The Fake Vows (Book 1)

Chapter 2

Elisabeth felt dizzy. So much was going on around her she could not even understand. One minute she was a nun to be, next she was lying half naked in a stranger's bed, then next thing she knew the stranger was her fiancé. No proposal, no introduction. Just the words we're getting married. It was all thanks to the papers and news that she knew his name was Dexter Venom. The last name sent shivers of fright down her spine. Such a fitting name to his heartless personality.

One was fixing her hair, the other her dress, another her makeup and another reciting her vows to her. The pain from the rough hand that was combing her hair indicated that she was not dreaming. She wanted to scream and tell them all of, but growing around calm respectful women had moulded her to control her emotions. There were four people working on her at the same time. How she wished she could strangle someone or something. Anything to release her rage.

Thinking back to the past two days, she felt tense. Her body had been exposed, not only to a man, but to the whole world. The pictures were everywhere. She felt terrorised. Even now fully dressed, she still felt naked.

'Stop tensing your muscles miss. I can't apply the makeup properly if you do that.' The makeup lady said. In all truth, Elisabeth did not care if she looked like she had just survived a hurricane. She didn't even know the first thing about the man she was getting married to. Why bother to look her best for him.

'I apologise.' She said respectfully. Now she could feel her nerves were holding on by a thread. She was due to explode anytime especially if someone touched her head again.

'All done. Give her the bouquet Tasha.' She mouthed a thank you to God. had they had kept touching and tossing her like a lost puppy, she was a breath away from losing it.

'Thank you ladies. Cheryl can you tell Dexter to come in please.' The beautiful blonde, who had introduced herself as Tasha spoke gently.

'I'm sorry for all this hustle we're putting you through dear. I know it's no girl's dream to have such a hurried wedding. We're racing against time as we only have half an hour left to your wedding.' She spoke with such calmness and sincerity. Elisabeth actually felt like Tasha understood what she was going through.

'Tasha you're a genius. She looks different.' Elisabeth raised her head to see the source of the voice. A mid twenties man who looked significantly similar to her husband to be walked in. He was slightly shorter though, and had a less cold look than Dexter.

He walked to her and she maintained her position. She was sitting on a high chair that could turn and stretch.

'My brother is already on his way to the church. We have to go.' The man said as he stood in front of her. Elisabeth saw the way he looked at her. As though he too was sympathising. She wanted to have a moment to herself. Just to pray and cry her mixed emotions out. All the attention and sudden turn to her life was too much.

'Let's go.' Tasha said as she headed to the door. The ride to church was beyond uncomfortable. Her impatient fiancé kept calling Mark, Tasha kept touching this and that on her dress. Changing her hair pin positions, her bouquet arrangement and her lipstick shade. She felt like a human science experiment specimen. Anyone could just touch anywhere and change anything to fit their liking.

'This is it Beth. Most of the guests are from your church. Our parents could not make it but Mark and I are here for Dexter. There are a few more relatives of ours in there. Just focus on Dexter, Mark and I. We've got your back okay.' Tasha soothed. Such words of encouragement was all Elisabeth needed to draw enough strength to walk down that aisle. Elisabeth did not mind the familiar way that Tasha addressed her. It made her feel more at ease. Besides, her mother used to call her Beth when she was alive.