“Alex's Point Of View"
I stared.
She's beautiful, there was no doubt. With every step she took, her gown radiated. She looked very much like the princess she really is.
I couldn't gauge her emotion because she had a veil on. This was a first for the both of us.
We were getting married for the first time in our lives. I had a feeling,this would go right.
I just hoped my intuition was right.
My mind flashed back to my conversation with my uncle, just as I guessed, he was enraged.
I was getting married to the to-be bride of his son.
“This is betrayal!" He fumed. If we were to be characters in Disney world, he'd have smoke dissipating from his nostrils.
He had looked flush — with anger.
Ian was silent, well, there wasn't really much for him to say.
I refused to tell them she'd come to me with a proposal, if we were doing this… it should be between the both of us alone.
“I can't believe this" he murmured. I only sighed crossing my legs.
The deed has been done. We'd signed the contract, a date for our marriage was already fixed.
What I was doing was giving him and Ian heads-up. Leila had said her father would talk to Uncle.
I don't want him looking shocked, and surprised. So I did what every good boy would do — I told him.
“Hm" Leila cleared her throat lightly standing in front of me. I blinked trying to gather my thoughts.
She was staring right at me.
This is the part where I get to tell my bride she's beautiful, right?
I reached for her hand squeezing it reassuringly, hoping my eyes conveyed the message I couldn't voice out in front of the priest.
“You're pretty" I whispered and she flushed, her cheeks staining red.
I wanted to touch it.
“You look good yourself" she whispered too and the priest cleared his throat. Our eyes snapped to him.
“The ceremony is about to proceed" he announced looking from me to Leila and then to the congregation.
I bowed my head lightly, my eyes meeting Leila's. She was watching me, curiously.
What was going through her mind? She was a mystery to me, a puzzle I wanted to solve.
Even though, this is a marriage of convenience. It wasn't based on love, we both seeked revenge.
There was attraction simmering at the depths. We could as well, enjoy each other's company until we get what we want and then get a divorce or annulment.
Whatever case it might be. Strangely, my heart constricted at the thought.
The rest of the procedures went well until it was time for the exchange of rings.
“Do you Leila Castor, take Alexsander Cross, as your lawfully wedded husband. To stick together in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health?” He asked.
The question hung in the air. I stared at her, was it uncertainty in her eyes?
She straightened her spine and nodded.
“Yes I do" she muttered and the congregation cheered.
Turning to me, he asked the same question. Without hesitation, I gave my reply.
“Yes I do"
I caught the tiny smile on the Priest's lips.
“If anyone has an objection as to why this two can't be joined together, speak now or forever remain silent”
The time ticked away painfully slowly. If a pin was dropped, it could be heard.
“I do"
I stiffened on hearing the voice, I knew who it belonged to. Leila's eyes met mine questioningly.
“I do"
It was a masculine voice this time. Today of all days. Leila's eyes widened.
We turned to the congregation, murmurings filled the hall. I stared at my ex-girlfriend Tammy and who? Ben?
The hell, Ben!
The priest looked confused just as the congregation was.
“I'm opposing this marriage" Tammy said, a tear streaking down her face. She glanced at me and I looked away.
“You took my girlfriend away from me!" Ben said, his face red.
Defeat… the Montgomery's hate defeat.
I should have known he'd do something like this.
“I'm not your girlfriend," Leila muttered through gritted teeth.
" He forced you to marry him! She's acting under pressure!” He yelled and a few gasps erupted.
I clenched my fists. It would take me absolutely nothing to pounce on him, but that was the reaction he was looking for.
He wanted to ruin the wedding. I won't let it happen.
“Stop spewing rubbish, young man" Leila's father said standing up from where he sat.
Ben glared at him before his eyes to dart to Leila.
“Alex? How could you do this to me?” Tammy asked and I drew in a deep breath.
I did nothing, I only broke up with her and that too —respectfully. Why were they trying to make a buzz out of everything?
“I did nothing to you, you should be happy I'm getting married” I said and she snickered glaring at Leila.
“You left me, for her?" She asked and I sighed. I was getting tired of this drama honestly.
“You're ruining a wedding," Leila's mother spoke up. Her eyes were hard, there wasn't much difference between her and Leila.
She only looked older and experienced.
“You either leave, or you both will be escorted out" her father announced at that, Leila relaxed a bit.
It was Ben's doing, he had convinced Tammy to do this with him. He wanted to ruin the wedding with hope that he'd be getting Leila back.
He was in for something different. Malice and disappointment filled his eyes. He shot another look at Leila probably hoping she'd change her mind.
Leila was determined, she came to me with this. I don't think she's backing out now until she gets revenge. What he did to her, I had no idea.
But having a partner with desires as yours was —a blessing in disguise.
Tammy began wailing, it only irritated me. We'd ended things just as any couple would do, what did Ben say to her?
“The time is ticking," her father reminded. Ben clenched his jaws before walking out leaving Tammy to trail behind him.
I knew he'd leave on his own. A man like him with so much pride wouldn't like being dragged out by guards.
It was a bad reputation for him. He loved his reputation just as he loved money and for the both —he was ready to do anything.
Even go as far as Killing.
I turned to Leila, revenge and anger simmered beneath her eyes. I gave her a curt nod before we turned to the priest, who had become obviously uncomfortable.
Ben.. just a matter of time.