Chapter 4.
The wedding was a quiet one, for family and friends. But it was two people that doesn't know each other getting married.
Jasmine's face held no emotion, while Knox's held fake enthusiasm, wishing that the ceremony would come to an end already.
"Smile, will you?" Evelyn urged Jasmine with a pat in the back, "I know it's not what you want, buy I assure you that you'll find unexpected happiness here, you'll never lack for anything."
"Mum, I may be an actress, but on a day like this, I don't think I should fake happiness." She grumbled, adjusting the corset of her dress for the umpteenth time.
"Can't you see Knox is smiling? He's happy, you should be too." Evelyn declared while Jasmine only rolled her eyes.
Anyone with correct eyesight would know that Knox's smile was so fake.
As the wedding planner, Alyssa was bustling around the venue, ensuring every detail was perfect for the big day. She had a reputation for being a helpful and kind assistant, always going the extra mile to make every event memorable. Little did she know that today's wedding would be unlike any other she had worked on before.
The guests were starting to arrive, and Alyssa couldn't help but notice the nervous energy in the air. Among the attendees were Knox and Jasmine, both dressed in their wedding attire, against their will.
Alyssa approached Knox, who was standing near the entrance, looking uncomfortable and out of place. She put on her warmest smile and approached him.
"Good afternoon, sir. My name is Alyssa, and I'm here to assist you with anything you may need today. Is there anything I can help with?" She sincerely wished she could take the grim feelings away.
Knox looked surprised, not expecting such kindness from anyone on this day. "Uhh, thank you, Alyssa. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed and nervous, to be honest." He answered.
Alyssa smiled, "It's completely normal to feel that way on your special day. Remember, you're not alone in this. Is there something specific that's bothering you?" She pressed, wanting to get to the root of the problem.
Knox hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should confide in a stranger. But Alyssa's genuine concern and understanding demeanor put him at ease.
Knox nodded, "Well, to be honest, this wedding was arranged by our parents, and I barely know Jasmine. It feels strange to be getting married to someone I barely know or have feelings for." Hr would never tell a stranger his real reason, but the one he said is still enough to call for concern.
Alyssa listened attentively, offering a sympathetic smile.
"That must be incredibly tough for you. But sometimes, life gives us unexpected challenges. Perhaps, once you and Jasmine get to know each other better, you'll find common ground and grow closer."
"I doubt it." He muttered under his breath then nodded, taking in Alyssa's encouraging words.
Meanwhile, across the room, Jasmine was confiding in her own doubts to her mother. Alyssa couldn't help but notice her distress.
"Excuse me for a moment, sir. I'll be right back." She left Knox to go attend to Jasmine. Alyssa gracefully made her way over to Jasmine, who seemed lost in her thoughts.
"Hello, Jasmine. I'm Alyssa, the wedding planner. I couldn't help but notice that you appear troubled. Is there anything I can help you with?" The event planner asked.
Jasmine nodded, smile suddenly became bright, "Oh yes please, get me a bottle of the strongest drink in this place please, might as well get drunk to get through the day." She muttered the last part to herself.
"Oh no! That bad?" Alyssa grimaced.
Jasmine shook her head, looking at her as if to shoot her in the head, "You know what? Forget it." She dismissed the poor planner.
The wedding went by quickly then either of the couple realized, and it was time for them to retire to their new home.
Jasmine's mouth was wide open, taking in the interior of the penthouse she will be living in with Knox. He heart misses her family, but she made it a personal goal to ignore her father for the time being.
Even at the wedding when Mike tried to talk to her, she simply turned her head the other way.
"Wow, talk about extravagant." She muttered looking around the living room.
Stepping into a spacious penthouse living room that exudes grandeur and luxury. As she entered, the elegant marble floors gleam under the soft illumination of crystal chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the room.
The focal point of this extravagant space was a magnificent floor-to-ceiling glass wall that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the bustling city below. From the height, the twinkling lights of the cityscape create a mesmerizing backdrop that adds to the overall opulence.
Plush velvet sofas in hues of neutral tones are arranged in a circular formation, facing a stunning contemporary fireplace adorned with handcrafted sculptures. The sofas were adorned with silk and velvet throw pillows, offering both style and comfort.
A large, intricately designed coffee table sits at the center, adorned with tastefully arranged art books and an exquisite vase filled with fresh flowers. Nearby, a sleek bar area is fully stocked with top-shelf liquor and glassware, ready to serve the finest cocktails to guests.
An intricately woven Persian rug graces the floor, adding a touch of elegance to the room. A curated collection of artwork, including oil paintings and modern sculptures, adorns the walls, showcasing the owner's refined taste in aesthetics.
To complete the lavish experience, hidden speakers throughout the room fill the air with soothing music, creating a serene ambiance that perfectly complements the opulent surroundings.
This extravagant penthouse living room truly epitomizes luxury and offers a serene sanctuary high above the city, providing a haven for relaxation, socialization, and indulgence.
Jasmine shook to the core and looked over to Knox who was sat at the bar, taking a drink, paying her no attention as if he were the only one inside the room.
"Um, where am I going to stay?" She asked, but got no response. So, she scoffed.
As shs opened her mouth to ask again, Knox stood dorm his spot on the stool, walking in the direction of what seemed like the rooms.
He walked for a bit, then looked back, using a hand to gesture Jasmine to follow him.
Jasmine scoffed again, "Jeez, you could have talked, you know? Speaking, something we do when we're trying to communicate." She spoke sassily earning an eye roll from Knox. Not that she saw anyways.
"You can stay here, the room down the hall is off limits, but you can use the study for whatever." With that, Knox turned towards his own room, slammed the door to take a nap to relieve himself of the headache that was forming slowly.
"I guess this is life now." Jasmine sighed, plopping on the bed.
The ignoring went on for few more days, no matter what Jasmine did, she just couldn't get Knox's attention.
While he went to work, she would stay at home, doing nothing. She was getting bored out of her mind when she got the most unexpected visitor.
Kayla. Her mother in law, Knox's stepmother.
"Hello luv." A smile made its way to Kayla's lips after Jasmine opened the door.
"Oh hello." Talk about awkward, that was what Jasmine was feeling.
"I did promised to help with your career didn't I?" Jasmine's face lit up immediately Kayla mentioned hee career.
She nodded rigorously with a bright smile adorning her lips.
"That is why I am here, dear." Kayla said, moving to take a seat.
"Oh really?" Jasmine couldn't believe her ears, so she eagerly sat by her mother-in-law.
"Yes luv, but there is a condition." Her smile never fading, she spoke.
"A condition?" Kayla nodded as confusion lit Jasmine's face, "What condition?"