Owned By My Step Brother

CHAPTER 5 - Surprise Wedding

Alice's Point Of View

“Finally home,” I said anxiously, breathing a sigh of relief as I locked my door securely behind me.

The escape had been a matter of life and death and I didn't catch my breath until I was safe within my house walls.

I was so grateful for my phone because it helped me book an Uber straight to my house without any need for stops.

It was noon already by now Reynolds would have found out that I had escaped but I was so sure he wouldn't find me.

“Not now Alice,” I admonished myself sternly, trying to shake the deep feeling of loss that threatened to envelop me.

I saw fifteen missed calls from my mother and smirked.

I thought she had finally realized her mistake and was trying to reach me so I decided to call her back.

“Hello Mom,” I said blankly, trying not to remember what she had done to me the night of my accident.

“Hi, Alice, My dear, I was so worried about you, where are you?” She asked anxiously, a hint of concern filling her tone.

“I'm fine mom, I'm at home, what's up?” I asked calmly, waiting earnestly for an apology from her.

“Oh thank goodness Alice, I was so worried, could you come out to the central park? I want to see you myself,” she said anxiously, taking a sharp breath.

“Why don't I meet you at home,” I responded immediately, wanting some alone time with my mom.

“No dear, I think the park is better,” my mom insisted, sounding like she was in a hurry.

“Okay Mom, see you in ten minutes,” I said bluntly, ending the call as I did.

I was in no mood to banter words with her and with the experiences I just had, I just wanted to run into her arms and cry.

“Hi mom, where are you?” I asked calmly, trying to avoid the surprisingly large crowd that was in the park.

“I am at the changing area, come over,” my mom responded anxiously, ending the call before I could get in another word.

Something smelled fishy about the entire arrangement but I didn't think much of it.

“There she is!! My beautiful daughter and Maid of honor!” My mom announced happily, rushing to give me a big hug.

I was startled and confused, especially since my mom was surrounded by many women.

“Hi Mom,” I said flatly, trying to comprehend what the excitement was about.

“What's going on?” I asked confusedly, whispering into her eyes as she dragged me to a corner.

“Today is my wedding day and you are my maid of honor,” she said excitedly, showing me the purple dress she had picked for me.

“What?” I asked in utter shock and disappointment.

I didn't understand what was happening and why my mom waited till the last minute to tell me something like that.

“Now don't make it seem like a big deal, it's my wedding day, I need you to be here for me,” she said tearily, squeezing my hand as she spoke.

“I almost died, you know,” I said calmly, losing my last bit of hope.

I had always hoped that one day she would see me and finally choose me but now I understand that it was a far-fetched idea.

There was a brief silence between us and my mom couldn't look me in the eyes.

“Where can I change?” I asked loudly, turning towards the other women.

My mom and I didn't talk for the rest of the time until the wedding began.

Not only was I my mother's maid of honor, but I was also supposed to walk her down the aisle.

All her siblings had objected to the wedding just like I did and so they didn't attend.

“Let's get this over and done with,” I said coldly, taking my mother's hand in mine and walking her down the aisle.

I wished I had stayed home and tried to recover from the whole ordeal.

I wished I hadn't run away from Reynolds's house, at least, I felt seen when I was with him.

“Oh my goodness,” my mom whispered softly, as a small tear trickled down her face.

I turned towards the groom not really paying attention to them before now.

Only to see my mom's soon-to-be husband standing across us with a wicked grin on his face.

I didn't know what that meant but I wasn't about to find out.

“You may kiss the bride,” These words from the officiant brought me out of my daze.

Screams erupted from all over the place as my mother kissed her newest husband.

Celebrations continued with people eating and drinking but I couldn't wait for all of it to be over.

“There she is, the little scared rabbit,” a familiar voice mocked, cackling as she spoke.

I turned to find my ex-best friend and her boyfriend standing behind me, dressed in wedding attire and holding hands.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked angrily, disgusted by the sight of the both of them.

“Oh stop being dramatic Alice, your mother invited us as a couple,” Claire said cockily, showing me the invite with both their names written on it.

I took a few steps back, trying to balance myself as my mother's betrayal truly sank in.

“Listen Alice, stop being so bitter, your mom already accepted us, why the fuss?” Nick asked firmly, a smile curling up his face.

I just wanted the ground to open and swallow me up, I wanted to disappear.

But suddenly I felt big strong hands surround me, followed by a familiar scent.

“Take your pathetic selves out of here!” Reynolds said fiercely, looking Nick in the eyes.

They both scurried away immediately, scared of his height and stature.

“Are you okay darling?” He asked softly, brushing a hairstrand from my face.

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling safe in his arms but before I could respond, my mom interrupted us.

“Ahhh, I see you have met your step-brother, I am so happy you too are getting along already,” she said excitedly, turning her back to us and walking away.