Libra Against Luna

Chapter4:Wedding Night

Agatha's POV:

Two weeks quickly passed, and now I find myself standing before a mirror as the seamstress’s apprentices adorned me in my wedding gown.

Noah and Caroline had already gone to the church to greet the guests, while Mother accompanied me to the seamstress’s shop to complete my attire before we were to board a carriage to the church.

I stood quietly, my gaze flitting between the busy apprentices who scurried about the dressing room. Two approached, holding the gown open as they assisted me in stepping into it. The dress was a white ball gown with an off-shoulder design and peplum sleeves.

Soon, another apprentice appeared before me, bearing a white corset adorned with crystals. She carefully placed it around my waist, instructing, "Breathe in and hold it." Before she and another tightened the laces. I could feel my ribs constrict and my waist became even thinner.

“Do be quick.” Mother urged, impatiently.

Once I was fully dressed, I seated myself upon a stool to slip on brown-heeled shoes, while another apprentice assisted me with a jade necklace and earrings. My hair was steamed and arranged into a messy bun.

When all was ready, Mother and I entered the waiting carriage and set off for the church.

Upon our arrival, I was startled to see that the Hawthornes were already seated, yet my husband-to-be, Alpha Genova Hawthorne, was nowhere in sight.

When I inquired of Caroline, she responded. “Father did mention he would be rather late.”

Late! Even for his own wedding, how audacious to leave me waiting!

I had no idea how long I lingered behind the church before Alpha Genova finally arrived. I even ventured into the church and overheard the whispers that filled the air.

The congregation was divided in two: the first half occupied by the Hawthornes and their guests, the second by the Penningtons and theirs.

Noah had invited only his fellow Jewish men from the temple. I couldn't fathom why they had agreed to attend a werewolf’s wedding, I even heard one murmur. “First, he accepts that lowly Omega as his daughter, and now his son-in-law is an Alpha.”

How could I explain that Noah is not my father and never shall be?

I sat in the carriage with my head bowed low, nearly drifting to sleep when Caroline burst through the doors. “He is here.” She announced, smiling broadly.

“Who is?” I asked, still a little sleepy.

“Alpha Genova. He arrived just moments ago.” She replied, her eyes lit up with admiration. “He is breathtaking,” She added.

“You saw him?” I asked.

“Only for a second, but it was enough to see how splendid he looks. You are fortunate, Agatha. Someone as lowly as you, to wed such a man.”

“You speak nonsense, as always. Why are you here?” I inquired, eager to change the subject.

“To fetch you, of course. Father is waiting at the church entrance to walk you down the aisle.” She replied.

“Your father will not walk me down the aisle. I shall do so myself.” I declared, leaping from the carriage and storming toward the church entrance.

Noah Pennington is not my father. It is unjust that he should take the place of my father when he has never shown me the affection a father should.

Upon reaching the church entrance, I saw Noah standing there as Caroline had said. He beckoned me to take his hand, but I merely stared at him before speaking. “I will not walk with you; you are not my father.”

“I have no time for your nonsense, Agatha. Everyone awaits inside. It is either this, or you will never learn your brother’s whereabouts, even after your marriage.”

I could not argue; I had no choice. Elliott was far more important than my resentment toward Noah.

I took Noah’s hand, and together we walked down the aisle.

As we neared the altar, where Alpha Genova stood, he stepped forward, reaching out to take my hands and continue the walk.

I looked up at him and found myself staring. He was indeed as breathtaking as Caroline had said.

His sleek black hair, hazel-green eyes, finely chiseled jawline, and neatly trimmed beard spoke of his striking appearance. And his arms that were stretched out before me, told tales of how muscular his frame would be beneath his fine attire.

“Miss Pennington, your hand.” He called, his deep voice awakening me from my daydream.

I quickly placed my right hand in his and withdrew my left from Noah’s grasp. Then he led me down the remainder of the aisle, the eyes of all present fixed upon us. As he gazed into my eyes, I noticed something peculiar, a mix of anger, sadness, and irritation. Though I could not explain how, I knew those emotions were there.

Perhaps Alpha Genova, like myself, was forced into this marriage. But why?

I was lost in thought when the reverend began his sermon. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Genova Alford Hawthorne and Agatha Florence Pennington I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, that if either of you knows of any reason why you may not be lawfully joined together in marriage, you do now confess it. For be well assured, if anyone is united unlawfully, they cannot expect God's blessing.”

“Because I am being compelled into this union against my will.”