Chapter 22 The wedding
Charles POV
The church felt different with only a few selected guests. It was too quiet though it was not empty. This was the plan Jessica was making for an elite wedding; probably, the few guests were only invited to act as witnesses.
At the altar, I stood beside the priest, my hands clasped in front of me, trying to be still. Harvey stood just a step away, relaxed and confident as always with a reassuring smile that meant the world to me.
I sighted Jessica at the front row seating in between some guests that were more interested in congratulating her than fixing their eyes on the groom.
I wished my mum was here today, witnessing the best day of her son's life but woe to cancer for stealing her away when I needed her the most.
I turned and looked at Harvey, the only family I have and his eyes lightened up as he gave me a thumbs up and that alone spread warmth all over me.
I gaze shifted to the Priest who stood quite composed and observant, but none of them held my attention for long.
I was waiting for one person, my bride.
Then she appeared from the far end of the aisle and every other thing seemed to fade, letting her shine so bright.
For a second I forgot how to breathe and I was dazed by her dazzling beauty. She moved slowly and each step was measured and deliberate. The soft sound of her shoes against the floor echoed gently through the church filling the silence with rhythmic music.
Her measured steps were shaky and she squeezed her fingers nervously, yet she looked as graceful as a queen. It was as though she was carrying more than just herself down that aisle, her fingers were lightly wrapped around John's arm but her posture held its own quiet strength.
But I noticed it.
She was frightened and unsure.
I admired her strength though, the ability for her to remain strong despite every happenings around her. She was a pawn in this game yet exuded the confidence of a queen.
Then suddenly, her eyes lifted to meet mine and I couldn't look away. The world narrowed, shrinking down to the space between us as she came closer, step by step. The light from the windows caught up with her, softening her edges and making her a fairy princess.
Beautiful as a word wasn't quite explanatory for her, it was more than that, something that settled quietly in my chest and refused to move.
I expected her to look like Nikki to me, as her hair and makeup were styled like Nikki's, yet all I saw was Linda, soft and nervous.
Harvey shifted slightly beside me, probably noticing the way I'd gone completely still, but I didn't care. All I could see was Linda.
When she finally reached the altar, John placed her hands into mine and the contact was soft and warm.
It filled a space in my heart I can't just describe.
He stepped away and just like that, it was only us, standing face to face.
The space between us shrunk completely and we rehearsed each other's breath.
I let my fingers close gently around hers, steady but careful like I understood the weight of what I held. Enclosing those shivering hands in mine, it became steady.
For a brief moment, the silence returned but this time, it didn't feel empty.
Then slowly, she released her hands from mine and took one step backwards.
“I'm surprised to see you” I whispered and she blinked twice, her mouth parting slowly as I watched the words come out.
“What do you mean?” She tried acting like Nikki but hell no! That was far from her calling.
I smiled softly and she shivered like a frightened mouse.
“Don't be nervous, Just look at me” I whispered reassuringly and she lowered her head.
“Dear beloved, we are gathered in the presence of God to witness and to celebrate the marriage of Nikki Jenkins and Charles Kane..” the Priest began and I noticed uneasiness in Linda's posture.
“You can now exchange vows” The priest announced and the whole room fell silent.
Harvey handed the rings over to me with an excited smile.
“Do you take me to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or for worse, richer or poorer?” I asked, locking my eyes into hers
Her eyes dilated and her cheeks shone bright red immediately.
Then slowly but steadily, a small but noticeable smile appeared in her eyes and her lips parted slowly
“I do” the word landed somewhere unexpected in my heart, she said it as though she meant it and I felt the weight of the word deeply.
It sent electric waves through my blood and I wanted to claim her there and then.
She lifted her palm slowly and I gently slid the ring down her finger.
“Do you take me to be your lawfully wedded wife , no matter what happens or who I am?” She asked,her voice cracking at the end.
“Ofcourse, I do,” I replied immediately and brought out my hands as she slipped the ring into my finger.
“You may now kiss the bride” the priest announced and happiness danced in my belly.
I had longed for this moment since, just looking at Linda I wanted to taste her again.
I reached out for her waist and pulled her towards me, wrapping my hands tightly round her waist, I seized her lips hungrily and savoured every taste of it.
She wrapped her hands round my shoulders and kissed me back, like she didn't want to let go.
We were already so intoxicated that we didn't notice the cheers coming from the guests.
Then slowly, we pulled out and I brushed a few strands of hair off her face.
The priest said other prayers before concluding the mass.
“How long are you going to play this game, Linda?” I whispered and she turned pale instantly.
Her eyes widened in both shock and disbelief and it was written all over her face that she wished the ground would swallow her.
“You know?” She trembled as the words left her lips.
As I was about to respond, Jessica rushed towards us and dragged Linda.
“It's time for the reception” she said hastily with a smug look on her face.
I watched helplessly as Linda walked off with her.
“It's just for a while Linda, I'll surely take you out from here” I whispered to myself
The guests began to disperse gradually to the reception room and a few of them congratulated me heartily.
“God Charles!! That Kiss was so hot” Harvey walked up to me as I had discharged all guests and offered a congratulatory handshake.
“I don't think I'm leaving without Linda today” I announced, looking dead serious
“Harvey looked at me and chuckled.
“Don't pull up a stunt here Charles. Come on man, you still have to attend the reception party” he said
“\`with who?”
“Pray desperately that Nikki would not recover so soon” he said
“Impossible” I replied firmly
“Charles, she passed out mainly because she was drunk. No major injury so she can wake at anytime “
My heart sank.
“Let's be positive” I braced myself up, as we both headed to the reception hall.