In This Love

Chapter 4

Rhys

The sunlight seeping through the curtains and fell directly and only on my face. I felt tired from all the fun and party from last night. All I remembered from yesterday night was the smell of alcohol, constant drinking, searching for Nora around to club so that I can take her to my place and- 

My eyes shot up and I jolted up from my bed like someone had dumped a whole bucket of ice on top of me.

I heard someone shifting in the bed next to me. I immediately looked at my surroundings - multiple clothes from two people were scattered on the floor - like two animals had ripped them into shreds.

I found myself completely n***d just a sheet covered me. I looked to my left and found another Stark n***d body sleeping soundly next to me. I gritted my teeth when I remembered the events from last night.

When my parents had broken the new about me getting married to that cripple - it felt like I was trapped in a prison. The girl they had chose for me was Avery Stark. The woman who had one leg paralysed due to an accident I did not know nor cared about what had happened to her. The point is - my life is over.

There was one thing that I was calm about. I had the upper hand in the situation. I could easily control Avery Stark the way that I want and then get the awaiting spot of the next CEO of our company. And my "scandalous life" will remain that way and the best part was I will never let it go out to the tabloids.

I groaned when I realised what day it was. My wedding day. The day I kiss my complete freedom away for a year. Even though I'll be awarded a great spot of the next CEO after I get married. But still it all felt like a burden.

Now I knew what you are think. My parents are doing all of this so that I can stop running and messing around with every girl in New York. And I also know that even though I am supposed to stop - yet still I have this goddess like model - n***d in my bed sleeping soundly. I also know it is my wedding day today.

I looked back at Nora. Nora Roberts - a Victoria Secret model that I have been dating for the past couple of months . Our relationship is strictly physical - no strings attached. And she liked it that way. But when mom and dad had made me agree to them, I tried to cut off ties between Nora and I. The marrige was not the only reason I wanted to cut off our relationship. But also Nora had started to become clingy and possessive. To the outside world - she and I were just friends but in reality - Well...

This feeling started to creep inside of me - the realisation of this mistake I had made last night . This will only rise her hopes. 

The truth was that I didn't want to get settled. Not now not ever. But everybody on the both sides new this was just a business deal and my mother thought it would be nice if I had to be with someone for a year - who is beneath me. 

I had to do something about this. She moved again in her place and stretched her arms and rubbed her eyes. She wrapped the sheets around her and I looked away.

I heard her sigh and put her hand on my bicep "Hey" she kept her words short. 

I looked into her eyes and said "What ever happened last night - it was a mistake. I'm sorry if I raised you hopes" I looked out of the window and continued "I'm supposed to be getting ready for my wedding in a few hours and here I wake up n***d next to you. It's not like I hated it. It's just that - "I looked back at her. Nora had her head hung low "We can't continue this for now. Maybe later but - I - we have to take a break"  she simply shook her head and furiously got up from the bed and walked to the bathroom, shutting the door loudly behind her.

I ran a hand through my hair out of frustration.

I heard the door open again and I wiped my head towards it and Nora came out of the bathroom. Fully dressed this time.

"How long do you think you can stay away from me?" She asked with coldness in her voice.

"Last night, you crawled into this bed with me like the old days. That wasn't long. The point is - I know you. I know you can't stay away from me. You're addicted to me. Sure, you don't want your reputation to tarnish but in time you'll come back" she exclaimed and left the room.

The room fell in silence. I was too annoyed to see how she felt. I didn't have time for that. Sure - last night was great but I can't let it happen again. But Nora is not a woman of her word. She'll come around. 

She is least of my problems right now.

I picked up my phone that was lying on the ground and saw way too many missed calls from mom and dad a few from Alec, my best friend.

My phone started to ring again and dad's name glowed on it like an alarm. I, without any hesitation picked it up and put next to my ear.

"Yes?" I asked getting perpeared for his outburst.

"Rhys James Holt! Do you have any idea how late you are for your own wedding?! The wedding we have been planning for an entire month! Get your a*s to your best friends house right now. And I want you ready in two hours. The ceremony starts in three! One should never keep a lady waiting Rhys! I want you in this hall in three hours. Prepared" he didn't even listen to my answer because be probably knew I would say something sarcastic.

The thought of me getting married wanted me to throw up. And getting married to her? For an year. It would be like hell.

If my father hadn't been so crazy about her that much - I wouldn't be stuck in this situation. Why did Avery Stark had to pretend to be oh-so perfect? Why did she need everyone to believe of her innocence? She was no innocent girl. She was the one who lured my father into believing that she was the perfect bride for me. When clearly she wasn't.

Mother on the other hand, would love to have a daughter in law like Nora. It's not that I want to marry Nora. I don't want to marry at all! Mom didn't approve Avery when she met her but dad was firm. He didn't let her jinx it. He took this matter into his own hands ignoring my mother's constant complaining.

This was her fault. This was Avery Stark's fault. Because of her my father thought about my marrige in the first place. 

Just wait "the perfect Avery" you'll see.

I will hurt you. 

Avery

I looked at the white gown that fitted me like a glove. The dressers and professionals were working on me for hours and this chair was getting itchy and painful. I looked at the time and realised in an hour I was going to be the wife of Rhys Holt. I was going to be Avery Holt? 

I cringed at the thought.

The doors opened and Sarah made everyone leave the room and I looked at her with confusion. In my sight, Ridge came. With a saddening smile on her face.

Usually, the father of the bride comes to walk his daughter down the aisle. But when I told dad I wanted Ridge to walk me down. He seemed like he couldn't care less about who would have taken me down the aisle.

I smiled at him and then looked behind him and found no sign of Sarah there. I was sitting on the sofa - I patted the place next to me so that he would come and sit.

Ridge had a box in his hands he sat down next to me and smiled at me once again. I couldn't help but feel even more sad because tonight Ridge was leaving.

"Are you sure you can't stay for a day or two?" I asked while looking at the box.

"Where are you even going?" I immediately asked out of curiosity. My question made him go rigid. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Ridge? Where are you going to?" His silence started to scare me.

"Russia" he said one word and I started to get even more confused.

"But why? You were only sighed for American permisis only?" I stared to argue but he held my hand "I know. I know. But there is need of some men there. And captain appointed one of his best men. And I am one of them. I wanted to give you this-" he set the box in my lap. My eyes were tearing up but I  couldn't let my makeup ruin. The artist's orders.

"What's in it?" I asked blinking back my tears.

"Just some letters I wanted to address to you. In case if things don't go right and I end up being-" I put a hand on his mouth and said "Please don't say that" I whispered.

"It is just for closure. Right now I'm here with you and I love you so much. Even though you aren't my real sister but I have and will always love like one. Also-" his hands went around his neck and took off something from it. I looked into his hands and saw his dawg-tag. He opened my palm and put it in it. And closed it.

This was my brother saying goodbye to me because he thought he might not come back from this fight.

❤

The music began and the bells rung. Who would have thought that the sound of bells would seem like a nail being scratched onto the chalk board. It felt that way. I had my head down as the veil fell on my face. I didn't look at the guests - I heard hushed whispers from them. Some were wondering why didn't Mr. Stark walk me down the aisle , some complimented my beauty. And some redeculed my cane and the limp.

I tried to ignore all of it and just wanted to be done with all of this.

We came to halt and I lifted my gaze towards the priest and the man of every girls dream. Who was going to become my nightmare. Rhys Holt.

I'd be lying if I had said that he didn't look good on this day. Today his hair weren't messed up, they were tamed. The well tailored suit - yet again - fitted him perfectly. But his expression was stoic. But it was more expression less than to be showing any emotion at all.

My hand left Ridge's and another hand offered to come. It was Rhys's. I carefully took it and after a few seconds I was in front of him.

The priest started to say all the necessary things he had to say and my focus was on everywhere but that. I made my eyes look at Rhys and his expression now held anger. I get it that he was forced in thus too but  he didn't have to show it. I used my cane to stable myself and tiped my toes so that I could be able to reach his height. I leaned into his ear and said "You shouldn't make that face - people are watching and photographers are taking our pictures. We have to make people believe that we love each other." I fake smiled while saying this so that people would think that I'm saying sweet things to him. 

I stayed there for a second - debating if I should do it or not - I looked at his cheek and leaned in close and pressed my lips onto it. The  pulled away and saw the awe on everybody's faces.

I looked back at Rhys and his expression was even more angry but he took his time to let my words settle in. Now his demanor was relaxed.

I was too focused on what people would think and I heard Rhys saying something in his rich deep voice.

I looked at his with confusing but now priest directed his words to me "Do you Avery Alison Stark take Rhys James Holt as your lawfully wedded husband?" 

Every thing went silent and I even thought about what I had to say I looked at the priest and then back at Rhys. My heart hammered against my chest on an alarming rate. 

I took a deep breath and said "I do" I heard everyone take a sigh of relief. Especially, my dad.

"By the power vested in me. I pronounce you as husband and wife. Rhys Holt, you may kiss the bride" he said with finality.

You may kiss the bride. Kiss the bride. Kiss the bride?! 

How could I forget about this? I didn't want him to kiss me. I peeked from my veil and Rhys had an uncomfortable face on. His hand raised and lifted the veil from my face. I looked into his eyes and saw humor dancing in them. He was enjoying my panic. 

Smirking, he leaned in slowly - taking his time. Making me almost faint from the pressure.

I felt his lips lightly touch mine . At first, I didn't feel anything. It was just a peck but the moment he pulled away. I felt a weird feeling inside my stomach.

Too much for a drama.

❤

The reception had ended and servents were asked to put my luggage in my new husband's expensive car. I wasn't taking alot of stuff from home. Just my clothes I had for university and pajamas. Shoes, books, novels, make up. Stuff like that. But I was told that Mr. Holt had sent in a new wardrobe for me at Rhys's house. Earlier today.

All the night. We stood next to each other like strangers. We didn't talk much.  Sarah and Ridge were by my side at all times. I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy, because this stressful evening was finally over and I got to spend alot of time with the people I loved over the month. Sad, because I didn't know what was my future and Ridge was leaving. 

My minds kept on going back to the box and the dawg-tag Ridge had given me as closure. I didn't have the right that I would open it the moment he gave it to me. He asked me to open it in case anything went wrong for him.

I wished that I would never get a chance to see what's inside so that Ridge would stay alive and well.

All the guests were still inside but we were leaving because I was tired from wearing this princess like gown. Also it was a long day for Rhys as well.

When it was the time to say goodbye to family. It didn't hurt as much when it came to saying farewell to Ridge. Because in an hour he would be flying to Russia. 

"Don't cry" Ridge said as I hugged him. I couldn't help but cry in his arms - I might not be able to see him again.

"It's okay. I'll call every week like I did back at home. Just keep your phone on at all times. Little nugget." I chuckled and sniffed at the same time. I knew my eyes were red by now.

"Okay I will" I smiled at him. I sighed and stepped away from him and said  a final goodbye to the whole family and walked back to the Mercedes. A bodyguard opened the front door for me and Sarah helped me sit in it. 

When I was finally settled I looked to my right and Rhys had a frown on his face as he typed.

I cleared my throat to get his attention. He looked at me and put his phone away. Without saying anything he started the engine of the car and started to move out of the hotel.

Through out the whole ride back to his house. We didn't talk. And no one initiated it.

"Where do you live?" I asked him while looking out of the window. I saw his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that hus hands went white. Why did he had to become angry? It was just a simple question.

"Main State New York. Banglow  at 5th Wall Street" he literally just told the actual address.

I simply hummed.