Episode2
1318 Words
*LEAH*
I’m still yet to process this sudden massive change in my life.
I was standing at the altar dressed in a white wedding gown with a flower bouquet in my hand.
We were all waiting for my husband to be; Vance Miller.
At this time yesterday, I didn’t know I would be getting married to a stranger or even getting married at all.
My fingers wrapped tightly on the handle of my bouquet. I was trembling seriously inside but I needed to hide it and smile.
Getting married to a stranger is enough, but to an ugly ex-convict?
I must be destined to suffer forever.
Why is he late tho?
The guests already began to murmur impatiently and it was getting embarrassing.
This ex convict isn’t even attractive– based on what I’ve heard.
How could he then make a pretty lady like me wait at the altar?
I haven’t met him yet but he’s already giving red flag. I rolled my eyes and hissed.
He should be the one waiting at the altar for me, right? That’s how it is in the movies.
I glared at the huge double doors across and suddenly, it flung open making my heart skip a beat.
“He’s here!” someone in the crowd announced and everyone turned to look at him.
Wait, why is my heart pounding hard in my chest?
This man looks nothing like the rumors say. Or am I dreaming?
He looks like a walking masterpiece, perfectly made by me– 6 '5 ft tall, broad shoulders, well-defined muscles and not overly bulky, strong jawline, piercing blue eyes, sexy full lips…
I could go on and on, but I tell you for free that he ticks all my boxes.
Oh my god! He’s perfect.
My lips parted as my eyes followed his beautiful strides.
He’s so sexy. Damn it!
Leah pull yourself together!
“Hi beautiful,” he said with a low, deep voice, his smile bright and charming.
I looked up at him and my cheeks began to heat up. It suddenly felt hotter in the hall.
I swallowed hard and looked away immediately.
I could feel his eyes on me. Why wouldn’t he take them off?
My breath caught in my throat as he moved closer and leaned forward. “You look so beautiful my lady. My apologies for keeping my bride waiting.”
I loved the sound of his voice close to my ears that I wouldn’t mind hearing it all day. But the warmth of his breath on my neck sent shivers down my spine.
Did I mention that he smelled delicious too.
By now, I knew my flushed cheeks had given me away.
The ceremony began and we both said our vows…
“I, Vance Miller, take you, Leah Kateb, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and…”
“I, Leah Kateb, take you, Vance Miller, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold…”
The guests clapped and cheered before the priest continued.
“You may now kiss the bride,” he said.
Oh I forgot about this part in weddings. Are we really going to kiss right now?
Before I knew it, his palm slid up from my chin and cupped my cheeks. He leaned forward and planted his soft lips on mine, sending a rush of warmth through me.
The world around us seemed to melt away, leaving only the rhythm of our breath and the sudden rush of intense desire.
His lips were really soft and tasted good. I didn’t want him to stop, but it only lasted for a second.
After a while, the ceremony came to a close and different people came to congratulate us.
“Hi! Congratulations!”
I heard Serena’s voice and when I turned around, she was approaching Vance with a sultry smile and her arms wide open.
I rolled my eyes in disgust. Just yesterday, she mocked me in advance for getting married to an unattractive ex-convict, but she wants to hug him now?
She better stay away from my husband!
Vance stretched his hand forth gesturing for a handshake instead.
Hehe. The disappointed look on her face made me squeal silently. I love to see it.
“Thank you,” he replied simply and pulled his hand away.
“I’m Serena, Leah’s loving step sister..”
Loving step sister indeed.
Without paying her any more attention, Vance turned to me and reached for my hand, “Let’s go home.”
I don’t know why he did that, but seeing the dazed look on Serena’s face made me happy.
I’m sure she thought Vance would be one of the many men that literally worshiped her beauty.
***
Vance’s house was not so small nor was it big. It was… just moderate.
Though I didn’t expect much because according to the stories I’ve heard, he’s not rich at all.
It was a bungalow with just two bedrooms. Though the rooms were very spacious and had the basic things in place.
It was fine by me.
“Welcome… to our home,” he began. “Uhm… you can call me Vance… or anything you’d like to call me,” he stuttered.
Why does he seem nervous?
It’s quite adorable.
I nodded shyly, avoiding his gaze. “Thank you, Vance.”
“Please make yourself comfortable. If you need anything, please let me know,” he concluded and prepared to walk away.
“Uhm I have a banquet to attend tomorrow evening and I’d like us to go together…”
“If you don’t mind,” he quickly added.
Of course I don’t mind. I’m your wife now duhh.
“I don’t mind at all,” I replied, shaking my head.
He’s so polite.
A small smile played at the corner of his lips upon hearing my response.
“My room is down the hallway. It’s bigger, you should use it. I’ll take the guest room,” he said and walked away.
“Are-“ I was about to speak but his long legs had already taken him far.
Aren’t married people supposed to share a room? I whispered to myself as I walked to my new room.
Opening it, I realized how neat and spacious it was. It was filled with his masculine scent.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the scent as my lips stretched into a wide smile.
I had not noticed how much I had gotten carried away by this man. Everything about him seemed perfect.
Perfect for me.
But at the back of my mind, I was reminded every minute that this handsome man was an ex convict.
Did he kill someone?
Did he hurt someone?
Will he do the same to me?
I ran my hands through the shelves which were filled with books. Clearly, he reads a lot.
After taking a little tour around the room, I took off my clothes and went to have my bath.
Stepping into the bathtub filled with warm water, I sighed in relief as my nerves and muscles relaxed.
When I got out, I dried my body and hair.
I felt so tired. It was already evening so I just wanted to sleep.
I slid into my pajamas and crawled on the bed.
“I’m really married,” I whispered, staring at the ring on my finger.
Even if I don’t feel very happy, I know I did this for a good cause.
First thing tomorrow, I’m going to meet Gerald. Finally, mum is going to get back her good health completely.
I really can’t wait.
I heaved a sigh, trying to relieve the burden pressing on my heart.
Despite how good things have been going today, one question was constantly on my mind;
Will this be the beginning of a nightmare, all in the name of marriage?
Only time will tell…
- Writer
