My Forbidden Love

Chapter 62

Olivia's pov:

"Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

The fake officiant smiles kindly at Jack.

Jack beams down at me and I can't but smile back at him, laughing a little at the joy on his face.

"I do!"

We are putting on an act, of course, but a lot of it is real. I do love my best friend.

"And do you take this man to be your husband?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then I pronounce you husband and wife!"

A small cheer goes up from our gathered loved ones as Jack wraps an arm around my waist and pulling me lightly against him.

Then he kisses me, gently, sealing the deal.

He pulls away from me, smiling and turning towards our little crowd, raising our joined hands for everyone to see.

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"Are you sure, daughter, that you will not come to dinner? Tristan and I will take you somewhere wonderful, truly celebrate the day -"

"No. I - I don't think I can keep any of it down. The morning sickness has gotten really bad...."

It's a lie, of course. I am only about over two months pregnant, but I still haven't felt any different in my body.

"Ah. Your mother was just the same. But, soon, yes? We will celebrate."

"Of course, papa."

His eyes get a little wet as he gazes down at me, but then he pats my cheek and turns away heading for his car.

I bite my lip to hide my disgusted face.

I spend the next hour or so accepting the well wishes of people I barely know who call me their family and friends.

Our families wanted to invite everyone to the wedding but Jack and I insisted that we only want our very closest family to be there.

As the guests filter out, Natalia and Alessi slowly make their way over to us, Alessi beaming at us while Natalia frowns at his side.

"Jack, Olivia. You know we are so happy for you. Your grandfather - he wishes he could be here."

"Please. We know travel is hard for him - but as soon as the baby is born, we will come to Italy so that they can meet."

"That would be.... so special, Jack."

As I turn to Natalia, I see the reality of it: that they both, indeed, have their suspicions.

"Of course. The family...... would like to know. To have certain...... assurances that these new ties between the Bianci's and the Aldens are......."

Jacks face drops for a moment, he realises what she's asking and Alessi inhales an awkward breath, lifting his hand from Jack's arm.

"Seriously? You're asking me for a paternity test?"

"Jack, surely you must -"

"Surely, I what?"
He snarls and I blink at him, considering that he's learned a trick or two from Kent's book.

"It is sort of thing we want to be assured of with all of our family ties."

"Oh? And has anyone asked you for a paternity test for your own children, Alessi?"

Alessi purses his lips and narrows his eyes and I know I have to stop this before it gets any worse.

Natalia opens her mouth to offer her own rebuttal, but I slide in before she can say a word.