Chapter 8
1517 Words
Chapter 8
Serena Martin
"Please close your eyes," the makeup artist told me, and I obeyed. I felt a tickling sensation when the brush touched my eyelids. "Alright, you can now look in the mirror," she told me after I felt her spray something on my face.
I stared in awe at my reflection. You would be surprised at how much makeup can change someone. I couldn't even recognize myself. I smiled at the woman who did my makeup in appreciation.
"We're done, Miss."
I stood up, and I saw my whole body in the mirror. My eyes found the white dress I was wearing that showed my curves. Its length went past my knees, and the halter design showed half of my back.
It's the day I was not looking forward to. The day of the unwanted wedding. Liam made us stay in one of his suites last night, and we are preparing for the wedding.
I'm sure my mom, who's in the other room, is probably done as well. I remember how they bombarded me with questions last night and how I had a hard time sleeping because of it. How could I answer them when, until now, I've been denying what's happening? This is even worse than a fairytale where the princess meets their prince and falls in love right away! I just met him once, and I'm about to marry him!
Despite the raging emotions inside me, I still found myself smiling at my reflection. I like how I look, and I feel so beautiful. I looked like a real bride, but the wedding won't happen in a church. Nath informed me that we'd have a civil wedding.
"Miss Martin?"
The door opened, and I stared at her through the mirror.
"Are we leaving?"
She looked me over with a smile and nodded. "Yes, ma'am. The boss is already waiting for you."
I gave myself a once-over and followed her outside. Nath guided me to the van, where my family was already waiting.
"Oh, you look so beautiful, dear!" My mom exclaimed exaggeratedly. "You're so lucky to have caught a big fish. Serena, on your honeymoon later, let him impregnate you so your future is guaranteed." My mom told me as soon as I sat beside her.
"Mom!" I stopped her with my eyes wide in disbelief at her words. "What are you talking about? I don't want to be pregnant!" I firmly refused, and she slapped my arm.
"You need to be pregnant in order for your relationship to be strong! Just in case the potion you used on him faded, at least you have a child with him. Use your common sense, Serena." My mom reprimanded me while shaking her head in disappointment.
She has been insisting that I use some sort of love potion on Liam because, according to her, it's impossible for a man like him to like me.
"That is not in our contract." I stopped myself before I could continue spilling about it. "Anyway, that isn't in my plan right now."
I couldn't help but think that if Liam wanted to get me pregnant, then what should I do? No way!
My family likes Liam so much, and why wouldn't a poor family like us have a rich son-in-law? Until now, I was still traumatized when my mother gave me 'The Talk'. Like how I should do all the work and just let him lay there.
I don't know about her, but the only thing I want to do is take the exam and become a registered nurse.
When we reached the city hall where the wedding would take place, my heart started to pound in my chest. This is not the dream wedding I want, but at least my husband-to-be is like a prince. No matter how much I deny it, I still know that Liam is a gorgeous man, but do I like him?
Absolutely not!
"Let's go, everyone!" Nath guided us inside and escorted us to where Liam was.
I couldn't help but think about how loyal and nice she is as Liam's secretary. She's attentive to our needs, and even now she's holding me because the heels I'm wearing are a bit high.
We went straight to the mayor's office, and I immediately saw Liam when the door opened. Our eyes connected, but I was the one who quickly looked away before I gaped at how handsome he looked. He was wearing a white tuxedo, matching the dress I was wearing, and I don't know why that made me happy. This is bad. I'm afraid that the longer I'm with him, the more handsome he looks in my eyes.
I looked up, but my eyes weren't directed at him but at my family. My whole family was here, so I kind of expected his family to be here as well, but all I saw were two gentlemen wearing suits.
"Meet my uncle and my lawyer." As if he read my mind, Liam introduced me to them; maybe he saw the confusion in my eyes.
The men smiled at me and nodded at my family in greeting, and my family did the same.
"Good morning, everyone. Before we start, I would like to introduce myself to you. I am Honorable Cecilia Madrid, the Mayor of this city. It's nice to meet you all." The Mayor greeted us with a friendly smile on her face.
Silence filled the room after the introduction, and Nath gestured for me to stand beside Liam and in front of the mayor. The wedding started, and because this wasn't a church wedding, everything happened so fast, even with my wish to make the time slower.
"Do you take, Serena Martin, accept William Delaford as your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?"
I swallowed deeply, and I had an internal battle over whether I should look at Liam or not. So this is how it feels to marry? Do you really have to swear to each other?
"Yeah, I do," I answered after a few seconds of hesitation and took a peek at him because his eyes were intimidating. It's like he's telling me not to mess up.
"And you, William Delaford, do you accept Serena Martin as your—"
"I do," Liam said, not even letting the mayor finish.
I bit my lip and stared at him again. Why is he in a rush? He did not even let the mayor finish. He faced me and looked at Nath, who immediately handed us the rings.
"Accept this ring as my token of love for you. May you cherish this the way you cherish me for the rest of our lives. I love you."
I was stunned, and I forgot to think for a moment when I heard what he said. He sounded so sincere, and he even looked at me like he meant it. He reached for my hand and placed the ring around my finger.
Why did he need to say those words to me? Ah, of course. To make this wedding look like a real one. We love each other. How could you love someone you met once?
Before I got lost in his words, I composed myself and smiled at him. I pretended that I loved hearing what he said and did the same to his finger.
"I love you too." That was the only thing I could say in fear that I might stutter if I copied his words.
I wasn't even aware that I was holding my breath when I accidentally looked at him. I saw happiness in his eyes even when his face remained stoic. But I know the reason behind it. Because he got what he wanted, and I didn't mess up.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Those words sounded like bombs in my ears, and my eyes widened as I stared at him. Oh my God, don't tell me he'll actually do that.
I haven't gotten my first kiss, and it's not in the contract! I am not giving him the right to do so.
Before I could react, however, he yanked me close to his body and leaned his face against mine. I almost hiccuped when he kissed me without hesitation. On my lips! The jerk even held my chin up to give me a proper kiss, and I thought it was just a smack or something, but it took longer than expected, and it felt like he wanted to eat my lips!
"Mrs. Serena Delaford is now the name you will use and carry," he whispered to me after that kiss that left me breathless.
I was not able to react or say anything, and I remained dumbfounded by what happened. That was my first kiss, and he took it!
But why did it taste so sweet?
- Writer
