Chapter 37: The Wedding Part 1 (Her dreams came true).

Chapter 37: The Wedding Part 1 (Her dreams came true).
Chapter 37: The Wedding Part 1 (Her dreams came true).

Dara sat and stared at herself in the mirror. Even with a pregnant face she was still perfect. Her makeup, her hair, everything was flawless. After completing the wedding morning brunch with her bridal party, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law Dara’s bridal team immediately went to work on her hair and makeup. Once completed, she asked for a moment to herself before she put on her gown.

The dress she chose was beautiful; and the way it was designed made it where you could hardly tell she was five months pregnant. As she stared at her reflection, the events of the past year began to flood into her mind. From the time her brother first came to her about seducing Ian Keller, to the time she met him, the time she first saw Cassandra and the hatred she instantly felt, and finally….the moment Ian Keller fell for her. These moments played like a movie in her mind. Every calculated plan she’d ever made; every terrible deed she’d ever done…..it was all for this moment.

The first time her brother asked her about working at Keller-Corp she could hardly believe her ears.

“Since when did you start working at Keller-Corp?”

Eric sat smugly.

“I’ve been there for over two years. I’m Mr. Keller’s personal assistant now.”

“WHAT!!! You mean you work directly under him? How!”

Eric’s brows furrowed. Why’d she have to say it like that!

“What do you mean HOW. By earning good grades and graduating in the top 10 percentile of my class. MY dad put me through college.”

That last part stung in Dara’s heart like a dagger. It was true, she had no college education and very few skills. Her father had died leaving her and her mother penniless; all his money went to his actual wife and legitimate children. Growing up, though she didn’t live as well as her siblings, her father made sure she and her mother were more than comfortable. Nice condo, nice car, good private school, and a healthy spending account. But all that changed when he died. His wife made sure everything she and her mother had was immediately confiscated. And because her mother was not the wife and Dara was born out of wedlock, neither of them had a claim.

After that, Dara left home. She was furious at how stupid her mother had been.

“You were with that man all those fucking years and didn’t secure a future in case he died! You didn’t even secure MY future!”

Dara’s mother cried as the movers took everything out of their condo.

“Your father always said he would take care of me! How was I supposed to know-”

“Uhhh you dumb bitch! You weren’t supposed to take his word for that!”

Once she left, with little resources, Dara spent three years hoping from one sugar daddy to the next always hoping to land a “big fish”. Unfortunately her luck had been unsuccessful….that was until Eric called.

“So what do you need me for? Seems like you got everything you want.”

Eric rolled his eyes. At the time, he thought his sister was extremely small minded.

“I don’t want to be an assistant forever Dara. I want to move up the food chain. So I was thinking….maybe you become his mistress….help me work him from the inside. That way….you’ll be taken care of, and I’ll move up the ladder.”

At the time, Dara was furious!

“Are you out of your mind! You think I would be some permanent side bitch!!!”

The words were like acid on her tongue! Of all people, Eric should have known why she would never agree to such a ridiculous demand. But instead, Eric merely mocked her pointing out how being a mistress couldn’t be any worse than being a stripper.

‘Well dear brother…..who’s laughing now.’

Dara smiled at her reflection with smugness and victory. Everything she had done up until this moment…..it was all worth it! As she placed her veil on her hair bun, she smiled brightly.

“Alright….you can come back in to finish.”

She called out to her wedding team who was still waiting in the hallway. As they completed the final touches, the door to her bridal suite opened. Nancy and Isabelle walked in with slight disdain on their faces. Since the article, Ian had placed Isabelle on a restricted spending limit and curfew. She was furious, but what choice did she have other than to comply.

“Well….don’t you look beautiful.”

Nancy’s voice was filled with slight sarcasm. In the weeks that followed since the article, she found herself feeling more appreciative of the daughter-in-law she once had as waves of guilt on how she used to treat Cassandra flooded her mind.

‘Guess that old saying is true….’

She thought to herself as she made her over to the vanity Dara was sitting at.

“Why thank you mother!”

Dara’s fake smile beamed brightly. She already knew how these people felt about her; but she didn’t care! She was the new queen now!

“Aren’t you familiar. ‘Mother’…..what a jo-”

Nancy gave Isabelle a death staring glare causing Dara to slightly chuckle.

“Oh….little sister! You look so adorable today! I’m glad Ian decided to let you buy a new dress for today’s occasion. I’ll be sure to ask him about rescinding your punishment! I don’t want any more fuss over me.”

Dara’s words stung in Nancy and Isabelle’s ears like a bee. The message was very clear….Ian would not tolerate anyone causing her harm or stress! Nancy immediately spoke as her fake smile was burned bright.

“Oh Dara! Such a thoughtful daughter and sister! But no worries about Issie….today is your special day!”

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. As everyone turned their heads to see who it was, Dara’s eyes immediately widened with shock! At the entryway stood a beautiful older woman with a heartfelt expression. Nancy’s brows furrowed as she looked at the woman, for some reason, she felt she may have seen her before.

“I’m sorry….who are you-”

“Mom…..what are you doing here?”

Nancy and Isabelle both turned towards Dara, their faces in shock! This lady was Dara’s mother?! Nancy nervously walked over.

“W-Well….It’s a pleasure to meet you! I had no idea Dara had a mother.”

The words sound like dirt water splashed in her mother’s face as her strained smile and eyes made their way to Dara.

“Well….in my Dara’s defense….I’ve been in the Northern Coast. She didn’t think I would be able to make it. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Teresa Chambers. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Nancy smiled back as she and Teresa shook hands and introduced themselves.

“Well! You certainly have an amazing son. My Dara has been speaking so highly of him as well as you all! I’m so glad she’s marrying into such an amazing family.”

Nancy smiled nervously. Something seemed off but she wasn’t about to pry. Suddenly, Isabelle spoke.

“Dara….will your father be here as well?”

Before Dara could answer, Terese spoke up.

“Oh no….Dara’s father passed away a few years ago.”

Both Isabelle and Nancy looked guilty. They had no idea about Dara’s father.

“I’m so sorry to hear that! Everything has been happening so fast….we haven’t had a chance to really get to know Dara. I had no idea she was from the Northern Coast Region!”

Teresa smiled. The truth was, she and Dara were both from the West, however, because Dara’s father was married, she could never be known in the Western Coast. To keep his mistress hidden, he relocated Teresa and Dara to the Northern Coast before Dara started school. After his death however, because his wife cut off all the financial support, Dara ended up moving back to the West. Dara finally snapped out of her trance and smiled nervously.

“O-Oh yes….I’m not technically from the North but my father’s work required us to relocate when I was young.”

“Oh! What did your father do for a living?”

Dara tensed up! All these questions were bound to cause trouble!

“My husband was a real estate developer. Mrs. Keller….would you all mind if I had a moment with my daughter?”

Nancy grabbed Isabelle’s hand as she instructed everyone to leave the room.

“Absolutely! Dara….we’ll see you at the ceremony!”

Nancy hurried out the room taking one last glance at Teresa.

‘I know I’ve see her before.’

As the door closed, Dara’s face hardened.

“Mother.”

Matching her tone, Teresa responded.

“Daughter.”

“Cut the shit! What are you doing here!”

Teresa looked around the room with hints of admiration and jealousy.

“What’s wrong daughter….afraid I’ll ruin your big day?”

Dara’s face paled.

“Is that what you came here for!”

“Oh Dara stop it. Why would I do that! My daughter is about to marry the Western Coast’s most powerful man! And from what I hear….you took him from his wife. I couldn’t be prouder. I taught you well!”

Dara scoffed.

“Taught me well. HA! Don’t flatter yourself mother. I’m actually getting married. I won’t be spending the next 20 years as some mistress only to have everything ripped from her the moment the man dies!”

Teresa’s eyes widened in shock!

“How dare you! You little brat! You think you’re better than me-”

“I know I am! Look at where I’m standing mother! I’m getting married….I’m having his child….I’m reaching heights you could never! All of my dreams…..they’re coming true!”