Billionaire's Arraigned Wife

Five

I stood at the front of the chapel and inhaled a deep breath. With the help of Isabella, we found our way down here some minutes ago. When my mother boasted that this wedding would be the talk of the town for months, I never knew she meant that. Everywhere was decorated and covered in flowers. I had pictured and dreamt of this day ever since I was little and now that's happening I'm dreading it.

My father was already waiting by the door, ready to walk me down the altar where my soon -to-be husband is waiting.

"You look absolutely gorgeous in this dress, Cassandra. You remind me of the day your mom and I got married. She also has the same look." He gave me a soft smile. This one is genuine.

"Thank you, Father"

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss on my head, not lifting the veil.

"I'm going to miss you Cass. We didn't really get along, but let's try to do a better job now that you're getting married. If you are getting uncomfortable there, you can always call me. I'm still your father". The expression on his face was unmistakable. A mixture of sadness and regret.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and drew him closer. "Me too, father," I said. I'll miss my parents terribly. They are not the best, but I still love them both dearly.

Father held out his arm and I entwined mine with his. Isabella handed me my bouquet of white lilies, then we walked through the double doors and into the chapel.

I fidgeted and almost skipped a step at the flashes of the camera that came over us all at once. Father must have sensed this as he bent down slightly to whisper in my ear. Somewhere in the back of my head I can hear the organist play

Here comes the bride.

"It only gets awkward at first. Try to smile and you'll be fine" he said.

I did as he said and it finally got better. There are faces of people who I didn't know. Of course, my grandfather must know them all. I'm sure these people are here to witness the union and gossip. It must have looked like a fairytale.

But it was far from that.

This is not a beautiful union. It's a facade.

A mere disguise.

"She's yours now" my father said when we reached the altar where Sebastian was standing. I watched as my father turned and moved to sit beside my mother. Mother had tears in her eyes, she sniffled and took a handkerchief to wipe her tears. I almost laughed at her drama. If any of these cameramen didn't capture a good shot with her crocodile tears, they'll be in trouble later.

All she could do was put on a show for the media and that was it. At least someone's doing their job right.

The moment I stood beside him, his jaw tightened. His grip on my hand was so tight that I feared it would leave a bruise afterwards.

“Dear beloved brethren, we are gathered here today to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony,” the priest began, and I barely paid attention to what he was saying. All that my mind could think of is the man standing beside me.

Blood rushed through my veins and I swayed, as the numbness slowly took over. I could hear the pounding of my heart echoing in my ears.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

It was so loud, I wondered if Sebastian could hear it. My legs trembled, feeling weaker than ever. I worried they’d give up on me and I’d end up taking my vows on my knees.

There was silence in the chapel as the priest started the vows. He started with Sebastian.

"Sebastain William Spencer, do you vow to take Cassandra Alicia Hastings as your wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love, honor, obey and Cherise, in love, health and in sickness, through sorrow and pains for all the days of your life?"

Sebastian turned to face me. His expression hardened and I watched as he clenched his jaws.

"I do," he said, not looking away from me. I dared not look up to meet his gaze.

Now, it is my turn. The priest turned to me and repeated the vows.

"Cassandra Alicia Hastings, do you vow to take Sebastain Williams Spencer your husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love, honor, obey and Cherise, in love, health and in sickness, through sorrow and pains for all the days of your life?"

When it was my turn to say the vows, silence consumed me. I closed my eyes and swallowed.

I can't do this.

The congregation had started to murmur by now and they exchanged puzzled glances. All the photos had stopped by now as they all waited for me to say "I do" but I couldn't.

"What are you doing, Cassandra?" This is from my mother. She is already on her feet and beside me.

"The priest is waiting for you to talk. Do you want to keep us waiting already?" She asked in a frightened tone.

I looked over her shoulder and at the congregation. They had started to whisper. I looked over at my father and he looked panicked. I couldn't bear looking over at Sebastian.

Everyone's waiting for you, Cassandra.

"I do" I said finally, followed by the immediate sound of exhales from people.

No going back now.

Sebastian gripped my left hand and put the ring on my finger. I do the same.

"Any objection to this union?" The priest asked the congregation. There was a resounding silence.

"Since there are no objections, we can proceed" the priest said after some seconds.

".... I now pronounce you as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride" he announced. The congregation clapped.

Sebastian turned to me and bent forward, bringing his head closer to mine as if he wanted to kiss me. I met his gaze without flinching. There's no turning or running away now. I have sworn the rest of my life to this villain.

My nightmare.

"You're mine, forever Cassandra," he threatened.

I could feel his breath against my ear and I swear I felt cold shivers run through my body. His voice left a resounding echo in my ear even after he left me at the altar without looking back.