Initial Plot (The Wedding)

"I am itching with curiosity to meet your bride. It’s almost unbelievable that you have given up your roguish ways. She must be a special creature." Thomas lulled of in his imaginations and part of Austin believed that the only figure taking up residence in his imagination was Avril.

"You'll meet her. But for now have a drink with me. My last as a single man." Austin had no intention of Thomas and Skylar actually being able to converse, Thomas would be able to see through the act immediately. His intentions were to get married and to sneak at soon as possible.

***

Skylar stood as Austin's mother strolled towards her. She's already experienced the temper of this hell cat and any hope at a civil relationship has already been shot to hell. When the news of Skylar's pregnancy had reached the ears of this woman she had taken it upon herself to threaten the very lives of Skylar and her mother had they told anyone of the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy. This was why it came as a huge shock that her other son would propose marriage. However, Skylar assumed that it was a policy to ensure that she not bring the Cyner family into disrepute. Their entire foundation was built on the ideal traditional family.

"You are about to marry my son, I want to remind you that he is only a name sake for your child. Do not get ambitious."

"I didn't even want to marry him." Skylar protested but was ignored.

"You are not to tell him about the nature of your relationship with Colin. You are not to drive a wedge between them. We are doing you huge favor, you ought to be grateful but do not dare attempt to perform any wifely duties for my son. You are not to be invited to our family gatherings, if Austin offers you are to decline." She stared down at Skylar.

"I get it. I am not a part of your family and I must confess that I do not wish to be. You family has proved to be nothing but immoral."

"Says the girl pregnant for her fiance's brother." She scoffed. "Think of yourself as part of Austin's staff. You are not fit to be anything else to him."

It took everything in Skylar not to rip the clothes and jewelry off herself and walk away. But this family had the potential to ruin her and her mother's life.

"Come now." Emma perked up. "no time to dally, it's time for you to get married."

***

"You are a vision to be envied." His unique vibration caressing the inner workings of her ear as she joined him by the altar.

She heard the crowd murmuring and realized his game. It was all for show. Skylar tuned out for the ceremony, subconsciously saying her I do's. It wasn't until she saw Austin's arm pulling her into him did she truly realize that it was time for the ceremonial kiss. Her eyes widened in panic, she recoiled against Austin but his arms tightened his eyes telling her to be calm. His lips covered hers, thankfully it was over as soon as it begun and he let her go, giving her a forced smile.

"I don't remember that much resistance five years ago." Austin muttered as he pulled her away from another crowd of his family.

"What?" She questioned, her jaw hurting from faking smiles for an hour straight.

"The kiss." he clarified.

"We were different people then." She said avoiding his gaze.

"Thomas Lynne." Thomas seemed to appear out of nowhere. Austin cursed silently.

"Skylar Taavon. It’s a pleasure." She smiled sweetly at him.

"Austin has been keeping you well hidden." He had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"We have some matters to discuss." Austin immediately announced. "Please excuse us." he said leading Thomas away. He couldn't risk him becoming suspicious.

Skylar gazed after her husband. The word chilling her. There was a time she would have melted at the very sight of Austin Cyner. In the past it had taken all but one word and one smile to convince herself that she had fallen in love with him. She knew it was naive but he had made it so easy for a wide eyed girl with big dreams and easy fascination to be taken with him. She placed her hand over her heart, it suddenly felt empty. The fates truly knew how to be cruel.

***

Thomas considered everything he had seen and heard tonight. From the accidental eavesdrop of Austin's mother threatening Skylar to the odd chemistry brewing between the newly wedded. It was obvious this marriage was a sham, only a fool would be convinced that the bride wanted to be married. Clearly his friend was keeping secrets from him but it also seems that Austin himself only knew part of it. After all, why else would his mother instruct Skylar to be tight-lipped. There was a mystery to be solved and knowing the Cyner family's skill in concealing, it was going to be a challenge.

Usually, he wouldn't dare get involved but Austin was his best friend, not to mention there seemed to be more between him and his new wife than forced commitment. He smiled. Perhaps all they needed was a nudge to make them reveal their true emotions.

***

Husband...the word difficult to accept and to forget as she and Austin drove off. Perhaps she was in a dream...some sort of perverse nightmare. How she wished it were true, that she could open her eyes and this would all prove to be a dream. A temporary, transient illusion. She dreaded her future, dreaded Austin. She wasn't even sure she trusted him!

Austin noted that marriage had been the furthest thought from his mind but that didn't alter the fact that if he had ever decided to get married, this was definitely not the way he would have spent the first night. Immediately after bringing Skylar up to their room...'their' room...

The words drawing him into himself and it left him stuck, his brain void of any thought or reaction, it was as if he had hit a brick wall mid thought.

He followed her every movement with his eyes as she took a turn about the room. He had explained to her that while it was unorthodox that they share a room due to the nature of their relationship, it was imperative to ensure the family secret remains just that. He had a very small staff but with her pregnancy and him always being away he was forced to increase his staff. In his mind, new help wasn't governed by the same sense of loyalty, any scandal can be a profitable opportunity for others, as such, precautions had to be taken. He noted that Skylar didn't seem particularly happy about this arrangement but she also didn't fight him on it.

There was no staff in the house tonight and as such he related his plans to give her time alone. She nodded absently as she sat on the edge of the bed, her wedding dress sprawled out around her.

Austin left her to her devices and went down to his lab. One didn't become one of the best toxin assassins without having their own space to experiment. He usually had contacts who would provide him with the toxins, and hell did he know some brilliant people!

***

Austin took of his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. The only arms he allowed to keep him company tonight was the ones that secured his pay check. He scrolled through files, responded to emails and even booked jobs for the company, not to mention one of his chemists designed a promising new toxin. All in all it wasn't the worst way to spend a honeymoon, but heaven knew it definitely wasn't the best.

He trudged to bed at 3am, all he needed was a couple hours of sleep and then he would join Thomas at the organisation. For a moment he had forgotten about her existence and his body had went into a temporary state of flight or fight mode when he saw a curled up body drenched in white sitting at the window. He swallowed hard. She was unquestionably asleep, the gentle rise and fall of her body illustrating as much. She sat knees to chest, her arms encircling her legs so as to keep them in place and to provide support for her head. She hadn't removed her gown, and her features appeared saturated by sorrow.

Part of him marvelled at her beauty, feeling somewhat troubled that she had such a marital reality. Having a little sister he knew the importance women placed on weddings, it was easily the best day of their lives. They plan for it from the moment they are old enough to understand it. So he did feel remorse. The other part of him wanted to shun her, that she must bear some responsibility for her actions. How could a woman in this day and age be so stupid as to allow herself to be impregnated by a man that had no interest in her? Was she that naive? Of course he knew she was not the only one at fault, but it said a lot about her character to even consider any kind of relationship with his brother. He was in no way charming and women flocked to him for his inheritance and frankly perhaps this was her end game as well? She won either way.

He discounted these thoughts and decided on a neutral ground. It was not right for her to be uncomfortable, this was now her home and they...as much as it was unbelievable...were married. he ambled towards her, drew her arms around her neck and lifted her up in a cradle, she moaned softly as her head came to rest on his chest. The sound causing him to hesitate. He gazed down at the way her features lightened, causing something to stir deep within him. It reminded him so much of that night so many years ago. He shook it away... whatever it was, and placed her down onto the bed dragging the covers over her. She snuggled into the sheets. He had no idea how any of this was going to play out. Soon enough he would have to accept the role as father and husband. He didn't know how to take care of someone, he didn't know how to live for someone else. He doused the light and silently exited the room making his way back to his lab with the expectation of a very uncomfortable sleep.

Skylar twisted, turned and squished her eyes together in a feeble attempt to block out the noise. Her eyes fluttered open in dismay. After a few seconds of clearing the buzzing remnants of sleep she slowly began to register the knocking at the door. She slid to the edge of the bed...

Wait, what? She stood, gazing back at the bed trying to recall herself ever climbing into it. The knocking came again and she decided to let it go. she pulled open the door almost tripping on the God forsaken dress.

" Goodmorning." The voice travelled towards her before she had a chance to catch a glimpse of the owner. There was too much happiness and energy in this woman's voice for so early in the morning and she felt exhausted just hearing it. Skylar mimicked her greeting, albeit with less enthusiasm as she stretched and waited for her vision to get clearer.

The woman gasped and this motivated Skylar to look at her, it required a few blinks in order for her eyes to focus on her. She was a mature lady in at least her 50's, but she had an energy about her that even 30-year old's lacked. Her features were stern but her eyes spoke of humour and sincerity.

"You didn't have to put your wedding dress back on; there are robes in the closet. Didn't Austin tell you?" she asked as she pushed past Skylar and entered into the room heading straight for the closet.

"No he didn't." She responded absentmindedly. Then it hit her...'put your wedding dress BACK on?' it made her realize what this woman was insinuating. But what did she expect? They were married, that was the logical conclusion that anyone would come up with.

"I see, I guess he was in too much of a hurry to think about anything else." She said suggestively, a sly smile dancing across her lips. She didn't know to respond to that so she evaded the topic at hand.