Love Drunk

The Groom Without A Bride

The night before the deadline...

Hazy illuminations, blaring noise— a mixture of upbeat music and traffic, and an ocean of people surrounded him.  In Las Vegas, the night was truly alive. Everywhere he looked, the plethora of establishments each held its unique charm and their promise of a good time. This was the reason why among all of the places he could have been, he chose to be here.

Stopping in front of a mirrored wall, he stared at his reflection, noting his intelligent almond-shaped eyes, and full lips set in a small face many called handsome. Tugging at his imaginary tie which he wore with his suit more than he did casual clothes back in Korea, he muttered an oath, suddenly feeling frustrated.

That's right.

Despite being in a glittery city, Jacques Henry Cole still couldn't find himself enjoying it. Why? "Because I fuckin' had to find a bride if I want to keep what I fuckin' worked hard for," he muttered angrily, the rage and hurt he felt when his father's will was read coming to the surface.

Ever since he was able to think for himself, he worked hard in everything: studies, sports— and when he graduated, work. With his genius, he was able to multiply the size of their company to what it was now, thinking it would make his parents happy— most especially his father.

But he thought wrong.

To everyone's shock, Morgan Cole stated in his will that his only son, Jacques should marry on or before his thirtieth birthday. If not, all assets would be dissolved and would be distributed to different charities his father supported.

"Like I'd let that happen," he grumbled defiantly, though in all honesty, aside from securing requirements for a wedding from the Marriage Bureau in Clark County, he hadn't taken a step on finding someone he'd marry.

Two days. Time loomed over him like a death sentence, and Jacques felt suffocated. He didn't want to get married, that's for sure. But he had no choice. He was driven into a wall, and there was no going around it unless he wanted to crash.

Turning his head towards his right where different chapels lined up, Jacques' hands balled into fists on his sides as he clenched his jaw. In his pocket was the wedding license, but it was still blank since he had no one he'd marry yet. Could he really go through with this? He asked himself, but painfully, he turned away. Heading towards the ostentatious bars on the other side, he decided he needed a stiff drink or two. "Damn it…"

==

"Ms. Lee?"

The receptionist waved at a young woman who was passing by the front desk. A huge smile plastered on his friendly face as he watched the said woman approach. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach as the other came nearer, studying her demurely under his lashes, noting the girl's creamy white skin, red lips, and huge doe eyes which twinkled as she smiled at him.

"My package arrived?" the young woman, Ms. Lee, asked in delight and he couldn't help but nod in equal glee.

He was surely pleased that she was pleased, he thought with a laugh. The woman looked too good to eat even in a simple white shirt and jeans— and when she smiled, she looked like an angel. Beautiful was not a word he'd use to describe her, however. The word ethereal was more appropriate given her otherworldly features. She's obviously Asian, but her eyes were blue, and he wondered if they were real or contact lenses.

As soon as Ms. Lee was at the front desk inches away from him, he stepped back, overwhelmed by her perfection. At times like this, he felt ashamed to be a simple man. He'd still want to try those red lips though.

Too bad, like many foreigners who came here to Las Vegas without vacation in mind, Ms. Lee came to get married.

"Here you are," he uttered as he placed the parcel in front of her, and read the addressee out loud. "Alexandra Lee," he smiled when he spoke. Even the woman's name was pretty.

"Thank you so much. Have a nice evening," Alexandra said her goodbye, leaving the receptionist watching her back with dreamy eyes.

==

Back in her room, Alexandra Lee, or simply Alex, tore open her package, and her smile widened upon seeing its contents. It was a velvet box, accompanied by an envelope. Smiling, she opened the letter first, eagerly wanting to read it before checking the present. But inside was just a small card with a few words. Be happy, it said, and her smile turned into a nostalgic one as she put the note back in the envelope and took the box. With her slender fingers, she held the velvet box and opened it.

"Whoa…" The ring and necklace inside were magnificent. Their intricate designs were to her taste, and she couldn't wait to tell the one who gave them how she thought about the gifts.

Eagerly, she took her phone and dialed the number of the person she loved the most in this world. It took several rings before the person picked up and answered groggily.

"Hey," she whispered. "I got your gifts!"

"Oh, I'm happy you like them, though you could have waited until I'm awake before you called," the other said teasingly, and Alex smiled sheepishly as she bit her lower lip. In her excitement, she forgot it's the wee hours of the morning on the other side of the planet.

"I'm sorry," she apologized with a pout.

"It's alright. I'm actually glad you called. I want to tell you I'm happy for you and proud. I wish I could attend your wedding, but sadly, I can't go," the other said and Alex's smile turned wistful again.

"It's alright. I understand."

"You still wouldn't tell me who you're going to marry?" the other teased, and Alex laughed.

"No. It's going to be a surprise."

"Fine. Just make sure whoever he is, you're going to be loved as much or more than I love you."

The words spoken held a certain tenderness that brought a clog in her throat as her eyes moistened suspiciously. Her beloved person always worried about her— always worried about her future, hence, the decision to get married.