Eden walked back home from Bennett’s car. She used her spare key to open the door and struggled because of her blurred vision. She realized that she still haven’t heard Bennett’s car leave. Her hands were shaking and the key fell to the floor. She bent down to pick it up, but before she could, a hand reached out and picked up the key. It was Bennett. He stood in front of her, looking apologetic.Eden did not want him to see her with tears in her eyes again, she took the key from his hands and finally opened the door. Before she could go inside, Bennett held her hand that was clasping the doorknob. Eden froze, still not looking in Bennett’s direction.“I just want to say sorry, I didn’t mean what I said earlier. And I know you did not mean what you said too. We’re both attracted to each other, you can’t deny that,” said Bennett. He loosened his grip on Eden’s hand and let it go. “But I just cannot afford this to happen between us, there are many reasons that you won’t understand. I don
“I don’t care what you say, you’re going to sue him,” said Grace, angry at how hard Eden’s father had hit her. “Listen to me, Natalia’s father will get you the best lawyer, and your father will face charges for domestic abuse. You have witnesses, don’t you? The housemaid saw it. Whatever you father pays her, I’m sure Bennett can pay double of that-”“Let’s not talk about him, please,” said Eden, watching Grace go through her makeup to cover up the bruise. “And no, once I leave this place, I want to be done with him and never see his face ever again. I don’t intend to see him in court or anywhere else.”“But-”“Grace, just help me with this,” Eden said, pointing at her cheek. “I really don’t feel like talking about this anymore.”‘Fine’, murmured Grace and picked up the foundation and concealer from Eden’s dresser. She used these from Eden’s makeup since their skin tones were different. Grace was furious that Alfred had the audacity to do this to Eden. And the fact that Eden did not w
The next day, Eden wakes up feeling anxious. This was the day she finally leave the house. Even if it meant moving into the house of another man that she disliked, she felt relieved that she would never have to see her father again. Sophia and Natalie decided to bring their dresses and accessories to get ready at Eden’s house. Grace was already there so she asked Sophia to pick up her dress and shoes from her house before coming to Eden’s.Eden was not anxious about the wedding, she felt nervous about seeing Bennett again. After what had happened the day before, Eden had developed a dislike towards him, or so she told herself. She was so conflicted by her thoughts that she almost forgot to take out the diamond necklace from her locker. When Sophia, Grace, and Natalia looked at the necklace, they were in awe. Grace had done Eden’s makeup before Sophia and Natalia came, as per Eden’s wishes, so they could not see her like that. Eden knew that Natalia would start crying and Sophia would
Eden and Bennett turn to look at the Minister as he started speaking. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that will unite Eden Brown and Bennett Mason in holy matrimony.”Bennett gave Eden a slight glance. She could feel him looking at her but refused to five any kind of reaction and stared directly ahead at the Minister.“Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s faults but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope. It is always ready to endure whatever comes. True love does not come to an end.”As the Minister gave his speech, Eden thought about his words. It is always read
Bennett and Eden were officially husband and wife. They decided not to attend the reception and headed straight home, Bennett’s home. The reception was nothing fancy, just a small buffet with limited, but luxurious menu options. Many thought that the bride and groom wanted to leave early so they could be alone together faster, but Grace, Sophia, Natalia, and Theo knew that they just wanted all of the pretense to be over.Bennett and Eden walked over to the car, not saying a word. Eden looked back and smiled and waved before getting into the car. Both their smiles vanished when they got inside the car.“Glad that it's finally over,” Bennett said.“Yeah,” said Eden.Bennett loosened his tie and sat back comfortably, and Eden took out her phone from her purse and started scrolling Twitter, neither of them wanting to have an uncomfortable conversation. Eden knew what she had to do. She had to keep her emotions out of the entire situation, she knew better than to get her feelings hurt once
Bennett looked at Eden, shocked, and asked, “How did this happen?”Eden mentally kicked herself for forgetting to cover it up. She had to make an excuse, “I just slipped in the shower and my face hit the sink, it’s nothing.”“You’re a terrible liar, do you know that?” said Bennett as he came walked over to her and sat on the couch next to her. “Is this why you were flinching earlier? At the altar?”“What are you talking about? I never flinched,” Eden replied, looking at Bennett like he had said the most ridiculous thing.“If you can just stop pretending to be so tough once, we can deal with this issue. Please tell me who did this,” Bennett pleaded, placing his arm on Eden’s knee.Eden looked at his hand and moved away from his reach, snapping at him, “Well, it’s not your issue to deal with, is it?”Bennett looked at Eden as he backed away, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. He said, “Was it really an accident?”“Yes,” said Eden without missing a beat. Bennett knew that she was lyi
“Your classes will start in two weeks. We’ll be back from Italy long before that,” said Bennett.Eden was not sure how she felt about this trip. Noticing Eden’s uncertainty, Bennett said, “You can bring any friends of yours on this trip, or you can go and have fun alone in the city. What I am saying is that you don’t have to be with me the entire time. We have no reason to stay together there.”Eden thinks about what he said for a while, then looks at him and says, “Are you bringing any friend with you?”“No.”“I suppose it can be a good break from all this mess,” said Eden. She had never been to Italy before, but she had always dreamt of visiting the Baptistry of San Giovanni in Florence. It was said that the ceiling of that place is so beautiful that it is physically impossible for one to not look up when they enter. Eden was not sure about spending time with Bennett in Italy, she thought she could use a break. She decided that she would plan her own trip there and Bennett can do a
Eden didn’t need to pack, she already had a suitcase packed with things she needed. She wasn’t the type of person to overpack and think too much about what she takes on a trip. She had a few fancy dresses, a few casual, and a couple of nightwear. After dinner, the entire family sat in the living room at night, chatting and deciding what movie to watch. They could never decide on a movie, they spent the whole time arguing about what to watch. Eden had never had a family to spend time or laugh with. The friendly and open atmosphere at the Mason house was just what Eden needed. Although, she was still not okay with how things were going with Bennett. She wished that they could at least be friends so they could spend some time together without being awkward around each other.“Say, Eden. Your father is an interesting man,” said Chester out of the blue.Eden was unsure about how to reply. He certainly was an interesting man. “Oh, haha. What makes you say that?”“At the reception, after yo