Contractually Ever After

Chapter 4 - Their Reception

We drive into a town centre, where there is a beautiful but clearly very high-end jewellers. We make a sharp turn right down an ally way, and then I noticed the road was sloping downwards until it went underground. I instinctively slide down my seat as if I'd magically make this huge car shorter to fit. I hear Wade chuckle briefly, and I just stare wide-eyed.

"This is where I park my car, Ava. I promise you we'll fit."

Even more confused as I didn't see a house around in this quaint town centre. Wade reverses the Urus into a space and kills the engine. He steps out of the car, brushes his suit down, and I can't help but admire him - all of him.

I make a move to exit the car before he catches me staring, but I forget that I'm in a huge wedding dress and end up pouring myself onto the garage floor with zero grace and composure. I recollect myself before Wade had even noticed that I was down.

"This way."

Wade gestures to wooden double doors that open to reveal an elavator.

"Oh,hello, Bruce Wayne."

I say as we step into the elavator, then I lean in and whisper in his ear.

" I know your Batman."

I swear I saw Wade shudder. But I just ignored his reaction and the rode up to the first level of his house.

"Have a look around and get acquainted. Our families will be here shortly."

I'm once again lost admiring the man I've married, and he removes his tie and suit jacket. Then I release what he actually said.

"Why is our family coming over?"

I quickly correct him.

"Apparently, it's tradition that a bride and groom have a reception."

Wade huffs.

"mhm, because all of this has been very traditional so far, hasn't it ? I'm now married to a man who is the fraction of the boy I once knew, who apparently can't even bare to have a proper conversation with his bride, let alone actually look at her."

I snap at Wade, this day gad finally gotten to much, I walk off looking for a bathroom and some ibuprofen to compose myself and relive the headache that has finally come out of hiding.

"Ava..."

I hear Wade call after me, but I just shake my head, refusing to turn and acknowledge him. Luckily, I find solace and pain relief when I hear a knock on the door.

"I'm done Wade, please just leave me be."

I plead through the door, tears threatening to spill.

" Our family is here, Ava."

"What's the point ? So everyone can be so pleased for the happy couple. What a pisstake ! I'm in this gorgeous dress, and for what, Wade ?! I had no say in the sham so what difference does it make whether I'm present for the reception or not ?"

Tears finally gave way as I choke out the last of my rant. I hear a faint knocking of a door and Wade footsteps walking away. Then there's a light scratching on the bathroom door. Curious, I unlock and open the door, to see a pair of beautiful amber sad eyes matched with a pair of black pointy ears.

"Hello...boy." I say to this massive creature, checking first before I address him. He looks at me c*****g his head whining.

"It's okay."

I tell him, now sat on this floor with a giant puppy sat on my lap. I can't help but laugh and scratch him between the ears. I hear a phone camera click and I look up to see penny in disbelief.

"That's Reaper. That bloody thing has never been nice to anyone, except Wade."

Reaper looks at Penny and makes a low growl.

"Shh,shh you okay beautiful boy, what's she saying about you."

Penny just laughs as I hear more footsteps walking in out direction. All of the Slates, including Wade are speechless.

"At least someone wants me here."

I say dryly. Which earns Wade a warning look from his dad.

I stand, deciding to join the 'party' with Reaper at my side.

"He's not allowed in here."

Wade steps infront of the pure black German shepherd.

"Sorry son, doesn't look like he's going to part from Ava's side anytime soon. You've lost your dog."

Gary walks off, highly amused.

"Av sweetheart ? "

Diane asks, clearly regarding the dog.

"Come on Re Re."

I tap my side calling Reaper using his new nickname, side stepping past Wade. Making this my first act of defiance.

I then see my parents and my brother, greet them with kisses and introduce them to my dog. The whole time side eyeing Wade, to check his reaction.

He is not happy and I'm thrilled.

Everyone chats and then we're called for dinner, but Penny says she has to give me gift alone. I'm dreading this !

When everyone else has cleared into the dinning room, through 2 sliding wooden doors, Penny coughs, a code to tell her brother to stop eaves dropping and close them behind him.

"What's up? are you okay ?"

She realised I've been crying.

"Yeah, yeah, fine. I've just got a headache."

"Have you got your blood pressure meds ? you know how you get when there's stress."

"s**t! no ! There's been so much on, I haven't taken them for about a week."

I start panicking.

"Hey, hey, it's okay ! We'll make this a quick dinner and I'll get Nate to nip me to your parents house to get your meds. Oh and here's this."

Penny hands me a black and pink paper bag, with the words 'Ann Summers' on the side.

"Penny ... "

I raise my eyebrows at her.

"It's tradition to do the deed on your wedding night. So I thought you'd want something appealing. Very appealing."

Penny bumps into me and we both laugh.

"Keep it safe for me until you leave, I haven't had the grand tour yet so I don't know where to put anything."

I ask. Penny takes the bag and runs off. Upon her return, we enter the dinning room and true to Penny, it was a quick dinner indeed. It wasn't much longer after that everyone left and it was just Wade, Reaper and I.