His Unwanted Bride ~Editing~

Chapter Seven : Tabitha

     The week went by in a blur, my foster monster hadn't touched me again since my birthday. My bruise on my cheek had healed, as did the bite mark. Though I was grateful that it was gone, I couldn't help feeling thankful that because of it, I saw the man that Alexios truly was. This way, I was able to steel my heart and protect myself against my feelings. This man didn't care for me, he was just looking for someone to let out his anger on, like my step monster. 

   I looked at myself in the floor-length mirror. I was wearing a long white wedding gown with lace sleeves. I wore white pumps beneath my dress and had white converses ready for the reception. If I was going to be forced into this, I was going to make damn sure I was at least comfortable.

     I closed my eyes and imagined what my parents would say if they were here. My mother would stroke a stray piece of hair behind my ear and kiss my temple, the way she had so many times before. My father would smile and hold me close as he prepared to walk me down the aisle. I wanted nothing more than for this to be a reality. 

     If they were still here I might even be marrying for love, not so the man who tormented me most of my life could make a quick buck. But Clarissa would be safe, so I would endure.

     As the music started I made my way out of the bridal room, escorted by an usher, and made my way to the main church. As the doors opened, my eyes rested on Alexios. A tear slid down my cheek as I imagined my father escorting me down the aisle, but I was alone, so very alone. My step monster offered to walk me down the aisle, but I couldn't bear to see his smug face as he handed me off for his own gain.

    Alexios glared at me as if I was the cause of every wrong thing in the world and I couldn't help feeling hurt. I didn't want this, I needed this. Clarissa needed this. My life and my dreams didn't matter as long as she was safe. We needed to be safe.

    The wedding ceremony continued, we gave our vows (which is untraditional for an orthodox wedding, but it was something Alexios wanted). We wore the Stefana (a flower-like crown that the bride and groom wear connected by a ribbon as they take their first steps as husband and wife), we exchanged rings, and before I knew it, it was time for the kiss.

     I turned to face Alexios as he lowered his lips to mine. This kiss was meant to be quick, but it was anything but quick. It was hungry and passionate, my body felt like it was covered in flames. He tilted me back, securing me in his arms, and his hand grazed one of my deep scars through the back of my dress. Instantly I felt ashamed like I'd been betrayed by my own body. I pulled back and Alexios looked a bit wounded, but in seconds his expression turned flat, then annoyed.

     "Is there a problem?" He asked returning me to an upright position.

     "N-no," I spoke fearfully and flinched ever so slightly. When my step monster made this face it was usually followed by a punch or a kick.

     "Let's go," he spoke leading me down the aisle. We moved through the doors as people spit in our direction ( a greek custom to keep the evil eye away) and blew bubbles at us. We then climbed in the limo with the bridal party to go take photos.

     We drove to a park overlooking a pond where there was a gazebo with fairy lights. We posed in the lightly falling snow. I always felt free in the cold, it was so much better than uncomfortable warmth. I looked up at the sky and smiled, taking my sister by the hands (she was a junior bridesmaid) and spinning her around making her giggle.

     Even if I was trapped in a loveless marriage, bound to be mistreated, she would be safe, and that was all that mattered to me.

~*~ Author's Note ~*~

Heya Everyone! 

Tabitha and Alexios are officially married! What are your thoughts?

If you like this chapter and want to read more, please vote!

~Clara

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