Forced Into Marriage ✓

Chapter 3

WEDDING DAY

Jenny pinned my hair into a neat bun as I sat and watched her in the large mirror. I am a little on the edge while preparing for the wedding which is taking place in the big backyard. Not much people will be attending. Only family.
Thank heavens.

Finally I slipped on my wedding dress. The neckline dipping down showed a little cleavage. The back part of the dress had two cute little bows attached to it. To be honest,I never felt so pretty in my life.
My white stilettoes were perfect with the dress,but I'd still be shorter than Theo. Honestly,I felt like bursting into tears but I don't want my make up to smudge. Jenny had to help cover the few bruises on my back with make up. Of course she wanted to know why it was there,but luckily I was quick enough to think of a good lie so I could stop pursuing her line of questions.
And she believed the lie...

"You're good to go." Jenny said,running her hand over my hair.

"Thank you Jenny,I feel bright and beautiful."

"It's a pleasure."

"Eleanor, I was looking for you."
I whirled around to see Sandra standing by the door in a black dress, with a hand on her hip.
"Come on,let's go." She retorted.

We stepped into Theo's spacious but well worn office. My eyes trailed to my parents standing there as well as Theo who looked dashing in his tux. He's not suppose to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. Like they say,it's bad luck.
But what did it matter? This is going to be marriage in name only.

"Parents sign the contract first." The lawyer speaks up.
They sign,as well as Mr and Mrs James. Then it was Theo's turn.

"Miss Bantum." The lawyer said.

I moved forward,grabbed the pen. Hesitant. Scared.
I shut my eyes for a second.
Was I making the biggest mistake of my life? Would I regret this forever?

No you won't. You'll have your freedom at least.

"Go on now." My dad urged.

Taking a deep breath,I obeyed him ,reading two points so far, stated to what Theo and I declare...

1.legally free to understand the rights and responsibilities conferred by this marriage.

2. Commit to suppirting eachother,share responsibilities and rights as outlined in this contract.

"Miss Bantum you can sign below." The man indicates with his finger and i immediately stop reading.

I took the pen and signed on the black dotted line. My eyes already glistening yet I was strong enough to hold back my tears in that moment.

"Stop crying you little prick. Aren't you finally glad to be rid of us?" Father whispered in my ear. "Dry those tears."
He hands me a tissue and I take it.

How I wish the day could just end already.

Theo and I stood face to face under the wedding arch that was covered in vines, flowers, branches and twigs. His eyes were fixed on mine,his hands solemnly folded,and he was fake smiling at me. The minister did an introduction and spoke some thoughts about marriage but I didn't pay attention. Then came the readings and ring vows which was the worst part because there was no meaning to it. We simply had to just look and pretend like we're in love.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Theo stepped forward and lifted the veil over my face. The look in his eyes sends my heart racing. He cupped my cheeks,leaned in and gave me a brief, silent kiss.