/0/77342/coverbig.jpg?v=e0f0e733a505b320723d4690dff26e22)
Ivan's POV
I glanced at my finger, a sad smile escaped my lips. I've been trying to call Denise, but it seems as though her line isn't connecting.
I was worried, but I trusted she'd be fine. I heaved a soft sigh, quite restless. If this is love, then I know I have achieved it.
"Despicable!" He cussed, jerking me back to reality. Here I was in a dressing room with my narcissist boss, Lucas, who would be getting married today.
It seems as though he was forced into it. He had no smiles and kept cursing whosoever brought the marriage into fruition.
It makes me wonder who the unfortunate lady would be. I just hope she doesn't die like the previous one.
He was sitting adjacent to where I stood, his legs crossed, two fingers on his forehead as seriousness flushed through him.
His eyes scanned the suits the dressers brought in, but none were to his taste. There were gifts scattered everywhere in this room.
A maid walked in with a bottle of champagne which she poured in a glass and served him.
Lucas took it and inhaled it, his face wearing a disdainful aura.
I folded my lips for what was coming. The expression on his face was dissatisfying.
He heaved a sigh, smashing the champagne in his hand to the ground.
The ladies in the room juddered, but I maintained a calm demeanor. I was used to him.
Lucas rose from where he sat and paced wildly towards the maid who quaking where she stood.
One of the dressers hastily cleans up the mess he has created.
"Fuck! "It's sour!" he roared at the maid, who squires, her hands trembling as she flinches.
I gulped hard as I rubbed the back of my throat to step in just so he wouldn't hit her with the bottle of champagne, because that's what he'd do next.
"I'd handle it, sir" I quickly asserted, covering the maid. I could hear her hard breath behind me as she winced.
He raked his hair, stepped back and kicked the gifts in his front.
"Fire this maid Ivan!" he ordered, gnashing his teeth.
I nodded as he spit at the ground and paced back to where he sat. He snapped his finger, indicating the dressers should bring in a more tailored suit for him.
Hastily, they rushed to grant his wish with panic in their hearts.
I rolled my eyes to the maid as she was weeping behind me. No one could plead with him because it was useless.
Nervously, I walked her out and when we were a distance from the dressing room, I brought out some cash from my breast pocket and handed it to her.
She slowly lifted her eyes and sniffed. Her eyes searches for mine as she seems surprised.
"It's not much, but I hope it helps" I muttered, and I could sense the ray of hope in her eyes.
"Thank you so much sir... "I hope you'll find happiness!" She responded with a bright smile and I tried to cheer her up that it wasn't the end of life, and she'd find a better job.
I left her and returned to Lucas, who was all dressed as though he was attending a funeral.
I dare not speak but anticipated what's to come after.
I escorted him out of the room. I'd be driving him to the location, and I was honored to do that.
Once we got to the wedding hall, I was mesmerized by the breathtakingly beautiful space which exudes romance and elegance.
The florescent lights which glittered, the flowers which created a stunning floral display.
Everything in this place speaks of wealth and only the top officials in the country attended such wedding.
I stood beside him as we both walked down the aisle to the altar. All Lucas wants is to wrap up this wedding and attend his business trip for tonight.
I could tell he was nervous with the peering eyes of his parents, loved ones and friends who were there for the occasion.
Soft murmurs echoed in the hall and everyone was thrilled to see who the bride was.
"Here comes the bride!" The MC announced, and I was intrigued to see her.
Violins played, the choir's chorus and Lucas rolled his eyes with an expression of contempt.
It was his first wedding, and he detested it with passion. I was his ring bearer.
I let out a smile, imagining how my wedding with Denise would be. I'd want Lucas to be my best man and see how it's done.
Denise and I will be getting married in three days, with or without her parents' blessings. I was certain of that.
My thoughts were distracted when a familiar fragrance hit my nose, familiar footsteps.
I could feel my heart thuds as I nervously rolled my eyes to where the gripping sensation was coming from.
There she was, walking down the aisle with a bunch of roses, covered in a veil and walking majestically.
She was a vision of loveliness in her exquisite wedding gown. The delicate lace seemed to shimmer and shine in the soft light, accepting her slender figure.
Her toned skin glowed with warmth, but her eyes were dull and she looked sober.
As she moved, the gown seemed to come alive. Her very presence commands attention, drawing all eyes to her.
Her hair falls flawlessly, her beautiful face brightens the more with a touch of makeup.
My eyes burned with pain as her face became more visible.
It felt as though I was staring at a stranger, my affectionate gaze turned cold.
The flashes of memories we spent together flushing in my head, the promises, her laughter, it seems to all be replaced by the bitter taste of betrayal.
"Denise?" I muttered as the rings on the small pillow in my hand almost fell as if Lucas hadn't snatched them from me.
Our eyes locked, and I could see the shock in her eyes. She was trembling. It seemed as though she was avoiding me and walked past me to where Lucas stood.
"Fuck! "Ivan, that ring cost a fortune!" Lucas muses, but everything faded away, except her.
She was standing beside him as she faced the Pope. My eyes were on her back as I forgot how to breathe.
The Pope began reading to read whatever he'd call it. Nothing makes sense. I folded my fists, my eyes wandered and searched hers for answers that seemed lost.
I struggled to contain the anger in me. I felt empty and broken.
"You may kiss the bride", the Pope's words struck my head and I widened my eyes in disbelief.
I threw a fierce gaze at Denise as Ivan wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer to him.
Then he captured her lips, like he'd drained every soul left in her.
I couldn't breathe with the fierce way he kissed my Denise. I felt like punching him, my body vibrated.
A strand of tears dropped from her eyes as her breath thickened, my veins tightened around my neck.
After the kiss, there was a thunderous clap by well-wishers, praising their union, and I died in silence.
Finally, she took a glimpse at me and I saw it, the grief in her eyes, yet she placed a fake smile as though she wanted this wedding.
Lucas walked away with her and I vowed I'd take her from him, even if it meant murdering him.