Hired Love

Chapter 1

The silence in the room was thick, like a heavy fog, not a sound stirred, as if time itself had paused. Tessa gazed at her reflection in the mirror, the wedding dress draped delicately over her slender frame, shimmering in the soft glow of the morning sun as it filtered through the lace curtains.

Embroidered with delicate lace patterns reminiscent of blooming roses, the bodice hugged her curves with effortless grace, while the flowing skirt cascaded down in layers of ethereal tulle.

Her mind swirling with thoughts, she hadn't expected things to change so swiftly—it all felt too sudden.

"Are you ready?" Jane's hopeful smile broke the silence, injecting a sense of optimism.

Tessa turns to her with despair evident in her eyes, her face conveying a myriad of messages reflecting her hopelessness.

She gazes at the paper lying on the table next to her, where her signature awaited, positioned just beside his, which had already been signed.

"It's only for a year," Tessa vocalized, trying to reassure herself.

"Yeah, just a year," Jane replied, her voice soft but filled with reassurance. "And think about all the experiences you'll have. It'll fly by before you know it."

Tessa forced a small smile, trying to muster up some enthusiasm. "Yeah, you're right..."

Jane stepped closer, her hand resting gently on Tessa's shoulder. "And I'll be here every step of the way. We'll get through this together."

Tessa nodded, grateful for Jane's unwavering support. "Thanks, Jane. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," Jane said firmly, squeezing Tessa's shoulder before reaching for the paper so she could sign it.

Jane and Tessa were the perfect example of sisters from different mothers. They've had each other's backs since they were little. Jane was the more like the hot-headed one.

Tessa hesitates, her grip tightening on the pen, uncertain about going ahead to pen down her signature.

"Do it for dad," Jane's voice breaks into her subconsciousness unexpectedly, resonating like a powerful motivator in Tessa's mind. With newfound determination, she summons the courage to put pen to paper, not pausing for even a moment's hesitation.

They embrace tightly, each suppressing tears as they hold on to one another.

"I love you so much, Tessa. I'm so sorry you have to go through this," Jane says, her voice cracking with emotion at each word.

"It's okay, Jane. I'll be alright, Tessa responds, attempting to offer comfort in return.

"Alright, that's enough. You're going to ruin your makeup," Jane insists, trying to force a smile to lighten the mood and soothe their spirits.

"Now let's go face whatever life throws at us, okay?"

With a deep breath, Tessa nodded again, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. "Okay."

Jane walks to the door and taps on it, opening to a hall adorned with meticulous care, every detail carefully chosen to create an atmosphere of enchantment and romance.

All eyes shift to her as she stands at the center of attention. She takes a moment to admire the beauty of the hall from her vantage point, soaking in the ambiance of the entire scene. It feels like she's been transported to a slice of heaven on earth.

Gossamer drapes in hues of ivory and blush cascade from the ceiling, gently billowing in the soft breeze that flows through the open windows. Twinkling fairy lights are woven through the fabric, casting a warm, ethereal glow that bathes the room in a soft radiance.

"Tessa, I think it's time to walk down the aisle," Jane whispers softly, gently nudging her to begin the procession. With a deep breath, Tessa gathers her composure and takes the first step forward, embarking on the journey towards her new chapter.

Those seated steal glances at the impeccably adorned bride as she walks down the aisle. She recognizes only a fraction of the congregation, whispers drifting from all corners, though none are clear enough for her to decipher.

She gazes ahead, catching sight of her father seated in a wheelchair at the front. His eyes shine with pride and love, his smile beaming as he watches his daughter draw nearer. Gripping the bouquet tightly, she draws strength from his radiant smile.

Along the aisle, fragrant blooms of roses, peonies, and lilies spill from elegant vases, their sweet perfume filling the air with an intoxicating fragrance. Petals carpet the path in a riot of colors, leading the bride on her journey to love and happiness.

Jane walks behind her, gently holding the veil as it cascades down her back.

The perfect wedding plan she had envisioned this day with her Prince Charming, just like every girl's dream. Yet, amidst the countless responsibilities she had shouldered to care for herself and her dad, the dream had slipped away, forgotten. Now, as she stands in the midst of her fairytale come to life, it all feels surreal, too good to be true.

As she reaches the end of the aisle, the groom, Jacob, stands tall at the altar, his suit crisply tailored, exuding an air of quiet confidence. His hair, meticulously styled, frames a face marked by a strong jawline and piercing eyes. Though his expression is composed, there is a subtle softness in his features, a warmth that hints at the depth of his character beneath the surface.

Despite his efforts to maintain composure, his gaze flickers uneasily, betraying an inner conflict that remains hidden from the eager eyes of the gathered guests.

Tessa stares at her groom from underneath her veil, standing directly before her, noticing his apparent lack of interest in the proceedings unfolding around them.

His aura of perfect charm seemed to captivate all who laid eyes on him, making it impossible not to fall under his spell. Though their time together had been limited, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye.

Yet, beneath his charming exterior, there lingered an unmistakable air of arrogance, hinting at a personality that might be more complex than she had initially imagined.

"Dearly beloved," the Priest announced, his smile radiant as he addressed the gathered guests. "We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of these two souls in holy matrimony."

"Their journey together begins now, guided by love and commitment. Let us join our hearts in prayer as we witness the vows that will bind them together for eternity. May their love shine as brightly as the sun, and may their bond grow stronger with each passing day. Now, let us proceed with the sacred exchange of vows."

Tessa glances over to where her dad is seated, her heart swelling at the sight of his radiant smile. In that moment, she knows that his happiness surpasses even her own, as he watches his daughter embark on the journey towards a long-awaited happy ending.

The priest extends a gentle smile towards the couple, his eyes filled with warmth and encouragement.

"Do you, Jacob McClellan, take Tessa Rock to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Jacob's unease momentarily fades as he turns his gaze to his grandmother seated in the front row. Her face is aglow with joy, her eyes shimmering with pride and love. With newfound reassurance, Jacob then locks eyes with Tessa.

"I do," he says, his voice steady and unwavering, a promise echoed in every word.

The priest then turns to the bride, his smile widening as he awaits her response. "And do you, Tessa Miley Rock, take Jacob McClellan to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

A part she had rehearsed countless times in her mind now lingers on her lips, but she struggles to voice the words aloud. At this moment, her whole life seems to unravel before her eyes. How can she marry a man she barely knows, let alone love?

The weight of uncertainty presses down upon her, threatening to shatter the facade of the perfect wedding day.

"NO!" She asserts, her voice rings out with unwavering determination, cutting through the hushed atmosphere of the congregation. Gasps of shock ripple through the assembled guests, mingling with whispered exchanges that echo from all sides.

"This isn't right. I'm sorry, I can't... I just can't," she continues, her voice trembling with emotion as she bravely speaks her truth.

"I can't marry someone I don't know or love. Dad, I'm sorry, but I lied. Grandma Aggy, I'm sorry, but your grandson lied to you. We don't love each other, and this is all a facade," she confesses, her words heavy with regret but tinged with a sense of liberation.

"Tessa, what is the meaning of this?" Jacob's voice echoes across the hall, filled with a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"I'm speaking the truth. I've dreaded this day my whole life. I can't, for the sake of a few fleeting bucks, throw away the most precious gift I can give myself—the gift of loving and being loved. If there's anything I deserve, it's that. So, I'm sorry, but I can't continue with this wedding," she declares, her resolve unwavering as she turns to leave, determined to follow her heart.

Jacob holds her back, his voice tinged with frustration. "What is your problem, woman? Have you forgotten our deal?" he demands, his grip tightening as he struggles to comprehend her sudden change of heart.

"This deal?" she retorts, reaching under her dress to retrieve the paper bearing both their signatures, tearing it to pieces before his incredulous eyes. "Scores settled. No deal," she declares firmly, her resolve unyielding as she lifts her dress and strides purposefully towards the entrance.

"Miss," the priest intones, his voice snapping her out of her thoughts with a sense of urgency that leaves her heart pounding.