A Twisted Tale

Misunderstood Intentions

Meera's POV

I was lost in thought by the time we arrived at the venue. Clearly, Leah's request for a quick and small wedding was conveniently forgotten by her parents. The wedding was to take place outside in the garden. The whole path to the altar was decorated with flowers. We greeted all the familiar faces in the crowd and took our places. I looked around to see if Valerio was here but to my slight disappointment, he wasn't at the wedding. I wanted to call him but I decided against it. If he didn't take up on the offer then it was his loss.

John was already at the altar waiting for Leah. He looked nervous but happy nevertheless. I knew that the bride was at the entrance when I saw a soft look on his face. I turned around and looked at Leah who was being walked down the aisle by her brother.

She looked absolutely radiant in her off shoulder wedding dress. Her pregnancy only made her glow more. Happiness and pregnancy both suited her very well. Leah sent a wave in my direction and mouthed 'wow'. I silently shook my head and laughed.

The whole audience was silent when the two of them took their vows. They literally poured their hearts out at the altar and I felt my eyes tear up. I've always believed in marriages. And I've always wanted to have what my parents had and what Charles and Martha have between them. There were oohs and aahs from the crowd when the two of them kissed. We all congratulated the bride and the groom. Leah walked up to me and hugged me to the best of her ability. "You look amazing you know. I am the bride and I think I couldn't take my eyes off you!" She said looking at me. I rolled my eyes at her and said "Nonsense! You were the star today. Actually, you still are the star since this is your big day. You're glowing. And I can't tell you how happy I am for the both of you." Everyone took their time to congratulate the newlyweds. They were led to a three tier wedding cake which was placed in the centre of the ballroom. They cut the cake and were once again surrounded by a round of applause.

Then came the time for the first dance. When 'A Thousand Years' started playing in the background, John led Leah's on to the dance floor. Everyone could see that the two of them had eyes for each other only. Leah's brother Daniel tapped on John's shoulder once the song ended and took his place. After a point of time, John's family and Leah's family was on the dance floor dancing and switching places when the songs stopped.

After the toasts and the lunch, Leah announced that we all were to meet up again for the after party. Mark was nowhere to be found by the time I said my goodbyes so I went looking for him. I found him hounded by a couple of girls. I couldn't help when a giggle escaped my lips when I saw him standing awkwardly amongst them all. His face showed signs of relief as he walked towards me. "Thank God you found me. Those girls weren't taking the name of leaving me alone." He said shuddering.
I laughed and said "And here I thought you enjoyed all the attention. None were to your liking?"

"Frankly, no. I'd rather stay alone and single. Besides, I've set my eyes on someone. Hopefully I'll tell her about it soon." He said. Before I could ask him about it, I heard my phone ring. I saw Valerio's name flashing on the screen. I answered the phone and said "You weren't at the wedding. Everything okay?" He sighed and said "I had a last minute engagement and that's why I couldn't make it in time for the wedding. I'm leaving to London right now so I should be there soon. I assume we are still meeting? He asked.

"You are in luck because there is an after party tonight. Mark and I are heading home right now. We'll be there by eight. That gives you about five hours to make it to the venue. I'll text you the address and you can arrive there directly." I said. After talking to Valerio, I called up Derek to find out if he would be in attendance tonight.