Sudden Vows

Samantha.

One Week Later.

“I love these curls,” I said to the hairstylist before turning my attention to my mother.

“You are the best mother in the entire universe,” I stretched out my left hand and she carefully slid a bracelet on it. “This is so beautiful!” I added.

My mother rolled her eyes in a prideful manner. “I regard this bracelet as a treasure, Samantha. I have kept it age-long for this special day of yours.” Her voice was filled with elation. “This bracelet was given to me by my mother on my wedding day, you know. And years later when the ultrasound confirmed your gender to me during a few months of conception, I told myself that I would pass it to you on your wedding day, too.”

I gave a toothless smile because my make-up artist was lining my lips.

The hotel room was quite airy even though a few numbers of professionals were inside, styling me for my wedding ceremony. I wasn't sure if it was my husband-to-be or someone else that made the choice of this particular hotel, but whoever it was definitely had a peculiar taste in luxury and class. The ambiance of the hotel was heaven-like and breathtaking. I sat down cross-legged imagining the turn my life was about to take. In a few hours from now I would be addressed as Mrs Ethnan, the wife of a handsome, famous billionaire heir.

A beep from my phone interrupted my thoughts and I quickly grabbed my phone from the bed. A message from Ethnan, I thought. But, disappointment flushed my stomach when I saw that it was a notification from one of the newsletters I had subscribed to. I dashed over to the balcony, my beaded wedding gown trailed behind me, creating a soft rustling sound. 

“Samantha, are you okay?” My mother asked, coming after me.

“Why hasn't Ethnan spoken to me for once?”  I stared vacantly into the distance. “It's been a week since he came to you and professed his undying love for me, Mother.”

“You know his status, don't you? He can be busy. Very busy.” She placed a hand on my shoulder. “Why do you have to worry whether Billionaire Ethnan has spoken to you or not, when you will be exchanging wedding vows with him in a few hours time?”

I made an attempt to say something else, but she hushed me up. “You are getting married to your dream man today and that's all that matters, Samantha. You have forever to spend with Enthan, remember?”

A warm smile brightened up my face. “Mrs Ethnan in a bit.” I declared to myself cheerfully and turned back into the room.

        **********************************

“No way!” I blurted, feeling unsure of my eyes as I stepped inside the Bentley that was parked outside the hotel. The last person I expected to see when I was ushered inside the car by the escorts was Ethnan, but here he was, sitting in an intimidating posture, wearing a darker shade of glasses that gave off an air of misery.

A weighty breath escaped my mouth when I made an attempt to speak, embarrassing me.

With the Bentley's engine purring softly, we drove away from the hotel premises.

I fixed a curious gaze on Enthan, waiting for him to speak so as to kick-off a hearty conversation that would keep us lighthearted along the way. Wasn't that what soon-to-be-weds do? Chit-chat and laugh a lot.

I scanned his outfit keenly. His suit was tailored to fit his perfect  body. He emitted a magnetic aura that was impossible for me to deny. Even though he hadn't said a word yet, I felt as though I were locked between his hugging arms because I could feel my chest tightening with a swell of an unidentifiable pressure. “Ethnan, it's the best day of our lives.” I finally said, and the realization that it was the first time I had ever spoken to him made me a bit uncomfortable.

He tilted his head toward me and remained silent.

How could a human be all round perfect in his physics? I wish I could tell him that he was my kryptonite and everything I desired in a man. I was lost in a train of thoughts until the car screeched to a halt at the front of the wedding venue. Ethnan finally spoke, “Here we are!” His voice was crisp. “One of my men will help you out of the car, Samantha. I'm trying to avoid the press.”

We maneuvered the hovering crew around us and got to the hallway of the magnificent building. The atmosphere was electric; charged with soft music. Colorful lights spilled from every angle, creating dazzling scenery.

“Shall we?” Ethnan spoke from behind, his warmth breath poured on my nape. He arched his right arm and I quickly curved my hand into it, and together we walked inside the hall.

After a few refreshing activities were done we were set to exchange our wedding vows. On the front row were my mother,  an old man whom I learned was Enthan's father, and a few of our immediate families’ members, all looking cheerful and happy.

“It's time to say the vows,” Said The Officiant.

Ethnan pinned a bland gaze on me as he took my hands into his.

Subsequently, me and Ethnan repeated each and every word uttered by The Officiant, our voices rumbling through the microphone.

“So, I pronounce you husband and wife.” He concluded. “You may kiss your bride.”

Ethnan drew closer to me and cupped my cheeks in his palms. His touch was spellbinding so I Instantly shut my eyes and parted my lips slightly.

“Samantha,” He breathed. “It's a wrap then.” He gently pulled away and my eyes fluttered open.