Chapter 9: Wedding Ceremony & Reception!

Evelyn's POV 

"Oh, sweetheart you look so pretty. That's a beautiful gown you've chosen" Nina said with a huge smile. "I can't believe you're finally going to be my daughter-in-law just as I always wished for" she said holding my hand looking me up and down with a bright gleam in her eyes. Wow! I didn't know someone would he this happy to see me as a bride. Her eyes filled with tears and she turned away from me going out of the room. Okaaaay... too emotional. I'm too excited and nervous all at together. It's going to be a Sunday wedding at sunset. Well we've decided at six and the ceremony will take place for an hour and it will be the perfect dinner time at our reception.

I looked at myself in the mirror again. I hope nothing's missing. "Something old I said looking at my cute yet simple bridal hair crown with a veil attached to it. It seems it belonged to Nick's Mom. This was her wedding hair crown. I guess I only have 'something old', no something new or blue.

"Something new!" Chrissy screamed from behind followed by Nina. Wondering where my Mom is? Well it was my condition that she can be present at my wedding but not to show their faces to me. Same goes to my dad. "Ready?" She asked and I nodded eagerly. 

This is a real wedding. Nick and I are going to make this work. He convinced me this morning. I shouldn't hyperventilate.......

She slowly opened a small blue box with...... okay. I won't lie like other girls. I love diamonds. It was bright dark blue diamond earring. OMG! I just can't describe. "It's beautiful!" I squealed loudly.

"I know right. It's your husband's wedding gift to you" she said batting her lashes at me. I laughed at her antics and quickly put it on with the Chrissy's help. It's heavy but worth it! It's not like I'm going to get married every day. Right?

"These earrings.... they were made by Nick's grandfather for his wife. But before she could wear it and show it off to him.... he died. And so, she gave this to Nick saying that this should reach his wife. And surprisingly... for you, it fits in all the four criteria. 'Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue'. Right?" She said and my eyes widened at such a precious gift on my wedding. Just.... 'wow'!

"Oh and.... something borrowed?" Nina said...... okaaaay?

"What now?" I said jumping. Wow!

"This bracelet sweetie...." she said blinking back her tears. "This is my gift to you. You can keep it" she said as she slipped it around my wrist.

"But.... then how is it borrowed?" I asked confused.

"Well.... you've borrowed it from your daughter or.... in law" she said winking at me. "This has been passed on in the family from generation to generation. It started with Nathan's great-grandmother" she said with a huff.

"It's OK. I'm going to cherish this gift. Keep it as safe as you've kept it until now." I said to which she smiled.

"No child. I don't want you to cherish it or keep it safe. Instead wear it every day not just keep in your safe. I just want you to respect it. It's more than just a jewelry." She said patting my cheek softly. There is something odd about this bracelet. Anyway, we've to leave now.

"Okay... before we leave" Chrissy came back into the room. 

"Bring it here dear..." Nina said. "Here's your something blue" she said winking at me.

Oh fu*k it's a garter. A blue garter. I tried to avoid wearing this cause obviously I know what happens after the wedding. Oh oh....

***

I didn't know my wedding was supposed to be so grand. Oh god! What's wrong with them?! I told them it's going to be just fifty.... and here it looks as though at least two hundred guests are here. I knew it. Greeks don't ever! I mean EVER arrange a 'small' wedding. It was a huge church. Huge I mean huge. We hadn't had any kind of rehearsals and I had not visited the venue. Or I'd clearly get to know how many people are coming. "Sweetie... can I call your father? He will walk you down the aisle" she said nervously scared to hear my reply. Because it's very important for that the 'father' gives away his bride without any complaints or objection. We were standing outside just in front of the door. I don't know what the people sitting inside might be thinking.

"No actually.... Uhmm.... can you find Uncle Nathan for me?" I asked and she nodded. She took out her cell and called her husband.

Few minutes later, he came out from the door on the other side. Looking just like Nick in every way. "What happened?" He asked looking at us with confusion.

"I.... I actually wanted to talk to you Uncle.... Uhmm... could you... could you please do me the honour of walking me down the aisle" I said with an expectant smile and suddenly his confused face held a proud smile.

"Of course, dear... I've always considered you as my daughter. I'll let you on a secret" he said and came near my ear to whisper something, "I actually always had my eye on you. I wanted you as my daughter in law from the day you were born" he said and gently smiled at me giving me his arm. I happily obliged taking his arm and entered. 

As soon as I stepped in my breath hitched for two reasons. One looking at all my relatives after a long time as I'm not good with people in the first place. And two, that is the main reason.... Nick... oh gawd! He looked so breathtaking. I felt all the more nervous that I'd have to walk up to this man. He makes me feel all mushy inside. He was dressed in complete white top-bottom. He held both his hands in the front. His face had a fake smile, but he frowned finding his Dad next to me and then as if he understood he painted the same old fake smile on his face. Do I have to reconsider my decision? He tried to convince me for his inheritance. Not because he wanted me. There's no use calling myself a fool now. It's too late to back out.

Just as I moved forward people started spitting. Not exactly spitting... they're just making the sound. I wouldn't tolerate to be spat on wearing this beautiful dress. And I didn't know they still have this tradition going on. Well.... it's done for a good reason. A belief that spitting wards off the devil.

Hmph.... It's a long aisle... going to take time until I reach him.

I can't just stop assessing his body language. He's nervous but every other groom is.... and he doesn't want this wedding. That much I know. Even his 'fake' smile isn't permanent. It fades and then he suddenly smiles like he forgot people are watching.

As we near him, uncle Nathan stops me. He looked in my eyes and asked "Do you still want to marry him? Don't think your facade has gone unnoticed by my eyes. I know what game you both are playing. But still.... you have time. Think about it" he said.

I know how my marriage is going to be. I just don't have the heart to refuse. Even in school I dreamt of marrying him knowing it's impossible. But it's happening now. I want him. As my husband. I shook my head and moved his arm urging him to take me forward. "I'm ready to be his bride." I said with a confident smile. 

He nodded and walked me forward until I stood in front of my man.

I had my eyes only for him. I kept glancing at him but whenever he'd look at me, he'd just turn away again without a glance. The priest started with his speech. And I didn't understand a thing neither did I even try to. Because it was in Greek and I can only understand bits and part of Greek.

I suddenly felt funny. I don't know.... I'm expected to be serious, but I somehow feel like laughing. My wedding is the first Greek wedding I've ever attended. I do know few things like the crown, walking around the ceremonial table and the rings are the main thing. The priest touched our head blessing us in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit and places the Stefana on our heads. Stefana, it's actually crowns that are attached together with a ribbon. And we are not allowed to speak until it's been removed again. And then Chrissy came behind me I mean my maid of honour and the best man switched the Stefana three times on our heads sealing our union.... Done? That's it?

The priest said something again in Greek and Nick held my hand and pulled me forward with him. This meant this will be our first steps as a married couple around the ceremonial table as we rounded it three times. The priest again started reading something and then we were offered a glass to drink wine? We were asked to drink it with our arms crossed. And then finally comes the ring, which are to be exchanged three times again signifying an everlasting relationship. The priest then removes the crown from our head and lifts our hands saying only god can separate us from each other blessing us with a happy and fruitful life.

Just an hour back I was free, single and a Linard. Now I'm tied, married and to a Perkins. I believe I've made the right decision choosing him as my husband for life. Because this cannot be changed now. We are married in the eyes of god though we may sign on papers for divorce. Our lives and souls have been sealed together as one.

Just as we arrived at our reception venue. Everyone started celebrating with champagne. Nick and I didn't get a chance to talk in the car with his best man sitting with us in the front. Well Nick insisted saying he doesn't know the roads. Now here in our reception he's sipping his glass champagne with a phone to his ears. What do I want to talk about? Nothing. Just that I'm feeling all alone in my own wedding. Chrissy was busy flirting with Mark of course. Poor guy he stood stiff not even sparing her a smile.

Nick's best man. Who's name I found out is Alex came running to stand next to him. "Hey man! You know... I never thought you'd be the first among us three to get married first" he said and burst out laughing as Nick stood glaring at him. "OK.... so, what if Daniel gets to know?" He asked smirking. His other best friend.

And I tensed. Shit! Cara..... what if she gets to know?! "They won't. Daniel's in Greece. In my private island, remember? They won't get to know" he said the last sentence looking at me.

"Oh. Alright. Your mom sent me here. When will you both have your first dance? Poor women she's scared to ask her own son!" He said and left.

Nick offered me his hand for a dance, and I gave my hand.

It was not even a complete minute.

We didn't even dance for one entire minute. He just made actions saying he doesn't know to dance and walked out of the dance floor pulling me along as I walked behind him. 

Oh, and before that after I threw my bouquet which of course Chrissy caught pushing all the girls in her way. Then came the garter toss. He quickly refused to do it. I mean yeah, its awkward but when asked for, he refused! I mean it was so embarrassing. Forget the garter. We didn't even kiss inside the church. I thought Bride and Groom are supposed to kiss. But he whispered in my ear that it's just a western culture and that he's among one of those who'd like to keep it out of the Church. Everyone were giving me such pitiful looks. And the cake cutting was horrible! I wanted to thrust the entire cake piece into his mouth, but he understood my actions and gave me a glare. I'm tolerating this only because we are in front of everyone. And the worst part is I find it sexy when he's glaring at me, controlling me. All these BDSM movies are getting to my mind!

"Sean... yeah.... just finish him. He's of no use to us now!" I heard him talking to someone on phone. Though he was whispering I could hear him clearly, because I was standing too close to him.

"Who are you talking about Nick?!" I pulled his arm. And he shook his head. That meant I better not interfere. I huffed turning away from him.

Mafia my ass! He's my husband now. He's supposed to tell me everything! Argh! I moved away from him. And moreover, everyone's eating, and he wants to just stand looking at them. And how can I eat alone?! But he's not hungry and he didn't even ask me. It's my wedding and I haven't eaten myself. You might be thinking, for a girl who didn't want to get married, I sure am demanding a lot. Aren't I?

I found Chrissy again doing some antics in front of Mark and I went to her. 

"I'm sorry Mark... if my friend is irritating you" I said laughing at her while she stood with her hands on her hip glaring at me. Aaaaand.... something new I observed was that Mark was trying to control his blush. Na-ah! I'm very good at observing such things.

"Stop laughing bitch! I'm trying to get him to agree to go on a date with me. I'm not even proposing a relationship or marriage. Just a date" she said and she was close to tears. And she sure is drunk. This is getting serious now. Poor girl! She never approached anyone or even looked at any guy. Mark is the first.

Mark started panicking. His now stiff form was now startled looking at her tears. Oh-oh. He cares! Silly boy! "I will.... we could go on a date.. if I get free or some time away from work." He said and she gave a broad smile.

"Oh don't worry. I can talk to Nick about that!" I said excitedly and moved away from them too....

Looks like I'm the most unwanted person in my own wedding. I quickly got myself a plate and filled it with a bit of everything and sat down on a chair with a satisfied smile. Thank god no one's sitting around this table. I kept thrusting everything into my mouth. I don't care if I don't look like a lady or if my lipstick got smudged. Just my husband is an ass! I had a glass of champagne. Now this huge dinner and four glasses of wine. Just yummy!

I took another glass of wine and just sat alone in the far end of the hall. What's going to happen now?

"Shall we leave?" I heard a familiar voice. And a familiar face with a smirk playing on his lips. Nick stood right in front of me. Now he knows me, now he remembers me huh?

"I'm not coming anywhere with you!" I said folding my arms across my chest.

"Awwww... why? Is my baby angry with me?" He asked in a cute yet sexy voice.

"Don't you dare call me that! What kind of a husband are you?!" I whisper yelled and my last statement seemed to anger him, but I continued though. "You won't talk to me. You won't look at me. OK. It that's not a reason, it sounds silly. But.... you didn't even kiss me! What could all these people be thinking?! And you didn't even remove my garter. I had actually worn it just above my kneecap only for you, so that it could be easy for you. Forget it! It's all just a waste. And then cake?! Cake cutting my ass! You were slicing me with your glares. I'm sure everyone would've noticed that. You were the one to convince me, right? Where are all your promises now huh?!" I asked and took a deep breath after such a long speech.

"Well that's not exactly good manners to shove a cake into someone's mouth! And about the garter. Whatever we did was Greek tradition. And the garter thing was not important. And to top it off and I can't pull your skirt up and show your legs to every man present here. Talk and look was just a lie. And about the kiss?" He asked and I waited for him to answer that one. 

But he suddenly grabbed me by the neck and sat on his one knee and pulled me to sit on his other thigh. Kissing me like never before. Sparks exploding all over my body. I held on to his collar in my completely dazed state. His lips so soft. Our first kiss as a married couple.

"Did you enjoy kissing your husband?" He asked as he pulled back, with the same lust filled eyes. "Just wait for some more time.... until tonight" he said winking at me as I still sat on him.... tonight... our wedding night!