Belonged to Him

His Vows

She stood there, alone, surrounded by her family. Rose, her sister-in-law whispered something to Simon. Simon just nodded and walked towards Ria. Ria gently raised her eyes with tears streaming down. Simon hugged her sister for the first time. He couldn't help it. Her sister made a great sacrifice for their family. She was prepared to walk like a lamb about to be slaughtered.

 "Everyone is waiting, it is time Simon," her father stated with no emotion. Well, there was one feeling. The satisfaction that he was right and finally his daughter was facing the punishment. Simon extended his arm, waiting for his sister to reach. Ria instinctively looped her arm. She didn't raise her head to look at her family or her mother. When they reached the entrance everyone stood, welcoming the bride. There were so many people. Ria gripped her brother's arm tightly, frightened she would collapse at any moment. 

 Her dress is hefty, making it difficult to walk. The wedding gown was her grandmother's. She couldn't fit in Ariene's dress. Ria was curvier with a luscious bosom while Ariene was slender. She inherited her grandmother Aria's curves. Aria died when Ria was just six years old. Aria was quite fond of Asteria. She made it clear that her bridal gown and jewelry should be given to Asteria. She even named her favorite granddaughter.

They came to a halt and she raised her head. He stood there, devilishly handsome in his tuxedo. He walked towards her. She immediately looked down, silent tears threatening to spill, recalling his vows. He wrapped his hand around her waist nudging her gently to walk forward. The vicar stood in front of them with a kind smile. He began the ceremony with the message of an obedient wife and loyal husband.

Ria was buried in thought for what felt like hours. When his proposal came to her, she used Google to find him. But she couldn't find him. After his mother remarks on her body she starved herself. It was not like she wasn't hungry. But when she tried to eat his mother's words came like a hurling wind thwarting her appetite. She was often insecure about her body. Every time she looked at the mirror she looked away within a second. She was neither too fat nor thin. It was always hard to find clothes. For two years in high school, she thought she couldn't find her jeans size. She wore baggy clothes hiding her body. She was bullied at home, school, and among relatives for her chubbiness when she was just 7 years old. She accepted it quickly that she was ugly.

She had a sharp twitch of pain in her waist. She quickly pulled herself from the asphyxiating thoughts. Henry's hand was on her waist, right where the ache was. She stared at him, his black eyes sparkled brightly in the sun. His eyes had honey-brown specks around the pupil that would only be apparent in the sunshine. His nostrils flared and his gaze issued a dreadful warning. The vicar sighed and asked again. 

 "Do you Asteria Clyde, accept Henry Cassisus Luciani as your lawful husband? " 

Did she? Accept someone's fiance as her husband now? She was nauseated at the notion of it. All the long years, she wanted love. She cried in her room, hoping that one day someone would love her, prioritize her, and pull her away from this agonizing family where she was least considered. She looked at him. He was staring at her, a little perplexed. There will be no love from this man. Tears fell at the thought of it. 

 With a throaty voice, she looked down and answered, "Yes, I do." 

 "Do you Henry Cassisus Luciani, accept Asteria Clyde as your lawful wife?" he asked Henry. Henry contemplated for a second. Though she avoided eye contact with him, she hoped, against all odds, that he would say no. 

 "Yes," he said. More tears trickled down her cheeks.

"Today, I now pronounce these two as husband and wife. Are you prepared to name her?" he asked.