Chapter 7 The Wedding

Asher is not interested in the marriage. He could not yet take out Frankie from his heart but because of the pressure from his parents he decided for a contract marriage of one year and then divorce the girl on the grounds of lack of compatibility.

Taking a couple of drinks to numb his pain wouldn't make much difference, he thought. He was supposed to kiss the bride but who cares? After all she also knows this is only a marriage of convenience. Her father owes him money and he needs a bride to satisfy his parents.

The two drinks became four and afterwards Asher had no idea how much alcohol he consumed.

Two hours later was a big event in Asher and Phoenix's life. Asher was feeling slightly tipsy. Johnny Walker started playing its game.

Doing his best to control his inebriated mess, Asher was dressed in a flawlessly pressed black tuxedo. His dark black hair was combed back to perfection. Tall and slim with a carved nose, lips in a cupid's bow and hazel green eyes, he looked like an Adonis dressed to kill.

His parents and his sister who is married and settled in Florida also arrived at the wedding venue. "Wow Asher, you look very handsome." His sister complimented him looking at him through the life size mirror.

"Thank you" Asher tucked the buttons of his coat. Just then there was a call at the door. A waiter came inside and bought him a cup of lemon water.

"I did not order any beverage." Asher was slightly irritated by the uninvited intrudence. The waiter looked at him clueless but there was anger evident in Aliza's eyes.

"I ordered it. In a few minutes it is your wedding and I see you are drunk like a cow. Asher, I want to know are you really happy with this marriage? How long will you brood over Frankie? That girl left you and there is nothing left in your hands since she is already dead." Aliza was very unhappy and felt anxious for her son.

She took a step forward and held the cheeks of Asher like he was a little boy. "Start a fresh life, my boy and you will be very happy. This marriage is not only for you but for Emerald too. I am growing old and I cannot take care of her for long, nor leave her to nannies. Emerald needs a mother too, Asher."

Asher sighed and nodded to his mother.

A jet is already waiting for the new couple which will be flying them to Hawaiian islands. He was least interested in the honeymoon. This marriage was only on paper and his parents did not know about it. But Asher did not want to displease his mom and dad. That is why he allowed them to do what made them happy.

"The lemon water will give you some relief and keep your head away from reeling." Avery, the sister of Asher, had a teasing smile on her features while their parents controlled their grins.

Asher ignored her statement and walked to the dressing mirror to spray his favorite cologne. He did not want to dwell on what she just spoke and give her the opportunity to tease him more. Little did Avery know the hidden truth of her brother's marriage.

A moment later one of the caretakers arrived inside after a knock with Emerald. Asher's little princess was simply adorable dressed in a pink ball gown. Emerald was also the flower girl for the wedding. She handed her dad a red rose and spoke with cheer. "Congratulations daddy, on your big day."

Asher planted a kiss on Emerald's cheek with a 'thank you' and took the coffee mug from the tray.

Ten minutes later he walked to the aisle where his brother-in-law, also the best man for the wedding, was already waiting for him.

He slightly bent his upper body to the side and whispered in Asher's ears. "Don't worry everything is going to be alright."

Cameron did not know Asher was neither excited or anxious for anything regarding this marriage because anxiousness is accompanied only when there is excitement. But what slowly agitated him was his eyes dropping off with drunkenness.

The lemon water had no much effect. He should have taken another cold shower but since he was getting late to the wedding he hurried up without a second bath. The discomfort was only increasing with passing seconds. Asher rubbed his eyes with hanky to obtain a clear vision but the action was unsuccessful.

Milana, who was seated in the last row of the guests, had a relieved sigh. She had a cunning grin towards her parents. Milana thanked her lucky stars that she did not agree to the marriage.

What Asher did not know is, he was not only drunk but his drink was spiked too. That is why he was not able to see anything clearly.

Milana had bribed the bar attender and got the brand drugged that Asher drinks.

Asher blinked his eyes repeatedly if it would correct his vision but to no avail. Cameron, who was standing beside him noticed something was wrong with the groom.

He bent his head slightly and asked Asher if he was alright.

The music started and the bride came to vision walking to the aisle with her father in slow steps. Her face was devoid of any emotion. Phoenix was crying all night. She couldn't leap an eye but nobody could see the sorrow hidden in her red eyes as her face was covered in a veil. She did not understand why fate was playing such a cruel game upon her. At just the age of eight she lost her mother. Her father remarried and her life became a disaster.

Phoenix kept giving herself positive suggestions but was the fate going to agree to what she wanted?

The groom is drugged, drunk, least interested in the marriage. Phoenix life continues to stay with challenges.