Between Truth and Tenderness

Chapter Three

Arielle's POV

"Welcome the bride", the minister in charge announced.

The door opened. I breathed in and out before starting my walk to the aisle.

He had promised me a small, intimate wedding, but I had arrived here and met the opposite. The hall was filled to the brim with cameras flashing at me in quick succession.

I walked to the altar and stood in front of him, his eyes were fixed on me.

"You look beautiful in your dress," he said. "You could add a little smile to make it more beautiful," he added.

"Add a little smile to make it more beautiful. I repeated, mimicking him. Maybe you should wear this tight fitted gown. Let's see if you can manage a smile."

He looked away. This was the first time he hadn't made a comeback. I adjusted the dress around my chest. I couldn't wait for this to be over so I could take it off.

"We're here today to witness the solemnization of our daughter and son according to the bible, which says a man would leave his family to find his own wife...."

I could barely concentrate on what the pastor was saying. My eyes were fixed on someone, a man at the end of the hall. He was in a suit, probably a guest, but his eyes were on me, his expression was so dark that it would have sent anyone running a thousand miles from him.

He smiled at me. I couldn't return it. My face was frozen, not only due to the not-so-light makeup on my face but the fact that the man looked dangerous.

"Do you know him?" I asked, looking at Lucien, who was adjusting his tie. It was obvious that he was also tired.

His best man wiped the sweat off his face. I had come to know the man behind him as his best friend, the same one he had since high school. He also didn't remember me.

"What man?" He asked, following my eyes, but the man wasn't there anymore. It was like he had disappeared as the entrance and exit door were far from where he stood.

"Never mind, I must have seen something else," I said, rubbing my neck.

"Are you okay?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

I wasn't used to it. I preferred him to be cocky.

"I'm fine."

"It's time to exchange vows" "Can the groom and the bride be on their feet?"

We both stood up and faced each other. His face had been replaced with the usual expression he carried around. He was probably the only guy I knew with a resting b***h face.

"Do you Lucien Marcos take Arielle Moore as your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish her in sickness and in health?"

"I do" he replied with no hesitation, his eyes fixed on me like he was making sure I understood what he meant.

The crowd cheered, more cameras flashed. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, my palms sweaty. I wasn't sure about this anymore.

"Do you, Arielle Moore, take Lucien Marcos as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish him, on sickness and in health, till death do you part?"

I remained silent.

It wasn't till death did our part, this sham would end in a year. I wanted to scream for everyone to not take us seriously, to run back to Canada, because this wasn't how I planned my revenge.

"I do." I replied instead, feeling his fingers touch mine.

The crowd continued with another round of cheering, another round of camera flashing. I felt like throwing up.

"You may now kiss the bride."

I was about to protest, to tell the priest it wasn't necessary, but his face was already close to mine.

"It's not our first time cupcake, you enjoyed it." He whispered before his lips expertly covered mine.

I surrendered.

Some weeks after the wedding, as we had agreed he would take me to his company, I had picked this one over going to another country for our "supposed honeymoon".

"Good morning and welcome ma." His staff greeted me. They were all smiling and giggling at the same time. After all, the boss's wife was to resume work today. I had to dress for the occasion.

He held my hand as we walked all the way to his office. When we got inside, away from prying eyes, he dropped my hand.

I suddenly missed the contact. I walked from the cushion in his office to my seat.

The place was beautiful, the colors were perfect for him– Black, white and a little touch of red. It suited his personality.

"I might have something to show you later. I need you to be on your best behavior though," he said, moving to his seat.

"Has there ever been a time I misbehaved?" I snapped at him.

He shrugged, "just dropping a reminder."

He always finds new ways to piss me off.

We heard a knock at the door and we both turned. It was his secretary.

"Sir, the board members are waiting for you, along with the guest you asked to join you."

"Okay, I'll be there in a minute."

I watched as her cat walked out of his office in her penciled skirt and ridiculously high heels.

"Let's go," he said, standing up. He walked to the door and opened it, looking at me.

"Wait, you want me to follow you?" I asked, holding my chest.

"Yes, I told you that I had something I wanted to show you."

I followed him quietly, till we got to the door. He turned to look at me. "You'll stand outside here and wait, I'll send my PA to get you when I need you." He said and disappeared through the door.

I sat down in the available seat outside and waited.

After some minutes, the door opened, revealing his best friend.

"You can come in now." He said, not responding to my greetings.

Was I in trouble? Why the cold shoulder?

I ignored him and walked into the hall, just in time to hear Lucien say

"Meet my wife, Arielle Marcos, the new General Manager. She'll be in charge of approving projects and merger-related issues."

I froze.

Why would he give me such a task? My eyes moved round the room. I was trying to see if anyone would object, but it rested on someone, sitting there, mouth wide open in shock, and immediately I knew why.

Samantha moore– My Sister.