Chapter 6 The wedding

Chapter Six

The ride to the cathedral wasn’t an easy one. We walked out and were led into a car before driving off in a convoy. I thought the ride was going to be a silent one so I would have some time to think, but Jayden had other plans.

“After the wedding, your things are going to be brought to my mansion immediately,” he began. “And by then, I will have the contract ready for you to sign.”

“I can’t move in with you,” I quickly said. “What about Ariel?”

“And why is that? Married couples need to live together,” Jayden said.

“But what about my sister?”

“What about her?” he returned.

“I need to be with her!” I snapped. Did he think I would abandon my sister? She was the very reason I was selling myself to him.

“Oh, right. Once the contract is signed, her hospital bill is going to be paid and then she will be treated. She can come join us at the mansion, I don’t mind,” he said.

I relaxed immediately. The rest of the ride was smooth and soon we arrived at the cathedral. One look at the waiting press was all I needed to lose my mind. My anxiety took over immediately and I began to freak out. This isn't my world.

Guards immediately tried to keep them away from us as we got out of the car. Jayden did not loosen his grip on my arm.

"Breathe, Celine," he commanded, his voice barely audible over the shouting reporters. "Eyes forward. You’re a queen, act like it.”

I swallowed hard and tried not to let my emotions take over. And then, we got separated. I was let through another entrance so I would walk down the aisle.

I didn't have time to be terrified. The image of Ariel’s failing heart was the only thing keeping my legs from buckling. The music began and slowly, I made my entrance.

The aisle seemed to get even longer. Hundreds of faces turned toward me, making my heart beat harder. I saw a man sitting alone in the front row and I could only guess it was Celine’s father. His eyes were cold and calculating and I didn’t know how to act. Hell, I didn’t even know the kind of relationship Celine has with her dad, but seeing as he wasn’t walking me down the aisle like he was supposed to, it gave me a hint.

I kept my gaze fixed on the altar as I tried to act bold, just as Jayden had taught me. I could feel Jayden’s hot gaze on me as I walked close to him.

When I finally reached Jayden’s side at the altar, the air between us felt hot. The priest began the ceremony, preaching about sanctity and eternal bonds, but I could only feel the weight of Jayden’s stare. He wasn't looking at the priest. He was looking at me, his eyes filled with an emotion I didn’t recognize.

Soon, it was time for our vows.

"I, Jayden Smith, take you, Celine Lark, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise to stand by you in sickness and in health. I promise to stay faithful to you until death do us part."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing as I said mine as well. Sadness filled my heart as I remembered my wedding day. The very day my once peaceful world turned upside down.

“I, Celine Lark, take you, Jayden Smith, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to stand by you in sickness and in health. I promise to stay faithful to you until death do us part."

"I pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared happily. "You may kiss the bride."

I expected a polite brush of the lips for the cameras but I was wrong. Jayden pulled me to him with one fluid movement. He wrapped one hand firmly around the nape of my neck and tangled his fingers in my hair, while his other arm locked around my waist and pulled me harder against him.

Before I could protest, his lips crashed onto mine, stealing my breath away. It was not a wedding kiss. It was an act of possession.

He claimed my mouth with a raw need that left me breathless. His tongue teased my lips, demanding entry, and for a terrifying second, it was just the two of us. He devoured me right in front of everyone, marking me as his own.

When he finally pulled away, his eyes were hooded and his chest was heaving slightly. I tried to catch my breath and made an attempt to pull away, but he didn't let go of me. He kept his arm hooked tightly around my waist as we turned to face the crowd.

"Smile," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "You’re mine now."

The crowd erupted in loud cheers, oblivious to my racing heart.

The reception went by in a blur as I could barely register what was going on. I stayed with Jayden while he talked to a guest when another man walked towards us.

"Jayden," the man said, his voice dripping with a casual, mocking familiarity. "I didn't think you had it in you to actually go through with it." Then, his gaze moved to me. “You look... different, Celine."

Jayden’s posture stiffened immediately. "Derek. I thought you were busy with work."

"I was, but I had to see the happy couple for myself," Derek replied, his gaze sliding over me coldly. He stepped closer, leaning into my space in a way that felt like a challenge. "Ah, that necklace," he noted, gesturing to my diamond necklace. "I could have sworn you told me you hated emeralds because they reminded you of your stepmother’s eyes. Why the change of heart? Don’t tell me Jayden is influencing you already.”

His eyes narrowed with suspicion. I felt Jayden stiffen even harder beside me.