Page 17 of Til Death
There was a knock on the door and the wedding coordinator popped her head inside. “We’re asking all guests to take their seats and the groom and best man to get ready.” She didn’t stick around for comments.
“You sure you don’t want to sneak out the back door? I’ll create a diversion,” Ryo asked, staring at me. I knew he was serious by the look on his face.
Tittering, I shook my head. “Nah, I’m a man of my word if nothing else.”
Pity covered his face. “I don’t envy you.” With that he turned to leave the room.
“I still can’t believe you’re breaking my heart like this,” Reginae pouted before following her brother.
“That girl is too damn much,” Roman mumbled. “Anyway. Fo’real, you good with all this?” He looked at me and questioned.
I locked my phone and slid it into my pocket. “As good as I can be.”
He nodded and patted my shoulder. “Then let’s get you married.”
From there, everything was a blur. When I walked into the main room, I was caught off guard by how full it was. In the short period of time she had to plan this, it seemed like Xylina had brought out the entire West Pier.
I stood at the end of the altar and waited for Roman and Xylina’s friend to make their way down the aisle.
My eyes found my parents in the front row in front of me. My mom didn’t look pleased and my dad looked uncomfortable. Next to them were Ryo and Reginae.
Xylina’s parents were on the other side, her dad stone faced and her mom texting away on her phone. I was surprised to find out he wasn’t going to walk her down the aisle.
An announcement was made, drawing my attention to the entrance of the room. “And the bride.”
Everyone stood and a few seconds later the doors opened. Xylina stood at the head of the aisle with her white, lavender, and pink flowers and a smile on her face. She started down the aisle as the music started. I had to blink a couple times, taking her in. While this might not be my ideal wedding, I couldn’t deny how beautiful she looked walking toward me.
Her dress was a heart-shaped halter top that hugged her breasts. The dress went to the ground, around the waist was tight, slightly loose at the hips. There was a high slit on the right side and her train trailed her. She wore a diamond tiara instead of a veil, her hair in a mass of curls. I was shocked to see her easily walking in the high heels on her feet.
“I can’t believethat’sthe dress she went with,” I heard her mom comment once Xylina was steps away from me. I noted how she kept a smile on her face, but it slightly faltered for a second, which meant she’d heard her mom.
When she was in front of me, I noted her boldly done but fitting to her deep brown skin makeup.
The ceremony started and I found myself zoning out. The more the officiant talked, the more I felt the chains lock into place and tighten around me.
Xylina
“You may now kiss the bride.” My cheeks hurt by how big my smile was.
It was official. I was now Xylina Bedford. Everything turned out perfectly, just as I anticipated. Yosiah was the perfect groom, doing his part when needed, and now it was time to feel his lips against mine for the first time.
My heart pounded loudly as if it was echoing off the walls. I was far from shy, but the way Yosiah stared down at me made my stomach flip and my skin flood with heat.
Batting my lashes, I stepped forward and leaned up. I could see the hesitancy on his face at first, but then Yosiah reached for me, wrapping his hand around the small of my back and leaning down. My breath faltered as his lips found mine. Closing my eyes, just as I was about to get into it, the kiss was over.
Slowly blinking my eyes open, I stared at him, confused. His eyes were emotionless as he grabbed my hand and lifted it. “My wife, everyone!” he announced, lifting our hands in the air.
The room cheered and clapped. Sweeping my eyes around the room, I narrowed them upon seeing the same girl I’d seen at Yosiah’s house just days ago. She noticed me staring at her and smirked. My hand tightened around Yosiah’s.
When he lowered our hands, I yanked subtly to get his attention. He stared down at me in question. Swiftly I moved my hands to his face, stretched my neck, forced his head down, and smashed my lips into his. I didn’t care about messing up my lipstick at the moment, that woman, who I later realized was Reginae Barnett of the Barnett Jewelry company, was going to see that Yosiah was now mine. I learned that she was his best friend’s younger sister, but I didn’t know if their connection ran further than that.
Pulling away, I breathed heavily while shooting a look at Reginae who was frowning. I grinned widely and turned my eyes back to my new husband. Yosiah looked surprised by my gesture and I loved it. Keeping him on his toes was something I planned to do often.
Grabbing his hand, I proceeded to walk and he quickly fell in line. We headed up the aisle and fulfillment filled me.
I was now a wife, and he might not feel it now, but from this day forward my goal was to show Yosiah that I was more than just some spoiled, rich girl. By the end of our contract, he would be in love with me.
Five Years Later
