Hired Love

Chapter 2

"Are you okay?" The priest's inquiry cuts through the tension in the air.

She casts a fleeting glance at the entrance door, a silent temptation beckoning her towards an uncertain future. All eyes are fixed on her, each gaze brimming with anticipation, waiting for her response.

Her gaze meets Jacob's, a flicker of terror reflected in her eyes before she steels herself, mustering every ounce of courage to clear her throat and utter the words that will seal her fate.

"I do." she declares, her voice ringing clear and true, that echoes through the hallowed halls of the sacred ceremony.

With a gentle nod of approval, the priest smiles, his eyes reflecting the solemnity of the moment. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss."

They share a meaningful glance, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. Jacob gently lifts the veil, revealing the innocence and vulnerability reflected in her face.

As he meets her gaze, his eyes linger on her tender, puckered lips, a silent invitation. With a tender touch, he cups her cheeks in his hands, drawing her close and sealing their union with a kiss, their lips meeting as husband and wife.

As their lips meet, a hush falls over the gathered guests, the air electric with the palpable joy of love fulfilled.

She pulls away abruptly, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features as she breaks the embrace. Jacob's smirk goes unnoticed by the crowd as they turn to face them, plastering fake smiles on their faces and waving at the guests.

"You both look so beautiful together. Your home is blessed," Grandma Agnes pronounces as she approaches them, her smile beaming with genuine warmth and joy.

"Thank you, Grandma," Jacob replies, his smile strained as he forces himself to reciprocate the sentiment.

"Can I be excused?" Tessa asks wearily, uncertainty evident in her voice as she searches for an escape from the overwhelming emotions swirling around her.

"Ok, dear," Grandma says, her smile radiating warmth as she watches Tessa make her way to her dad. Turning her attention back to Jacob, she beams with pride. "You made a good choice, J boy. She'll make a good wife and bring a sense of responsibility to you," she concludes playfully, reaching over to affectionately drag his ear.

Jacob chuckles softly.

Grandma Agnes has been Jacob's backbone since his parents' passing. There's no one he cherishes more than her.

Tessa makes her way over to her dad, her steps heavy with the weight of her inner turmoil. "Daddy," she murmurs as she falls to her knees before him, enveloping him in a firm hug, seeking solace in his comforting embrace.

"Tessa, my daughter..." His voice breaks, tears shimmering in his eyes as he struggles to fight them back. "Dad, are you okay? Is it because I'm leaving? I can tell Jacob that I want to stay with you..." Tessa offers, her heart aching at the sight of her father's distress.

"Oh, no, darling, not that. I'm just... I'm just happy to finally see you happy with the man of your dreams. I'm certain Jacob is going to make you happy and take good care of you, than I ever could" he confesses, bowing his head in shame as tears stream down his cheeks.

"No, Dad, don't you ever say that. Don't," Tessa interrupts, her voice choked with emotion.

"You've done more than enough for me, and your existence is what keeps me going. And I know... I know if you weren't sick, you would have done a lot more for me," she says, her words a heartfelt plea as she wraps her arms around him, tears streaming down her face.

"Tessa," Jane calls out, tears already filling her eyes. "Why are you guys crying so much? And you, you'll ruin your makeup," she adds with a shaky smile, attempting to lighten the mood despite the emotion in her voice.

"Jane," Tessa says as she stands up, the two of them sharing a firm hug, finding solace in each other's embrace.

Some of Jacob's clients and celebrity friends who had come for the wedding surrounded him, offering their congratulations and well wishes.

"I am tired of faking this smile," Jacob confides in his best man, Herbert, who also serves as his personal assistant, someone he trusts implicitly.

"It'll be over soon. You have to keep up appearances with everyone so no one suspects, especially Mrs. McClellan," Herbert advises, his tone conveying the importance of maintaining the facade for the sake of their plan.

He heaves a deep sigh, "Tell them to get the car ready. I'll be going home soon," he asserts with a flair of attitude.

"Alright, sir," Herbert responds, leaving to carry out his instructions.

"Grandma, get ready. We're leaving soon," he whispers as he tries not to draw attention from those around them.

"But we haven't greeted all the guests yet," her voice shakily projects.

"I need you home so you can rest, please. And we're not going to argue about it," he affirms, his tone resolute as he makes his way to Tessa.

"I'm going to miss you," Jane's voice cracks at each word.

"What do you mean you're going to miss me? I'll come see you soon, don't be silly," they release from the hug and lock eyes.

Tessa's eyeliner lingers, smudged from crying too much. "You ruined your makeup," Jane says, attempting to clean it off with her palm.

"Well I don't care, I…"

"Tessa…" A protruding voice interrupts. "Get ready, we're leaving soon," Jacob announces abruptly.

"What?" Tessa responds, her voice tinged with confusion as she awaits an explanation.

"Jacob!" Tessa's dad calls out to him, beckoning him over. Jacob goes to meet him, the urgency in his father-in-law's voice not lost on him.

"If only his personality is as attractive as he is-" Jane adds as they look at him talking to Mr. Rock, both mouthing words.

She turns to Tessa. "Look, if he tries anything silly with you, I'm just a call away. I'll rain fire and brimstone on Mr. Perfect Hair, Body, Height, Eyes, Nose, Lips..." Tessa gives her a sleepy-eyed look as Jane drifts away from the context.

"I mean, I'll break his bones. You know I love you and you always come first," Jane asserts, wearing a silly smile. "But he's just so.."

"Please stop," Tessa interrupts, as she knew what she was about to say.

"Sorry," Jane responds, trying to contain her laughter.

"I just know there'll be a lot I'll have to put up with, and should I say I signed up for it, literally," Tessa remarks.

"And so you'll have to finish what you've started. You certainly can't go back now," Jane adds. "But you'll be fine. You're the strongest person I know; you can handle anything."

She exhales deeply. "Well, what can I say? I'm the strongest person I know too," Tessa remarks.

"Shut up," Jane pushes her lightly, smiling with both sides of her cheeks as she puts her hand across Tessa's shoulders.

Jacob hasn't been in a situation where he had to answer to anyone. Mr. Rock giving his pep talk on how to treat his daughter was of no use to him, he just wanted to go home from all the charade.

"Please take good care of my Tessa for me. We've never had to be apart from each other before, so it's going to be hard on her. You, young man, have to be her peace. My poor daughter has gone through so much; she deserves the best," he concludes, expecting a reassuring response.

"Uh, yes sir. I will do everything in my power to keep her happy. You don't have to worry," Jacob feigns a smile and begins to stand up.

"Promise me," Mr. Rock projects.

Jacob halts abruptly, rolls his eyes discreetly, then looks at his father-in-law. "Yes, I promise you, sir."

"Thank you, son," Mr. Rock says, wearing a smile of reassurance.

"Yeah, we'll be on our way now," Jacob announces as he stands up, scanning the hall to look for his P.A. "Where's Herbert? I'm feeling

suffocated here already," he mutters to himself, glancing at the time on his watch.

"Sir," Herbert calls from behind. "The car is ready."

"Good" Jacob says as he approaches her, noticing she's exchanging pleasantries with some of the guests.

"Granny, it's time to go," he interjects.

"Oh, is it?" she asks, turning to her guests. "Alright, I'm sorry, but I'll have to run along now," she concludes.

"Mrs. McClellan," Herbert calls out to Granny, extending his hand to walk with her, which she reciprocates. They wait for Tessa so they can leave together.

"It's time to leave," Jane announces. "I guess this is goodbye."

"For now. Besides, I'll still come to visit you when I come around to take my other luggage," Jane assures.

"Okay," they gently give each other a hug. She hurries to meet her dad. "Dad, I'm leaving, but I'll be back before you know it."

"What does that mean? Are you planning on leaving Jacob already?" He chuckles. "Oh, no, I mean I'll come home to get my remaining luggage. Jane will make sure you get home safely, Jacob has promised to send help over so you don't have to worry about anything. If you ever need anything, just reach out to me, okay?" She asks, her face turning sour.

"Ok, ok, I've heard you. You've told me this like a million times. Stop treating me like a baby, will you? Now go, your husband is waiting for you," he says.

"I love you so much, Dad," she says, giving him a peck on his cheek.

"I love you too. Take care of yourself," he smiles brightly. "Bye," Jane says, behind him, holding the wheelchair so she can push him.

She walks towards Jacob and Grandma Aggy, who are waiting for her. "Sorry, I had to talk to my dad," she explains.

"Let's go," Jacob says sternly, sounding frustrated. He extends his arm for Tessa to lock arms with him.

They make their way out of the church, greeted by a few guests outside waiting to bid them farewell. Paparazzi and media men swarm around, capturing pictures of the couples.

Grandma Aggy, heads to her car while Jacob and Tessa prepare to depart in theirs.

Jacob acts gentlemanly, opening the door for Tessa to enter their car. He adjusts his suit neatly as he walks towards the other car door to get in. The crowd cheers as they wave goodbye to the couple. Tessa's eyes remained fixed on her dad. She rolls down the car window. "Bye, Dad! I love you!" she yells, her eyes welling up with tears. He smiles and waves back, and she keeps waving until he is out of sight.

She sits back down and heaves a sigh, slowly rolling up the car window. A whirlwind of emotions and thoughts clouds her mind. What awaits her now is uncertain, but she is sure she has used a stone to kill two birds.