A Woman's Empire

XI

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"I take you to be my husband. To hold, to cherish, and to love. On our best days, on our worst, and every ordinary day in between. I promise that I will always keep your heart safe and never take for granted the love that we shall share. To consider you in all I do and choose our marriage every single day.

I promise to fill your life with love and passion. To show you my devotion with actions and not just words. I promise to be your best friend and biggest fan and to love you just the way you are.

I promise that you will never face a day alone, no matter what is going on or how big we disagree; I will never withhold my love from you. I promise to be by your side whether our tomorrow is easy or hard and that I will walk with you down whatever path life sets before us.

I promise to be dependable, honest and supportive. To give you comfort, respect, and room to grow.

I promise to be your partner and faithful wife. To give you my life, my love and myself fully and completely and I will live out these promises to you, every moment for the rest of my life."

Sitting in the ballroom where tables were scattered on the border of the dance floor, Audrielle's vows to Leo rang through her tiny little head like a catchy song that you couldn't forget. The vows weren't written by her of course, her father made someone write them out and then he checked through it to make sure it was correct. After all, this marriage wasn't based on sappy love letters and cheap chocolate hearts. It was based on a business deal. Where two businesses collided together perfectly. Audrielle had to always keep that in the back of her mind. Sitting at the table with Leo by her side who kept his hand rested on her upper back and seemed to steal a side glance every minute or two was only here because of a business deal. When the two finally closed the wedding ceremony with a kiss, it was subtle, short and sweet. As Audrielle stared at the numerous amounts of strangers in the room, a microphone suddenly echoed above the music.

"I would like to invite the newly married couple into the middle of the ballroom before we farewell them to their honeymoon." Mr. Amour smoothly said with a smile. Audrielle knee those types of smiles. They screamed business. Money making smiles.

Leo had to usher Audrielle out of her chair because of her daydreaming. Taking Leo's hand, the couple gracefully walked into the center of the room. A man then started to quietly play the violin as the lights dimmed and a spotlight focused on the couple.

Audrielle looked up and their eyes met. Audrielle was in a daze at the moment and she yearned for reassurance. Leo smiled softly as they swayed around the room and then a piano began to play. The song was slow and peaceful; it was meant for a wedding. Leo spun Audrielle around just like they had done at their dance rehearsals and then when they came to a halt, the lights turned back on, their chests rising and falling as their foreheads were millimeters away from touching.

The audience clapped cheerfully and Audrielle and Leo swiftly left the room. "There is a car waiting for us outside. All of our bags are packed and are on their way to the airport now." Leo stated as he dragged Audrielle through the crowds. Just as they walked outside, a silver Rolls Royce limo pulled up and a chauffeur hopped out, opening the door for the newly wedded.

Leo wasted no time in hopping in the limo and Audrielle was quick in behind. The interior of the expensive car was dark and moody. LED lights were placed around the roof and cabinetry. Audrielle's eyes glanced up and she was in awe at the starry night like roof. Through the black tinted windows, she could barely make out her surroundings. Trees flew past them and the sun fell quickly. While Leo poured two glasses of champagne, Audrielle thought about what just happened.