Mr Wither's Forsaken Bride

The first son of the Wither family was about to get married, to his lucky bride. It was going to be the wedding of the year, an event to be actively gossiped about for months to come. Everyone was in very high spirits.

However, the happiest of persons at this moment was Evelyn. Swaying in her wedding gown and beautifully adorned face, she could help but smile from time to time, overflowing with joy. This was her dream wedding and it was happening at the moment.

"Won't you take a break from your thoughts of fantasy sister? Spin one more time and I might actually faint from dizziness." Lexi groused, tired of seeing her sister's repetitive actions.

"Lexi, you are here!"

"You dragged me in here, remember? Why did you do it though we aren't even that close and I don't like mushy things." Lexi snorted and grabbed a chair and swung a leg over it, seating with her frontal body pressing against what should be the backrest.

"I can bear leaving you to actively scout rich victims today. There shall be no scandals." Evelyn spoke truthfully, her sister was a wild card. She needed to be kept under close watch at these crucial moments.

"My life doesn't concern you. I'm not even of any use here. This time, the Wither's has full-on pampered you with the extravagant and effective preparations. The hall is organised, the food and snacks are spectacular and just look how beautifully your hair is done! As a hair lover, I'm impressed by it."

Evelyn giggled, not surprised by her sister's words, "You are right I'm pretty blessed. I've been able to check off all I want for my dream wedding, even the ones I had come up with on the spot. In the end, a good number of them were ridiculous and I had to take those things down myself."

"Hey! Me hyping this up doesn't mean you should even show off in greater depths. Humph, you should be more humble! This is your day so I'd allow you fluff up like a peacock however you like. I won't allow myself to be oppressed any other time" Lexi spoke without filter, glad that her sister who usually wasn't moved much by material things loved all that were showered for her.

"I know my bad." Evelyn quickly came to her senses.

She moved to her sister, deciding to tease her a little, "You look serious with your relationship with Jack this time. Who knows, in a while, I might actually be the one to use your own words against you when you are over the moon, on the D-day."

Lexi blushed a light shade of red, "J-jack?...s..top it. We only got together a few months ago, don't spout nonsense. I don't plan on being tied down with marriage, unlike you i'm still very young and have a lot of things to do and places to explore."

"Tsk. You are calling me old now?" Evelyn pulled on Lexi's supple cheek, "I only senior you with a year's difference!"

"O-ouch, alright, alright you aren't so old..." Lexi was quick in having a change of heart.

"Evelyn stop bullying your younger sister." A warm masculine voice breezed in as the door let open.

"Dad, you are here." Evelyn let go of Lexi immediately, regaining composure.

Her father paused in his steps, stunned from the beauty his eyes beheld, "You look really beautiful, like a princess... daddy's big princess."

"Thank you, daddy." Evelyn smiled. Her dad's approval, although seemingly just polite, meant a lot to her.

Lexi rubbed on her sore cheek, "You came. Then it's time isn't it?"

Mr Moore nodded, assuming a neutral look, "Indeed it is. I have come to get you, Evelyn. Are you ready?"

Evelyn paused at his sudden question, taking a moment before answering, "I... I don't know. I feel like something's missing."

Lexi rolled her eyes, "What could you possibly want this time? It might be too late to get them, I think you already got enough stuff at hand."

"Lexi, be quiet and don't anger your sister." Mr Moore warned her sternly.

"Biased." Lexi mumbled before keeping her mouth shut.

"What's bothering you honey? Are you unsure of your choice for marriage?" Mr Moore tried to find out why Evelyn suddenly became moody.

His tone was inclined with slight displeasure as he spoke.

Evelyn sighed, "It would be perfect if mom was in here with us... with me. Her support would go a long way. Although I'm very lucky she even chose to attend this wedding and give me some face. She strongly opposes this marriage and it bothers me a lot."

Mr Moore heaved a sigh of relief. So that was it.

"You know your mother, she can be quite stubborn at times and often never changes her mind when it's set. Don't let her behaviour get to you, spoiling that radiant smile of yours.

Your mother decided to be like that but couldn't bear being absent from her own daughter's wedding. She would come around in due time, in the meantime cheer up and stand tall. You have my unconditional support. Today marks a turning point in your life, don't let thoughts like that ruin it okay?" He cooed, trying to pacify Evelyn's worries.

Claudia had surely done it this time, to make her daughter worry so much on such a day. He would make sure to scold her when they get alone.

Evelyn's face lit up once more, "Yes."

Cough!

"Not sorry to interrupt but we have guests waiting. I suggest we wrap this up." Lexi, who usually wasn't keen on time reminded.

Mr Moore, who in his expensive black looked very dashing, let out an elbow to Evelyn, "May I?"

She hooked her hands in his in an instant, almost impatiently, "Let's go."

▢▢▢

The huge brown doors of the hall were pushed open revealing father and daughter, who had gracefully made an entry with eyes set in the distance. At the same moment, Bridal Chorus by Wanger began to play, setting the mood.

The audience, all seated on both sides of the path, gasped as they laid their eyes on the bride. Dressed in a white flowing dress of many layers, Evelyn looked like she had a petticoat underneath. She had a radiant face, being a testimony of the makeup artist going full Picasso on her, giving it a gentle air. Her fair skin gave her the presence of peak quintessential beauty, like a white fairy stretching out its wings as it emerged from a blooming flower. In the eyes of many that beheld her, she indeed had the looks of a princess capable of capturing the hearts of both men and women.

While others stared at her with respect a good number glared with contempt, she was only marrying the bastard of the Withers, how could she be so smug and proud of it?

Walking a step at a time, Evelyn could feel everyone's eyes on her and took a moment to take a quick glance sideways. Models, politicians, Ceos, a lot of people from the business world and many other people of high caliber had chosen to grace the occasion. A lot of whom she didn't know at all.

All these people were here to witness the joining of the two influential families, the Moore's and Withers. Evelyn's body stiffened, suddenly overcome with the pressure they threw all over the place. Sitting in the front seats, she recognised the family she would be married into, each with a neutral expression for the procession they were in, with the exception of Anna, poised like a ticking time bomb. On the opposite row sat her mum and Lexi, both not particularly interested in what was going on either.

Evelyn sighed inwardly.

Mr Moore held Evelyn closer, he had felt how stiff she had become, sending a silent reminder that he was there and there was nothing she should worry about in his presence.

She released her body, happiness clouding her mind again, in a moment she would be married to her one true love!

They had reached the podium, Mr Moore let Evelyn go to stand before her groom. Finally, she had a close look at him, the man she was willing to spend her life with, Nathan Wither.

But he only looked at her with cold eyes.

"We are gathered here to..." The officiant started, in a manly clear voice.

"Cut to the chase." Nathan ordered authoritatively.

"Y..yes." The officiant stuttered, this was the first time he had seen a groom emit such a cold aura in what was supposed to be an emotional moment, from his many times of doing this.

Nathan Wither was surely different from the rumours which portrayed him as a wimp.

"On this day, when your love is bound to be the strongest as it merges completely, would the bride or groom have anything..."

"Skip!" Nathan's voice rang out.

"..."

The officiant looked at Evelyn, in a dilemma. He didn't know if she agreed with this, she might have other vows to say to Nathan.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow on Nathan's actions. Why was he in such a hurry? She had some heartfelt words she had to say to him. Did he perhaps have a change of heart on her side, therefore couldn't wait to be bound together?

This thought made her blush a bit.

"You can listen to him." She gave her consent.

"And now:"

"Nathan, do you take Evelyn to be your wife?

"Do you promise to love, honour, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him/her forevermore?"

Nathan was silent, it was hard to tell what he was thinking. After a brief moment, he said, "I do."

"And Evelyn, do you take Nathan to be your husband?

Do you promise to love, honour, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"

Evelyn replied like she had rehearsed a thousand times, "I do."

After that, the wedding rings had been exchanged with the guidance of the officiant,

"Nathan and Evelyn, it is with such joy that I now send you out into the world to spread the beautiful light that you share with those around you. By the power vested in me, I now, for the first time, pronounce you married. You may kiss the bride."

Evelyn's face lit up fiery red from the closing statement. Nathan is to kiss her now, she couldn't help but feel shy since it would be their first kiss.

She closed her eyes and waited for him to take her.

Nathan stood still staring at the woman who made a silly face with her eyes close and lips pouted, topped off with an unmistakable expression of want.

He frowned deeply, she had already forcefully married him with threats she schemed with his father, what else did she want now?

She had even one handley constructed this luxurious wedding when only a marriage certificate could suffice and had him go through with it, wasn't she content with all of this? Nathan delved into a state of confusion.

If only she could tell how much he hated her.

Many seconds have passed since Evelyn assumed her kiss-ready position, nothing but cool air gracing her lips and harsh whispers from the audience forcefully colliding with her ears.

She opened her eyes and looked from the officiant who seemed to be in a awkward position and Nathan who stood staring at her blankly.

'What are you standing there like a log for? Come kiss me already!' Evelyn yelled internally, a bit exasperated by her spouse's action.

"Nate." Evelyn whispered.

"Yes." Nathan replied dryly.

"Aren't you going to give me a kiss?" She asked stubbornly.

"No."

"Ahh, so it's like that..."

Evelyn's eyes twitched, as she stared at the apathetic man before her.

Hmph, if he was too shy to do it then she would make the first move.

Evelyn walked closer to Nathan, smiling mischievously.

"What are you doing?" Nathan asked warily.

She ignored his question, tiptoed and locked his lips with hers, her tongue breaking into the walls of his closed mouth.

Nathan stood, shocked by her bold move; he didn't think she would act like this! First, she had stolen his freedom to marry the woman he vowed to cherish and now she was stealing his first kiss! This was unacceptable and he was unwilling to let it go on.

At first, he only stood and did not kiss her back, but as she progressed stubbornly he found himself tasting the sweetness of her mouth, and like ants to sugar, had been drawn to it.

Momentarily forgetting his strong unwillingness to do this, Nathan subconsciously kissed her back with equal force, greedy for her addicting taste. Just as he was getting invested in her taste she pulled out, putting an abrupt end to his pleasure.

She eyed the suddenly needy Nathan, her smug expression lined with triumph, "Don't be so greedy, you can only have this much for now."

Nathan looked away, embarrassed he had behaved in such a way with the woman before him.

Cheers and unsynchronized clapping erupted from the audience who witnessed the seemingly intimate scene between the couple. Meanwhile, in the first row, someone wasn't particularly having the best time of her life.

"Sister, at least one of us got to have him. You must cherish him well." The young woman soliloquised fighting back tears of pain that burnt the back of her eyes.

The officiant took charge once more.

"Distinguished guests please remain on your seats. Entertainment and refreshments will commence soon!"

At that moment, Nathan reached his hands into his pocket taking out his phone to pick up a call, right in front of everyone.

A few seconds in and he already had a big frown and quickly returned his phone to his pocket coming down the elevated platform he was on.

Evelyn watched his actions in a panic.

"Where are you going Nathan?" She moved with him.

"Out, there is something I need to attend to." He replied hastily.

By this time, the audience and families of both individuals had become a bit agitated. Were those two trying to leave their wedding so soon?

"Nathan, where do you think you are going?" Mr Wither thundered approaching.

He held a bitter smile, "You wanted me to get married dad, that I have done that. Please do not interfere with my life anymore."

Old Mr Wither knew Nathan was right and couldn't find words to speak.

"When will you be back? Would you return in time before the celebration ceases?" Evelyn asked curiously.

Nathan looked at where she held onto him and became instantly irritated. He took her hand and flung it away with so much force, she lost balance and fell to the ground.

"No. If you can't wait for me, file for a divorce." He replied coldly and left the building, leaving Evelyn to gape at his fading silhouette on the cold bare soil

The celebration went on awkwardly after the 'show' performed by the newlyweds and an apology to the audience for Nathan's sudden bail on the activity.

A lot of guests sniggered at this scene, this wedding was sure to trend on the news for a while.

While Evelyn was present for the rest of the celebration, her mind wasn't present at all, thinking about her newly wedded husband.

She recalled his statement.

"No. If you can't wait for me, file for a divorce."

She clenched her fists in the fluff of her dress. What a silly man! Did he think she would just give up after coming this far?

She would wait for his return and give him a piece of her mind.

Evelyn waited, and waited and waited, till she had become worried and had to ask her in-laws for information on his whereabouts but she had been snubbed indefinitely.

Her father in law, who had always favoured her at the moment, was in a conversation with another man of equal caliber.

In the end, Evelyn also returned home without waiting to speak to her father who frantically called on her or her mom who shook her head in disappointment, mouthing a "I told you so, but you didn't listen."

Evelyn waited in her white dress in Nathan's mansion, after the wedding celebration was over like a dog anxiously waiting for his master's return from work.

She prayed fearing the worst, Nathan's behaviour today wasn't in any way normal.

Could it be... no! That could never happen! Nathan would come back to her safe and sound!

Filled with worry and uneasiness, she had forgotten to take off her gown as she paced about Ignoring anyone who tried speaking with her on a topic unrelated to Nathan.

To her consternation, he didn't return. Evelyn slept alone that night.

It was a very stressful day of work. Evelyn returned late in the night and headed for a bath first to calm her tense muscles.

Her former partner had quit her job to travel out of the country. This left a lot of workload for her although it was temporary she had to work overtime most times.

Evelyn had just come out of a warm shower and still had many beads of water on her body.

She quickly tap dried it with her large, white towel, to prevent catching a cold and slipped on her nightgown.

She took up the white towel carefully spreading it across the towel rack beside the most ventilated place she could find.

She couldn't risk her treasured towel smelling like mildew in the morning.

Satisfied, Evelyn spinned and plopped on the bed.

She sighed.

Her life wasn't so boring, why did she feel particularly empty today?

Perhaps, it was because he was dead. Her father in law, the man who she thought had connected her to bliss was gone now. She had to inform Nathan of the bad news.

For the first time in many years she picked up her smartphone and scrolled through her contacts, stopping at the one with the tag, 'Husband' with a red heart emoji.

She hesitated, before clicking on it to get redirected to the 'Messenger' tab.

Evelyn was met by a lot of lined up one sided messages from her to Nathan dated from five years ago.

Five years ago she had gotten married to her dream husband and true love, Nathan. It was the happiest day of her life, or so she thought.

After their marriage, Nathan disappeared.

Poof! Gone into thin air.

He had only left her a message that he had traveled out of the country and to take care of herself till he returned. If she can't bear it, get a divorce.

At first Evelyn thought it was only a prank.

Who abandons their wife and goes out of the country on the night of their wedding?

She knew that Nathan wasn't willing to marry her and had only done it to please his father. She had thought that he would at least show her some face and go home together.

Her marriage, which she had been taught to be one of the memorable days for a woman, turned into a nightmare.

Heartbroken, she had sent him messages everyday asking about his well being like a dutiful wife, constantly asking for the date he would return but didn't get a reply from him, not once!

The messages were only sent and seen, never being responded to.

Her persistence became lesser and lesser till she stopped sending him any messages after a full year had passed. It dawned on her that Nathan might never return.

After four more years she was back in his messages and couldn't help having a sick feeling in her stomach.

If she hadn't given up texting him, would he have replied to her at some point?

Her heart tugged within her chest and she felt guilty.

However, it wasn't time to think about that. This news was more pressing than brooding over longing to get into an effective contact with him.

She clicked on the keyboard.

"Come home today, please. Father died in his sleep" She typed away, keeping the message short and precise.

Daisy whined softly. She hopped on the bed approaching her owner.

Her sound had gained Eveyln's attention.

She smiled and ran her pale hand through Daisy's fur.

"Don't worry mommy is fine this time. I'm used to him not replying to my texts."

Daisy is well behaved and doesn't come into the bed unless she was invited to. She must have perceived Evelyn's moodiness and had come to keep her company.

Evelyn lets her lie with her on the mattress.

The message had been sent already. She tossed her phone to the night stand, not bothering to check if he had seen it or not.

Now that she had fulfilled all righteousness as a wife to her husband in this situation, she was temporarily at ease.

Evelyn adjusted the quilt over her body stretching her legs to full length on the Alaskan King sized bed.

She felt so small and significantly lonely as she stared sideways to be greeted by the vast white sheets, devoid of any life other than herself.

She laid face up, her eyes feeding on the pretty Galaxy 3D wall paper she had installed herself on the ceiling.

After a full year had gone by without Nathan showing up back home nor picking up his calls. It dawned on Evelyn that she might have just been abandoned for good.

Taking solace in her misfortune, she decided to customise their room in the way she was most comfortable with and was very glad to make such a decision, ranging from the rooms blue/space themed decor and her husky, Daisy who she considered the sweetest dog in the world who knew just when to cheer her up. She almost deems it as a child she had given birth to.

She would have probably gone crazy if Daisy wasn't around to comfort her.

Comfort her...

She cringed a bit, suddenly thinking about Nathan.

From her knowledge, he was his father's favourite child. It must be very heartbreaking to learn that a father who treasured you do much as suddenly kicked the bucket.

Nathan would be devastated when he learns about it. She wished to be with him in these moments of grief and support him to the best of her abilities, sharing his pains with him as a wife should.

But she couldn't and it hurt that she didn't have any influence on her husband's wellbeing. How unfair it was for him to suffer alone!

She sighed for the upteenth time.

She shouldn't think too much, lest have a headache.

"It's going to be alright tomorrow. The weekend is always the best." She mumbled to herself reassuringly.

With that statement Evelyn's eyelids met, quickly sending her off into a deep sleep.