False Vows

I Do

My personal maid, Charlotte, woke me up the next morning. She had to practically drag me out of bed when I remembered that I would be getting married. When I came to breakfast, mom told me that it was to be a quick ceremony for practicality. Nothing like how getting married was supposed to be. I didn't even know I was getting married that day, I almost spit out my cereal. 

Even though it was a fake marriage, apparently I still had to look good. Charlotte pulled out a knee-length, ivory dress with off the shoulder sleeves that contrasted with my braids nicely. She pulled my hair back and threaded a few pearls in it. I knew that I looked gorgeous, but I couldn't appreciate the ensemble because I was too miserable about the whole situation. I never imagined getting married at 18, much less to someone who was basically a stranger to me. I asked Charlotte what she thought of the whole thing, she just shrugged.

"It's not my place to comment, miss." She said and left. I sighed, I guess my mom wasn't paying her to be my friend.

That afternoon, Mom and I went to the wedding venue. It was decorated in white and gold, with pearls and lace that matched my dress. Mom said the venue was mostly for the sake of the press. She just had to pick apart every nice thing about this wedding.

I was sulking by the food just before the wedding began, when I saw Dylan. He looked a little older than when I saw him six months ago. High cheekbones and a sharp jawline. He had messy black hair combed back and a crisp black suit on. His eyes were sullen, he looked about as pleased by this whole situation as I did. When Dylan caught me looking at him, his whole disposition changed. His almost black eyes had a look so hateful that I felt like they were searing into me, heating the room. I looked away, unable to hold eye contact any longer. 

The music began and before I knew what was happening my mom was walking me down the isle. It was tradition for the father to do this part, but I hadn't seen my dad in 10 years. I was bitter that he left me stranded with my mom, but if I were him I would have probably left her too. Dylan reluctantly took my hands when I made it to him, he was ice cold.

"Dylan Ainsley Chai, do you take Alexandria Tyler Hal in sickness and in health, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." His voice was laced with sarcasm and the priest gave him a confused glance.

"Do you, Alexandria Tyler Hal, take Dylan Ainsley Chai in sickness and in health, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." I forced out the words, matching Dylan's icy tone.

"Then I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride."  Dylan cupped my chin and brought my face to his. His lips barely brushed mine, when he pulled away he looked like he was going to be sick. I was sure I looked the same.

I saw his mother talking to mine at the back of the room, as we got off the alter. She was small and had Dylan's same eyes and cheekbones, but a much harsher look to her. Ari made Dylan and I stay beside each other and try to look convincing for the press. He took my arm and whispered to me.

"I want this about as much as you do, so let's stay out of each other's way, okay?" His breath sent chills down my spine.

"Perfect." I responded. At least we were on the same page. 

Just then, Seth stumbled through the door, clearly a little tipsy. Just like old times. He hadn't changed much since I last saw him, he was still broader and a little taller than Dylan, he also still had that dazed expression in his eyes. Although now he had bleach blond frosted tips to his once black hair. I had to suppress a snicker.

"Nice to see you Seth, I hope you and your many girlfriends are doing well." I said as he came up to us. He narrowed his eyes, as if trying to detect my insult. Dylan's grip tightened on my arm.

"They are a  much better group than when you were around." He said and stumbled off. Dylan shot me a warning glance.

"Don't goad him like that, he gets what he wants and has the power to hurt you." Warned Dylan.

"Why would you care if he hurt me?" I snapped.

"It would complicate things for me." Dylan didn't say another word to me for the rest of the evening.

The rest of the ceremony was filled with fake smiles, but at least there was cake. Finally, we got to leave. I was a little stressed when the limo didn't take the usual route home, but I remembered that being married meant that Dylan and I now had our own place together. My mom picked it out, and I wanted to scream when I realized she purposely made it so there was only one master bedroom and no guest rooms. Dylan let out an exasperated sigh, luckily the bed was huge so we didn't have to be too close. But I could still feel the heat of his body when I climbed under the covers.