Imperfection 2

I looked in horror at his face while he looked least bothered.

My mouth opens in disbelief at his threat and that's when the lights flash in my eyes.

What the fu-

I instantly lock my hands behind his neck and obscured my face in his chest , trying to escape reality.

The keyword bring 'trying'

Loud clappings were heard and to my horror, we had already entered the reception hall.

He smiled his perfect smile as he enters with me in his arms bridal style.

Keeping on his fake smiling face he pulls me up a little and whispers in my ear.

"Behave yourself my ugly duckling.I hate it when people disrespect me or anyone related to me. I won't tolerate anyone talking shit about you. "

For the first time, I understood his intentions.

He wanted everyone to respect me and that's why he also wanted me to look beautiful.

But wasn't I good the way I am?

Why to look fake for this fake world?

Our ideologies were very different, our definition of beauty in complete contrast.

Who was wrong or right, a  debatable question.

His words were no doubt harsh but his intentions ?

I really don't know myself.

He lacked in communicating his feelings and now I could see them clearly.

I look up at him pulling up my head from his chest and my already betraying heard thudded seeing him smiling down at me.

All my anger vanishes as I fimd myself returning his engaging smile.

Clicking sounds were heard and the audience voiced up in 'awwwwws' and claps.

"Is Mrs Lockwood fine ,Sir? Why are you carrying her?"

Was the first question which came our way to which Ashton politely replied.

"She is not feeling well today but still she insisted to meet you all."

"That's so sweet of you Mrs Lockwood. Thank you!"

The media went crazy pushing others to reach me but then some guys in black appeared and blocked them.

Ashton took me further inside and decided to place me down on a chair at the corner of the hall.

Following him came my mother and father in law with concern evident on their faces.

"Are you fine dear? What happened?"

Henry said .

"I am fine dad...just tired."

I said and Henry placed his hand on my head protectively.

"Elle child just meet a few important guests and then you go and rest...okay dear?"

My mother in law Jane said with worry in her eyes.

They both were so sweet, I wish Ashton had inherited even a bit of these traits in him.

"Okay Mom,don't worry."

With this, they were called by some guests and they excused themselves.

My eyes stop on Ashton who was standing next to me with hands still in his pockets.

He was nodding at some of the guests greeting him.

Soon guests started coming towards us to meet me and I politely introduced myself to them.

After a few hours, I was feeling really tired and I searched for Ashton.

I wanted to go back but I can't leave without informing him.

Who knows, he will even get angry at this.

I was searching for him when a beautiful girl blocked my way .

"Hi.I am Amanda....your husband's ex"

I blankly stared at her as I registered her words.

Did she meant ex-girlfriend?

Still, I shook her hand out of courtesy.

She stopped a waiter and offered me a cup of cocktail which I politely refused as my head was already bursting with pain.

"So...finally I get to meet you, Elle Hamilton..heard a lot about you."

I nervously laugh at this.

"I didn't knew people were talking about me."

I said truly .

"They are not just talking dear,they are comparing. Saying how unfit you are for him."

Here comes what I was waiting for for,just why can't an ex be good for once.

Her eyes scrutinized me from top to bottom as she swirled her drink with the straw.

"Do you know why Ashton rejected me, Elle? Why he ended our 2-years long relationship?"

I moved my head in a no and she moved forward to whisper in my ear.

"He rejected me saying that I was not beautiful enough for him and look what he got married to? An utter piece of shit!"

She gave me a smirk as she pecked my cheek.

My fists were clenched and I was burning with anger.

How dare she!

How can people even say such hurtful words, yes they have lost their manners but haven't they heard about humanity?

At least have them bitches!

Moving my face closer to return her peck, I gave her a reply.

"At least this shit is now his wife and you are just an ex ,Ms Amanda."

Her eyes burn in rage as I smirk at her.

Next, I know a pull was felt on my back and I saw the zip of my dress falling near my foot.

"Best of luck carrying your dress dear!"

She said and moved back from me

"Shit!" "this is double shit"

I cursed as I could already feel the cold air hitting my back.

The zip was waist deep and without it, my whole back will be on display.

Not to forget my undergarments.

That bi**! I will kill her!

But I can't even move without the fear of anyone seeing my back like this.

"Ladies and gentlemen let's begin the evening with a beautiful dance by our newlywed couple! Please welcome Mr and Mrs Lockwood for this romantic performance!"

What?

Who said I was going to dance

And with whom?

Him? No way!

Instead of going forward, I move back to press my back on a pillar.

Looking around to find all eyes fixed on me.

But then the lights were turned off and a spotlight illuminated a circle.... which moving to stop on me.

No...no...please....

So much for not getting attention.

I refused to move and the anchor kept encouraging me to come forward.

This continued till I saw him making his way towards me with a breathtaking smile on his face.

No offering his hand for me to take...no approval...no asking...nothing.

He just placed his hands on my waist and  pulled me towards him , making me land on his chest.

"Ashton.....my zi-"

Before I could tell him my worries I found his hand moving back to land on my naked back.

His cold hands made me shiver but a burning fire was being lighted inside me.

The music started playing and my worried eyes land on his cold ones.

"Relax your body"

Were the only words he spoke and I found myself abiding his order.

He turned me around and pressed my back on his chest.

His face gets settled in the crook of my neck , making me feel the tingles of his subtle beard.

His legs guide my legs along as he gracefully followed the music with the perfect steps.

My hands were softly held by his large ones and for a second I forgot all my worries and melted under his touch.

Before I know the music has stopped and applauses echoed in the hall.

The lights were turned on as we stared into each other's eyes.

Not even once he dropped his hand from my back.

I surprisingly felt safe in his arms and somehow I trusted him.

"My...zip...it's broken..."

"I know"

He replied and refused to move away from my back.

He stood there like a wall blocking my back from everyone's view.

"Stay here and don't move from here."

He ordered as he took me to a nearby pillar and pressed my back on it.

I nodded as he left in the crowd looking for someone.

Soon Jane appeared with few safety pins in her hands.

"Come dear... let's fix it in the washroom"

I sighed a breath of relief as she guided me to the washroom.

Before leaving , I could feel a particular someone's gaze on me.

Looking up I found Ashton staring at me and then at everyone around.

Making sure no one was staring.

A smile automatically comes on my lips as I understood his actions.

This was the second time my heart beated loud enough for me to hear it in my ears.

Ashton Lockwood, you are more than what meets the eye.

And I will make sure to unveil the fascades you hide behind.