Chapter 2 The After Party

As the guards stood to the doors to the deck where all the guests were gathered, my palms turned sweaty and my heart began to beat faster. I have always been fearless, but never stupid. The people waiting outside of the yacht were some of the richest people in Delta and all they came for was to see me on display - The daughter of Roman Rivers.

Then Miranda hand suddenly tightened on mine, I thought she was nervous too, but instead she smiled at me and squeezed my hand to encourage me:

"It'll be alright dear, just pretend all of them are stuck up idiots with money for brains".

I couldn't help but stifle the laughter threatening to burst from my lips, it would be easy to imagine just that because for most of them - It was the truth. But I held it in and turned it into a smile. I could faintly hear the sound of music and it became even louder as guards opened the doors slowly to reveal bright lights and hundreds of people in their brightest clothes and smiles, all turning to me at the same time.

Miranda squeezed my hand one last time before she removed it and struck a regal pose. I would have found it funny anytime else, but my head was occupied with more important matters.

Like my speech of thanks with Richard.

I walked into the light, my fake smile , a perpetual mask over my raging emotions that threatened to spill out once more, and Miranda wasn't there to help anymore. Looking through the crowd though, I saw the face I was looking for, not my husband, but my beautiful mother - Georgia.

She wore a matching silver dress, albeit a bit duller than mine, when asked why at home, she replied;

"Why would I want to shine brighter than the bride of the occasion, I can't steal the spotlight after all".

To which I retorted;

"Even if we exchanged clothes, I would still shine brighter than you in the dark"

Of course I got a knock on my head, but that's beside the point. Mother looked extremely stunning with the cocktail in her hand, she used her finger to hit the side of her cup in a rhythm as she hummed something, I couldn't hear but I could easily guess it.

It was the song she taught me ever since I was little, it spoke about the stars, although far apart, it was still the same sky. Meaning we would always be together, just one step away. She was humming it for me and suddenly I didn't feel as woozy as I was before. My heart grew lighter as I watched the smile that played on her lips, even when humming alone at a corner, she still looked like a monarch, and I was her princess.

Then I felt a hand hold mine, looking back, I could already guess who it was. Which was why I wasn't surprised when I stared into the deep blue eyes of Richard Cram. He stood a head above mine and was dressed in a black, loose suit, for the after party. A diamond chain was around his neck and he held my hand firmly as if he wanted to claim me for himself in front of the guests.

"And how is my lovely bride doing tonight, hope you are having a wonderful day?"

With years of etiquette and proper training from my mother, I knew just what to reply with;

"Today has been nothing short of magical my dear husband, thank you".

Richard smiled, his handsome face twisting into a satisfied expression. The crowd were all gazing and murmuring, the rich, the famous, the gorgeous. This wedding wasn't just for the Crams, but also for my Father's business, the partnership would go a long way and my acting had to be topnotch. Even when hospitalised, my Father still knew how to bend me to his whims, I didn't know whether to be proud or disheartened.

With a single gesture, he wrapped his arm around my slim waist, his hand sliding down to rest on my butt. I just smiled not showing how uncomfortable I was, the gesture itself was not bad or wrong - I was his bride after all. But the problem was the person himself, I knew how shameless Richard could be if he didn't get his way and on my list - of people I hated but couldn't do anything - he was in the top 3. Right below my Father.

We walked to the raised podium right next to the fly bridge and the DJ turned the music down as we climbed the short stairs. Standing on the podium I could see each and every face on the deck, and they could see me. The ladies were dressed to kill with their jewelry and clothings twinkling in the light, while the men looked dashing in their tailored suits and fit bodies. Most of the elderly had gone home and even my mom would be leaving after the speech, to give space for the young to be 'free'.

Richard tapped his glass cup with the ring on his finger to signify silence, the sound snapping me out of my revelry. It was time for the groom's speech;

"I will not take much of your time as we have all grown bored of the long speeches. I want to thank you all for taking your time to attend this little wedding of mine, you have all graced me with your presence and your prayers. Without further ado, let the party continue, DJ..."

It took me a few seconds to understand that we were done with the speech, then another to realise that I didn't even get to say my part. Weeks of preparation just rendered useless, and even though a part of me was relieved not to speak to such a crowd, another part was boiling in anger at the fact that I was sidelined to such a degree, at my own wedding. Then it all merged to form a cold realization that this was my life now, to be a trophy wife - to be seen and not to be heard.

I looked at my mother across the deck, and she smiled sadly. With a tiny wave, she walked away from the deck, her gown fluttering in the wind behind her. Dad was now hospitalized so she had to be there with him as a dutiful Wife. My mother was also placed in an arranged marriage by her Family and I knew how such a marriage was able to break your spirit and turn you to nothing more than a figurine to be played with. I smiled to the crowd yet that didn't stop me from wishing that Richard would drop dead that instant. Of course my wishes were silent, and to all that remained on the boat cruise, I was a happy bride.

"Oh God, I need a drink." I muttered under my breath after Richard had paraded me to all his friends and Family. I think my mother left so early so she wouldn't have to force a smile when I was dragged to greet her. I had finally escaped from Richard's clutches and was making my way to the bar.

"I'm guessing you might need a drink right about now, bourbon or Martini?, or the stronger the better?" Said Miranda as she appeared by my side with two glasses of luscious liquid.

"The stronger the better, I need to get drunk", I said as I took a glass. Now I understood why my mother used the bar in our house more than my father, I was already going insane, and the first day wasn't finished yet. There were many many more years to come, and that thought sunk into me like a nightmare. I needed to not think right now.