Just Surviving (BWWM)

Chapter 9: Matrimony

Chapter 9: Matrimony

We reached the courthouse at 8 o'clock on the dot. When I passed through the doors a wave of anxiety washed over me.

I didn't know why, it wasn't like this was going to be an exhibit like a real wedding ceremony. Just the judge, Kostas, and I. And probably a couple of his lawyers by his side. Nothing special. Then again, I guess when you think about it it had to be the act that was bothering me more than anything else.

Michael led me to the courtroom where we came in the middle of Kostas, his lawyers, and the judge discussing...what seemed to be some pretty serious stuff. Kostas didn't have his stone-cold business face on, but he and his three lawyers didn't look like they were messing around. If you ask me, what would likely get us figured out is how openly Kostas treats this "relationship" as a business arrangement.

Other than that, his appearance was ripping it. Kostas was even more debonair. With his hair slicked back into a decent style and a famous designer suit complimenting his robust 6 foot figure, he looked like he was definitely ready to tie the knot. It shocked me to some extent—y'know, the thought of Kostas actually dressed in a wedding tux ready to fledge his life and love to a woman, much less me—but I shrugged it off, remembering that the only reason he'd do this would be for personal gain.

Suddenly, all conversation ceased and the attention was on me. The abruptness of their smiles took me aback, it was so on cue; I gave them an awkward smile in return and walked over to the bench as Kostas waved me over.

We stood in front of Judge Matthews, me in silent apprehension, Kostas likely in nonchalance. Yet, the judge looked down at us and hummed with a warm, happy smile upon his face. "I've never seen a couple more in love than you two—" Really? "That being said, I won't make you wait another second. Let us begin."

Kostas and I turned around, grasping each other's hands. I looked at him and saw not one cloud of animosity appear on his face. I tried to take example, I had to look as lovestruck as possible.

|~|

Judge Matthews gave his speech about the whole prospect of marriage. All the while, I felt so guilty that I tuned out on him half way. Judge Matthews expressed commitment with so much passion, so much zeal, obviously what he said was not only coming from documents but from the heart. I felt like we were literally mocking his beliefs by standing right in front of him and playing like we were so in love. I just hoped that I didn't look ashamed.

I was brought back down to Earth with a simple question. "Do you, Mía, take Kostas Sarantos to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I looked at Kostas. "I do."

"And do you, Kostas Sarantos, take Mía to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

I placed the gold wedding ban on Kostas' ring finger. Kostas pulled out the most beautiful diamond ring I had ever seen, doing the same. The band was gold, the diamond was a huge princess cut, I'm guessing 14k. Several floral designs were melded to it in white gold. It was very gorgeous and unique. And just when I thought it was all over...

"Now," he chuckled, "you may kiss your bride."

Honestly, I never thought it would have to come to that since we were just getting married in a court house. I mean come on, just because I gave good face, doesn't mean that Kostas had to eat my face. Wasn't the loving looks and small caresses enough?

Apparently, I was wrong again. During my panicked state, Kostas took the chance. My body was yanked flush to his. With one arm around my waist and his other hand holding my cheek, Kostas coaxed me into a kiss.

His lips were soft and terribly sweet. They easily molded to mine, making it hard to resist the temptation that was brought once the kiss was deepened. An age old dance was happening between us, one where neither of us could part. It's never enough, and I know that he feels the same, I'm not the only one feeling this overwhelming sensation of tingles.

Soon the kiss was over. I was left breathless, standing with only shaky knees for support, and staring into the blue-green depths of my husband.

"Wow, time for the honeymoon already?" Judge Matthews teased.

Afterwards, he brought out the marriage license for us to sign. Matthews' signature came next, making our marriage of official government documentation. Well, that's all it would ever be.

|~|

During the drive to...where ever we were going, Kostas was talking on one phone and texting on the other.

A true businessman, I thought, even on the day he gets married.

The guilt within me seemed to have subsided, but I still didn't feel too good. My eyes caught a bottle of champagne in the corner of the limo. I scooted over, grabbed a flute, and poured myself a glass.

"Trying to drink till you forget already?" I heard Kostas ask.

I turned my attention to him and frowned. He wasn't on the phone anymore, but he was still texting on that other damn phone. "...I don't feel good. This is the closest thing to Ginger Ale that I could find."

He finally looked at me, his eyes softening, "Did you eat before you left the house?"

Now that I thought about it..."No...I guess I was rushing."

He sighed. "Great, so now I'm officially your husband and your caretaker, too, naí?"

I scoffed. "Trust me, I didn't even want the first to happen," I mumbled.

"Too bad, we're doing things my way...I'll take you to a restaurant."

|~|

I couldn't believe it.

Right now I was eating in the most gorgeous French restaurant in Soho Manhattan. The Little Prince!

The food wasn't a lot, but it was satisfying. The ratatouille was a symphony of flavor and the wine was exquisite. I ate it like I would never see another fancy looking plate of food again, however the wine was downed carefully. As much as I hated him, I made sure to thank Kostas for the wonderful meal...twice.

He chuckled. "Don't act like I never took you out to places like this before?"

I shot him a playful glare. "When?! I don't remember you ever taking me to fancy restaurnts."

"Please, I wined and dined you," Kostas took a quick sip of his wine. "You don't remember? The Versace shoes? The Prada? Coach handbags? Chanel perfume? I gave it all to you."

Okay, maybe I did recall some of it, but why would I remember when I tried so hard to forget?

"Then you had to ruin it," were the next few words that came out of Kostas' mouth.

I scowled. "You mean you did. All I ever did was be a loving girlfriend to you and in return you left me stranded in Greece!"

"You are still trying to deny the truth?" His eyebrows shot up, and he smiled sarcastically. "Sticking with your lies till the very end, you are such a phenomenal actress, baby, I have to give it to you. Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry...they have nothing on you." Kostas chuckled darkly and clapped his hands simultaneously.

Good thing he bought out the entire restaurant for a couple of hours or else he would have looked crazy to outsiders.

"I have no idea what you are talking about. This is not an act, I--"

"Whatever. It doesn't matter anymore, we're over," he waved off. "Are you finished?"

I frowned and wiped my mouth with a napkin. "Yes."

"Then let's go."

Sorry guys, had to rewrite because as noted before the chapter was pretty short. I don't know what I was thinking, my apologies. It was probably writer's block or something. Anyway, comment, vote, follow.