Chapter 2
1192 Words
EVAN'S POV
"Are you telling me to get married to a woman I don't know? Just to protect the family's reputation?" I glance between my grandpa and my father, unable to believe what I just heard.
The woman I loved was nowhere in sight on the day of our wedding. And because we had to protect the family's reputation, I have to get married to her stepsister whom I'd never met before.
"Evan, you just have to. At least for a while till we confirm Thea's whereabouts." My Dad patted my back comfortingly before he walked out of the room to join the rest of the crowd at the venue. So this is really happening?
"Your bride-to-be is in the waiting room, Evan," I returned my attention to grandfather. He took a sip from his teacup nonchalantly. "You should take a look at her, I heard she's really beautiful. Perhaps you'd have a change of heart as soon as you see her."
"Grandpa!" I sat up instantly, stunned by his indifference in such a situation. Surely, the family's reputation meant more to him than his oldest grandson's happiness.
"Whether you have a change of mind or not, the marriage is happening. You can't afford to mess this up, Evan." He continued dismissively. His last sentence was a warning hint I understand too well. Looks like it's a done deal then.
_____
I pushed the door open to the bride's waiting room to at least see who I'd be getting married to before we exchange the marital vows in the presence of the crowd of guests at the outdoor venue of the Winters family home.
I stepped inside just in time to see Bridget Winter, hand raised and aimed as if to hit someone.
My eyes drifted to the young woman sitting on the couch and dressed up in the bridal dress, and she looked greatly pissed.
She must be the substitute. Indeed, she's beautiful. This fact didn't mean I was interested in her a bit.
On seeing me, Thea's mother hastily retrieved her hand and smiled at me.
Something was definitely off between them and whatever it was, had nothing to do with me. It's simply not my business and wouldn't be.
My gaze traveled over the substitute Bride once more, and I couldn't conceal the wave of anger, sadness, and distaste that instantly engulfed me at the sight of her dress.
I had personally approved this dress for Thea a few weeks ago when she showed it to me.
"It's really not Thea," I said, not hiding the disappointment in my voice. The substitute—well, I don't even know her name—raised her gaze to meet mine, and I was forced to hold my breath momentarily.
Her beauty was unlike any I'd seen before, and there was something unusual about her golden-brown eyes. She looked nothing like Thea, although their body sizes were similar.
I blinked for a few seconds and averted my eyes to Bridget.
"Hello, Evan," she beamed.
"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Winter." I respectfully said. This was Thea's mother after all. After a slight pause, I continued. "It's really unfortunate that this isn't Thea's big day as it's supposed to be. My sincere apologies. I do believe you understand the situation clearly."
"Oh, of course, my dear," she smiled. "It's fine. What is happening today is only a marriage of convenience. I'm sure everything would be righted when Thea returns."
At the mention of her name, a wave of sadness washed over me, and I swallowed painfully.
She had only left me a similar message via text, which I saw early this morning. Thea didn't specify what was happening in her text; she only apologized and requested not to look for her for the time being. She said she would return on her own.
But why? What was she up to?
Well, I haven't been able to get an answer to these questions and many more.
I took in a deep breath. "I would do my best to find out about Thea's whereabouts and to ensure she's safe. And that she returns to us safely, and of course, I'd be discreet while at it."
"Thanks for your kind words and concerns, Evan." Bridget gratefully said.
"Don't mention it. It's my responsibility to protect the woman I love." I allowed my gaze to return to Thea's stepsister who's been quiet the whole time, looking lost in her own world.
I know absolutely nothing of this woman, and in a matter of minutes, we would be married.
Such wonderful inconvenience.
"And what's your name?" I asked, not curiously but for the sake of necessary conversations and formalities in the near future. The shock that briefly reflected in her expression meant nothing to me just as she did not.
"Amora, Amora Winter." She reluctantly responded.
"Good," I briskly said. "Amora, as you already know, this is a marriage of convenience and it is of course, temporary. I believe you would do well to not cause trouble for either of us considering this situation. I want to believe you harbor no unnecessary ideas as well, you know what I mean."
"Certainly." Her response was sharp, almost unexpected. "I do understand, Evan," I narrowed my brows at her boldness in mentioning my first name directly, and she somewhat smirked. "We would be getting married; surely you don't want me referring to you as 'Mr. Kingston', right?" Well, she has a point.
"It's fine, I understand."
"Also, this isn't convenient for me either. I'm only doing this for the sake of my family." She added.
"Hmmph! As if," Bridget clicked her tongue scornfully, but I pretended not to notice. Amora wisely ignored her. They surely don't have a nice relationship, but again, it's not my business. And neither is it going to be…
"Well then, see you in a few minutes, Amora." I turned around to leave but paused to add. "Don't forget, you are only a substitute for Thea. And that is, 'Temporally'." I made sure to add emphasis on my last words before I continued towards the exit door.
"You heard him, right?" I heard Bridget smugly said to Amora just as the door closed behind me. She would never be Thea to me no matter the circumstances...
____
Moments after we've both walked down the aisle and the wedding vows were exchanged successfully, I directed my gaze towards my father, and his eyes met mine. He nodded with a proud smile towards grandpa who looked rather relieved that I didn't ruin this.
I was getting lost in my thoughts, almost oblivious to the stunning woman facing me as I wore the engagement ring on her ring finger when I heard the priest's words. Words that would have seemed just right and normal in a different circumstance, but now these words sounded foreign, shocking, and unexpected.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."
Kiss? I have to kiss her? Is that really necessary?
My gaze wandered towards grandpa again, and he had a somewhat stern but expectant expression over his face.
- Writer
