The Sheikh's Rebel (gay) ☑️

63. "Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments."

Fretting, Marion sat next to Miranda and Jake in the truly beautiful church.
A delicious floral scent surrounded them. All the guests were dressed to perfection, but everyone faded alongside the ethereal beauty of Fleur who was led down the aisle by her father.
Tears ran down Marion's cheeks and she saw the strange mixture of joy and sadness back in Miranda. In each other's arms, they followed the ceremony.
The church was almost completely full and to reach the rear guests a microphone was used.
Gabriel got up, smoothed his suit and walked up to the bride and groom to pronounce Tyler's blessing on marriage. He nodded to them. Fleur looked surprised, Jared tense.
Gabriel got the microphone from an altar boy who helped him apply it to his lapel.

"Good afternoon all. My name is Gabriel Aroujo and I'm Jared's uncle. I now read the blessing speech of the bearer of the eye of Al-Din; Tyler Reed."
He cleared his throat.
"To all those present,
I am very pleased to see a family reunited on this day of commitment. I give all the praise to the heads of the family who were so willing to share their wisdom with me.
For a short period of time, I was allowed to be part of your family. The sincere affection and depth of it, took my breath away and filled my heart. It gave me a glimpse into a future where I felt united with all of you.
That affection has given me the strength to return to who I was before I met you. The path we've been on together splits today. After this last act, my role in your lives has been played out."

There was a lot of noise in the church as Gabriel turned to Fleur and Jared.
"To Fleur and Jared.
Fleur, I give you this man with love. He will be a faithful husband and the loving father of your children. When your time as head of the family is there, he'll be at your side as counselor.
Jared, I give you this woman with love. The mother of your children and the one who won't bow to your whims. Her sharp mind will defy and challenge you. Her compassion for others completes your life's purpose.
Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.
Tyler Aaron Reed."

Jared felt numb. Ever since the photo session, he's been overcome with a strange feeling. He obediently repeated the words the priest told him. His heart fluttered uncomfortably in his chest.
'Why did Tyler's parting words touch him like that? He was right, Fleur was a perfect fit for him. In temperament, in ambition, in family vision, in a sense of responsibility.'
"You may kiss the bride."
As frozen, Jared stood nailed to the ground. Everything about this moment felt wrong. He knew that he was fulfilling the wishes of his ancestors, but he could not go through with this in good conscience.
This wasn't his future. Not anymore.

He looked at the ring that was on his finger. The same ring Tyler put on his finger in Paris. At the time, he had ignored Tyler's reaction to reading the inscription, but now he felt the irresistible urge to read the words in his wedding ring. Frowning, he took it off, causing a wave of noise and read the inscription.
'Forever Yours.'
His heart squeezed painfully when reading those words. He shook his head.
"I can't do this. I can't go through with this."
His eyes looked for Fleur's, and he saw his pain mirrored in her eyes.
"I can't lead you into a life of misfortune, Fleur. I love you too much for that."
"But your heart lies elsewhere," she said, aware of their audience hanging on every word.
He nodded and then shook no.
The church sang with unrest.
Helpless, Jared looked around. His parents and Marion seemed as shocked as he was. Once said, it couldn't be taken back, but he had already come this far.
He straightened up to his full length and shook his head again.
"Not elsewhere. My heart lies with Tyler," it sounded clear as bells through the church.
Fleur wrapped her arms around him in a hearty embrace before she could no longer hold back her tears and ran down the aisle crying loudly.

Among the public was confusion until they finally realized what happened and had been said. Jared didn't allow himself the luxury of running away. Willing to endure any humiliation and punishment, he defied the dirty looks of those who left without words.
Murad got up after his wife joined Fleur.
The priest had descended on a chair and plucked the microphone from his robe. "It's going to be a while before I want to see you again, Jareed."
He surprised Jared by adding: "Make sure you're worthy of that boy, because he's a jewel."
Murad turned around and walked away.