Sweet Surprise

Chapter 7

                 

The three hundred year old church situated on the W 12th Street, was witness to many beautiful unions, and today it was about to witness the union of two lost souls, unknown to most guests in attendance. Nicholas Richmond and Gerry Carson's reputation certainly helped to arrange the wedding in a whirlwind. Karen's wedding location had not been this traditional church, but Lawrie and Neeta insisted on this, as Dia had beautiful memories associated with this church. The chandeliers had their charm, and since the marriage was scheduled late afternoon, the soft glowing rays of the sun naturally illuminated the interiors, it was fitting for the most anticipated fairly tale marriage of the two old business families.

Dia felt she was about to stumble, only to be saved by the firm grip of her father. He smiled at her, and she clinged on to him, and whispered, " I love you Dad." She noticed the tear drop about to fall out and swiftly she wiped off the sad trail, Lawrence hugged her tight and whispered, " I wish you all the happiness guriya".

Soon she found her hand ensconced with warm hand, and looked up to see a rather rugged looking handsome guy with stormy blue eyes, Adam Carson. He squeezed her hand gently, and she felt herself relax, probably understanding that the marriage was difficult for both of them, yet they were here to take vows.

Dia did not prepare her vows, and Adam had wanted a traditional marriage, so as soon as they committed their "I Do", the priest kindly announced, "I declare you Man and Wife. You may now the kiss the bride."

Adam was at a loss for words, never did it occur once in the last three days, that the wedding had to be sealed with a kiss. Dia was mortified, she managed to give him a small smile, and Adam pulled her in for a chaste kiss on the lips, and whispered , " I can never thank you enough, for agreeing to my maddening proposal. I promise to be a good friend, if not a better husband." Dia felt better at least, Adam would , respect their marriage, and she hoped that eventually they would grow older together.

She blushed at the romantic thought, and Adam kissed her cheeks affectionately, while the guests around them congratulated.

Ben hugged the new couple, and Lawrie could see that Ben was overjoyed. He was relieved, that Dia would be supported by the Carson Family , although Elena was fuming through out the ceremony.

Elena's nightmares began, the day Karen disappeared without a trace, and now she would be the laughing stock of the elite circles of Upper East Manhattan. Dia Richmond, was not even a Richmond, a rank outsider who had no social standing in her circles, and yet Ben and Adam had insisted that she would be a better replacement for the perfect Karen. She just managed to locate the sarcastic smile plastered on Elizabeth Anderson's face, and she could imagine the air-headed socialite Anderson gloating over her misery. However the Anderson Matriarch  went up to the bride and hugged her! That was quite strange, the grand matriarch was known never to show an ounce of emotion, yet she celebrated this marriage, Elena smiled,  Dia was intriguing, and she liked that.

The reception was organized around the beautiful monument right in the centre of the Union Square Park. As it was a bright sunny day, the natural beauty of the park added to decorations. While most people had turned their nose down at the event being held in a public space, Ben Carson felt refreshed, Adam had chosen well. Helping himself to an expensive flute of champagne he located Lawrie and went towards him and said , "Thank you Lawrie for agreeing to this proposal. We are family at last! "

"Ben, I hope both of them will be happy .", Lawrence looked up only to see Ben looking at the newly-wed couple and muttering away , "I know they will Lawrie, I feel it in my bones." With that both men broke into a spontaneous laughter.

Someone had decided to make a dramatic entry to the venue, as people were pushed around, a stunning red-head stumbled right in front of a stunned Dia, and then managed to stand straight , gave her a once over, and finally commented, "Look what do we have here? Dia Richmond oops now Dia Carson, radiant bride!"

Dia gathered herself after a few seconds and pasted a shy smile, " Thank you Stella for  being here , especially at my w—",

"What wedding are you talking about ? The sham one or the real one!! ", Stella replied snarkily and slowly went closer to her and whispered, " Darling pack your bags, before you can call out for Adam, because he will realize his mistake soon. Don't say I didn't warn you when he hands you the div-"

"I don't recall of inviting you Ms. Dawson", a sharp voice interrupted the weird conversation, Dia could not imagine how Stella realized that she was an unwilling bride. She was about to turn around and leave, when Adam interrupted once more , " Dia meet my brother Chris and Mom."

"I wish we would have met in different circumstances Dia, but I know your different from what the Upper East Manhattan Society expects, its refreshing actually. Take care of my son, Dia.", Elena commanded and then glided off to meet her acquaintances, she did not want to spend a minute with the likes of a nobody.

Adam looked highly uncomfortable, mother did not even spend two minutes  with Dia, he shrugged and said, "Dia , this is Chris, my younger brother. You should see him on stage."

"Pssh. Big Brother, Dia and I go back a long way", Chris winked at Dia, and then it  striked

her about the familiarity with Chris and with a bright smile she piped up,

"Christopher Robin!!! Wow its so good to see you."

"Didn't think you would remember, but I am so happy you do, piglet."

"Ughh don't call me that?"

"why not Piglet ?"

"Well I'm not in middle school anymore?", she cheekily answerd, and  continued, "Chris its so good to be back."

"I can't wait to taste those eclairs!. You make them right way," Chris demanded. He was not so dominating but he hoped that his foolish brother and Dia would be perfect for each other, and started smiling mischievously, when his eyes lingered on a gaping Stella Dawson.

Dia promptly shook her head in warning, but Chris had a certain predatory look. She gulped.

This did not look good.