Beauty Reborn

Chapter4

~Lanre

I pushed through the crowded hall, my mind spinning from what I'd just witnessed. Nina—my girlfriend, or rather, ex—was in bed with another man. The sight had hit me like a punch to the gut, a harsh reminder of how little I’d meant to her. That day, I swore I'd never fall in love again. All women were the same, and they deserved the same heartbreak they'd given me.

I had refused my mother’s plan to marry my enemy, but after Nina shattered me, I agreed to the marriage. Besides, I needed my supposed wife's money to reclaim my father’s company. So, I gave in.

On the day of the wedding, I got stuck in traffic and arrived long after everyone else. As I approached the altar, I saw her—Joanna, my bride. I extended my hand, my voice barely a whisper. “Joanna.”

But as I looked at her, I felt a jolt of surprise. She was... fat. Not the svelte, elegant woman I'd expected, but a round, curvy figure in a flowing white gown.

The priest's voice droned on, his words like stones in my ears. "Do you, Lanre, take Joanna as your wife..."

I could feel the tension in the air, as thick and heavy as the heat of the day. Joanna's hand felt clammy in mine, her body stiff and unyielding.

"I do," I murmured, the words tasting like ashes in my mouth..

"And do you, Joanna, take Lanre as your husband..."

Joanna's voice was barely audible. "I do."

The priest nodded, his expression solemn. "Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife."

The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers and whoops echoing through the hall. But I could barely hear them, my heart hammering in my chest.

Joanna's eyes met mine, her face pale and drawn. I saw the tears brimming in her eyes, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. I wanted to ask her what was wrong, what I could do to help, but the words stuck in my throat.

The priest held out his hand, and I fumbled for the rings. "Joanna's ring," he said, his voice low and grave.

I turned to my cousin, Adrian. His face was set in a neutral expression, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Adrian," I said, my voice low. "The rings."

Adrian's eyes met mine, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and handed me the rings.

I took the rings from Adrian's outstretched hand, my fingers brushing against his. I felt a wave of unease wash over me, a sense of something wrong, something off-kilter.

I turned back to the priest, holding out the rings. "With this ring, I thee wed," I said, sliding the ring onto Joanna's finger.

She flinched as the cold metal touched her skin, her face pale and drawn.

"And with this ring, I thee wed," Joanna whispered, slipping the ring onto my finger.

The reception was in full swing, the air thick with the sounds of music and laughter. Waiters wove through the crowd, carrying trays of food and drink, the aromas of hearty American cuisine mingling with the scent of perfume and cologne.

Guests gathered in small groups, chatting and sipping champagne, while others danced to the upbeat rhythms of pop music. The Austin and Benjamin families mingled, exchanging pleasantries and toasting the bride and groom.

Joanna stood stiffly at my side, her smile forced and strained, her eyes avoiding mine.

"Joanna," I said, keeping my voice low. "Is everything okay? You seem a bit..." I trailed off, not sure how to finish the sentence.

Joanna glanced up at me, her eyes glistening with tears. "I'm fine," she said, her voice tight. "It's just... all a bit overwhelming."

I put a hand on her shoulder, my heart aching for her. "Why don't we take a break?" I suggested. "A dance might be nice. The guests would love to see us out on the dance floor."

Joanna hesitated, her eyes darting around the room. "I don't know," she said, her voice wavering. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"It'll be fun," I said, my smile gentle and encouraging. "Just follow my lead.

Everyone's expecting us to dance, and I don't want to disappoint them."

Joanna bit her lip, her gaze flickering up to meet mine. "Alright," she said, her voice barely audible above the music. "Let's dance."

I took Joanna's hand in mine, her fingers cool and clammy. I led her out to the center of the dance floor, the music swelling around us.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. "Just relax," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear. "It's only a dance."

Joanna's body was tense, her eyes closed tightly. But slowly, she began to relax, her shoulders dropping slightly, her body pressing against mine.

"That's it," I murmured. "Just enjoy the moment."

As the music washed over us, I felt Joanna's body begin to sway in time with mine, her movements becoming more confident, more natural. Her eyes opened, and I saw a hint of a smile on her lips.

I caught a glimpse of our guests, all watching us with smiles on their faces. I gave them a smile in return, trying to project an air of ease and happiness.

"You're a good dancer," I said, my voice warm and encouraging. "You just needed a little push."

Joanna gave a small laugh, her face flushed with color.

As we danced, more and more guests joined us on the dance floor, laughing and spinning, the music a vibrant, pulsing beat. I glanced around, my eyes landing on Adrian.

He was dancing with a pretty brunette, her hair falling around her shoulders in glossy waves. I recognized her immediately as Nina, my ex, the woman who had betrayed me.

Rage flooded through me, a red-hot wave of anger and betrayal. How dare she be here? How dare she dance with my cousin?

I pulled away from Joanna, my face a mask of fury.

I pushed my way through the crowd, my body rigid with anger. I had to confront Nina, to let her know that she wasn't welcome here.

I grabbed her by the arm, pulling her away from Adrian. "What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed, my voice low and dangerous.

Nina's eyes widened with shock, her face paling. "Lanre," she said, her voice trembling. "I didn't realize you were getting married."

I snorted, my eyes hard. "Of course you didn't," I said, my voice dripping with contempt.

Joanna stepped forward, her face etched with concern. "Lanre, please," she said, her voice shaking. "This isn't the time or place for this."

I whirled around to face her, my voice venomous and cruel. "Stay out of this," I snarled, my words cutting like a knife. "What makes you think you can interfere in my business? you daughter of a murderer. You don't get to tell me what to do, fat bag of potatoes."

The crowd gasped, their eyes darting from me to Joanna, their faces a mixture of shock and disgust.

Adrian stepped forward, his body tense with anger. "What the hell, Lanre?" he snapped, his eyes flashing with rage.