silver diadem

day two (spray tans and wedding day attire)

"Here's your room," Louis grumbled, still upset with Harry for using his vulnerability.

Harry reached for the door handle but stopped, his hand on the knob. Louis could hear Alex shuffling inside, making his position with Harry outside of the door even more nerve-racking.

"Louis," Harry breathed. He took a step towards Louis, his arms reaching for Louis' waist. Louis stepped back quickly; Harry's eyes flashed hurt.

"Don't do this. Please," Louis whispered. "Your fiancé is on the other side of that door expecting her soon-to-be husband in bed. Don't ruin this."

Harry shook his head, his eyes full to the brim with waiting tears. "You don't know how much this hurts. I don't want to marry her."

"But you are."

"Management. Alex's parents are her managers, they wanted me to marry her for publicity. I don't want to marry her, I want to marry you. I always have."

Louis understood for a second before shaking his head and going straight to his room.

•••

Liam and Niall made breakfast for everyone. Potatoes, pancakes, eggs, and bacon littered the table.

Everyone got their own drinks before settling down. Everyone began taking things from the dishes littered with buttery food.

"Um, did you guys remember to cook anything vegan?" Alex's shrill voice aggravated Niall's ears.

"Um, no. Sorry. Harry never mentioned it," Liam told her. Alex turned to Harry expectingly. Harry ignored her. She huffed and stared down at her plate angrily, trying to prove a point.

"Excuse me, if you have a problem with the food cooked, Alex, there's bread for toast in the bread box," Jay informed her. She wasn't having it. "Thank you, Niall and Liam. It tastes amazing."

"Thanks," they both said, proud. The rest of breakfast was somewhat silent.

"Alex, is all the planning done?" Johanna asked.

"I wouldn't know," Alex said with attitude. "I hired someone."

Louis wanted to punch her in the face. How unsentimental of her.

"No need to get defensive, was just wondering," Jay sighed, defeated.

Louis shook his head. "Don't speak like that to my mum in my house again. Thanks." he warned, not able to control himself any longer.

Alex rolled his eyes at him and flashed a fake smile. "Sorry, Louis, your jealousy of me is showing," she teased.

"Jealousy? That's funny," Louis snapped.

"Well, I mean it must hurt knowing your daddy suddenly likes women. Funny, maybe you changed him straight with all of your baby shi-"

Louis stood quickly, ready to stab her with a fork. Liam immediately pulled him back down to the table. "Louis!"

"What, Liam? She comes in here just like that bitch did three years ago, claiming to know Harry better than I do and speaking rudely to my mum in my own home!" Louis defended. "And you," his finger reached to Alex, "don't you ever speak of things you know nothing of. Consider why Harry is actually  marrying you. Maybe go talk to mommy manager to figure it out."

Louis slammed his silverware back onto the table, ignoring his families pleas to stay.

•••
Louis didn't come back until dinner time. Everyone was at the table waiting. Alex had her head down. Louis assumed she'd gotten some heat while he was gone.

"Louis, a word in the kitchen, please."

His mum didn't look happy, scaring him slightly.

"Yes mum?"

"You have to let him go. I hate to say it but he's changed, Lou," Johanna warned.

Lou sighed. "Yes, I'm aware."

Louis took deep breaths, hoping this would all end soon. He picked up his phone and dialed the familiar number of his newest boyfriend in Paris; Zayn.