Arranged

Wedding

The next three weeks passed in the blink of an eye. My days were spent selecting outfits, colours, decorations and the like. It didn't matter if I didn't have my dream man, I'd still have my dream wedding.

And dreamy it was. Everything was perfect. My brother walked me down the aisle, as my parents stood waiting at the front. Zac had his father, and what seemed like a couple of close friends, perhaps colleagues, with them. I couldn't see the sisters his father had spoken of.

In the past 3 weeks, I'd met Zac exactly 3 times. He was always with his father, and he continued with the non-committal grunts. He hardly had anything to say about wedding decisions, and that was fine by me. Every time Professor Meowkins wandered past, Zac grimaced and moved away. It was so childish but I stuck to the agreement I'd signed.

The wedding was a small affair, with only our nearest and dearest there. Most had been told that it was a whirlwind romance and wedding, and that we'd been introduced through our fathers' business connection. At least half of that was true. All that knew that the marriage was to be a sham had to sign a non disclosure agreement, so our lips were all officially sealed.

I'd daydreamed my way through the marriage officiant's words, thinking of the future that lay ahead where I got fresh start to my life in a new place. I blinked back to reality as I noticed everyone looking at me expectantly. I studied Zac. He was in a nicely-fitted tux that accentuated his shoulders and biceps. The top button of his shirt was, as always, unbuttoned, giving me a glimpse of the golden skin beneath. I couldn't even admire his handsome look, as I noticed his gaze steadfastly looking beyond me, at some point just past my hair so that to the outside world it looked as if he was staring deep into my eyes. It disgruntled me. He wasn't even man enough to make eye contact? Or was he just that much of a snob? Even a contractual wedding was beneath him.

-

Where had the 3 weeks gone? I'd kept meaning to start fresh with Faye, but her icy cold gaze from therein after our first meeting gave me pause. Perhaps it'd be better this way. If she thought I was an asshole, she might not follow through with the plan, or at the very least not stick around for the entire 2 years. Even if she did, it'd be easier if we stayed out of each other's ways.

Standing at the aisle now, watching her walk up to me, tightly holding on to her brother's arm, filled me with a sudden sadness. I was taking this girl away from everything she knew and loved. I could see how close she was to her sibling, and it was all my fault that she had to leave him behind. I set my jaw and stood up straighter. Let's get this over with then.

As she stood opposite me, her eyes looked faraway. I allowed myself a quick study of my future wife. She was in a white gown with a sweetheart neckline and long laced sleeves. The corset tightened at her narrow waistline before the dress flowed out, with a split along it that offered a tantalising view of a bronzed leg as she had walked up the aisle.

Her hair was in an elegant bun, and her lips, they were glossy again like that first meeting. I shook my head slightly and cleared my throat, looking away before I could think about those lips again. I trained my gaze beside her ear and forced myself to pay attention to the proceedings.

-

"I do."

The two words sealed my fate to the man I barely knew. We could not even meet each other's eyes. The guests cheered around us, clapping and whistling, but it seemed far away to my ears, which were filled with a buzzing sound instead. It was like I was watching my own body from behind a glass window, seeing the frozen smile on my lips, but not feeling my muscles move. What had I got myself into?

Soon enough we were at the dinner party. Laughter and chatter continued around us. The food was delicious, because I was a foodie and had tested every menu item myself before making my selections. At some point in the evening, Corey approached us with a photographer beside him.

"Tim works with me. He's just going to take a few pictures of you two, something we can officially publish on your socials. It will be your announcement to the world that Zachery Alexander is finally settled, and that he's taken a step back from the public eye to focus on his new marriage."

We followed the photographer outside, who directed us to a number of poses, some individual and some together, amongst the trees and greenery, with the sunset behind us. The view was beautiful, and so far we'd managed to avoid touching too much in the photos.

"Okay Zac, I want you to stand behind Faye, and put one arm around her, the other hand just touching her fingers. Press your forehead into the side of her head and look down like you can't believe you've married this beautiful woman," Tim grinned. He clearly did not know this was a fake wedding. Well, a fake relationship and a very real wedding.

I swallowed as I felt Zac's presence behind me. He hesitated for only a moment before stepping close, following Tim's instructions as he guided him. I inhaled deeply at the strong cologne he had one. God, it smelled good.

When his head pressed close to mine, I reminded my stupid heart to slow down as it attempted to hammer its way out of my chest. I'm sure Zac could sense this but he said nothing.

"That was good! Zac, move closer to Faye's side now, both arms around her waist, and press your lips to her cheek for a kiss. Hold it there for a moment while I take a few shots."

Zac did as told, and when his lips gently brushed my cheek, my eyes instinctively closed. How long had it been since a man had his arms around me like this? I had just started to lean back and get comfortable against his chest, when Tim spoke up again, jolting me out of my reverie.

"Now I want you to face each other. Faye, your arms around Zac's neck and his hands on your waist. Press your foreheads against each other and look as in love as you two clearly are."

If only he knew. Zac gave a wry chuckle and moved to face me. He stepped in close once again, lowering his head until our foreheads touched. My fingers met at the nape of his neck.

I guess we could make proper eye contact, if we were forced into it.

Our faces were so close, gazes locked. Breath mingling together. I felt the slightest pressure on my waist as his fingers gripped me tighter, like he was trying to maintain control.

"That's perfect. Now move your lips closer as if you're about to kiss. We want your audience seeing this and wanting more, feeling the anticipation."

Talk about self control. If I so much as moved my lips to talk right now, it would brush against his. My breathing was shallow, my fingers interlocked tightly behind his neck. Zac's grip on my waist tightened further and I wanted nothing more than to jump this man in this very moment.

"...and we're done! Thanks guys, these shots will turn out great. I'll have the lighting edited and emailed out to you in no time. It's great working with couples who are so truly in love. Your chemistry is incredible! I'll let you get back to the party now." Tim rattled off before turning and walking away, checking out the pictures on his camera.

The moment was broken. We quickly moved away from each other. I just know my cheeks were red with embarrassment yet again. Zac scratched the back of his neck and looked away. "We, uh, we should get back like Tim said. We have a big day tomorrow too."

I nodded and turned away, silently making my way back to the reception, with Zac a pace behind me.

The following day was a rush. When the reception ended, Zac and I made our way out together, for appearances sake, before the driver dropped me at my place and took Zac back to his hotel. I had mostly packed but spent most of the night ensuring everything was perfect and that I hadn't left anything behind.

I then spent the morning making tearful goodbyes to my parents and Brody, who was red and misty-eyed himself. I gave him a teasing smile, "aw Brody, don't say that you'll miss me."

He rolled his eyes and sniffed as he poked my ribs. "You wish, fartface."

Zac was leaning against the hired car, waiting for me, when we opened the door. He at least had the decency to come and say goodbye to my parents, shaking father and Brody's hands and giving mother a kiss on the cheek. He helped grab my bags and load them into the car. He murmured a few words to my family that I didn't hear, as I was placing the last of my items and the cage with Professor Meowkins into the vehicle. We waved our final goodbyes and try as I might, I could not stop the tears.

As the driver began the journey to the airport, I covered my face with my hands in an attempt to stifle the sobs wracking through me. This was really it. That was my final time being in that home with my family for the next two years. I knew I was ugly crying with Zac and Meowkins watching awkwardly but I couldn't help it, try as I might.

I felt a hand on my knee offering a somewhat soothing caress. I looked up for long enough to see Zac give me a small half smile and offer me a packet of tissues. I guess even stone cold men could be kind when they saw broken crying women. I nodded my thanks and wiped my tears and snot. We were already stuck with each other for 2 years at this point and I was beyond caring in my current state.

The driver took us to a part of the airport I'd never seen before. And of course, there in front of us was a private jet and Corey Alexander himself. He smiled kindly when he saw my tear-stained face and gave me a small hug. "I'm sorry dear. I know this is tough but I'm sure the time will fly by. I have a feeling that you and Zac will be good for each other."

Once Zac and I were seated onto the plane, Corey sheepishly informed us that he had some further business and wouldn't be joining us just yet. He hopped off the plane before we could protest and suddenly the door was closing and the seatbelt sign lit up. He'd left us practically alone.

I glared at Zac. "A private jet, really? Don't you know how bad these are for the environment?" I cut myself off before I delved deeper into the topic. I know I had other strong emotions skewing my thoughts and this wasn't the way to take them out. I reminded myself to be the polite, people-pleasing Faye that everyone knew, loved and expected. I could gently explain to Zac at a later time why I wouldn't be flying around in one of these with him again.

To his credit, Zac remained silent and stoic. I eventually gave in to exhaustion and slept for most of the flight, only awaking for food, bathroom breaks and to check on Professor Meowkins.

A full 22 hours later, we had landed. Zac barely waited for me to unbuckle before he was off the plane, guiding the workers to our luggage. A short drive and we arrived to a beautiful property. Surrounded by greenery and huge hedges, I could barely see the house beyond.

No... not a house. A mansion. It was a beautiful home in the country, with the closest neighbours too far away to even walk to. Trees edged along the property lines and a variety of flowers and plants peppered the lawn. I was too tired to entirely appreciate the vastness of the property, but at least I knew that I'd have time to explore.

I knew one thing though, as I saw Zac's receding back making his way to the front door. There was plenty of space here to avoid him for the next two years of my life.