1: The Lonely Billionaire Meets His Wife
Two weeks flew by fast, and the wedding day had come. It was one of those rare sunny days in Washington. The rose garden in the Gray Estate was set up with simple decorations, with six seats upfront - for Frank, Melanie, Chester, Abby, Charles, and Yasmine. Damien's mother, Melanie, was the officiant of the wedding. The guests exchanged pleasantries while Yasmine helped Irene get ready.
"Melanie, Frank, good to see you today," Charles approached the couple and shook hands with them.
"It's been a while, Charles," Melanie said as she shook his hand.
"I know. I never thought this is how we'll meet again after all those years," Charles replied.
"Life's truly a jack-in-the-box!" Frank replied.
"Where's the groom?" Charles asked. Given Charles' known situation of the cursed child Damien, Charles thought he would need to arrive at the same time as his parents; someone needed to assist him in getting there after all. Ah, maybe their servants will get him here.
"He'll be here shortly," Melanie replied.
Chester and Abby approached the Fitzgeralds and introduced themselves to Charles. Charles had their father in his network and frequently worked with their bank.
"So, Charles. I never heard of this daughter of yours. I thought you only had Ramona and Jamie," Melanie asked.
Four pairs of eyes looked in Charles' direction, "Ah, yes. This daughter of mine, Irene... I lost her twenty-one years ago and have been looking for her. I am glad I found her," Charles replied.
"Ah, an illegitimate child?" Melanie asked without any hesitations.
Frank, Chester, and Abby had that awkward look on their faces, but what could they say? She's one of the most powerful and influential lawyers in the United States - Melanie Powell-Fitzgerald, Esq.
Charles wanted to be offended, but he didn't want to cause a commotion on his daughter's wedding day, "Yes, but out of all my children, she's the only true Gray."
As it turned out, all of the supposed children of Charles with Annette were all Randall's children. Charles only found out about it after Annette filed for a divorce.
"I see. You truly lead an interesting life, Charles! I have to give you that." Melanie said.
As they continued their conversations, a tall figure entered the garden. He wore a black suit, a pair of aviators that sat perfectly on his nose bridge, a clean cut, a chiseled face, and a charming smile. Charles looked in the man's direction who approached their group.
"Were we supposed to have another guest?" Charles asked in confusion.
The man approached Frank first and shook hands with him, "Looking good!" Frank said. Then he approached Melanie and hugged her. Melanie kissed him on his cheek, then faced Charles with her head up high, and introduced the man, "Charles, meet my son, Damien Fitzgerald,"
Charles' eyes widened, "O-oh... I am sorry for the shocked reaction... I just..." Charles couldn't even continue his words.
"It's OK, Charles. We are aware of Damien's ill reputation, but since we are to become a family, we have no issues revealing his identity to you," Melanie said in a very proud tone. She rarely introduces her son, after all.
"Forgive me, Damien. I am Charles, Irene's father," Charles said as he reached out to shake his hand.
Damien had a firm grip, "All is well. Damien Fitzgerald. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gray."
As Charles casually conversed with Damien, Yasmine walked up to Charles and whispered, "Irene is ready."
"Excuse me; I'll have to fetch the bride now. By the way, Yasmine, this is Damien, the groom. Damien, this is Yasmine, Irene's best friend." Charles said.
Yasmine had that shock on her face and nervously shook Damien's hand, "N-Nice to meet you!"
After a few minutes, the music started. At the end of the red carpet, Charles stood next to Irene.
"Where is he?" Irene asked Charles.
"He's there," he replied.
Irene looked up front and could only see a tall and handsome man instead of a guy in a wheelchair - nowhere near what she expected to see.
"Is he standing in for my groom?" Irene asked.
"No, that's him... You know, you can still back out," Charles whispered.
"No, papa, let's get this over with,"
Irene was wearing a very simple and minimalist wedding dress. It was a beautiful ivory white dress with spaghetti straps, a long stretch crepe, and a decent slit above the knee. Her short but thick wedding veil covered her face. Her long flowing silky black hair danced as she walked the aisle. Damien took his first look at his bride. She was stunning. Her dress marvelously defined her assets, and the way she moved was graceful. Melanie was impressed with the way Irene carried herself. Irene held a bouquet of white roses, arranged and picked from the garden. Charles gave Irene's hand to Damien at the other end of the aisle. That was the first time they touched, and Irene felt a pang of nervousness as soon as she felt his hands.
On the other hand, Damien felt indifferent, just like he'd always been with all his business deals, but he was curious to see his bride's face. She's probably one of those girls with a body like a p**n star but with a face of a witch. It will be easier that way to use her insecurities to force a divorce; he thought as the ceremony started.
"By the power vested in me by God and the United States of America, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride," Melanie announced with glee.
Damien raised Irene's veil and was not expecting what he saw; she had the face of an angel. She had very light makeup, pink and tempting plump lips, and dark eyes that almost made him lost in her gaze. Damien held her chin and gently kissed her soft lips. Irene closed her eyes and imagined that it was Noah kissing her, but it felt empty. Unbeknownst to each other, Damien and Irene shared the same sentiments about that kiss - there were no sparks, and it felt empty. It wasn't the kind of kiss they had both expected to have on their wedding day, albeit with different people.
When they broke off their kiss, Irene looked at her father, who had a very concerned look on his face. Irene smiled at Charles, assuring him that she was OK and there was nothing she could not handle. Damien offered his left arm to Irene, "Shall we?"
Irene wrapped her arm around his, "Yes."
