Chapter 4

I lay on my bed weak and tired from crying as my mum walked into my room all dolled up and bright, carrying a wedding dress that was meant for me.

"Goodness! Lucinda", my mom called, shocked to find me still in bed and not dressed up.

"Why are you still in bed? Have you forgotten that today's your wedding?"

I kept a straight face and remained the way I was.

I heard her sigh dropping the wedding dress on my bed.

"You need to get dressed, your dad will be mad if he finds out you are not yet dressed.

I have called for the makeup artist, she'll be here shortly". And with that, she left. I heard her retrieving footsteps and the tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't believe this was happening. I am getting married. I buried my head in my palms and cried. I felt abused of my rights. I wondered what kind of dad I had, and why he was being cruel to me. Why am I forced into a marriage I didn't want to get into?

I never imagined I would be married this way.

I stood up with my whole family feeling muzzy and heavy and headed to the bathroom to take my bath. I was trying to put on my dress when I was interrupted by a knock. I quickly wore the dress and opened the door, it was the makeup artist. "Good morning ma'am", she greeted in obeisance." Good morning", I replied letting her in as she proceeded to unpack her makeup kits.

I sat in front of the mirror staring at my image, I couldn't believe I was staring at myself, the makeup artist had transformed my face into something else. I looked like a princess. If not for the circumstances surrounding my wedding, I would have said I was the most beautiful bride in the world.

I walked down the stairs holding the hem of my wedding gown and found my parents waiting for me.

"You look so beautiful honey", my mum said admiring how beautiful I was as I reached the bottom of the staircase.

"And what took you so long to get ready?"My dad remarked coldly.

I didn't say anything, I just maintained a straight face.

"Come honey, we are running late," Mum said, taking my hand.

Mum helped me with my gown as I got into the black G-wagon, one of Dad's cars that would take me to the church. She and Dad got into the white SUV jeep, and two black escalades containing Dad's escorts followed, one in front and one behind.

I became nervous as we got closer to the church.

I took Dad's arm as he walked me down the aisle, I looked around as everyone in the church stood up to give me the bridal standing ovation. I looked around at the people's faces, some of them were smiling at me while some of them just kept a straight face.

I took my gaze to the altar and became more nervous and confused. The priest stood elegantly on the altar in his priestly robe but there was no sign of Dylan. I noticed my Dad's countenance fall. He marched me to the altar and took his seat. I could see the distress in the Talen family's face as they exchanged glances with my parents who didn't look pleased at all. I stood in front of the altar trying to stop my tears from falling. An hour already passed and there was no sign of Dylan. The priest who was already looking displeased called out to the Talen's family asking where their son was. Mr and Mrs Talen shifted uneasily in their seats, not knowing what to say. I could see the looks of disappointment in the congregation. I stared at my Mum helplessly and I saw her sigh painfully and Dad just kept a straight face. Mrs Talen stood up and went out to make a call, she came in looking pissed off but managed to cover it with a forced smile.

The priest was about to dismiss the wedding when he paused. I felt my heartbeat skip. I turned around and saw Dylan walking elegantly into the church. I could see his parents sending him death glares and the relief on my parents' faces.

He finally got to the altar and stood facing me. What took you so long? the priest emphasized.

Dylan didn't respond, he just kept a straight face.

The priest took hold of the marriage book and began the process by saying a word of prayer.

He read out the marriage rites and we exchanged vows. We wore our rings and were joined by the priest.

"Now with the power vested upon me, I pronounce you Lucinda Andros and Dylan Talen Husband and Wife and I pray that God Almighty bless this holy matrimony. You may kiss the bride". He proclaimed.

My heart raced at the last statement, I looked at Dylan's face and the expression on his face was vacuous. I watched him advance towards me, I could feel my heart thumping out loudly as he lifted my veil. I closed my eyes not knowing what to expect. Then I felt his cold lips on mine. There were outcries of joy from the congregation as they clapped cheerfully and cameras flashed everywhere. He pulled back and I took in deep breaths. I couldn't believe I was finally married to Dylan, it was real, it was happening.

The reception was held at the Talen's mansion, it was grand and almost all the celebrities from far and near the country were present. I saw celebrities like Vica Ross, Wendy Cha, Lil T, and many others. I stood in a corner with my best friend Shana while people kept coming to congratulate me.

"I can't believe this bestie, so you're finally married to the country's superstar", she said dreamily.

"Congratulations Lucinda Talen", Chaddick, Dylan's manager walked up to where I and Shana stood.

"Thank you", I replied and smiled as she walked away. I couldn't help but feel awkward about her.

"Where is Dylan?" Shana asked.

I scoffed and didn't reply to her.

"Isn't he supposed to be around you?" She asked again.

"Shana, please leave me alone". I replied, rolling my eyes.

I looked around and saw my parents busy with the guests. The whole place was filled up with people. I wondered where Dylan's stepmom and siblings were.

"Congratulations pretty, " said someone. I looked up and saw a rowdy-looking guy staring lustfully at me. Although he wore expensive suits and wristwatches, he looked rich but the rowd-yness in him was still visible.

"Thank you", I replied uneasily.

"My name is Gustavo Talen". He said grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Oh, this must be his stepbrother, I thought.

Lucinda I need to show you to your room, Dylan's mum walked up to where we both stood, interrupting us while glaring daggers at Gustavo.

I breathed out in relief, following her as I was already feeling uncomfortable standing close to him.

"Lucinda, darling. I hope you enjoy your stay with us here at the Talens mansion. Dylan might decide to take you to one of his penthouses so you could both have some privacy ". And I felt like throwing up at her statement.

We took the elevator and finally reached the upper floor, we walked down the corridor a little, and she stood in front of a big door.

"Your husband is waiting for you", she said pointing at the door.

"Thank you", I replied and forced a smile. She smiled too, and I watched her back retreating.

I faced the door and stood nervously, it then dawned on me that I was finally a married woman.