Chapter 163_ The happiness we deserve 2
Few days later..
The most awaited day in the city came by so fast. The day were the two souls were finally going to be joined together by the sacred bonds of marriage.
A majestic church was transformed into a breathtakingly opulent wedding wonderland.
The stained glass windows adorned with intricate stone carvings filtered the sunlight casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the polished marbled floor covered with a plush white carpet runner embroidered with gold thread.
Garlands of lush greenery and exotic white flowers which included, roses, orchids, and gardenias entwined the wooden pews leading up to the altar.
The air was sweet with the scent of blooming flowers.
All these extravagant decor had everything to do with Anita Sterling, the most joyous soul on earth. She had been anticipating this day so much if not more than the couple and finally it was here.
As the orchestra’s strings swelled, the congregation rose. Their faces turned toward the back of the church. The massive, ornate doors swung open as the bride who was none other than the soon to be Mrs Sterling walked in gracefully.
Her wedding gown was a showstopper. A real life fairytale princess dress. The strapless design hugged her curves in all the right places, and the boned corset cinched at her tiny waist.
But her skirt really stole the show. Layers and layers of tulle that fell to the floor like a fluffy cloud. And the beading? the beading was exquisite.
Delicate crystals and intricate lace adorned the bodice, catching the light with every move she made.
Olivia looked like a real-life princess, gliding down the aisle in her stunning gown with the tall figure who was none other than Nathan by her side posing as her father.
Her hand in his arm. A role her late dad would have been so happy to perform if he were to be given a chance to be alive even for a minute.
She forced the sad thoughts out of her mind and tried to focus more on her handsome groom patiently waiting for her down the aisle.
Damien looked dashing in his sleek tuxedo, the midnight black fabric was perfectly tailored to accentuate his broad shoulders and chiseled features.
A crisp white shirt, slim bow tie, and polished shoes completed the classic look with a subtle silver watch, a thoughtful gift from his mum.
“She is precious. handle her with so much care” Nathan whispered softly as he placed Olivia’s palm on Damien’s.
Damien bashfully smiled at Nathan accepting Olivia’s hand.
“You have my word Mr Steele. I will take good care of her”
His eyes locked on hers. The priest began with the ceremony almost immediately “Dear friends and family, we gather today to witness the union of these two beloved souls…”
The air was thick with emotion as they exchanged vows, their voices trembling with sincerity. He promised to love and cherish her, through joy and tears, in sickness and health. She vowed to stand by his side, to support his dreams, and to be his rock in times of need.
As they exchanged rings, the congregation held its collective breath. The gold bands glinted, symbolizing their eternal commitment.
The priest pronounced them husband and wife, and with a tender smile, he said, “You may kiss your bride.”
Their lips met in a soft sweet kiss as the congregation erupted into applause and cheers. Tears of joy streamed down the faces of their loved ones, and the orchestra swelled with a triumphant melody.
They turned to face their friends and family, beaming with happiness, the church was filled with a sense of joy and celebration especially those of two kids jumping up and down at a distance.
***
The reception was held at a grand hall situated at the outskirt of the city.
The hall was decorated with a white and gold theme as per the couples taste and a little of Anita’s input.
Everyone was happily having their drinks and some were dancing to the slow tunes playing at the background.
At a part of the hall…
Bianca and Xander were deeply engrossed in their conversation. laughing and giggling at each other’s words.
They were so oblivious to the mischievous two heading to them.
“Although this wedding hasn’t ended yet, I’m already craving another”
Bianca inhaled sharply, she held out a finger to Xander, a gesture for ‘a second’ or ‘a minute’
She turned around to face the two women who were gossiping about her right behind her back.
“Can you take your little gossips elsewhere? you’re both at it again”
Sandy placed her empty glass on the tray of a waiter passing by and collected another half filled glass with red wine.
She mouthed ‘a thank you’ to the waiter and turned to faced Bianca with the perfect reply already in store for her.
“What? we are hinting at something though. When are you both going to do the needful? you know? tie the knots?”
Bianca sighed deeply and turned back to Xander, she took him by his hands and started walking away from the two.
Their teasing laughter could be heard as they left their initial position.
Anita took a sip out of her glass scanning the hall with her hawk like eyes searching for her next prey to bug.
“Who’s next?” she murmured roaming her eyes around until it fell on a lonely soul typing away on her phone.
“I guess we found our next target” She laughed evily walking to the innocent young lady’s direction with her sidekick right next to her.
Becky was startled by her aunt’s sudden presence and also Olivia’s mum.
Rumors had it that, if these two were together and they happened to come to you at the same time, you should probably run while you can because they were trouble mixed thoroughly with mischief..
But unfortunately, it was too late to run away from them.
“Did I do something wrong aunt?” Becky asked skeptically staring back and forth at the two.
“Not at all dear, I was just curious. You’ve been standing all by your self without any company not even a single guy approached you and you didn’t approach any either”
Becky’s eyes lost its initial gleam, now she got why they were here.
Obviously to mock her and probably irritate her so much with their sarcastic remarks.
“Aunt, it’s nothing like that. I have a boyfriend and he is out of the country for some urgent meeting. That is the reason he couldn’t make it here today”
“Oh really? what is his name then? or is he some imaginary boy who only you can see?” Anita inquired as she was able to read between Becky’s pure lies..
The two older ladies shared a teasing laugh which made Becky roll her eyes hard at them.
Becky picked up her purse and sprang up to her feet already red in embarassment.
“You both are unbelievable! argh!”
Anita and Sandy chuckled at her moving back leaving the hall.
***
Becky made her way to the garden which was mostly empty. She walked further into the rose bushes and took a seat on the neatly treamed grass.
She kicked off her heels in frustration and opened her purse taking a pack of cigarette out.
Her mood was soiled so bad after she spotted Charles mingling around some ladies. Even though their eyes met a couple of times in the hall, he still didn’t come over for a chat like always.
After he found out that she was the one who always left some cookies and lovesick notes in his locker at college, he hadn’t reached out to her yet.
“Great! he hated you when you were so fat and now that you think you have a great figure, he still didn’t spare you a glance. How lucky you are Becky!” Becky grumbled to herself.
Her hands ransacked through her purse in search for a lighter and when she found it, she brought it to the cigarette already placed in between her lips.
Suddenly the cigarette was taken off her lips before she could even get the chance to light it up.
“I’m sure you must have heard, smoking is bad for the health. it’s such a happy occasion why would you choose to smoke out here all alone?”
Her hairs stood on ends as the familiar hoarse voice reached her ears.
She could perceive the strong scent of his cologne which said a lot about how close he was standing next to her.
Becky snapped her head up staring at the figure towering over her.
Annoyed and upset about his earlier attitude back at the hall, she stood up to her feet glaring straight at him.
“What are you doing here?” She asked with her palm fisted by her sides.
Taken by her surprise question, Charles lips pulled up into a small smile.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
“Are you upset because your said boyfriend couldn’t make it today?”
Becky’s face fell. What boyfriend? her brows had a hint of confusion in them until it dawned on her.
He must have overheard her conversation with those two.
“It’s been a while Becky”
“It’s Bec-
She paused her sentence midway, he got her name right this time. Her cheeks flamed red.
“Yeah I guess. Aren’t you supposed to be in the hall flirting with your bountiful girlfriends?” She questioned sarcastically but deep down she was pained.
It pained her to know that the guy who she was willing to do anything and everything for couldn’t see her the same way that she does.
“There’s no point for me to be in there when she is out here sulking” He murmured leaving her speechless.
He took a glance around the almost empty vicinity before he closed the gap between them.
Becky wasn’t given a chance to digest his words because the next second, he sealed her lips in a three second meaningful kiss before he backed off with a bashful smile.
“I’ll be waiting on the dance floor. Please don’t keep me waiting” he spoke as he fondled with the cigarette stick.
He turned around and began heading away from her.
Becky’s eyes rounded like she had seen a ghost, she watched his back moving away hastily.
His words and actions replayed over and over again in her head until a squeal left her lips.
“He likes me too!”