His Vow

The grandeur of the hallroom was thrilling. The cascading floral arrangements and shimmering chandeliers cast a soft glow over the gathered guests. Invitations had been sent to the elites of society and the occasion was graced with their opulence. It was the wedding of the heir to the Caldwell Properties real estate company. Ethan Humphrey, the only son to Jonah Humphrey, chief executive officer of the prominent Caldwell Properties, was to be joined in holy wedlock to Clara Tomland, a lady he had only known a few weeks ago. Clara stood in the bridal suite, staring at her reflection in the ornate mirror. This was supposed to be the best day of her life. Ever since she was a girl, she had looked forward to the day she would walk down the aisle with tears in her eyes, looking forward to the exchange of vows between her and the man she loved. But today wasn't that day. Of course, she would have tears in her eyes as she walked down that aisle. But it would be her fears streaming down as tears. Her father was indebted to the Humphreys, owing them a huge sum of millions for a failed business deal, and she was the compensation. Although he had tried tricking her into believing that Ethan was the perfect match - wealthy, handsome, and poised to take over his family's empire, she knew better. Donned in her exquisite lace gown, she took another glance at her reflection through the mirror. The fabric clung to her body, accentuating her curves. And the intricate embroidery gave off a feeling of royalty, her makeup, complementing the look perfectly. But within, she fought desperately, trying to calm her raging nerves. “You look so beautiful!” A familiar feminine voice burst into her thoughts, causing her to regain consciousness. She turned around and her eyes widened, as she couldn't believe who was before her. “Hannah!” She screamed, trying to adjust her dress to go greet her guest. But she didn't have to bother anymore as the lady walked up to her and pulled her into a warm hug. “I didn't think you'd come,” She said, after pulling from the embrace. “You think I was going to miss my sister's wedding?” The lady asked with a smile on her face that softened Clara more. “Oh, mine! You are just the best. But how are you going to deal with Dad?” Clara asked and Hannah scoffed, rolling her eyes. “That old man could go to hell for all I care...” “Hannah, that's my father.” Clara cautioned, causing Hannah to roll her eyes again. “A man who doesn't give a f**k about your feelings? Still don't get why you do this anyway,” Hannah said, rolling her eyes again. A deep sigh escaped from Clara. Hannah was right. Her father never cared. But still, she remained the submissive daughter, doing whatever he demanded, no matter what it cost her. She couldn't tell why she did this. But she just couldn't handle the fear of losing him. “Hey,” Hannah called, placing her hands over Clara's shoulders. “Today is your day. I'm here to celebrate with you. And I'm not going to trade this moment for anything in this world. Let alone some family distractions. You are my focus today. Let it remain that way.” She said, with a warm smile on her face, that made Clara earn one, as she embraced her again. “You're ready?” Hannah asked, pulling out of the embrace. Clara's fear-clouded eyes and looked up into Hannah's without saying a word. Hannah's eyes widened, realizing how scared she was. “You know you don't have to do this,” She said, but Clara shook her head. “It's too late, Hannah. I don't have a choice.” “You do. Look…” “They are waiting!” Another intrusion came in, as Sophie, Clara's chief bridesmaid, burst into the room. Their heads snapped towards her direction. Clara looked at Hannah again and sighed, before turning to the dressing mirror. “Wait!” Hannah suddenly said, catching their attention. “Shut the door!” She ordered, and they all looked at her, with questioning eyes, wondering what she might just be up to. Ethan stood at the altar, a striking figure in his dashing tuxedo that accentuated his broad shoulders and confident demeanor. He was every bit of charm - tall, with tousled dark hair and piercing blue eyes. After losing his mother as a teenager, Ethan was determined to fall in love with a woman who would have just the same effect she had on him. And he was determined to protect her with everything he possessed. But it was all dashed two years ago when Charlotte died in a plane crash a month before their wedding. She was his world. He had dreamed of growing old with her, surrounded by their grandchildren, and possibly going to the grave together, fulfilled. He wanted to give her the best. He wanted their wedding to be the biggest recorded. He had planned to host it in Shangri-la Hotel Paris, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. But it was during this flight to Paris, that their plane encountered unforeseen technical problems, leading to its crash. He had been in a coma for five months only to wake up to realize the one whom he loved was gone. And, of course, it wrecked him. He tried on several occasions to end his life, but his father fought to keep him. And as each day passed, he was losing it. Never in a million years since Charlotte died, did he think he would be getting martially hinged with someone else. The only s****l relations he had entertained were one-night stands. And he hoped to remain that way. But his Dad ruined it all. He had called him to his office a month ago and made him sign a document that proved the company was now in his name. But he never really got to understand what he was signing until only a few weeks ago. And finally, the day he dreaded had come. A soft melody began resonating throughout the room and all eyes turned to the bride as she walked down the aisle, her chief bridesmaid behind and her father catching her halfway. Each step she took towards him worsened the dread in his stomach. He felt doomed. The wedding ceremony began, and soon the intending couple was called forward by the priest. The exchange of vows and rings was made, and just what they both dreaded, the priest pronounced them husband and wife to the cheers of the oblivious audience. And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. “You may now kiss the bride.” The priest announced with a smile, looking at the couple. Ethan cleared his throat, forcing a smile. Then he leaned in and lifted the veil obscuring her face. But as the veil fell from her face, his expression turned white, and his eyes bulged out in shock. Gasps and whispers could be heard from the audience, who all had their eyes widened. “What the hell are you doing here, you dirty b***h?” Mr. Tomland, Clara’s father bellowed, rising in anger. But it seemed amid the chaos, only the bride seemed composed, as she maintained a smile on her face, with her eyes fixed on Ethan, who couldn't take his off hers. Or precisely, off her palm, she had secretly opened for him alone to read. Beyond the fact that this wasn't the bride he expected, Ethan had another shock. He had been stalked by a lady he had a one-night stand with for months, but, of course, he didn't bother with it, expecting the stalker to get tired someday and give up. But he never thought the stalker would be the one whom he had exchanged marital vows with. And even beyond that fact, what the hell did she mean by what she had revealed through her palm? Pregnant? Impossible! As the whispers increased among the confused audience, sweat drops began forming across Ethan's forehead. It was then he realized his doom was beyond what he had imagined.