Beneath His Armor

Chapter 3: The Wedding (ADRIAN)

Another normal day. I stood at the edge of the desk in my office, staring through the large window, the beautiful city with all the night lights. It was quiet and almost peaceful. Almost. Most people believe in just a billionaire with an enviable life but those who truly know me, know that I built this empire through calculated decisions without any sentiments. Some say I built this by unorthodox ways, others say I’ve got blood on my hands. They also say I built this empire by crooked means and the like. People talk a lot don’t they?

Well my latest decision is no different.

The idea of marriage never held much meaning to me. Marriage is just another contract, an art of tying yourself down to another being for various reasons. My reason was for power, influence and wealth. I have no interest in love, loyalty or even companionship. Such emotions are a liability. They are distractions I did not involve myself in. At first, when the suggestion of an arranged marriage came across my desk, I declined but on second thought, the Carters were though not as powerful as me, they were the leaders of their levels, promising a great deal of success.

Also it was because of her. I didn’t want to admit it but she was absolutely breathtaking the day I saw her at the ball. That day I wanted her for myself. “Keep your filthy claws to yourself son” my mother said. Well shoot.

Coming back to reality, I sat on the chair behind large mahogany desk to do some paperwork. After a while my phone buzzed softly. I glanced at the screen—Derek Blankson, my assistant, was calling.

“ Mr Blackwood” Derek said when I answered the phone. “ The final arrangement for the wedding is almost completed. I have the details if you want to review them. Also I have informed the Carters about the necessary information they need for the wedding.”

“Good and send them through. The review I mean.” I replied and ended the call. Moments later I saw a message on my laptop from Derek. It was a document. I opened it, my eyes scanning through its contents, making sure nothing was amiss. I went over one more time before closing the page and returning to my paperwork.

Ding!

Urgg what now?

It was an email, from Sofie. She wanted us to meet before the wedding. What does she want? Plus traditionally is it not me who should call for a meeting? Regardless I sent an email back to her agreeing to meet with her. I made it clear that whatever she has to say must be short and precise.

After precisely 4pm I arrived at the café. She was already seated. She looked nervous but masked it up with a smile when she saw me.

I made my way to her and sat opposite her not bothering with pleasantries.

“What is it that you want Sofie?” My tone neutral.

She hesitated before speaking “I know all this is happening fast but I was hoping we could get to know each other before the wedding”

I sat back in my chair observing her “ You already know all that you need to know. This marriage was arranged for a reason and we have our roles to play. Getting to know each other is baseless and irrelevant.” I finished.

“But marriage is more than just role playing. We are going to be spending our lives together so we must at least try to understand each other.” She responded.

“I understand where you are coming from Sofie. You are a dutiful daughter and you will be a dutiful wife. It’s as simple as that.” I said back.

She frowned “Mr. Blackwood I am not just a pawn in this arrangement. You must know that I have thoughts and feelings—”

“Your feelings are of no importance to me Sofie. This is strictly about the best for our families. Involving emotions will only complicate things” I cut her off.

There was silence for a while. The weight of my words lying heavily in the air. As if getting her thoughts together she spoke “ I see. I just thought we could find a common ground.”

I stared at her for a while before saying “Our common ground is our marriage. That is all and more than enough.”

Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked out of the café.

Well kudos to me. I just made her hate me. But it was for the best. It was necessary. Soon she would come to accept her role as I have mine. Emotions were unacceptable. I couldn’t afford getting attached to her and vice versa. Not that I have a hoot.

As I walked to the parking lot my phone buzzed yet again. This time it was Zeke, my best man and even though I don’t want to accept, my best friend.

“Dude we’ve got a problem” He spoke when I answered the phone. “What is it?” I inquired.

“It is the caterer that we wanted for the wedding. He is saying he doesn’t want to do the job anymore because of someone on your guest list that he wants nothing to do with.”

My jaw tightened “Why am I hearing this now?”

“I also just heard it. We need to consider an alternative” he said.

“Unacceptable,” I stated. That chef was coded for a reason. He has a reputable record and his presence will reflect well on the event. “ Fond out who that person is and remove his or her name from the guest list” I ordered him.

“Adrian I would not have called you if I could. The person the chef is not in good terms with is an important figure and a prominent ally of your father” Zeke said back.

The last statement had me narrowing my eyes. In as much as my father’s influence was a factor, this was my wedding and I shall do why I deem fit.

“Deal with it Zeke. Make him understand that refusing this offer will not affect me but him. If he still will not cooperate then find someone else. And please no more of this again.”

I hung up before Zeke could respond .

Back in my office, I went through the wedding preparations again, this time clearly and carefully reading every single detail.

My phone buzzed for the third time AHH WHAT IS WRONG WITH TODAY?

I just want to focus on my work. Is that too much to ask?

I looked at the caller id and it was my mom.

She was concerned about Sofie. Saying something about her being so distant during the dress selection.

“Sofie is fine Ma” I replied her. She said nothing as if not believing me. I sighed “I’m handling it.”

“Adrian she is your future wife. You should show her some care, some consideration. It will not cost a dime you know. This marriage is important, not just for the companies or the families but for you as well” my mother replied swiftly.

“Hhahhh” she signed before ending the call.

I went back to work. There was still much to do. The wedding was in a week and I had some paperwork I wanted to complete. As much as I wanted to come to work, my mother insisted that even if I didn’t want it, a honeymoon was compulsory.

But I moved through the paperwork, a small nagging thought crept into my head. Sofie. Her words at the café had been unexpected, and though I had brushed them off, it still lingered in my mind. NO. This must not happen.

I pushed down whatever I was feeling. Buried. Never to be seen again.

A week came in a flash. I stood at the altar in my perfectly hand made tailored suit with Zeke behind me.

My family was seated at the left side of the small church and her family sat at the right side of the church.

As I stood there, I scanned the room, noting every detail with satisfaction. The venue was immaculate. The guests were pleased, I could see. My mother was beaming with pride. And my father gave a rare curt nod.

But when Sofie walked down the aisle, her face serene but her eyes distant, I felt a brief unsettling sensation. She looked gorgeous, every bit of her. Yet there was something in her gaze which made me wonder if I had miscalculated.

As we stood together, reciting our vows, I tightened my hands on hers slightly. I could not afford miscalculations. This is only my for benefits—power, influence and money. That is all. I reminded myself.

But as I looked into Sofie’s eyes, my cold demeanor, the walls I built around myself , for my own good, seemed to crumble. It was at that moment I realized that the true challenge of this marriage had only begun.