Chapter Four
1466 Words
Lily’pov
I held Tessa’s hand so tightly, as we continued walking down to where father was, so that she could hand me over to father.
All eyes fell on me as people murmured as I walked.
“She is so lucky to be marrying Ethan “
“ I wonder what exactly he sees in her”
To them, I’m the luckiest woman, the bride to a man I know nothing about. All they see is a girl in a ravishing bridal gown.
Only if they knew.
We finally arrived at the entrance, where Father stood waiting for me. Tessa slowly released my hand as she reassured me that everything would definitely be alright. And father took my hand as we both didn’t say a word to each other.
All I wanted to see in my father’s eyes, was the feelings of guilt or even regret.
But the look on his face felt unreadable, his expression was cold as always.
The same person who made everyone walk on eggshells, even mother, dares not question his decisions; she accepts whatever he says, even though I could see she didn’t want to. I have literally spent my entire life trying to please him, but all proved abortive.
However, here am I now.
“It’s time”… that was what he finally said
I immediately swallowed a big chunk of shiver down my throat.
Soon the grand double door slowly opened.
Father and I took our first step inside as all eyes fell on us
For a moment, it was as though my heart had entered into my stomach and I forgot how to breathe.
The venue itself is what I call breathtaking. As I saw the towering chandeliers, like crystals, hanging from the high ceiling, the shiny golden glow reflected off the gleaming white marble floor. The hall was nothing short of luxurious
The aisle was endless, with lavish arrangements of white roses, hydrangeas, and orchids.
At the end of the aisle was a magnificent arch of flora, with white blossoms and delicate green leaves, fresh and overflowing, which made the altar heavenly perfect.
The elegant guests filled the hall in rows, each of them sitting in silence as all eyes moved as I moved. I didn’t know whether the eyes were for excitement or for envy.
Soft music filled the hall, blending beautifully with the sweet scent of the flowers.
Everything was exquisite and perfect
This was the kind of wedding every woman
As we walked further, every step I took felt heavier.
At the end of the aisle stood Ethan Lockwood.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored, dashing tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders, with a crisp white shirt sharply contrasting his black attire. A black tie rested neatly on his shoulder.
His black hair was neatly styled, with a few strands falling across his forehead. His jawline looks as though it had been sculptured, with that of his nose, in fact, he was nothing short of perfection.
Finally, father and I reached the altar, and he immediately left my hand and took a bow and left for his seat.
I didn’t know what to feel at this moment.
I’m standing in front of my soon-to-be husband or should I just say my husband.
I looked up and Ethan’s eyes and mine met, the look on his face was so frightened, his eyes were grey and they remained fixed on me. I couldn’t look up to him anymore.
I felt so small in front of him.
Soon the officiant smiled warmly and began talking.
“ Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the union of Ethan Lockwood and Lily Adams…..”
The hall became completely silent
I took a deep breath
There was no more turning back now.
Turning to Ethan, the officiant asked.
“Ethan Lockwood, do you take Lily Adams to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her and remain faithful to her?
Not hesitating he replied
“ I do”
His voice was cold and calm.
Without any emotion
Then the officiant turned to me.
“Lily Addams, do you take Ethan Lockwood as your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him and remain faithful to him?
My lips parted, but I couldn’t speak out.
Silence covered the entire hall.
As all eyes were fixed on me.
I could feel father’s gaze.
Tessa’s silent encouragement and her motivation.
And mother’s fear and gnashing of her teeth.
Slowly, I lifted my eyes to Ethan.
His expression never changed, and I felt as if he didn’t have any emotion at all. His face was totally unreadable.
“….. I do”, I summoned the courage and said.
The official smiled
“May I have the rings”
Then the velvet ring box was handed over to the officiant.
He then gave Ethan, when he opened it
“ Ethan, place the ring on Lily's Hand as a symbol of your love and commitment.”
Without hesitation, he took the diamond ring and slid the ring gentle onto my finger.
His touch was brief and there wasn’t a slight trace of affection.
“Lily, please place the ring on Ethan’s finger”.
As I slipped it onto his finger, our eyes met and still his expression never changed.
The officiant closed the ceremonial book with a smile
“ By this authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife”.
A loud applause erupted in the hall
“You may now kiss the bride”.
This was the part I hate so much, can’t we just skip this part…. I said in my mind.
The hall became completely silent.
As Ethan took a step forward, he leaned in just enough for the guest to believe that it was a proper kiss. I made sure I closed my eyes so tightly.
His lips brushed lightly against mine.
It lasted no longer than a second.
Then he pulled away.
Without another glance, he turned to face the guests who were smiling from ear to ear.
To them
It was indeed a fairy tale-perfect ending
But for me…
I was only beginning my very own nightmare.
The ceremony ended and it was time to bid family and friends goodbye.
Ethan already went into the helicopter as soon as the officiant ended, he went without saying a word to anyone. All he told me was that.
“We leave in ten minutes”
“Ten minutes”… I whispered to myself. As tears filled my eyes.
Tessa came, running towards me, and embraced me
“I won’t be fine Tessa”…. My voice began to crack.
“ I know you will”.
“ Tessa, he’s so scary, the look on his face is so cold, yes I know he is every girl's dream”
“ but l’m still scared”
“Everything will be alright, Lily…” as she gave me a tight hug.
I moved to where my mother stood next to my father, her eyes were already swollen and were so red.
She squeezed my hand and gave me a peck.
“It’s time to go…” Father interrupts
I couldn’t hold back my tears. As I moved towards the helicopter. As one of Ethan’s security officers, bowed to me, I took my first step into the helicopter.
I was as though, I took a step into misery.
Ethan POV
The chauffeur opened the car door for me as he saw me approaching and took me back to my helicopter.
I moved into my helicopter as my security officer opened it for me.
“Welcome back sir”… he said as he bowed
I stepped inside without a word.
As soon as the cabin door was shut, I loosened the knot of my tie and leaned back against the leather seat, letting out a slow breath.
“Finally….”
The constant cheers, endless applause, and forced still echoed in my mind of how I felt so nauseous.
How exhausting.
And suffocating.
The entire ceremony was nothing to me.
It was a performance.
Neither did I care about anyone.
I glanced through the window as I saw Lily approach.
I took a look at my Rolex.
“Lest she kept to time”
The cabin door was being opened for her, as she walked into the helicopter.
She walked so slowly with her face down, as she took her seat without saying anything.
The pilot’s voice came through the headset.
“Ready for departure, Mr Lockwood?”
“ Take off…” I said
As we took off, after a while I slipped out a piece of paper, and I used the edge to touch Lily. Making herself as small as possible.
“Sign this ….” I said
- Writer
