Chapter 38

Michael.

I yanked loose the tie for the umpteenth time still not satisfied. Or maybe it wasn’t the tie at all, maybe it was my lacakadaiscal attitude towards the event. Today I was going to stand before a crowd of strangers as best man to my father.

I can believe I would watch him marry the woman despised most in the world. Not only did I feel hate for her I also felt guilt, I hated that I  had fallen into her trap so easily. I had slept with her and at first it was sweet, exciting but the aftertaste was bitter.

Damn! I stooped so low, Betty was a better choice, older yes but she was classy. She wasn't a social climber like Heather; she was dedicated to her job and she also worked tirelessly to make a name for herself so much so that it made people jealous. Haters like Adam. Everything he ever did was aimed at trying to pull her down, gathering minions to hate on her or speak ill of her.

But I knew his game, he can’t possibly fool me like the rest.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, clenching my jaw in disgust. I was brooding so hard it felt like I was preparing for a funeral rather than a wedding.

With a final tug, I knotted the tie, I didn’t care how it turned out, it felt more like a leech than an accessory anyway.

Growing up, I’d always hated weddings, the fake laughter between the groom and bride, the fake smile, and the public display of affection. I knew how it always ended.  Either in divorce or one partner cheats on the other, so I grew up never truly believing in love. And this wedding was no exception.

Suddenly, I heard a sharp knock on the door before I could say ‘come in,’ it was already thrown open.

Only one person had the right to do that, my father.

“Son, everyone’s gathered already, they are all waiting for you.” My father announced his voice thick with impatience. He looked sharp and chic in his Black designer tux, his dirty-blond hair slicked back carefully. For a moment I could barely remember him, it was as if he had shed ten years in an instant.

“I need a minute,” I said coldly, spraying the sharp masculine scent all over myself.

He glanced at his Rolex watch. “I’m afraid I don’t have a minute. I know you are always late for everything but today is my wedding, I won’t let you ruin it for me, Michael!” He threatened.

And I rolled my eyes, already sick of his nagging.  “What if this is a sign from God telling us not to go through with the wedding? You can still change your mind, you know that, right? You don’t have to marry her, she can be your mistress, fine, I don't care, but wife? Nah! She isn’t wife material, she is a gold digger, a user, and a social climber.”

My father let out a sigh. But I wasn’t done convincing him.

“Yes, I can’t stand her presence, but I won't sit back and watch you make a grave mistake!”

I expected him to shut me up as always. Instead, he burst into loud laughter and for a second I felt like the stupid one.

“Do you think I’m stupid enough to not know that?”

“Then why go ahead with the wedding?”

“Because I can,” he stepped closer, adjusting my suit. “I love Heather, for her hot brains and damn, she is hot as hell too..”

He wasn’t lying because  I knew that! How else did I fall into her trap if she wasn’t that hot?

“But more importantly, all those documents she signed? They are all in my Favour. Of course, the inheritance is real but she can only claim it after ten years of being faithful to our marriage. If she breaks my trust before then? She gets nothing!”

His words hit me like sledgehammers. I’ve always known he was smart but today he blew my mind.

A smile played on my lips.  “Wow… why didn’t you tell me this?” I asked my brow furrowed in surprise.

He grinned like a fox who had just caught its prey. “Action is better than words, now  hurry up, we don’t want to keep the bride waiting.”

With that he left the room, leaving me alone in silence.

~

I watched Heather stand in a lace veil, flowers clutched in her hands, she looked beautiful in her white tight lacy wedding gown, looking like an actual bride. If only they knew what lay beneath that flawless smile, they’d be shocked.

She stood next to my father. She blushed as he kissed the back of his hands, poor Heather, she had no idea about the deal she had just signed.

I’m sure she must be rejoicing inside her thinking she hit a jackpot. But she was wrong, she just signed her downfall.  She glanced in my direction, winking at me. I hated when she did that, but then I smiled back at her evilly because I’d just found a new way to destroy her.

The wedding ceremony took place in the open garden. Everywhere was decorated with ribbons and white chairs arranged, only a few people were invited, her family, my father's business associates, and me.

It was more like a private wedding.

I walked over to my father standing next to him as the vows began.

Heather repeated the vows after the priest a smile permanently plastered on her oval face, my father did the same too, this moment was meant to be sweet and emotional but knowing I'd fucked her a few days before the wedding and knowing she was only using him for his money, while he only wanted her for her brains and body? That was proof enough that weddings were fake as hell.

“If anyone here has a reason why these two should not be joined together, speak up now or forever hold your peace!”

I parted my lips, I was feeling tempted to say something. After all, this was my only chance to ruin this god forsaking wedding.

Maybe this was the right place to come out clean to my father, I knew he would surely understand.

I locked gaze with Heather, she was frowning hard now. A warning that if I spoke things could go wrong for me. So I swallowed my words and looked away.

“Since there are no objections, I pronounce you husband and wife.”

Applauds and congratulations filled the air but all I could feel was plain disgust.

The after party was the only enjoyable part of the wedding, the music was slow jazz and I kept myself busy with drinks, maybe a little too much but it was the only way I could distract myself from the uneasiness I was feeling.

I had downed five glasses down my throat like an alcoholic, I was on my sixth glass of sparkling wine when she sat beside me at the wet bar.

Heather.

Her floral perfume wafting into my nostrils, she wasn’t wearing her wedding dress she had changed into a turquoise blue silk gown that accentuated her curves revealing some cleavage. She leaned in, her face almost meeting mine. I had to shift back a little.

“Won’t you congratulate me?”

“I will… in your dreams!” I said, sipping my drink.

She chuckled, “The game is over Michael! I won.”

“What do you want?” I asked, staring into her annoying face.

“I want you inside me right now.” She whispered her lips biting my earlobe.

I got up on my feet, disgust flowing through me. “You are full of shit Heather! Be glad I didn’t ruin your big day!”

She rose, lifting her brow. “You dare not, Michael! Not when you have so much to lose!”

“Please leave or I will !”

She smiled, staring at the ground. “Alright. Fine.” With that, she took quick strides away.

Damn!

Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any worse Claire showed up.

“Hi, love!” She cheered her face filled with smiles as she held on to a silver purse that fit her silver dress.

“Not now Claire!” I mumbled sitting back still downing the wine like it was water

“This is  urgent Michael…”

“I’m still not interested.”

Her lips quivered as she spoke. “Then you leave me with no choice but to meet your father, if you don’t listen to me right now I’ll walk straight to your father and tell him everything. The pregnancy, the business deal he lost because of you…”

I set my glass down, fed up now,” You can do what you want, I don't care, you can even go to hell for all I care!”

She nodded with sadness etched on her face. “Fine, god knows I tried to work things out with you like mature adults would but you’ve given me the go-ahead. I’ll now do what is best for me and the baby!” She said her hands were resting on her belly now.

She started walking towards my father's and that’s when it hit my drunken self that she was actually serious about this.

“Shit!” I cussed under my breath running after her.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?