Seven
777 Words
“It’s 9:15am already, where are you?” Noah asked Eliot when he finally picked up his phone as he was pacing around in front of the courthouse
Every witness from both families were there except the groom
Elias was fuming, he had told Noah to keep trying to reach him when it was obvious his son was ignoring his calls
“At the office” Eliot answered casually
“Do you hear yourself? At the office? Your father is worried sick about you, he’s been trying to reach you. Your soon-to-be wife’s family too. The signing should have started but the GROOM is absent” Noah said in one breath, emphasizing on the groom
Eliot scoffed on the other side of the phone
“I’ll be there” he said casually and hung up immediately, not giving Noah the chance to say another word
Eliot let out a loud sigh, he didn’t think this decision would make any difference in his life, after all, it was just a contract. It seemed like it just dawned on him that his entire life could change after today, whether or not his bride was a stranger or his best friend. He thought about how everyone knew him and knew that Everett and Belmont Groups have been business partners for decades. He thought about the made up stories that the press would release and how much impact that could have on his company. His mind was flooded with so many thoughts and he asked himself why he agreed to do this in the first place. He questioned whether it was worth it, worse still, for a woman he knew nothing about
He rested his head on his table for a bit before standing up and heading downstairs.
The drive to the courthouse was silent as his driver dared not to say a word when he was in this mood
When Noah noticed his car approaching the entrance, he ran to where the driver would park and opened the door once he parked the car
“Why?” Noah asked genuinely concerned
“Where’s everyone?” Eliot asked, ignoring his question
Noah sighed and led him inside the VIP courtroom where both families were waiting
He looked at his father who had an angry look on his face and then at his soon to be in-laws. He was familiar with Denzel Belmont as he had been in a handful of business meetings with him but he was meeting his wife for the first time. He bowed his head slightly at them before heading to the front where the registrar was waiting for him
“Mr Everett” Judy, the registrar said as he approached the table
“Sorry for keeping you waiting, we may start immediately” he said as he bowed his head slightly at her
She nodded in response
“Two witnesses from both parties, please step forward” Judy said as she handed over the certificate to Eliot
“Please sign here and your wife would sign right after you” she said
“I now pronounce you man and wife” she said happily after both of them had signed
Both parents were clapping and smiling when the registrar interrupted them
“We would have this laminated and replicated, please pick it up in two days” she told Eliot and Naya, raising the certificate in her hand
“If you would like to take pictures, please do so outside” she said finally as she left the courtroom
Eliot finally turned to his bride and extended his hand for a handshake, just because he thought courtesy demands it
He was seeing her for the first time, right after getting married to her and he couldn’t deny how beautiful she was, her blue eyes were sparkling as the light from the window reflected on her iris and her long curly hair cascaded down her back. Although she didn’t look happy, he couldn’t deny that she was a sight to behold.
She shook his hand almost too quickly and faked a smile for a second. It was an awkward moment for them.
“Pictures?” Eliot said as he stood up from his seat
“I’ll pass” she said simply, heading outside before him
He went out right behind her and their families followed
Eliot’s driver was waiting at the entrance with the car, he opened the door for Naya to get in while he waved goodbye to both parents, they were smiling happily like they had just won a lottery
“My house” Eliot said to his driver as soon as he entered the car
- Writer
