The Untouchable Bride

"The bride has arrived!" The Master of Ceremony (MC) announced to the audience. The church turned into an uproar as murmurs and whispers went on about how it was taboo for the bride to arrive before the groom. As seconds turned into minutes, then hours, Ella decided to walk herself to the altar. "I can do it". She encouraged herself as she stepped out of the car and walked towards the entrance of the church. She knew there was a high possibility that Stephen, her fiancé, was not going to make it to their wedding because of the unexpected videos she received early on during the day and the entire week. The contents were disturbing, yet due to the advancement of technology, she wanted to believe it was a prank. Stephen said he loved her and that was all that mattered. She just could not believe her boyfriend of five (5) years with family blessings would be seeing someone behind her back and that, too, her cousin, to the extent of having incrimination evidence such as intimate footage. As she stood near the church, she focused her eyes on the altar, which was empty, confirming her suspicions. She began to tremble and shake as her reality was far from what she had known. It began to dawn on her. "This can't be true", she said as she trembled. "My dear, what is wrong with you?" her uncle asked as he stepped out of the taxi and walked towards her. She was being hysterical. "It's true uncle, he.... he.... didn't love me. Stephen never did". Ella said as she placed her head on her uncle's shoulder to cry. He taps her back and attempts to calm her, all the while contemplating his next move. "The wedding is not going to be called off. It will proceed as planned." Suddenly, Ronald's voice filled the space as he stepped closer to the pair. "Let's talk". Ronald said to them while directing them to the Limozin. The trio enter the Limozin to have a discussion as suggested by Ronald. After settling in the Limo, Ella calms down. Ronald then suggests he replace his son at the altar to be the groom to save their faces. His reasoning was simple. His grandfather, who scheduled the marriage between the families, never specified who was to marry whom. His condition was stated as a marriage happening between the two families. Before Ronald could finish speaking, Ella vigorously shook her head and tried to speak, but her uncle spoke first. "You are right," he said as he turned his attention back to his niece, Ella. "My dear, this is a very great opportunity that comes once in a lifetime". Ella widened her eyes in shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her beloved uncle, whom she cherished, was asking her to marry someone she considered a father figure and was to be her father-in-law. "You can ask for divorce anytime. This could as well be a trial marriage. Also, I am not pressuring you into this. The choice is yours". Ronald adds. "You do not need to explain because she agrees to your proposal. Her uncle replied on her behalf. "UNCLE!!" Ella shouted in angst. She couldn't understand how this was happening. She was required to be engaged to Stephen against her will to fulfil her grandparents' wish. That was easy for her to agree to because they were of the same age, but with this sudden proposal, she could not believe it. Why was she fulfilling a long promise made by her grandparents, whom she never met? Before she could protest again, her uncle raised his hands to signal her to stop talking. "You are in my care and the decision has been made. I cannot stand by and watch you disgrace the family name". Her Uncle, said as he stepped out of the car. "It is settled then. The wedding continues". He moved to church and informed the priest of the developments. "Why are you doing this?", Ella asked as she turned to face Ronald, still trembling. "I am sorry Ella, but I have to do this to save you". Ronald said as he reached out to pat her back. "How is this saving me?". Ella asked as her voice broke and tears streamed down her cheeks. "Think about the situation this way." Ronald started, then paused to breathe in and out, and then continued speaking. "You get to have safety because I will protect you from everyone, including my son and myself. Also, marrying me will grant you the chance to stand against my son, who I know is the cause of all this. Anytime you want to get a divorce, you will get half of my estate and more. Anything you want will be yours". Ella's eyes widened as she looked at Ronald, who solemnly laid down his reasons as though this had been a well-thought-out plan. Looking at the retreating figure of her uncle, who seemed insensitive to her and thinking about only his interests, she strangely found herself feeling safe with Ronald. Ronald always took care of her whenever she visited their mansion. He made sure her favourite snacks were readily available; he knew her allergies and always treated her with respect. She sometimes wished he was related to her. However, this was not the way she wanted to be related to him. She looked deep into his eyes and saw the sincerity in his eyes. His eyes told her he cared for her. Ella closed her eyes and pictured her future, which she knew wouldn't be easy if she made this decision. She cleaned her tears, and herself up while saying "One last question, Uncle Ronald. Why are you marrying? I am old enough to be your daughter. If we go through with this, you will be ridiculed alongside me. We will be stuck in pain which will roll over for a long time". "Who said we would be in pain? We can make this work: he rolls his eyes and looks at her. "He then continues, 'And my answer to your question is simple. I would rather we be ridiculed together than have you go through it alone all because of my son's blind decision. You don't deserve that". He said, as he smiled widely, with his smile reaching his ears, he then threw a question back at her. "Oh, and my dear, who do you think is courageous enough to ridicule me in this city?" he raised his eyebrows. "you will be untouchable." He added to which she nodded as it clicked. Ronald was from one of the richest families and he was a self-built billionaire before his family's wealth. "Let's do this," she said as she stepped down with Ronald already down and extended his hands for her to take. She slips her hand into his as they walk side by side to the Church. "Finally, about time". Her uncle emerged from the church to meet them." Let me walk you down the aisle," he said as he extended his hand to Ella, which was slapped away. "No! Thank you. I would rather walk alone". The disappointment Ella felt towards her uncle was drawn over her face as she walked past him to start the entrance procession. She had loved and cared for her uncle after the death of her parents due to a car accident when she was young. Looking back now, she realised he may have pretended to care for her, but because she so wanted to be loved by the family, she closed her eyes to everything going around her. Not anymore. "Shall we all rise and welcome the bride and groom", The MC announces as the congregation rises with strange glances, looking at the soon-to-be couple walking to the altar. "I would rather you walk with me than alone", Ronald says as he takes her hands in his.