Contract War

Chapter 8.1

 image above                            

                             Dedicated to Not_so_perfect_T
                     She helped me put this whole thing together.

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Streets had been cleared and people stood at the sidewalks cheering.

But we're still a block away.

I guess it really was the wedding of the century. Derek and I were sort of celebrities. I had been on the cover of magazines for my good sense of style and because I was the daughter of the former CEO of one of the most successful companies in the world but also because I was engaged to one of the most eligible bachelors who was also Co-CEO of one of the most successful companies in the world.

The white Jeep limousine stopped in front of the grand chapel.

"Are you ready?" Joe asked me.

"Wait!" I exclaimed and 3 pairs of eyes looked at me in anticipation. (Joe, Alison and Haelynn)

I made puppy eyes and looked into their eyes. "I can't get married to him. He's selfish and arrogant and he says I ruined his life and- and- and he snores, really loud, I can hear him from my bedroom every night."

Joe raised his eyebrows at me in disbelief. "Is all that really true?"

"No, of course not, you bum. Yes, I'm ready." I replied.

Ell facepalmed, and Lisa sighed in response to my little stunt. Joshua just pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, he then took a look at his watch on his wrist.

"10:55, let's roll guys." He said as he knocked on the window twice.

The chauffeur opened the door and the others got out first. Joe held his hand out for me to take as I stepped out onto the red carpet. The cameras began to flash as the paparazzi went crazy. In that moment I felt a princess

Well I sort of am one...in my imagination

Joe led me up the steps that led to the chapel entrance where security stood. We stopped in the chapel's foyer to let Alison and Ell lay out the bottom of my dress and my veil. I took a deep breath as Ell handed me my bouquet. The doors opened and the instrumental tune to Incredible by James TW began to play. Ell and Lisa took a few steps down the aisle and then parted to stand at the sides. The music paused and everyone stood up and turned to the door, waiting for me. Joe looked down at me with a smile and gave me a reassuring nod.

I clung to his arm and gripped my bouquet of light pink roses with my other hand...feeling as if my knees could buckle any second.

A man began to sing the lyrics as Joe and I stepped into the chapel, walking slowly down the aisle.

I looked straight at Derek who stood at the altar in a black tuxedo with a smile on his face. I smiled back at him and bit my lower lip, trying to remember Isabel's words to me before we had left the house; Deep breath in, Chin up, and smile as if it was Philip standing at that altar. The last part stung my heart but I had to be strong.

Joshua kissed my forehead before giving my hand to Derek and we both stood at the altar facing each other.

"You look absolutely stunning," Derek whispered.

"I know, right? Anyway, thanks." I replied.

Derek let out a light chuckle.

Time passed and the priest was still talking about one flesh and two spirits -something like that- and I was starting to get hungry.

"I'm starving," I blurted out to Derek...in a hushed voice, of course.

"Glad to know I'm not the only one," he answered as he stared down at me.

I sighed. "I'm craving a full grilled chicken and a bowl of cucumber salad with mayonnaise on the side."

"I could just eat a whole buffet right now."

I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing at his response.

A bark echoed from the chapel entrance and we turned to see little Johnny in a cute tux with Cargo by his side...our ring bearers. Everyone awed as the two walked to the altar, Johnny removed the small black velvety box from the pouch attached to Cargo's collar and handed it to Danny who stood behind Derek as his best man.

We exchanged our rings as we said our sweet and lovey-dovey vows and I couldn't help but notice how pretty the ring was...Derek had a really good taste in jewelry.

"With the power vested in me,"

Oh boy...

"I now pronounce you husband and wife,"

Just shoot me...

"You may kiss the bride." The priest finished.

Here we go...

Derek gently grabbed me by the waist and put one hand on my cheek, tilting his face towards mine.

"May I?" He quietly asked.

"Yeah."

He pressed his lips against mine in a warm but emotionless kiss and I held onto the lapels of his tuxedo jacket. We stared at each other after pulling away. He took my hand in his and we walked to the entrance with the people cheering and cameras flashing as  the few paparazzi inside took pictures of us...the newly wedded couple.

I mentally sighed in relief.

At least that's over.

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