MONICA POV
A WEEK LATER
"Dear you look stunning" I heard Aunt Ella behind me as I stared at her through the high feet mirror.
"Thank you Aunt" I responded as I gazed at my reflection again, looking adorably at the white gown with delicate lace all over it. The gown was rented but I couldn't help but gush at how perfectly it brought out all my curves.
The loud and long blowing of a trumpet indicated it was time to take the stairs and go to the aisle. "Shall we?" Aunt asked, gesturing for our arms to be interlocked.
I simply nodded as we both carefully threaded down the stairs and Aunt Ella didn't fail to make sure my long veil trailed behind me and this little gesture of hers made my heart beat in happiness.
The wedding was organized in the house and I couldn't even recognize the environment anymore. The wedding planner really did a nice job. As I walked to the aisle, red petals were seated on the ground with chairs on my right and left.
I was a bit nervous because of the stares I kept receiving. Some were lovingly, calm but others somehow showed jealousy.
I decided not to look at anyone anymore and I raised my eyes to look forward, and that was when my eyes saw him. Standing perfectly in his white tailored suit, his presence seemed to glow in a way I couldn't comprehend.
His eyes, full of warmth and love, locked onto mine, and in that moment, the world around us faded away. The nervous flutter in my stomach transformed into a soothing calm as his blue mesmerizing eyes bore into mine.
His hair, perfectly styled, framed his strong yet handsome features, and I could see the depth of his emotions evident in his gaze.
As I took a step forward, every nervousness and worry melted away, replaced by a strong feeling of connection with Nicholas. A strong feeling that I couldn't understand.
I didn't realize that I was already standing with him at the altar until Anthony coughed, getting our attention back to the priest who just gazed at us with a loving smile on his lips.
My mind wasn't on whatever the priest was saying because I just couldn't get my eyes off the man who was about to be my husband or rather my fake husband and his reluctance to take his eyes off me didn't help at all.
"Do you Nicholas Sterling take Monica Mayer to be your lawful_"
"I do" Nicholas responded instantly and the whole crowd cheered and clapped with smiles on their face.
"That was quick and please try to blink so your eyes don't hurt from too much staring" Anthony whispered in Nicholas's ears and that made my cheeks heat up in a blush.
"Do you, Monica Mayer, take Nicholas Sterling to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest asked, and I went mute.
Looking at Nicholas, I saw a handsome man who had agreed to take care of my baby because of our contract, but I knew deep down that I wanted more than just that. What exactly did I want? I had no idea, but I was ready to find out more.
Taking a deep breath, I felt a surge of emotions swirling within me. The uncertainty of our future mixed with a glimmer of hope for something deeper.
My heart pounded as I realized this moment was not just about fulfilling an agreement but the beginning of a new journey.
"Yes, I do," I finally responded, my voice steady and resolute.
"You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced.
Nicholas gently removed the veil that covered my face and stared intently at me, his captivating blue eyes reflecting a mix of emotions-tenderness, and care. For a moment, time stood still.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice soft and sincere.
Those words sent a rush of warmth through me, making butterflies flutter in my stomach. As he leaned in to kiss me, I felt a spark of connection that went beyond our contract and revealed something deep and real.
And in that kiss, I knew I wanted more than just the contract we signed. Nicholas ended the kid and I slowly opened my eyes to meet the mesmerizing blue eyes I still can't get over.
"I now present to you, Mr and Mrs Nicholas Sterling" the priest announced and everyone clapped with smiles on their face.
Just as Nicholas had said, the invited guests weren't so many. All the board directors were present with their families, some of Anthony's friends were also present, and of course Greg.
"That was intense" Anthony uttered as he stood in between me and Nicholas who weren't done with staring at each other's eyes.
"Congratulations son. I'm proud of you" Uncle Karl hugged Nicholas happily and hugged me too "Welcome to the family Monica"
"Thank you, Uncle"
"You're welcome and I'd love to ask why your families aren't here," Uncle Karl asked.
"I don't have any family, sir. I'm an orphan " I managed to say, showing a bold front.
"Oh, I'm sorry for poking into your personal life. I had no idea" Uncle Karl said apologetically
"You're an orphan?" Nicholas asked in shock, his voice laced with disbelief. I nodded in response. "I didn't know about that."
"You never asked," I replied softly, my voice carrying a hint of sadness. I watched as his expression shifted swiftly from surprise to guilt, his eyes clouding with regret.
"You're a bad fiancé, Nicholas," Uncle Karl scolded, his tone sharp and disapproving.
Nicholas's face fell, and he looked away, his shoulders slumping slightly. I could see the remorse in his blue sad eyes, the way he struggled to find the right words to apologize.
"I'm so sorry, Monica," he finally whispered, his voice tinged with genuine regret. "I should have known, should have asked." His sincerity at that moment touched me, and despite the hurt, I felt a little empathy.
As I looked at Nicholas, I saw not just a fiancé bound by contract, but a man capable of growth and understanding and I hoped deeply that I was right.
"It's okay. It's all in the past. Let's just place our focus on today's event" I chipped in, trying to lighten the situation.
★★★★★
AT THE RECEPTION
"Congratulations sir" Some ladies came to congratulate us but their strength and the continuous look they threw at me already let me know that they didn't like me.
"Thank you" I responded to them and saw Nicholas chuckle.
"Who are they?" I asked annoyed by the way they looked at Nicholas seductively
"Jealous?" He asked with a smirk on his face. "That's my secretary and the other is one of my playthings" he responded and I felt hurt a little by his response.
"Do you still have fun with your playthings?" I asked, sadness slowly creeping into my heart.
Nicholas looked at me with a calm gaze for some seconds then his attitude just changed instantly I do but I haven't had anything with them for a while now" he responded coldly.
"Okay," I said, faking a smile as I saw more people come to congratulate us. His response hurt me a little but I didn't know why it did. This was all a show. All this wasn't real so I wasn't expected to like Nicholas in anyways but I couldn't help myself from liking him and getting jealous.
It was time for our first dance and the floor was empty for us. Nicholas held my hand gently as we both slowly had our first dance. His blue eyes shined brightly as he stared at me with an undetected emotion in his eyes. "You're gorgeous and you look stunning"
I blushed as I averted my gaze from his "Thank you" I replied, trying to look everywhere else but ended up looking at the envious eye of some guest so I just decided to look at Nicholas.
The world seemed to have stopped as we both looked at each other's eyes lovingly. Looking at us from afar, one would have thought we were so much in love but that wasn't the case.
"Can I steal your bride for some minutes?"
"Sure" Nicholas replied but still held onto my hand, not letting go.
"Nicholas, I can't dance with her when her hands are in yours" Anthony's words instantly made Nicholas realize his actions as he instantly let go of my hands as if they burned him.
" My best friend seems to be falling in love with you"
"Oh please " I rolled my eyes at the impossibility of Anthony's words even when I knew deep down in my heart that something was growing between us.
"I'm going to be sincere with you Monica, I've never seen Nicholas look at any other lady like the way he looks at you. He has a lot of women he has fun with but he doesn't look at them in any way" And at that moment, the music stopped and Anthony and I stopped dancing.
I looked around to see other people also dancing but I couldn't find Nicholas. "Aunt, have you seen Nicholas?" I asked Aunt Ella who was having a good time dancing with her husband, Uncle Karl.
"Oh dear I really don't know where he went but the last time I saw him, he was going to the men's bathroom" she responded I started going to the men's bathroom but I halted on my steps to find Nicholas passionately kissing the woman who was seducing him earlier in a corner.
"Nicholas" I uttered and his eyes fell on me and he pushed the lady away instantly.
"Monica it's not what you think" he responded and I turned back as I ran out of the hall, with tears already gathering in my eyes.