Chapter 2
1338 Words
AURA’S POV.
“I… I…” I stuttered, my voice faltering as doubt slithered its way in.
This was what I wanted… wasn’t it?
The murmurs in the church grew louder and a sea of whispers washed over the sacred space. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Oliver and Mila exchanging concerned glances as they stared at me. The worry on their faces was as clear as day.
My heart thumped in my chest as I turned back to Jet, whose sharp green eyes pierced into me with a mix of confusion and impatience.
“What is going on with you, Aura?” He whispered through clenched teeth in a tone that was taut with frustration.
I don’t know. How could I explain that I didn’t understand why I was hesitating?
My hesitation felt like a strange force that had a tight grip on me and was refusing to let go.
I blinked and took in a deep, shaky breath before opening my mouth to utter the words that would seal my future to his. It was a moment I had always dreamed of and I couldn’t let doubt ruin it for me. Summoning every ounce of resolve, I spoke the words.
“I do.” I said firmly with conviction, my voice was loud enough for everyone in the church to hear, cutting through the tension.
The collective sigh of relief that rippled through the congregation didn't go unnoticed, their exhale was loud enough, filling the room. My eyes darted to Jet, and I offered him a shaky smile, which he didn't immediately return.
Instead, his calculative gaze remained fixed on me, making my stomach churn. I knew he was probably trying to figure out what was wrong with me, and I hated that he could sense my anxiety.
“Sorry.” I mouthed, my blue eyes pleading with him and after a few beats of his unwavering stare, his lips tugged into a dazzling smile.
That smile had always been my weakness and just like that, I knew we were fine.
“May we proceed?” The priest asked, his gaze flickering cautiously between Jet and me.
“Yes, please,” I responded with a polite smile, more than grateful to move forward.
Clearing his throat once more, the priest adjusted his glasses with deliberate care before lifting a hand. His deep voice resonated through the church, calm yet commanding.
“If there is anyone here who does not think these two should be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
The whole congregation fell into an uneasy silence, the significance of the moment palpable. Some looked nervously around the room, glancing at each other as if daring someone to object.
My heartbeat raced for some unknown reason as a sense of foreboding crawled up my spine. I couldn't help but feel like something was about to go horribly wrong.
After a few seconds of silence, the priest glanced around on last time before speaking,“ In the absence of none, I now pronounce—”
The heavy wooden doors of the church were pushed open interrupting the priest and everyone's head turned to the back of the church.
A man stepped into view, his dark and dominating presence automatically commanding attention and suffocating the air in the room. He was tall, his frame powerful, and was dressed in an impeccably black suit that looked like it was tailored specifically for him.
His piercing hazel eyes flickered across the crowd, his expression was cold and calculating, as if daring anyone to challenge him. Each of his steps was calculative, exuding an aura of danger that made the blood in my veins run cold.
At first glance, I had just assumed that he was one of Jet’s guests who had arrived late but my assumption was proven wrong the moment he opened his mouth to utter his next words.
“I do.” He declared in a deep voice that cut through the tension like a blade, the sound sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
A collective gasp echoed through the hall and my head whipped towards him as I struggled to get a clear look of his face through the veil clouding my view. His icy glare though was something that was easily felt.
Who the hell is this man? I wondered as I stared at him in confusion.
“Who the hell is he, Aura?” Jet demanded in a sharp and accusing voice as he turned to me, his face contorted with anger.
How was I supposed to know who this man was?
“I thought you knew him!” I shot back, my confusion matching his frustration.
Jet’s job as a lawyer constantly put him at odds with people, and it wasn’t uncommon for him to make enemies. I wouldn't be surprised if this man was one of them, an angry adversary doing this out of spite.
“What is the meaning of this?” Jet barked, his tone a mix of confusion and barely contained anger.
The stranger ignored Jet completely, his intense hazel eyes locked solely on me as he began walking down the aisle toward me.
His steps were slow and calculated, each step giving off a dangerous confidence. I felt suffocated the closer he got and I so badly wanted to hide behind Jet.
“You can’t marry him.” He declared in a steady and authoritative tone, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Says who?” I retorted in a shaky voice laced with uncertainty. “You can’t tell me what to do.” I stepped back, as he got closer to me.
“But of course I can.” He replied as his lips curled into a dangerous smirk that made my breath hitch.
My hands trembled and I clutched the bouquet I was holding tighter as if seeking for an anchor.
“I don’t know if this is some kind of prank, and I don’t know who you are, but you have no right to waltz in here and ruin my wedding.” I told him with a sharp glare despite the panic rising within me. Turning to the priest, I added, “Please carry on.”
“It would be in your best interest not to.” The stranger warned, in a dangerous tone, sending chills through the room as he shifted his glare to the priest who looked like he would rather be anywhere than here. Then he turned back to me, his expression unyielding. “Aura, get over here.” He ordered, pointing to a spot beside him.
How the hell does he know my name?
“I thought you said you didn’t know him!” Jet turned towards me with an accusing look, his gaze burning with fury.
“I don’t!” I cried out in frustration as my voice cracked. “I don’t know how he knows my name, but I swear I don’t know him.” Desperate, I grabbed Jet’s hand as I pleaded with my eyes for him to believe me.
Before Jet could respond, the stranger stretched his hand, grabbed me by my arm, and pulled me toward him.
“Let her go!” Jet made a move to pull me away from him but six men dressed in identical black suits and sunglasses rushed into the church and positioned themselves behind the stranger, making Jet stop and take a step back.
Their presence was a silent warning and Jet could only fume with anger as his Jaw clenched in frustration.
“Why the hell are you doing this?” Jet demanded as his voice rose.
“It’s nothing personal.” The stranger said in a cold tone, his grip on my arm tightening, making it impossible for me to break loose from him.
“Then why are you ruining my wedding?” Jet’s voice broke with frustration.
“Because your bride is already married to me.”
- Writer
