The Billionaire's Secrets

Chapter 22 All I could do was cry

It was Friday and we had been busy with all the preparations for his wedding what with all the rituals. And various functions leading up to the wedding, everybody was in a festive spirit. Of course I helped in some instances but mostly had been tied down with work. Besides it was painful to pretend to be happy and excited and get into the mood for the celebrations as well as participate when it's your beloved's wedding. I have to act like I'm not affected and that I'm so happy when I feel myself breaking little by little slowly. That hard and cold wall I'd put up was crumbling and crumbling fast and there was not a thing I could do about it.

Some people thought I was snobbish when I turned guys down and appeared as a cold heartless icy looking person but it was what held me together when I fell apart. It was my ice chamber that enabled me to move on and not be affected by this things-it gave me clarity, a sense of control and helped me to channel my emotions and focus. But now it felt like that ice chamber, that my ice fort was melting and I was being pulled in again. The rate at which it began melting increased tremendously when Saturday morning I was asked to help his bride-to-be and dance her down the aisle for the wedding on Sunday as apparently her dancer was sick. I couldn't say no because if I did, it would show my feelings and I wouldn't relish what was left of my self-respect but before I could even say anything, my mother conveniently agreed .

James? Enrique? Are you ready? calling to them from my room, as I adjusted my outfit for my performance. I still couldn't believe I would be dancing his bride down the aisle for their wedding. I was going to dance my love's soon-to-be wife down the aisle. The one who broke me yet I never stopped loving him. The one, who made me cold and close myself off from every one, the one who played with my feelings. How twisted is that? Why had I had to come to South Africa again?

"Yes Miss Hunter", responded Enrique as he came into view. Being an Indian Hindi wedding, Enrique was wearing a traditional sherwani and I couldn't help admire how good he looked in it. James looked amazing too. James looked into my eyes, searching for any emotion or sign of a break down. Nodding my head and smiling, I turned to the dresser placing each foot, one at a time and putting on my anklets as it was time for me to perform. James stands behind me and asks Enrique to take our pictures. We look great together. "You sure we can't get married today Storm?" he says playfully. No we can't Jam Jam. You know how bad I want Elvis to marry us now, I say pouting. Chuckling at me, he squeezes my hand and tells me he'll be waiting outside for me and waiting to watch me. I smile and kiss his cheeks to which he kisses my forehead and hugs me before walking out.I mentally prep myself for this as my heart constricts and all I really feel like doing is curling up in a hole and crying with the hope of death eventually. I never thought the day would come when I'd have to see him marry another and I'd lead her to him. With a tight smile, I walk out and meet her.

The hall is abuzz with music playing softly and people chattering. Everyone looking colourful in their eastern outfits; saris of all colours and types, others wearing shararas, ghararas, anarkali dresses, Punjabis, suits. Rich orange-red marigolds hang all over. I see her come out behind me with her family at her side. I complete her adornment as a bride as I place the headpiece on her head last and pull her veil over. Enrique gives me a smile and signals to the DJ. A voice booms over the microphone requesting all guest to be seated and the music begins as we watch the groom's entourage walk down the aisle to the stage.

I watch him absentmindedly, my gaze unwavering as the girls dances him to the stage and he looks amazing in his wedding outfit. I feel my eyes sting so I blink and turn away to face the bride as it was now our turn. I put on my fake smile and turn to her. Are you ready? I ask her quietly. She nods and the music starts playing. I begin to dance as the words of the song hold dear a truth that I am living.