Chapter 5: saying 'I do'

Hazel: 

"I am getting married" I announced and I got the reaction I was truly expecting. 

Ivy stared at me in disbelief while Grace, her mum watched like I was crazy. The shocked expression on their faces made me smile. Not only did I walk into their house with both of my legs intact, I also announced my marriage after my surgery. It was just too fast for them to take it in. They must be wondering how and when all of this started and finished. 

It was the day I accepted that my life would no longer be my own. 

Aaron Gray prepared another contract immediately that day, right after destroying the old one and then after going through it thoroughly, I signed it and he handed me my copy which I hid from my father. 

Aaron Gray also met with my father and he told him that he was going to cover the expenses for my surgery and we are going to get married, but he mentioned nothing about the contract to him. Like he said, it was strictly confidential and would remain a secret between us even after dissolving the deal. He reluctantly agreed as he expressed his fear, thinking I was being forced or coerced but I lied to him that Aaron met me at the hospital and we're in love and that I wish to marry him, I told him to stay out of it, anything that concerns my love life, he shouldn't have a say, since he never saw or understood what I went through Asher, and he didn't care enough to believe me or take my side. He has no choice anyway, he cannot take care of my surgery expenses, so he had to agree. 

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Grace snapped and I turned to face her. 

"Dad, are you listening to her? You cannot let her do that" ivy said. I could sense jealousy and anger from her voice. My dad didn't say a word. I didn't expect him to. I guess he was still trying to process everything.How I met Aaron and how I was able to convince him to marry me and all. 

" We don't even know who the man is, the man could be dangerous. How can he pay for her surgery and request to marry her right after. Think about it dear" Grace said trying to convince my dad to give it a second thought but he only gave a loud sigh and left us alone. 

"Are you surprised? I can use my legs perfectly now grace, and do you want to know who the man is? " I asked and brought out an invite from my purse, she snatched it immediately to read what was written. 

"You're getting married to Aaron Gray?" 

I smiled victoriously. They should know who that is. The name alone has been on everybody's lips since he took over the Gray's group of company. 

"A–Aaron? You're joking right?" Ivy snatched the invite from her mum and her eyes widened immediately she read what was written. 

"Aaron Gray, The Aaron you think it is. The Aaron Gray everybody knows"

"No. No. Aaron Gray cannot marry someone to like you. Not you, why would he choose you? How did you meet him? This is probably fake" she shook her head .

I shrugged and snatched the invite from her hands. 

"How did you think we met. Like normal people of course, we fell in love and decided to get married"

Ivy scoffed. 

"You expect me to believe that? Anyway, does he know about your scandal? The hotel affair and..."

"Trust me ivy, he knows everything" I smiled and proceeded to walk away but I stopped again. " The wedding is this weekend, I don't expect you guys to attend but if you're present, it's fine, I'll be kind enough not to throw you out" I said and walked away. I could hear ivy murmuring as she complained to her mum bitterly while her mum assured her that I was probably bluffing which made me give a very satisfactory smile. 

I haven't even started my revenge yet. This is just the beginning. 

....

"Yes, I do"

I stared at Aaron as he answered the priest. He held my hands tightly like he wasn't ever going to let me go and he gave me this look that reminded me about the rule in the contract. 

Pretend to be in love in public. 

I gave a fake smile and looked away. Even though the wedding was private and only few people attended, like Aaron's distant relatives that were not residing in the country and my own relatives. My dad, stepmom and stepsister. Very few of important Aaron's important business associates were also present and the only thing I noticed was that they all had the different expression. Shock, surprise, disappointment. 

"Is anyone against this union?, You should speak now or remain silent forever"

Two seconds....

Three seconds...

Ten seconds...

"Aaron Gray, how can you expect to marry someone not befitting of your status" I heard someone say from the back. It was as loud as a gong. I scoffed. Coming from one of his business associate who tried to link his daughter up with Aaron but too bad it didn't work out. 

"Yes, she has been in so many scandals, she will only ruin the Gray family reputation. We cannot let you do this to our family name" One of his relatives, which I guess to be his uncle said. 

Aaron watched silently, he didn't utter a word but he had this cold expression on his face that made everyone keep quiet immediately.

My step mum suddenly stood up. 

"I Know that my step daughter has done so many things, she was involved in an affair while in a relationship, she has ruined our own family name, she has ruined her own reputation with so many negative scandalous events but we all deserve a second chance, don't we?"

I scoffed irritatedly. I know what this woman is trying to do. 

Aaron suddenly lifted my chin with his hands

" I know all of this things before I decided to marry her, I am in love with her and I guess my love has erased all the flaws. I love you Hazel Carter" he said and suddenly kissed me