The Wedding Planner

Chapter 4: "The Fake Union."

"For the very last time, young lady, are you ready to do it or not?"

Ava hesitated for a moment, the gravity of the situation sinking in. She had never imagined she would find herself in such an unconventional situation, but it was an opportunity to save her career. She realized that this decision had the power to change her life in more ways than one. Her dreams of a successful career in wedding planning were on the line, but so was her ability to provide for her ailing boyfriend, Christian.

After a deep breath, she nodded her agreement. "I'll do it."

With a solemn nod, Ethan extended his hand to seal the deal. Their lives were about to take an unexpected turn, and neither of them could foresee the consequences of this impromptu partnership. But as they shook hands, Ava couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease, sensing that this decision would lead to a chain of events far beyond her control.

As Ava stood in the room with Ethan, agreeing to his unconventional proposal, her mind briefly drifted to a memory from the past month. She thought back to the time she had gone with her boyfriend, Christian, to the hospital. It was a day that had altered the course of her life.

Ava and Christian had arrived at the hospital in a state of anxious anticipation. Christian had been experiencing persistent health issues, and the medical tests were necessary to uncover the underlying cause. As they sat in the stark and sterile waiting room, their hands tightly entwined, the minutes felt like an eternity.

Finally, a doctor in a white coat approached them. His expression was serious, and Ava's heart sank as she exchanged a worried glance with Christian. The doctor led them into a small, private consultation room, and as they took their seats, the room seemed to close in around them.

The doctor spoke in a measured tone, "I'm afraid the tests have revealed a serious condition. Christian has a hole in his heart. It's a congenital defect, and it's affecting his overall health."

"What?!" They both exclaimed in shock.

"How?!" Ava asked, while Christian simply remained silent. "He's not gonna die, is he? Does it get better?"

"Young lady, you need to calm down," the doctor said to Ava with a very calm voice.

"Don't ever tell a woman to calm down! Especially not in this type of situation!" She yelled at the doctor, her heart racing as she was so scared about the thought of losing the love of her life.

"Babe, calm down, will you? Let's hear what he has to say, okay? I'm not gonna leave you, I promise," Christian said to her in a calm manner and kissed her on the forehead to pet her.

Surprised and conflicted about how the actual person affected by the said issue still feels so calm, while she was this disturbed.

Ava's eyes welled up with tears, and she reached for Christian's hand, her grip tightening in a mixture of shock and sorrow. Christian, on the other hand, looked pale but remained remarkably composed, asking, "What are our options, Doctor?"

The doctor continued, "The best course of action is surgery. We can repair the hole, but it needs to be done as soon as possible. There's no room for delay."

When the doctor provided them with the bill for the surgery, they knew they were facing a monumental challenge, one that would require both financial resources and unwavering strength from each other.

"Let's get you to the dressing room and get you ready," Ethan said to her and before she could say another word, he held her by the hand and took her with him as they walked out of the room together.

Without further ado, Ethan guided her to the supposed bride's dressing room on the same floor. As they entered and Ethan told them to dress her up and do the needful, the makeup artists were left in bewilderment, wondering what was happening. But they couldn't ask questions as they went on to get her ready, as Ethan commanded.

As soon as Ethan walked out of the room, they bombarded her with questions.

"What's going on? Who are you?"

"We know the bride so well. I mean duh, who doesn't know Victoria in the whole of this town?!"

"Yeah! So why are you taking her place?"

Ava didn't say a word, but her heart wasn't at peace. All she wanted at that moment was for the whole wedding ceremony to be over in no time, so she can be free from all of this.

"Can't you speak?" The lady doing her make-up asked, when she noticed Ava had been snubbing all the questions pushed to her.

"It's not in my place to talk about this, okay?" Ava responded with a very shaky voice. "You need not worry, Victoria will be here soon," she added, hoping that it will pacify them and make them keep their mouths shut.

"Whatever," the lady replied and went on with her work, while others did the same. Although she knew they weren't convinced, she just hoped none of them will attempt to tell anyone about the whole charade.

*

The hall had been transformed into a breathtaking venue for the wedding of Ethan Parker and his supposed bride. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the guests, including important figures from the business and social world, arrived. The grandeur of the event was apparent as elegant men in tailored tuxedos and glamorous women in exquisite gowns swept into the hall, radiating wealth and sophistication.

The parents of both Ethan and the supposed bride played their roles perfectly as they welcomed the guests with warm smiles and graceful handshakes. It was a well-orchestrated display of wealth and power, and the guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries, all the while stealing glances at the glamorous decorations and the lavish setting.

As the grand entrance moment neared, the room buzzed with excitement. The soft hum of anticipation swept through the crowd, and a sense of collective joy and curiosity filled the air.

And then, the moment arrived. The hall lights dimmed, and the attendees hushed in eager anticipation. The music swelled, and the guests rose to their feet as the couple of the hour made their grand entrance. The double doors at the end of the hall swung open dramatically, and all eyes were fixed on the veiled bride, her face hidden beneath the delicate lace.

Ava, her heart pounding beneath the veil, clung to Ethan's arm as they walked down the aisle together. The opulent surroundings and the hushed whispers of the guests created a surreal atmosphere. The elegantly decorated aisle was lined with fresh flowers, and the soft glow of countless candles illuminated their path.

The moment was nothing short of magical. The couple's entrance was met with a collective gasp of admiration from the guests, and an undercurrent of excitement surged through the room. Ava and Ethan moved gracefully, their eyes locked on the future ahead, and the crowd watched in sheer elation, completely unaware that this was a marriage built on a foundation of secrets and desperation.

As Ava and Ethan stood at the altar, bathed in the soft, romantic lighting of the hall, they knew that their elaborate charade had reached its pinnacle. They exchanged a nervous but determined glance, knowing that the unexpected planned union had cast a shadow over them, and the coming moments would determine the course of their lives.

The priest began the proceedings and soon enough, he continued with the customary question: "If there is anyone present who is against this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

He repeated the question again, "If there is anyone present who is against this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Each time, there was a deafening silence in the hall. Just as he was about to continue with the blessings, the hall's imposing doors swung open, a man with a commanding voice echoed through the room.

"I am against this union!"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, and all heads, including the fake couples, turned in the direction of the unexpected interruption. Everyone was whispering with agitations

"Who could be ruining this moment for me? He must have some nerve" Ethan thought.

Ava's heart raced as she stood beside Ethan, her mind racing with questions. Who could possibly be against this union, and what would their objection mean for the future of the ceremony? Is this the end of the charade? I'm getting caught already?

The air was charged with tension, and Ava couldn't help but feel jittery as the stranger stepped into the spotlight. The rest of the guests held their breath, uncertain of what would transpire next.