Chapter 2 Bride

Jameson's POV

Seated on my wheelchair by the window side of my room, I found myself lost in my thoughts. My life before that tragic accident forcefully snatched my perfect life away from me.

And now, I'm reduced to this.

Someone who can't lay down on his own, someone who everyone glances at with pity. My eyes grew red, clenching my fist with my heart aching badly.

I could never believe this could happen to me. The sky was clear and the birds flew freely, I felt as if I was the only one suffering in thisvworld and nobody seems to care.

Amidst my thoughts, the soft click of the door made me know that someone had entered. I pretended not to notice, kept staring outside the window.

"Son." My mum called, but I gave no response.

I was once her pride, always boasting about me to her friends. But now, I wasn't even allowed to attend any business meetings anymore. And nothing hurts more than her gaze.

I pressed a button on my wheelchair, it turned around and I found my Dad at the door.

"Found a solution to get me off this damn wheelchair?" I asked in a softly, but my tone weighed heavier than I sounded.

They both exchanged glances.

"I'm afraid not, my boy." My mum responded and I gritted my teeth.

"I'm not eight, mum," I clenched my words. I hate it when she sounds so pitiful to me.

"Why are you here in the first place?" I demanded.

They both exchanged glances again and that was when I knew something was up. My dad was holding a folder, my heart palpated at what this was leading to.

'Are they trying to remove me from the CEO's position?' My heart churned at the possibilities of this.

"Just say it already. I don't have all day." I muttered, trying not to make my voice sound shaky.

"Well, we finally hit the jackpot. You're thirty now son, and that's the perfect age to step down. Your mum and I have concluded that...."

"If you're trying to remove me from the CEO's position. It's fine by me, so can I have my room now?" I interrupted him. I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"I gave in my all for the company to flourish, but because of a little...."

"You've a bride." The rest of my words got stuck in my throat when my mum cut me off. My dad walked closer and passed the folder to me.

"We collaborated with the Dawson's enterprises." He continued, explaining how this benefits the company and the family.

Now, I don't have a say in my life anymore.

I thought, bitterness filled my heart and I suddenly flung the files away.

"Bullsh!t!" I growled, "So it wasn't about the position. What makes you think that I'll agree to this?! I'm man enough to find a wife for myself! I don't need your help. How can you do this to me and make me feel more terrible?"

"I know you won't take this slightly. But with time, you'll understand that it's for your own good."

"No!" I raged, "It's for the benefit of the company! You didn't think about how this will affect me at all!" I yelled furiously, veins popping up on my forehead.

"I'm not fvcking marrying any goddamn bride you have for me."

"Hey." My mum said softly, her face flushed from siding with me or her husband. She tried to hold me but I removed my hands.

"There's nothing you're gonna do about that, man. It's decided already. If not for your flamboyant and womanizing life, this wouldn't have happened to you." My dad said, and blood drained from my face.

"Simon!" My mum shouted, "How can you say that to your son?!" She scolded him.

That night, I was drunk, learnt that my girlfriend, Clara, was cheating on me. I was upset and drove crazily to her apartment, and this accident happened.

No words came out of my mouth, I hung my head low. The banter between my parents didn't register in my head. Regret, anguish and anger rushed through my veins.

The truth was bitter indeed.

Only if I have the power to go back in time, I won't have gone to that club.

The marriage was set, and no matter what I say. It has been decided already. The wedding day arrived and I found myself, waiting for a woman, who I've never met in my life at the altar.

I didn't bother looking at her face. And we exchanged our vows.

"Do you, Aria Dawson, take Jameson Blackwell to be your lawfully wedded husband...?"

She hesitated for a fraction of a second, that was when I glanced up at her. Her eyes flickered to mine, but I looked away before our eyes could meet.

"I do," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

The officiant turned to me, but my reply came swiftly, "I do." It sounded rehearsed.

The ceremony ended as quickly as it began, with no fanfare, no applause-just the muffled murmurs of the few guests in attendance.