The Day We Got Married

The Day We Got Married

It was the day she was going to get married. Nora looked at the peach-colored dress hanging in her wardrobe with a trembling body from nervousness.

Leon had delivered the dress two days ago.

It was a dress by Valentino, made of satin that fell into the curves of the body when worn. The dress was simple with a neckline that exposed a little of the shoulders, giving it a feminine and elegant feel. There were embroidered details at the waist and the bottom of the dress. The cut of the skirt flowed gracefully as she walked.

She liked the dress very much. Nora wondered how Leon knew her fashion sense when they had only met a few times. Leon even sent her a pair of diamond earrings and shoes to match the dress.

“Do you like the dress and everything else?” Leon called her after she received his gifts.

“Yes, I like them. Thank you.”

“Good. If there’s anything else you need, just tell me.”

“All this is enough, I think.”

“Listen, Nora. From now on you don’t have to hesitate to ask me for anything.”

“I understand. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And you still don’t want me to pick you up to go to the county clerk’s office?”

“No, it’s okay. I want to enjoy my last bit of freedom before pretending to be a dutiful wife.”

“Suit yourself then.” There was an amused tone in Leon's Voice. “Please don’t come late.”

After observing the dress for a while, Nora put it on nervously. It was like she was back at seventeen when she first stood in front of her new class in England, introducing herself as an American student. Her heart was pounding, even though she realized that this was just a contract marriage.

Mojo approached while she was wearing the diamond earrings. Nora bent down to pet her cat’s back. “Don’t worry, Mojo. Of course I’ll take you with me if I move out of here, no matter if Leon hates cats or is allergic to cat hair.”

Mojo meowed lazily and lay down by Nora’s feet, while her owner checked her makeup once again.

Her makeup was not overdone that day. She didn’t want to look like an overly enthusiastic bride. In fact, she was just seizing the opportunity for money. She did like Leon Carusso, but it was not love. He was just a stranger who happened to be her current float.

“I must not fall in love with him....” she muttered. “I only need to last one year for two million dollars.” Nora put on her new shoes that fit her feet perfectly. Once again, she wondered how Leon knew her shoe number when he never asked her. “Well, I have to go. Take care of the house, Mojo. We’ll soon be able to pay the rent arrears to Mr. Baldy whoalways tries to kick your feet.”

The cat meowed again. It walked Nora to the door and stayed there after Nora came out, as if it were a real watchman.

Nora got out of the taxi with a wave from the driver. “Congratulations, Miss Williams!” the driver said kindly. They knew each other because they were neighbors and Nora told him about her wedding that day. The driver’s house was only a block away from Nora’s apartment.

She stepped into the building with her heart pounding. The morning sunlight bounced off the wide windows of the County’s Clerk’s Office building, creating a warm glow on the marble floor. The calm atmosphere of a government office greeted her as she entered. The soft sounds of conversation, footsteps in the hallways and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the waiting room.

Then, she saw him. Leon Carusso, in a neat black suit, stood calmly staring out the window. He turned his head as Nora approached. “Nora,” he greeted softly with a small smile that soon disappeared.

I’ll count the number as long as I’m his wife, Nora thought of Leon’s rare smile. “Hi.” She stood in front of the man who would soon become her husband, trying to hide her nervousness. “Am I late?”

“No, you’re right on time.” Leon’s sharp eyes scanned her. “You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look handsome too.”

“They’re waiting inside.” Leon pointed to a room at the end of the corridor with a closed door. “Are you ready?”

Tension crawled up Nora’s back, and Leon knew it. “Yes.” Nora swallowed.

“Don’t worry,” Leon said. “This isn’t a real marriage, is it? You can still be your old self.”

“You’re right.” Nora, who felt reminded, finally made up her mind. “Then let’s go.”

--------

“Here,” Leon said. In his hand was a credit card that he handed to Nora. “You might need to buy a few things in preparation for moving to D.C.”

They were at the River Cafe in Brooklyn. Leon took Nora out to lunch after saying their vows and exchanging rings in front of the marriage officiant.

“I don’t....”

“Take it, please, Nora. Buy whatever you need, don’t worry about the price. I don’t want to hear a word of refusal on this matter. You’re my wife now.”

Leon’s words made Nora realize that they were a married couple now. She received the credit card with trepidation. The black credit card with no limit, which only multi millionaires have. Is Leon that rich? She wondered to herself.

As she put the card into her small bag, the wedding ring on her finger sparkled in the light. As he said his vows, Leon took out a pair of platinum rings from his coat pocket. The style was simple with a single diamond on the ring for Nora. Even so, Nora was sure the ring was very expensive, and the carat of the diamond was very high.

“What’s wrong?” Leon saw her staring at the ring. “You don't like the ring?”

Nora looked up and showed him the ring. “I like simple models like this one. And I’m glad it’s platinum, not gold.” Her brow furrowed as she looked at Leon. “I’m allergic to gold, did you know that? I’ve been wondering lately, because you seem to know a lot about me. You know my favorite food, some of my habits, my fashion sense, my shoe size, ring size, even my allergies...”

“Well... It’s just a coincidence,” Leon replied calmly. “Do you feel uncomfortable that I know so much about you?”

Nora shook her head weakly. “Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not upset. I’m just wondering.”

“I’m good at analyzing.”

“Not because you sent a secret agent to spy on me?”

“Oh, seriously.” Leon laughed. It was the first time Nora had seen him actually laugh.

It was a deep and pleasant laugh, reminding her of something she couldn’t define. “Trust me, there are no secret agents, Nora. I’m just good at observing.”

They chatted lightly during lunch. Leon told her some of the arrangements for Nora’s move to D.C. Nora would be living in his private home in Kalorama, a historic settlement known for its beautiful mansions and quiet neighborhood.

“You’ll love it,” Leon said, as if he was worried Nora would be uncomfortable. “And you can bring your cat, of course.”

Nora had told Leon about Mojo. She was grateful that Leon wasn't allergic or hated cats.

“You should prepare yourself to get acquainted with my family. Of course you already know Diane. But first I will formally introduce you to my parents. They all live in D.C.”

“They’ll be very surprised,” Nora said. She could foresee the uproar that would ensue.

“Don’t worry. Diego has promised to defend us.”

They parted ways after lunch. Leon had to fly back to his office in D.C. leaving his newlywed wife behind.

They stood in front of the cafe, staring at each other awkwardly. Nora didn’t know what Leon was thinking, but she still felt strange, like she was dreaming.

“Nora, can I hug you?” Leon asked. “I abide by the agreement not to touch you without permission. But we should hug once in a while so that people don’t get suspicious...”

“Sure,” replied Nora who suddenly became nervous. “We should practice from now on, right?”

Leon spread his arms and took Nora into his embrace. It was warm, cozy, and familiar when Nora’s head rested on his chest. Unconsciously, she closed her eyes.

Leon had already gotten off the plane when Diego called him. “I tried to call you, but your phone was dead.” His brother grumbled. “Gina wouldn’t tell me where you were.”

“What happened?”

”Mama asked me to persuade you to come to Papa’s birthday dinner. You’ve been absent two years in a row with the excuse of being busy at work.”

“When is dinner?”

“Next week.”

“Good. I’ll definitely come this time.” Leon suppressed a smile. “With my wife.”

“What?”

“You didn’t congratulate me?”

“Of course I’ll congratulate you!” Leon could imagine his brother’s confused face. “Does Max know already?”

“I only told you and Gina.”

“Well, he won’t be surprised, but Diane will be upset.”

Inwardly, Leon agreed.

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Mom invited Sophie, too.”

Leon was stunned. His hands clenched into fists as tension slowly crossed his face.

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