VELMONT’S VEIL

CHAPTER THREE - THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE

My throat constricted as I halted in the middle of the aisle, staring at the man I slept with last night.

This could not be happening right now.

“Move Celeste and don’t embarrass me!” Sophia said rather harshly under her breath. I snapped out of my shock and continued walking her down the aisle to where her husband stood. He held out his hand for her and she gladly took it, radiating so much love.

I walked to my seat with shaky legs and stood beside Bethany as I tried to comprehend what was happening.

“Brethren, we are gathered today to celebrate the holy matrimony of Nathaniel Steele and Sophia Marlowe…”

“Why did you freeze up there?” Bethany leaned in, whispering and I tore my eyes from the altar and looked at her.

I was physically spooked. I wanted to leave a good impression behind and possibly build a lasting relationship with my sister and I just had to go and sleep with her husband.

Way to go Celeste!

“Hello? Earth to Celeste!” Bethany called out fiercely, snapping me out of my momentary reverie.

“Oh uh…” What was the question she asked again? “No reason!” I murmured, returning my attention to the couple on the altar. Was Sophia aware that her husband cheated on her? What would happen if she found out?

Nathaniel Steele looked around the crowd, his eyes searching for something, for someone and when they finally landed on me, he smirked.

The Bastard!

He knew! He knew who I was! Oh My God! It felt like my world was crumbling around me. I suddenly became claustrophobic and I wanted to get out of here but I had to maintain my composure. I had to, for Sophia.

Oh, Sophia!

“Who is Nathaniel Steele?” I leaned into Bethany as I whispered. She had everybody’s information at the tip of her fingers.

“Oh, he’s one of Velmont City’s most eligible bachelors. Some say that women repulse him and it’s a mystery as to why he’s getting married. Up until now, his marriage to Sophia was a secret. You must have seen him at the party yesterday, he also happens to be my colleague at work, my boss actually, and…”

I tuned out the rest of Bethany’s words as I fixed my gaze upon the couple.

“Sophia Marlowe, do you take this man to be your lovely wedded husband?” The officiator asked and I felt my throat clench and my eyes water. Why did this feel like a betrayal?

I didn’t know he was her husband-to-be. So should I tell her? I should tell her. But how?

“If there is anyone here who objects to why this lovely wedded couple should not get married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Everywhere went silent and I held my breath. I looked around at the faces of the people present. The vast majority of them were smiling. This was it. This was my chance to tell Sophia what had happened. I could live with her hating me for the rest of my life but I couldn’t live with this, though.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride,” the officiator announced and a loud cheer erupted from the crowd as people clapped and whistled.

I had chickened out.

“If you don’t clap or smile people will think something’s up,” Bethany whispered to me, causing me to clap and fight back the tears that threatened to spill.

A few hours later, I watched as Nathaniel’s best man gave a toast to the newly wedded couple. I could feel my cheeks hurting from the fake smile I had been dishing out all day.

“Time for the father-daughter dance,” someone announced on stage and Bruce walked up to Sophia, extending his hand. She took it, smiling but that did not reach her eyes.

I knew that smile all too well. The one she always gave when she didn’t want me to worry when Bruce had hit her as a child.

“May I?” Nathaniel’s voice drew me back to the present as he handed me his hand. I stared at it like it was poison.

“It’s customary to dance with your sister’s husband since her mother isn’t here,” Bethany stated in my ear and I shot her a glare. I saw Sophia watching from my peripheral vision, wanting to see if I’d embarrass her. Against my better judgment, I took his hand and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor.

“What are you doing?” I said through a gritted and forced smile as I placed my hand across his shoulder while he wrapped his arm around my waist.

“I believe it’s my wedding,” he shrugged nonchalantly as he steadied me with his muscular arm, leading effortlessly.

“What about last night? You knew who I was didn’t you?” I glared at him accusingly, my smile faltering as he twirled me around and viciously brought me closer to his chest.

“What if I did? You enjoyed it, didn't you?” He retorted softly, causing heat to rise to my cheeks.

“This is unbelievable!” I cussed, getting angry. “I am going to tell Sophia. I can’t do this to her. You blatantly cheated on your wife, my sister. It’s unacceptable. She has to know!” I whispered fiercely as he dipped me, holding me firmly so I wouldn’t fall.

He chuckled wryly bringing me up for the last twirl as the song was rounding up.

“I dare you to tell her. Be my guest Celeste and see who she believes. You, the sister who abandoned her for six years with your abusive father, or me, the one who saved her from that wretched life?