Chapter 3 _ wedding bells
1079 Words
Rhoda's POV
There were two women stuffing pins in my hair preparing me for what was supposed to be the most beautiful and unforgettable day of my life–my wedding day
It turned out that Mr Kenneth was diligent in all things and he kept true to his words. He let my father go free after I signed the marriage contract and forgot all about the debt my father owed.
One of the maids who looked too kind and naive led me to a body-length mirror, staring at my reflection with adoration in her eyes
“You look so beautiful, miss,” she said with a kind smile dancing on her lips.
“Thank you” came my shirt reply, a fake smile on my lips
Looking forward I stared right back at the woman trapped in the mirror. She was in the most beautiful, luxurious shimmering dress, the bodice crafted with perfection.
My long blonde hair was placed into a low and elegant bun and I looked so beautiful but there was something different about the woman in the mirror
Though the woman in the mirror looked so beautiful, her eyes reflected fear and sadness.
I hadn't even seen the man I was supposed to get married to, and here I was, dressed for a wedding.
“You'll make a very fine wife” the other lady beamed with a smile
“I hope I will,” I uttered, sighing deeply.
Moments later, Dad's hand looped his arms around mine, and together, we went in. I braced myself as bright light from the room attacked me as we walked in.
My eyes scanned everyone through my veil and I realized only families were invited for the wedding.
My family, the groom's family, and there Mr Kenneth was. I move my gaze to the alter to see a young handsome figure sitting down and questions begin to flood my head
Was this allowed?
Why wasn't he standing?
Why was my soon-to-be husband sitting down?
Why did no one look bothered about this? Or was I hallucinating?
Maybe this thick wedding veil was affecting my sight
By the time I got to the altar, all thoughts and questions I had came to a halt. It turned out that my soon-to-be husband wasn't just sitting on any kind of chair but a wheelchair
A freaking wheelchair!
My heart plummeted in an instant. All of a sudden, I didn't know what to do or how to act. Everything just seemed a bit too much at the moment.
Without warning, the officiant started, and my attention shifted to him instantly. “Do you Rhoda Thomas take Lucian Peterson to be your lawfully wedded husband, to cherish and to love, to_”
“Can you just get to the point” my soon-to-be husband snapped, clearly pissed by the officiant's long unnecessary speech?
“Yes sir” the officiant nodded, averting his gaze and fixing them on me.
“I do” I responded instantly, scared of being snapped out by my soon-to-be husband.
My thoughts drifted to my family, and from the corner of my eyes, I could see their Happy smiles. I sighed deeply, reminding myself that all these were funny, Mother.
“Do you Lucian Peterson take Rhoda Thomas as your_”
“I do” John replied instantly, interrupting the officiant and making the air around us awkward.
“Okay” the officiant uttered nervously “you may now kiss the groom”
The groom? I thought loudly to myself
“Kiss me” John ordered like it was the most normal thing to do. His lips were pulled in a tight line, and his brown eyes held every bit of seriousness in them.
It was clear he wasn't going to stand up because he couldn't so I removed my veil and bent until our heads were on the same level then I did as I was ordered.
I kissed Mr Lucian
★★★★★
I watched as Mr Kenneth and Dad clicked their glasses filled with sparkling champagne.
Mr Kenneth looked like he wasn't threatening my father's life some days ago and my dad looked happy, so happy that if someone had seen him, they would have thought he had just won the lottery
Mom and Clara giggled and talked, whispering in each other's ears. I was alone, and the one company I had was the gold ring on my finger, signifying my new imprisonment.
I felt envious of Mom and Clara giggling and I decided to join in. “Hey Mom” Her once-radiated smile dropped and she gave me a cold stare
“Aren't you supposed to be with your crippled husband?” she asked mockingly and my heart sank
I faked a smile. “I can't find him anywhere,” I responded, my eyes scanning the living room before fixing them back on Clara and Mom.
“You did good by marrying him. It did benefit us a lot and we won't be bothered anymore by you” Mom uttered coldly and I felt my heart “Also remember to give birth to a complete human and not a cripple”
“How can you say that to me? I married Lucian because I needed to save Dad from Mr Kenneth. I did all these and even forgot about going to study medicine in college because of my family thinking you all will at least open your heart to accepting me” I said in sadness
“Saved, Dad?” Clara asked with a mocking tone. “She doesn't know yet, Mom, does she?” Clara asked Mom, shifting her gaze from me to mom
“It's not in your place to tell her Clara. Your dad will do that” Mom said, her eyes fixed on Clara's man warning her to keep mute
“Tell me what?” I asked in curiosity
“But I'm so excited to tell her. I want to witness the shock on her face” Clara uttered in excitement and I wondered what they were both talking about
“Behave yourself, Clara. Don't say anything” Mom warned sternly
“Say what?” I asked again, curiosity engulfing me completely
“That dad was never in debt, and your marriage to Mr Kenneth's son was a set-up plan,” Clara uttered instantly, ignoring mom warning gaze.
I froze on the spot, my heart racing in trepidation over what I just heard.
- Writer
