"You look pretty." Mrs Susan Roberts, Amelia's stepmom announced.
Amelia smiled looking at the mirror. Her dream of marrying Eric will come true in a few hours. It was all she ever wanted and it was finally happening. She was a bit worried as Eric hadn't spoken to her since their wedding had been announced and she had hardly seen him but of course, it was Eric. He was always like this.
"Let's get the gown on. It's almost time." Her makeup artist said.
Amelia got up, she looked sweet as always. The make-up was perfect, highlighting her high points. Even in the silk robe, she looked like the bride she wished to be. She couldn't wait to wear the gown she had carefully selected and customized.
"I'm ready." She smiled.
...............................................................................
"It's his wedding day for god's sake! He's not answering the phone." Mr Audrey howled.
"Dad, he'll be here, don't worry." Said Bella.
"I doubt so. It seems to me he has forgotten about his wedding and has wandered off somewhere in that bike of his." Chuckled Dave.
"Stop it, Dave! You're not helping." Bella shouted at her elder brother.
"Truth sucks Lil sis." Dave sneered.
"I'll call him again." Said Mrs Audrey.
All of them were dressed up and waiting in the living room while Bella's twins were running around excitedly. Eric was supposed to get dressed up at the hotel and be here by now. But he wasn't answering his phone.
"Mr Roberts called, they will reach the destination in 15 minutes. If we don't leave now, we'll be late, that Eric,"
"Wait! Eric is calling!" Mrs Audrey interrupted.
"Okay, but, Alright." Mrs Audrey put the phone inside her purse and said.
"Let's leave. Eric will arrive at the destination directly."
...............................................................................
The place was buzzing with a multitude of people. Everyone looked their best and were chatting continuously. It was an outdoor destination wedding. It was luxurious. The decorations alone would have cost more than anyone could imagine. Reporters were walking here and there intending to get the best clicks and the latest gossips. It was the most glamorous wedding of the year. The throne was adorned with the most beautiful flowers.
Long tables were arranged with flowers, tall glasses and a gold centrepiece. The feast was prepared by some of the best chefs in the country. There was prosciutto and freshly shaved parmesan, lobster and mashed potatoes, prosciutto-wrapped persimmons with goat cheese, taco bites, seared tuna, meatballs, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. There was also lobster dumplings and maple bacon and elegantly stacked appetizers. The white plate on top of the gold charger added a subtle metallic hue which softened the tables' overarching aesthetic.
The 7 tier wedding cake had an intricate lace design and gold monogram on each layer. The spaces in between were filled with plenty of florals. The theme colour of the wedding was gold and pink which balanced luxury and romance. Mini bottles of champagne were arranged on the round table to be given as gifts for the guests.
The buzzing instantly ended and the garden was faultlessly silent except for the soft music when the bride entered. She looked lovely in her pastel pink floor-length gown. The dress was elegant and with the tiara, she looked more like a queen.
Next, it was the bridegroom's turn. The groom entered, but not alone. He entered hand in hand with the most beautiful girl they've ever seen. Everyone was shocked and was wondering what was happening. The girl next to him was gorgeous. She was dressed in a beautiful white wedding gown with only a pearl pendant on her white neck for an accessory. She looked simple yet chic.
"Who is she?" Exclaimed Amelia. The disappointment and sadness were evident in her voice and face.
"You heard her Eric. Who is she? And what are you doing with her at your wedding?" Mr Audrey interrogated.
Eric stood silently holding the girl's hand tightly. Everyone was whispering about Eric and the mysterious girl while the journalists were taking photographs at the best possible angles. This news was sensational.
"Eric! Who is she?"Mr Audrey shouted when he noticed his son did not attempt to listen to him.
Eric took the girl by his hand and brought her to the stage. He smiled before announcing. "I know this is shocking to every one of you but we're married and this girl here is my only love and wife."
"Eric!" Amy cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks. "How could you?" She sobbed.
"I'm sorry Amy, I knew I hurt you but I can't marry you while I love somebody else. It would be unfair to both of us."
"You should have told us early Eric. Why did you have to wait till now? Are you that impassive? Bella questioned.
"Will they listen? Have they ever listened? Never. This was the only way. With time you will understand that I was right." He then turned back to the curious guests and said., "The wedding is not yet over. Please sit down and enjoy the feast!"
"You'll regret this!" Mr Audrey warned and then stormed out.
"Eric! I'll break your bones, you disgrace!" Began Mr Roberts.
"No dear, stop. let's leave. We have been disgraced enough." Mrs Susan advised after which she dragged Amy and her husband outside.
"We are very sorry. We did not expect this." Mrs Audrey pleaded to Amy and her family while they were leaving. They didn't respond and left the hall silently.
.................................................................................
"What have I done?" Serra moaned. "I broke the heart of an innocent girl."
"It wasn't your fault. Amy would never take no for an answer." Eric explained.
They were in the royal suite prepared for the bride and the groom. It was more like a flat.
"What are we going to do now? Your family,"
"Sleep well." Eric interrupted her. "I'll sleep in the next room. We have more things to deal with in the morning."
Serra looked down hopelessly.
"Serra, trust me. I know what I am doing. You just have to trust me on this."
"Okay." She replied and for some reason, she did trust him.
.............................................................................
The next morning.
"How dare you bring this girl to my house? What did you expect? Bless you?" Mr Audrey asked.
"Dear, please.."
"No, stop supporting him. You are the main reason why he is like this! He will leave my house and live with her wherever he wants but certainly not here!" Take this girl out! Now!"
"This girl is my wife, even if you don't want to accept it." Eric clarified.
"Then take your wife and leave." Mr Audrey insisted.
"Why should I leave?" Eric questioned calmly.
"You have to leave because you have no place here anymore. Not after you destroyed our honour last night. Am I clear?'
"I'm living here."
"No, you're not. Don't make me call security." Mr Audrey threatened his son.
"This house belongs to me as well."
"Don't act smart. You have no right."
"Yes, I have. This is our family home and I have every right to live here." Eric declared.
"Eric!"
Eric ignored him and called out, "Mrs Regina!"
Mrs Regina came from the kitchen. "Please prepare our room. I want everything to be perfect for my wife."
She looked at Mr Audrey.
"Did you hear me?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Then get it done as fast as you can. We'll be home after dinner."