Chapter 5: The wedding

Gina's POV

Our kiss deepened, as Alex ran his hand through my hair, letting the full wavy length fall on my shoulders. 

My mind clicked, reality setting in at once. I pulled back from Alex, staring at him in both disbelief, shock and disgust.

“I'm sorry. You…I…didn't…shouldn't have…Oh my God, what just happened?” I said, running my hands through my hair.

“You're drunk? Why are you drinking?” He asked gently.

“It's none of your business.” I breathed out, staggering to the door. I lost my balance for a moment and almost tripped but he gripped my arm carefully.

“Be careful. You might injure yourself. Come on, let me help you.” He put his arm around my waist, pulling me close to his body as we walked out of the restroom until we were outside the building.

His fresh scent of lavender filled my nostrils as we walked. I couldn't help but stare at his facial features. He is strikingly attractive.

His sharp jawline could cut glass and his ever deep blue eyes seemed to bore into me. His lips…soft and full, almost crushed mine.

I was lost in admiration of this man who I'm meant to get married to tha I didn't even realize that he was talking to me.

“Gina…answer me.” he said, giving my hand a little squeeze.

“Oh…what did you say?” 

“You were lost in thoughts. I was asking if you came alone. Do you have a driver or anyone to take you home?” he asked, his face void of any expression.

“No. I came alone. I needed some fresh air. What are you doing here anyway?”

“I needed fresh air too. I'll drive you home. Are you okay with that?” Alex asked, a tiny smile creased on his lips.

“Thank you very much, Alex. I had a pretty rough day.”

The drive home was a quiet one as we both pondered on what the future held for us.

…..

The wedding date was fixed. In a week time, I'll be legally married to Alex Blackwood and my name would be changed to Regina Saxton Blackwood. 

I didn't know how to feel about that, but bearing the ‘Saxton’ name, made me feel powerful, sort of.

According to Lawyer Jenkins, after the wedding and formalities, a formal introduction would be done at Saxton Headquarters. This is where I would be introduced to the Board of Directors.

I just can't wait to be in charge of the company. My thoughts drifted back to my previous marriage and how I was treated badly.

Julian and Lily would be shocked to their bones to see a new person. I couldn't help but imagine the look of sock and trepidation on their faces. 

I smirked at the thought.

********

(A week later)

The wedding day

As the morning sunlight streamed through the window, I stood before the mirror, gazing at my reflection, taking in every detail of my exquisite wedding attire.

The wedding gown was a masterpiece a big, silver gown laced with precious stones that sparkled like diamonds in the morning light. The gown's fitted bodice was adorned with intricate beading and embroidery, while the full, flowing skirt flowed down to the floor.

Around my neck, was a glittering diamond necklace, its central stone a flawless, 20-carat emerald-cut diamond surrounded by smaller, brilliant-cut diamonds. My ears were adorned with chandelier earrings made of diamonds and precious stones, their delicate drops sparkling like fireflies in the morning light.

My hair was styled in a beautiful updo, my dark locks swept up and secured with expensive-looking hairpins that glittered with diamonds and rubies. 

As I gazed at my reflection, I couldn't help but feel like a princess. With a deep sigh, I turned away from the mirror, ready to begin my journey down the aisle and into an arranged married life.

I stood at the altar, my gaze fixed on Alex, standing beside me. Alexander Blackwood, a man I had met a few times only, yet was now bound to spend the rest of my life with.

The ceremony proceeded without much ado, the words of the officiating priest ringing in my ears.

As Alex's eyes met mine, I felt a shiver run down my spine. His expression revealed nothing – no emotion, no warmth, just a cold calculation.

The officiant's voice brought me back to reality. "Do you, Regina, take Alexander to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

My lips moved, the words tumbling out automatically. "I do."

Alexander echoed the vows, his voice lacking emotions.

The exchange of rings felt like a transaction, sealing our fate.

The reception that followed was a blur of forced smiles and polite conversation. We took pictures with his family and friends where I forced myself to flash beautiful smiles and give lovely postures.

As the night wore on, my resolve hardened. I would make the most of this union. Using Alexander to climb the ladders of success and get what I want, then divorce him afterwards.

After the reception, I and Alex departed for our honeymoon suite, a lavish penthouse overlooking the city. The silence between us was palpable, punctuated only by the soft hum of the elevator.

Alex poured himself a glass of scotch, his movements fluid and calculated. "Welcome to our new life, Regina."

My response was a forced smile. What is going to happen next?

“You can sleep in the bed while I stay on the couch. We'll stay here only for tonight before heading back to the house.” he said.

“Alright. I'm exhausted already.”

“Heard you were previously married. What happened?” Alex asked, his hands deep into his pockets.

“It is complicated. And I don't wish to discuss it yet.” I said ruefully.

“I demand to know. At least if I must put a show before the public that we are happily married, I should know everything about you.” 

I let out a deep sigh in defeat. He's right.

“Alright, he betrayed my trust. Connived with my stepsister and stepmom to poison me and kill my unborn child…” I swallowed hard as the memories rushed in again.

“What the fuck? That is too vicious! Hope you had him arrested?” Alex quizzed.

“No. But soon enough, I will. He divorced me and I left the house immediately.”

“What about your family, your parents, what did they do about this?” He asked gently.

“I have no family left. I lost my Mum when I was eleven and my Dad died last year. I'm the only child of my mum before my Dad remarried. My grandfather was the only family I had but he just passed away.” 

He took my hand in his, giving my fingers a little squeeze. 

“You're married now, Gina. Hopefully, we have become family.”

“You and I know the reason why you consented to this marriage. You want my grandfather's name and wealth.”

“Same as you. You want your grandfather's name and wealth. Is that not why you returned to him?” His question pricked a nerve inside of me and I could feel a morsel of anger brewing.

“Alex, don't get ahead of yourself.” I warned.

“You are very beautiful, Regina. From the moment I saw you that night at the charity gala, you looked so attractive.” Alex said in a husky voice, running his hands down my hair to my neck. 

It felt like an eternity as we were just staring at each other. Then, he cupped my face in his hands as he drew in closer for a kiss. I closed my eyes as his face came very close. I could feel his breath now.

In the next instant, his lips were almost touching mine. His fingers tunnelled into my hair as he brushed his thumb tenderly over my cheeks.

“Goodnight wife. We have a long day ahead of us.”