous golden ring with small diamonds around it. I shiver at his touch once more.

"Congratulations. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the officiant says with a deep voice.

My jaw tightens. Daniel presses his lips together tightly for a second and then leans towards me. My heart skips a beat. Our lips touch slowly. I close my eyes and I tilt my head to one side.

I feel a tingly sensation in my stomach. His kiss is soft and kind, nothing like I expected.

His lips are softer than anything I've ever known, soft like a first snowfall, like biting into cotton candy, like melting and floating and being weightless in water. It's sweet, it's so effortlessly sweet.

After a brief moment, he pulls away.

The guests start to clap. It's done, we are married.

I’m stuck with him forever!.