IN THE WORLD OF LOVE

FEELS LIKE A WEDDING

The past week for Serena was a blur. All she could think about was Simon. All of her was in a state of nostalgia, their time together spent in high school, Their first kiss and many others after, The feeling she felt for the first time after she realised she had a crush on Simon. Their moments were spent as 'friends' in the cosy restaurant. Everything up until now, even the time in the alley a few days ago.

Right now, she is sitting in front of the mirror, getting ready for the wedding. Dressed in a white and gold dress, with light makeup on and Jenny behind doing her hairstyle and putting her veil on.

"Snap out of it," Jenny said not looking at her.

"Huh?" Serena asked and looked at her through the mirror.

"Snap out of from whatever you're thinking,"

Jenny answered. Still not looking, busy doing her hair.

Serena said, just hummed. All morning she was quiet. Thinking about the new life she was going to start. New relationships. Will she be able to handle it? Her new love with Simon? What will this union bring her to? Anew path? More troubles? Unrevealing more secrets, or putting an end to the old ones?

"Will, you be able to be to do it?" Serena suddenly asked. Fidgeting her fingers.

"This marriage? If you were to be asked to return your favours to your family by marrying someone?" She continued.

Jenny paused whatever she was doing, and looked at Serena. She singed.

"No, I would have run off to somewhere," She answered Serena in a low voice.

"Then why didn't I?" Serena asked

Jenny paused and kept aside whatever she was doing. She faced Serena put her hand on her shoulders soothingly rubbed them and said,

"You have a bigger heart Serena, I don't know what you're feeling now and trust me I don't want to. Maybe this will be the best decision of your life. You're doing this to help your father. In this marriage both Simon and your father needs something from you, YOU don't.

So you have a bigger heart to give them what they want. Just trust your fate. Nothing will go wrong. You are a strong girl. I know it and you do too,"

"But...," Serena was cut off. when Jenny continued,

" Serena didn't you say that you accept this marriage, Then why question it. I see you objecting to this every day. Believe me, this might be the best decision of your life,"

Serena signed hearing this. Yes, she tried to accept this union but she didn't. For her, everything in her life took a turn suddenly. Only one fateful dinner was all it took, to change her decision and all her life plans.

After her graduation, she wanted to earn to be independent and fall with a perfect life and have a family with him... And now her life is uncertain, sitting here at the age of 22, to be wedded in a few hours, she doesn't know what to think or plan.

But Serena was sure that whatever comes her way she will fight it with all her might and brain and will never give up on this marriage. Because for her, she will only get married once and stay loyal to him no matter what. She didn't want to be her father.

Jenny sat there looking at her with an apologising smile and praying that everything hereafter will be alright and happy for her best friend. They sat there in silence, both in their thoughts. Nobody said anything. They look at each other and passed warming smiles.

Her father entered the grand room. And both of the girls stood up and looked at him. His eyes watered at the sight in front of him, some emotions were shining in his eyes something that Serena couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Come," He masked his expression and said. But this is not something Serena didn't expect. There were absolutely no pleasantries exchanged between them. She slowly walked towards him and placed her hand on his forearm and he squeezed it soothingly. As if to tell her that he is with her.

She finds this small gratitude good. It calmed her nerves.

As per rituals Jenny is in front as maid of honour and then the duo of father and daughter.

Simon stood there patiently, waiting for his bride. When he saw her walking down the aisle alongside Alexander, his breath hitched. To him, she was the most beautiful bride. With a white wedding dress, and the veil on. He regretted the moment when his sister came to show a candid picture of Serena just before the ceremony. He shooed her away that time saying he has better things to do after.

He instantly got hard when he saw her smiling at something Alexander said.

When they neared the stage, Alexander placed Serena's hand in Simon's. Which oddly felt good to both of them. The combination of Rough and soft. He gently helped her up.

Though it was hard for her, She still smiled at him, a tight-lipped smile with only one thought in her mind. 'I am going to accept this,'

To the smile, which Simon paid no heed to, just bluntly ignored. He looked at her and then the priest and instructed him to start the ceremony.

The priest cleared his throat and said,

"We shall start,"

And from there, everything for Serena was a blur until she heard the priest say, 'vows'.

She silently turned towards Jenny who gave her a confirming nod.

Again everything was silent, waiting for Serena to say something, she looked at him, straight in the eyes and said,

"You are an answer to my prayers and I will spend the rest of my life thanking God for loving me enough to send me His very best.

I promise to be for you the helpmate God intended from the beginning.

I will honour you as my spiritual head. I will follow you as you follow Christ.

I will cover you in prayer.

I will work alongside you in support of your God-given vision for our family.

I will speak words of kindness and not criticism.

I will love you and be faithful to you alone from this day forward until God calls us home.

This is my solemn pledge to you and God.

Please accept this ring as a symbol of our covenant and my undying love for you"

When done, she took a deep breath and took The ring from Jenny and gestured him to give his hand and he did. She slid the ring his finger and turned to look at the priest.

"Now, you may say your Vows," He smiled as he said this Simon. Who in turn, said,

"Let's just get this over with,"

This hurt Serena because she spent her whole night preparing her Vows, and he did not even bother to give respect to the ceremony.

This arrogant ass jerk. She thought.

Hearing Simon says this, there were rounds of murmurs in the crowd, even though he said it quietly. It was embarrassing for both Serena and her family.

The priest cleared his throat and looked at them awkwardly, he blinked a lot of times.

And said,

"Do you, Simon Clifford take Serena Williams as your lawful wedded wife. In sick and health. In poorer and in rich?"

"I Do," Simon said in a heartbeat

The priest turned towards Serena and asked,

"Do you, Serena Williams take Simon Clifford as your lawful wedded Husband? In sick and health? To cherish and to love?"

"I. I Do," Serena said. God! She was nervous.

"By the power bestowed in me, I pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride," He announced

Simon instantly took hold of her hand, kept his hands on her waist and kissed her on the cheek. To say Serena was surprised is not able to define her state. Yes! She was feeling nervous to be kissed in front of all these people, she did not expect Simon to be this considerate.

But when did he notice it? She thought.

" I know you," Simon whispered.

This small gesture made her heart flutter.

..................

There was a small reception ceremony with only a few people. The cake was cut. People were congratulating them and both of them gave fake smiles. The Clifford's came to congratulate them. Even her stepsisters, her brother, but not her father.

Frankly, Serena could not care less.

Simon did not acknowledge her presence, If not for people congratulating them, he was found with a handsome man by his side. The man looked probably looked in his late twenties. He wearing a crisp white suit, with black lace and a red brochure. He was simple yet had a dominant effect on people. Just like Simon. Though he smiled often.

"Can't take your eyes off him," She heard a very familiar voice from behind.

"Huh, no!" Serena scoffed at Jenny.

"Oh! come on! you were eye r****g him. I saw you," Jenny teased. This time Serena did not say anything.

"You look beautiful in this dress. It complements your curves," Jenny continued.

"Esch, Don't be so cheesy. And don't look at my curves," Serena waved at her.

They both looked at each other and laughed.

"O my God! you are married," Jenny said again when she sobered up.

Just then, Izzabella interrupted them from behind.

" It's time to go, Serena," She said and went off.

"Guess I am," Serena answered Jenny in low voice.

Yes, I am.