Vows of Deception: Bound to My Ex's Step-Father

HAZEL'S POV “Are you ready, love?” Ariston asked. “Yes, of course.” I replied. I’m smiling while standing at the altar of Cathedral Basilica of St. James, my fingers were trembling and I could feel my whole body trembling. Wearing a very expensive yet vintage wedding dress given by the people of the orphanage. I had no one to walk with me on the aisle- no father, no mother, no cousins to fill the left side of the church. I don’t have any idea why Director Lee, Mother superior and the children of the orphanage aren’t here even though I sent them invitations. Behind me were all of Ariston’s friends and circle. It made me so orphan. But having Ariston beside me, his blue eyes, smiling. I know none of those mattered anymore. He’s my family now. “You look so beautiful, Hazel,” Ariston whispered as we faced each other to exchange our vows. His voice is soothing, and comforting enough to ease my trembling hand. After we exchanged our vows, I could see his eyes were about to cry so I laughed and the people did too. This man loves me. I know. I could see it in his eyes, and I know after this, I’m no longer an orphan, the emptiness would be washed away by the vows of our future. “If anyone here knows any reason why these two should not wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.” the priest said, his voice is echoing off the whole church. Silence fell over the whole cathedral as everyone looked at each other to see anyone who would try to stop the wedding. Ariston's friends even teased that if anyone would come out they would be dragged by them. I smiled, waiting for the priest to continue to the part where we have to kiss to end this wedding. Then there, from the opened door of the church, a woman with a bulky belly entered and shouted. “Do you think that by marrying her, you will be happy, Ariston?” She’s not wearing wedding attire, instead, she’s wearing plain pajamas, and a pink top with black bag on her shoulder. The security instantly caught her. “Get off me! Stop this wedding!” Everyone gasps and starts murmuring words I don’t even want to hear. Ariston froze and his hand holding mine went cold. “W-who is she, Ariston?” I asked. My heart feels like it drops on my stomach when he doesn't answer. “Ariston?” He didn’t even move, instead he went pale as the security failed to restrain her and now she’s walking towards us. “Look what you’re doing to us! I know I’m not as pretty as her but you can’t marry her!” The priest steps forward and tries to stop her. “Miss, this is a sacred place-” “I’m his wife, he’s already married to me!” she roared, her voice breaking with fury and agony. She reached into her handbag and pulled out some papers in the envelope and then threw it violently at the priest. Then she faced me. “You stupid little girl, you think he’s into you? I am the wife, and you’re nothing but a naive mistress!” The world for me went silent, as I slowly picked up the paper on the tip of my wedding dress. The paper says Marriage Certificate with Ariston name on it. I look up at Ariston, waiting for him to laugh because this might be just a prank or he would think that the woman is just crazy. Because I’ve known him as a playful man and this might be just part of his prank. But he didn’t. He can’t even look at me. The murmurs of the crowd faded into dull, roaring static into my ears. I can’t take it anymore, I feel like my heart is about to burst. I didn’t wait for Ariston to explain, I didn’t pay attention to his friend trying to grab the lace of my dress or even the gossiping roar of the countless guests inside the church. I ripped the veil and ran outside. Outside, I spotted the driver of my car-the car that was supposed to take us to our honeymoon. On the back bumper, there was a massive thin banner with a “Just got married” sign. I didn’t stop running, the driver is standing near the car with no idea of what’s happening inside the cathedral. That’s why he failed to notice me as the bride and getting the keys on his hand wasn't even that hard. I threw myself into the driver seat, and slammed the lock button. “Hey! Wait!” the driver yelled, banging on the glass. The tires screeched as I threw the car into reverse and then drove. I could still hear the church music that I personally selected for this day. Tears finally spilled over my eyelashes that made my vision blurred. Mistress. I wasn’t his wife. I’m not his girlfriend of one year. I’m just a mistress. “I’m just a f*****g mistress?” I laughed so loud. That word burned down to my chest. I thought this is finally my chance to have a family of my own. I thought I’m no longer an orphan. Turns out I’m just his little first secret. “Why me? Why?!” I sobbed openly, my hands shaking violently against the steering wheel. The world outside seems to turn into darkness, I’m all alone. I wiped my tears, and about to turn left when an Black SUV suddenly appeared in front of me. My heart dropped but still managed to stop at the right moment. I slammed against the wheel, squeezing my eyes shut as fresh tears kept coming down to my cheeks. What a perfect day. I forced my head up and got out of the car to apologise to them. I expected an angry commuter, but instead, I was greeted with a tall man with terrifying features, cold eyes, aristocratic jawline, that absolute aura that made the street seem to fade into the background. It’s the face I hadn't seen for three years. It was my ex step-father, Rydell. The one and only Rydell McLeroy Keirston. “Hazel?” He asked them to take off his sun glasses. Rydell was a deep, gravelly baritone that vibrated through my skin. “Why are you crying?” He leaned down and paused when he saw me wearing a wedding dress. “Y-you’re getting married?” “R-rydell, I-” My voice cracked. Before I could even continue what I’m about to say, a sleek sports car stopped. The door opened, Ariston jumped out with three of his friends. He’s not wearing a suit anymore and his bow tie is also gone. His face is full of panic. “There you are, Hazel. Come with me, please let’s talk. “ He said while approaching me but stopped when Rydell slowly walked in front of me. “Who the hell are you?” Ariston demanded, trying to sound brave with a huge man standing in front of him. “Stay away from my wife, she’ll come with me.” Rydell didn’t move. “Move or I’ll move you.” Rydell let out a low, dark chuckle that means violence. His hand subtly drifted toward the inside of his jacket. But instead of drawing a weapon, he looked at me. “I can make all of them vanish now without a trace if they take another step,” Rydell murmured to me, his voice low but sounding so dangerous. “But I need you to ask for it, if you don’t ask for my help I can’t interfere.” “He lied to me. He’s already married.” I hold on to his jacket. “Please don’t give me to him.” Rydell's entire posture shifted. A terrifying smile appeared on his mouth then I saw him pulling a velvet box out of his jacket, as he opened it, I saw a massive, shining diamond ring that I recognized. “Ask for my help.” Rydell whispered, holding the ring out to me right in front of my trembling ex-fiance. “Marry me instead, and I will ruin him for even looking at what’s mine.”