Chapter 11

"That's Zoe, Francis' daughter." Hunter whispered in my ear when he saw me staring at the flower girl for longer than normal.

"She's beautiful."I commented.

"You know if I hadn't pulled out, we could have had our own Zoe in the next two years."Hunter added.

That statement pissed me off so bad I lifted my leg and slammed my heel into Hunters foot.

"Fuck!"He growled in pain but it was drowned out by the clapping.

Lucky him.

"Never joke about such a stupid thing again."I demanded all playfulness gone from my voice.

I didn't want kids, didn't have that plan for the moment, maybe in a few years or maybe never and Hunter needed to keep that in mind.

"I'm sorry."Hunter apologized rubbing my back soothingly when he realized he had said something wrong.

"I'm sorry too."I replied giving him a small smile.

I knew he meant it as a joke but marriage and kids were not things to joke around especially with me. Our moment was interrupted by the song changing completely to welcome the bride and her parents.

Veronica walked hand in hand with her parents. Her dress was a backless a-line v-neck ivory satin gown and a long train connected to her veil. She looked gorgeous there was no denying that.

"She's gorgeous."I found myself mumbling.

"Yeah."Hunter sighed looking at her.

There was no hate or love in his gaze, he was almost emotionless as if he had disconnected his feelings for her completely. Six years weren't something you got over in six months but apparently Hunter had done it. He was being very strong.

"Let's pray."The priest announced once Veronica arrived at the altar with the president and first lady.

We all bowed our heads for prayer and good thing the priest kept it short because I was already over standing in six inch heels.

"You may all be seated as we start the ceremony."He said once he was done.

We all took our seats as he proceeded with the rest of the ceremony starting with the giving away of the bride by her parents to her groom and new family.

"Are you sure you're okay?"I asked Hunter noticing the restless tapping of his foot.

"I'm trying to be."He answered honestly.

"She didn't deserve you."I said to him placing my hand on his knee.

"Or maybe I wasn't enough."Hunter admitted being vulnerable unlike the alpha male I had been dealing with.

I didn't like seeing Hunter like that but I was no relationship expert and didn't have the right words for him.

"For the right woman you will be."I assured him.

"Thank you baby girl."He replied smiling sadly at me.

"You're welcome bear."I grinned at him.

He smirked and linked his hand with mine turning his attention forward.

The ceremony was short like most Catholic masses and they quickly got to the point of exchanging vows. A lot of important people were in attendance too, including the head of state and couldn't be kept waiting.

"Do you Aaron Mwenda Mutua, take Veronica Akinyi Otieno to be your wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"The priest asked.

Aaron didn't even hesitate to reply. It was clear that even though their relationship was at the expense of Hunters happiness, they did love each other.

"I do."Aaron replied with a confident smile.

Hunter tightened his hold on my thigh when it was Veronica's turn but I didn't comment on it.

"Veronica Akinyi Otieno, do you take Aaron Mwenda Mutua to be your husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

Veronica smiled before replying"I do."

I felt Hunter relax when those words left her lips. It's like he had been waiting for something to happen but when it didn't or it did he was relieved. I was just glad he didn't cause any drama like most scorned lovers would have.

There was a whole other bunch of stuff they did like the exchange of vows, signing of the marriage certificate and being declared husband and wife. Once the ceremony was concluded the whole bridal party filed out of the church led by the bride and groom.

"Wanna get out of here?"Hunter asked as people started leaving the church.

"There's the photo session and the reception, you're not going?"I asked him feeling confused.

"I'd rather spend the afternoon fucking you into oblivion instead."Hunter replied with a grin.

"Tempting but I'm not going to be the reason you're in trouble with your family. You should go be with them, wish them a happy marriage even if you have to fake it. Believe me, you'll be glad you did it."I advised.

"You're supposed to be on my side."Hunter lamented.

"I am that's why I'm saying you should you go."I insisted.

Hunter looked exasperated with me but deep down he knew I was right.

"Okay fine, let's go."He said taking my hand as we joined the procession out of the church.

"I'm not going with you."I declared.

I had let him talk me into a lot of things but in no way was I letting him introduce me to the first family.

"Why not?"Hunter whined.

"Because it's your battle not mine. Give me the car keys, you'll find me there after you're done."I requested him holding my hand out.

Something in my tone must have told him that I wasn't going to budge because he sighed and handed me the car keys.

"Don't steal my car."Hunter warned jokingly.

"I can't even if I wanted to. I don't know how to drive."I replied with a shrug.

Hunter looked like he was about to comment but we were approaching the front door fast and had to part ways. I leaned up, kissed his cheek before removing his hand from around my waist.

"Best of luck bear."I grinned at him as I took a side door walking out of the church.

Hunter didn't look pleased with me but he couldn't say anything to sway me so he had to accept it. I just hoped he would be okay.

I walked out of the church compound and managed to find the car exactly where we had left it. I unlocked it and took my seat on the passengers side.

As I sat in Hunters expensive car all alone I couldn't help but smile at how much he trusted me. He couldn't doubt me though because I hadn't given him a reason to lose his trust in me.

I could have used that opportunity to run off but I was a woman of my word and would stick with him until the end of the wedding then we would go our separate ways.

I must have dozed off because I was woken up by a knock on my window sometime later. I blinked my eyes open to find Hunter knocking peering at me. I realized that I'd locked the car so I unlocked it for him. He went around to the driver's side and slid in behind the wheel.

I wanted to ask him how meeting his family had gone but couldn't get the words out because he abruptly kissed me. It was so unexpected but I kissed him back wrapping my hands around his shoulders. There was something addictive about Hunters lips and if I wasn't careful they would make my leaving him so much harder.

"For a minute there I thought I'd find you gone."Hunter whispered pulling away from me.

"I considered it but then I was raised to be a woman who honors her deals so here I am."I replied.

"I'm glad you are."Hunter murmured looking into my eyes.

He kissed me again, soft and slow before pulling back to put on his seat belt and start the car.

"Where to?"I asked putting on my seat belt.

"Reception at the Serena Hotel. The photoshoot is there too."Hunter replied.

"Okay."I smiled bracing myself for what was to come.

I had promised Hunter to be with him until the end of the day and I was keeping my word. Once my debt was settled then hopefully I would make a quick getaway and forget the most exciting hours of my life.