TWO
1569 Words
ANDREA’S POV– THE UNINVITING OBJECTION
Murmurs filled the once–silent room as the objector to my union stepped forward.
I couldn't catch a glimpse of what the person looked like at first because Felix backed me.
His broad frame shielding me– his back a silent wall of protection.
He didn't know.
Of course, he didn't..
I felt it– A sharp twitch of unease settling in my breast region, but curiosity overpowered that feeling.
I found myself stepping from behind Felix, my breath hitching as my gaze fell on him.
The man who was interrupting my wedding.
“What's going on? Who is he, Andrea?”
A concerned voice filled my ears, but I knew better. It was dipped in mockery.
Allison.
My bridesmaid.
The one I had no other choice than to accept.
Behind the mask of love and politeness she wore, I knew she didn't like me.
She despised me but the feeling was mutual.
She wasn't standing here beside me because she wished to. It was because Felix wanted it.
He had insisted I got a bridesmaid, since I had no one for me and she eagerly volunteered– posing as the perfect candidate.
She was obsessed with him. Obsessed over my man.
She was devoted to him in a way that made my skin crawl.
Gnawing at his every word, every move.
Desperate for his attention.
I knew she was savouring every display.
Preying on my weakness, her eyes calculating my every move, expression and body language.
“I don't know.”
I responded– my tone breaking.
I didn't like giving her the feeling of defeat on my end but I couldn't help it.
I was terrified.
The whispers in the crowd grew louder.
Each voice – an invisible hand pressing into me.
The accusatory looks, eyes burning with judgement filled the air with a thick cloud of speculations.
“Felix, do you know him?”
I turned to my husband– to– be, seeking reassurance but there wasn't a single one.
If Felix didn't know him, this stranger was from my father.
Then where the heck was Arthur Howell.
His gaze concentrated on the man who was now slowly strolling towards us.
His jaw clenched tightly, I thought it might snap.
I looked back at this stranger, seeking familiarity.
He didn't look like one of my father's goons.
I didn't know him– I had never come across this face my entire life but the crowd passed me the judgemental looks.
There was this urgency to evaporate.
Even Felix didn't steal me a glance. What was going on?
“Dear heavens.” I whispered through my teeth.
And then–
I felt it – the tight grip of Allison on my shoulder and I stiffened.
She was feigning support, but I knew better.
Behind those weary smiles of comfort were laughter of happiness, mockery and joy.
I kept my head high, hoping to intimidate the young man approaching.
But if Felix's cold gazes couldn't do the job, then mine was a bluff.
“Andrea.”
I heard my name aloud from his mouth.
How the f**k did he know my name?
I didn't know this young man and how was I going to explain this to everyone.
My throat became extremely dry.
The murmurs increased at every step he took.
“It seems the bride has some webs hidden in her covers…you ain't that perfect like you claim to be.”
Allison's poisonous voice whispered into my ears and I felt the need to make her dumb.
I ignored her, my focus, on the man who was mere steps away from the altar.
With every calculated step forward, I took a step backward.
I was retreating– Why was I retreating?
The confidence radiating from his steps– a calculated one with purpose, the cold aura he possessed and every ounce of courage he took to lock eyes with me, made my heart sink.
His piercing blue eyes– sharp, mysterious– made me weak. His raven– black hair, scattered in a fine way– was perfect. His sharp jawline framed his undeniable striking features, his presence commanding.
He was mesmerizing, no lie.
But Felix…my Felix had features I considered perfect.
Finally…
He reached the altar.
A place commissioned for only I and Felix, invading the sacred ground.
A coarse of anger waved through me. My nails, digging deeply into my palm.
I lifted my chin to look him in the eyes now.
My gaze more endangering but he didn't flinch.
His eyes studied me carefully, not minding the presence of my husband.
“Who are you?” I demanded.
And like I was air, he ignored my question.
Instead he averted his gaze past me – straight to Felix.
A lapse of silence stretched between them.
I thought my vision blurred when a smirk formed on the faces of the two straight–faced men.
“Brother.”
Did I just hear the man who turned my wedding to a spectacle– who reduced me to a trembling mess, address my husband–to–be as brother?
And they just engulfed in a tight hug too.
My emotions became mixed. A wave of anger, relief and confusion washed over me.
I needed answers.
“Were you really thinking you were going to exchange the vows without gracing my presence?” He teased, pulling himself from the hug.
“I thought you weren't going to show up.” Felix admitted slowly, his voice lighter. His once furious gaze softened.
I watched Felix explain to an individual who wasn't me for the first time. It was then it dawned on me.
The objector to my union was special.
“This has always been your problem, Felix,” he said, gripping his shoulders tightly.
“You always misunderstand things.”
“I said I wasn't going to be your groomsman. I never said I won't grace the floors of your wedding.”
He corrected and the two men chuckled, hugging each other tighter than the first.
Meanwhile I stood there– forgotten, left out.
Thankfully, I wasn't the only one.
“Hello sister–in–law,” his voice directed at me. I only stared at him with what I wouldn't call rage but was rage.
I made an attempt to smile and respond but the priest cleared his throat. His expression of impatience and clarity.
“Shall we continue the ceremony?”
The priest asked, adjusting his robe.
“Sure you can,” the stranger responded, giving his consent like it mattered. His smirk pulled every muscle in my hair strand.
I'm sure he feels very important after turning my wedding into a show.
The ceremony continued.
“What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. With this said, I pronounce you– Felix Rowland and you – Andrea Howell – Man and wife.”
My heart fluttered upon the pronouncement.
Finally, the words I had been expecting.
“You may kiss the bride.”
The priest declared and without hesitation, Felix swooped me in a long kiss.
Our tongues clashed against eachother’s, sucking desperately and searching in need. He wasn't letting me go and I knew it.
My knees weakened, I clung to his hair, my body pressing against his.
He responded needy, holding me still. One arm wrapped around my waist, assuring me of security.
The roars of applause was deafening, but I heard nothing.
Nothing mattered except this – my kiss.
Felix.
Us.
After what felt like forever, his grip around me loosened and we stopped. His gray eyes locked into mine.
I couldn't believe it, it finally happened.
“Mrs. Andrea Rowland.”
Felix mumbled excitedly, testing the new name.
Shame on me, but I got turned on.
Overexcited, I threw my arms around his neck and engrossed him in another breathtaking kiss.
His lips tasted like the mix of something intoxicating– like sin dipped in honey.
“I love you so much, Andrea”, he muttered between our kisses.
“I love you too, babe,” I murmured.
The applauding crowd didn't matter, the priest didn't, f*****g Allison didn't, the stranger didn't.
The only thing that mattered was us.
“Congratulations, man,” The cold voice of the stranger who stole the spotlight on my wedding blurted, pulling us away from our private world.
He was smiling and hugging Felix and I felt a bit jealous.
But before I could dwell on it…
“Congratulations Andrea,” a feminine voice broke through me and I turned to respond.
It was Allison.
I actually forgot she existed for a moment– My bad.
She was smiling sheepishly– one that signaled the watch your back syndrome. It was off and only I could see through it.
“I hope your happiness never ends…just the way you’ve wished.”
She leaned in pouring out venomous words into my ears, her lips barely moving– visaged with a smile.
I felt a chill down my spine upon her cursed words.
My heart giving unsteady beats.
There was definitely a meaning behind those words and it wasn't good.
It was threatening– unsettling.
I retreated, narrowing my gaze at her but instead she winked.
“What do you mean…” I inquired but before I completed my statement, she was walking away.
- Writer
