Chapter 4 WEDDING

Maureen had gotten home with tears rolling down her cheeks. She felt heartbroken and disappointed. "I love you so much, John. I didn't mean to hurt you in any way". I said in a quavery voice.

Michael smirked. "Clean up your face and cheer up before we get out of the car. I don't want my dad to see you this way".

"Leave me alone". I screamed. "It's always about you all the time. Can't you see I am hurting here? You don't even feel remorse about it".

"We will be getting married soon. You had better stop meeting up with him or seeing him. I am a very renowned person, I don't want people gossiping about you". He said, coming down from the car. Leaving Maureen to sob alone.

She decided to go in. Wiping her face with the handkerchief in her hands. She met Michael gazing at his luxurious suit designed by Richard Jewels of Manchester & Stuart Hughes of Liverpool. Made of a Cashmere wool and silk blend.

"There you are, my dear wife! How do you see my suit?". He smiled.

"It's okay. It would look good on you".

"Of course, it would. Here is yours". He said, handing my wedding gown to me. "Our wedding is tomorrow".

"Tomorrow?". I asked, surprisedly. "So soon?".

"Yes, yes. So, start preparing to spend your forever with me". He said, rubbing his hands together and licking his lips.

I nodded in agreement. "I see".

******

It was sunny, warm, and breezy with clear blue skies. The temperature was just too right, not too hot or too cold. It was the kind of weather that made you want to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature, but it wasn't the same for Maureen. She would be spending the rest of her life with a man she had no feelings for.

"Wakey, wakey, rise and shine! It's your day, my princess". Mr Williams said, knocking on her door.

She lazily got up from the bed to greet him. "Good morning Dad. Hope you slept well?".

"Who wouldn't". He said happily. Come on, come on. Let's get you prepared. It's almost time. Michael is awake already and getting ready".

He instructed the bridal concierge to follow her to her room, so she could assist her in preparing for the wedding. Michael was done and was looking as stunning as ever. He was notable for his sharp facial features and curiously piercing blue eyes.

Finally, Maureen was good to go. Her wedding gown fitted her perfectly revealing her curvy figure, the makeup was light and not heavy on her face. She still believed the saying that seeing your partner before the wedding would bring bad luck to the marriage.

Michael's best friend, Damian, had come around to attend his friend's wedding. They all went to the reception, where the wedding will take place, waiting for the arrival of the bride.

"I picked perfectly". Michael said when he saw Maureen walking down to the altar. "You look breathtaking Mrs Williams". He was very good at compliments.

I smiled. "Thanks".

The priest was ready for the wedding vows. The priest then blesses the couple and joins their hands together and asks "Do you take Maureen as your lawful wife to have hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?

"I do". He smiled. The priest turned to Maureen and asked her the same question. She looked around and saw her best friend, Melissa sitting in the crowd. She grinned.

"I do". I answered.

"In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss!".

He lifted the veil and kissed her passionately, staining his lips with her lip gloss. The crowd applauded cheerfully. John had hidden behind the corner of a truck. He watched everything with tears rolling down his cheeks and walked away.

Melissa ran to congratulate Maureen.

"Congratulations! Although I am still mad at you, what can I do? I can't stay mad at you forever". She said as she hugged her.

"Thanks, Melissa, I appreciate it".

Michael introduced Damian to his wife, Maureen. "Meet Damian, my childhood friend, and my best friend".

"Hi Maureen! Congratulations! How were you able to cope with this guy? He is a tough one, you know". He said, playfully.

"Well, it hasn't been easy, but we thank God". I said.

Maureen heard some women in the crowd gossiping about her. "I heard she got married to him because of his money. Young ladies nowadays, only care about money and nothing else. Is it true, she had done abortions? Ah! You don't mean it. Maybe she is one of his slut. No dignity at all. Well, that's their business". They laughed mockingly.

"My daughter!". Mr Williams screamed joyfully. "Welcome to the family. Come with me, I want to introduce you to my friends".

Amid the crowd, she was searching for John, but couldn't find him. "Stupid me! What do I expect? Why would he attend my wedding after everything I have done to him". I sighed.

The wedding was over and everyone had gone to their various places. It was an elaborate wedding. People had enough food and drinks. Maureen was so exhausted and was glad the wedding was over. Since they were already married, he drove her to his place instead.

"Why are you going to that room? That's not my room. We are married now and shouldn't sleep in a different room".

"Put away that act, Michael. You know the reason why we are married, so stop acting like we are a true couple".

"What do you mean? So, are we not going to spend the night together? You know I can't stay without having a woman beside me, let alone my wife. You can't sleep in that room. I don't care if it was a contract marriage or not". He dragged her to his room.

"Let go of me!". I screamed.