The Deputy Bride

"I love you, I always have and I always will."

Those words made Aliyah Sanchez stop in her tracks so she could see who had said those words. She veered around and.....

"Aliyah, Aliyah!" Ashley yelled snapping her fingers in front of Aliyah's face which drifted her out of her reverie.

"Yes," Aliyah murmured tilting up her head to meet Ashley's annoyed gaze.

"You know what I think you need a change of world, you should consider teleporting to a fairy tale world," Ashley sassed with curled-up lips as she sat beside Aliyah.

Aliyah knew she was going to get an earful from her friend so she let out a sigh bracing up for it.

"I'm sorry I didn't know you've been here for long," Aliyah apologised.

"Yeah right. You never know, how would you know when you prefer to dream in broad daylight? Which fairytale was it this time? Was your prince charming real this time?" Ashley burst out laughing after the last word left her mouth.

Aliyah's brows furrowed as she stared at her best friend laugh to her heart's content until she realised Aliyah's icy glare was on her.

"Don't tell me you are mad now? I'm the one who is supposed to be upset. I've been in this room for almost ten minutes and you didn't even realise that because you prefer your fairytale boyfriend to your real best friend, how lovely," Ashley faked a grin placing both hands on her chest.

"I already apologized Ashley, what else do you want me to say?" Aliyah heaved a breath.

"I want you to say nothing rather do the right thing. It's high time you stop this fantasy of yours. Love isn't real, it's just pure hallucinations and lies fooling gullible people.. No offence.." Ashley shrugged.

"None taken because I know why you are like this. It's because of what Josh did right? How he broke..." Aliyah didn't get to complete the rest of her statement because Ashley interrupted her.

"Remind me who Josh is again," Ashley's eyes narrowed as she faked being confused.

Typical Ashley that was her way of telling Aliyah she didn't want to talk about Josh but Aliyah couldn't blame her whenever she aired her opinion of love. Ashley didn't always have that view or think that way. It all started when Josh left her at the altar two years ago, he called off the wedding over the phone. Aliyah panicked and was dead worried when she didn't shed a single tear rather she was quiet for days and when she recovered, she hated when anyone talked about Josh to her.

"Ashley, don't you think it's time we talk about all that happened?" Aliyah muttered fixing her eyes on her.

Aliyah could see the sadness that clouded her best friend's eyes but they vanished in no time and her face held no expression.

"What would you be wearing for your cousin's wedding?" Ashley giggled springing up to her feet acting like she didn't hear what I just said.

Aliyah sighed and decided it was going to be best if she didn't push the matter any further. She could only hope that one day Ashley was going to be ready to talk about it and open her heart to love once again.

"If I have a choice trust me I wouldn't want to be seen anywhere near the wedding."

"Really? We both know you are too kind to not attend your cousin's wedding," Ashley smiled.

Ashley was right, even though Aliyah's cousin Kylie was a fully geared bitchy, crazy spoilt brat Aliyah still cared about her, they were family after all.

Aliyah opened her mouth to say something but swallowed her words when the door to the room flew open revealing Kylie.

"Speak of Jezebel and she appears," Ashley murmured under her breath but Aliyah heard her go and she realised Kylie did too because she turned in Ashley's direction.

"What did you say!" Kylie barked scowling at Ashley who kept a scrunched-up face.

"Have you lost your hearing just like you lost your manners?" Ashley crossed her arms glaring at Kylie.

"My bad, I forgot you never had any manners, to begin with. How dare you barge into the room without knocking?" Ashley questioned.

"Really? Who are you to tell me how I get to behave in my own house?" Kylie scoffed clapping her hands.

"You know what?" a wide grin grew on her face making Aliyah and Ashley exchange glances.

"I do not have time for any of this. You are just a bitter soul Ashley filled with jealousy," Kylie continued.

Ashley erupted into laughter, "Why would I be jealous of you? I would rather be jealous of a pig!"

Hurt flashed Kylie's eyes but she maintained her smile. "You are just pretending. You know that I know you are jealous of me unlike you I will be getting married tomorrow not like you who got ditched at the altar!" Kylie mocked.

Aliyah glanced at Ashley but she had the opposite reaction she thought she was going to have.

"If I was to get married to a man like your fiance I would prefer to get ditched at the altar a million times," Ashley fired back.

Kylie turned red with anger and she raised her hand to slap Ashley but Ashley caught her hand right in time before it could hit her in the face.

"Don't you ever try to do that again!" Ashley warned fiercely making Kylie stagger backwards in fear as she tried to pull her hand out of Ashley's grip.

"Don't push me else you would end up being the most beautiful bride covered with bruises," Ashley threatened with a sinister smile playing on her lips before she finally let go of Kylie's hand.

"I just.... Came to tell... you that mom has called for you," Kylie said in stutters.

"You should have done just that and not tried to insult Ashley..." Aliyah mumbled staring at Kylie who still looked scared. She had no idea Kylie was going to take Ashley's threat seriously. Well, it wasn't because Ashley couldn't do what she said but because Kylie was always acting so tough like she feared no one.

"You better hurry and come meet Mom.. You know how much how she hates being kept waiting.." Kylie rushed her words after which she left the room slamming the door loudly.

"You scared Kylie so much," Aliyah chuckled.

"I don't think that was enough, if it was she wouldn't have had the guts to slam the door." Ashley giggled shaking her head before taking her seat.

I chortled, "Just let it slide. I'm sorry for the things she said to you."

"No need to apologize for anything. Only a fool will take Kylie's word to heart. She is just so filled with her insecurities. " Ashley shrugged.

"you are right. I'll go meet my aunt right away before I get into her bad books," I sighed standing up to my feet.

"You are already in it," Ashley joked making Aliyah laugh.

She was right, Aliyah wasn't her aunt's favourite person and her auby never even tried to hide it. She hated Aliyah for reasons she couldn't understand.

"Should I come with you?" Ashley muttered.

"No don't worry. I don't think I've done anything to make her mad," I sighed.

"She is always mad," Ashley laughed after mimicking the expression Aliyah's aunt always has on her face.

"That's my aunt you are talking about," Aliyah tried to keep a straight face in an attempt to hide my mirth but ended up laughing.

"I know you agree with me. I won't tell her I promise." Ashley whispered dramatically zipping her lips.

Next Day......

"Your aunt has called for you," One of the workers informed. From the look on her face, Aliyah knew all wasn't well, her heart started to beat hard in her chest as she hoped nothing must have happened to her uncle.

"is my uncle fine?" Aliyah asked the woman who was halfway to the door when she finally found her voice.

"Yes, but Kylie is nowhere to be found. Please don't tell Madam I told you that." The maid pleaded before sauntering out of the room.

"Aliyah, daydreaming again.." Ashley snapped her fingers in front of her face.

"No, there is a problem." Aliyah let out facepalming.

"What is it?" Ashley asked placing her hand on Aliyah's shoulder.

"Kylie is nowhere to be found," Aliyah told her. Ashley smiled making Aliyah purse her lips as she wondered what was so amusing about what she just said.

"Why are you smiling?" Aliyah frowned.

"Because you have nothing to worry about. The bitch is gone for good," Ashley's smile widened.

Aliyah's brows furrowed, "That's so insensitive."

"Sorry, but it's the truth. Kylie might have as well eloped who knows? And here you are getting worried about her whereabouts."

"I'm going to meet my aunt," Aliyah mumbled before trotting away. She didn't want to listen to Ashley talk. Despite the fact that Kylie didn't like her she never hated her.

"I'm coming with you," Ashley said running after Aliyah.

"if Kylie has eloped it won't stop this wedding," Aliyah heard a voice she recognised to be her aunt's as they approached the living room.

This made Aliyah hasten her steps. The moment she stepped into the living room her eyes met Marion's and she looked away immediately but she could still feel his gaze on her.

"What do you mean by that?" Marion questioned.

"Aliyah can take Kylie's place if you agree. Don't get me wrong, you have put in a lot for this wedding. My daughter has embarrassed me and this family by eloping and leaving a written note behind. But this is going to be more embarrassing than it already is if this wedding doesn't hold." Mrs Sanchez Aliyah's aunt let out.

What the fuck was she talking about Aliyah pondered! I was forced to look in Marion's direction and they locked gazes. The look on his face made Aliyah think that he was giving her aunt's idea a thought.

Her aunt sighed and then continued, "I know everyone will be asking a lot of questions as to why Aliyah would be the bride but it is better than having no bride at all. Like I said it can only happen if you agree Marion."

A small smile played on Marion's lips as he peered at Aliyah," Fine, I will bear the loss of getting married to Alie."

He was joking, right? Aliyah tried to process his words before putting her words together.

"What! I will not marry you!" she stated firmly as she stood in front of her aunt, Marion and his mom who had now turned their attention to her.

She was no loss, she was done being the sacrificial lamb. She was going to be no one's Deputy!

Dead silence filled the whole room after Aliyah was done speaking but she couldn't blame them. A few minutes ago, she strongly disagreed to get married to Marion in Kylie's place and just now she was saying otherwise.

Flashback...

"I will never get married to you, not today not ever!" Aliyah yelled pointing to Marion. Furry was bubbling deep in her stomach as she fixed her eyes on him. The hatred she had for him had tripled as she heard the words he said. And the fact that her aunt brought that idea annoyed her even more. The only person who was in objection to the idea of her marriage to Marion was his mom.

"And my son will never, " Marion's mom started to say but paused when Marion whispered something to her.

"Trust me Alie, if I had a choice I will never even in my worst nightmare ever want to marry you. We both know I'm doing you a favour by agreeing to marry you. It's an opportunity many ladies are willing to die for." he shrugged with a sly smile plastered on his face.

Aliyah scoffed inwardly as she heard him speak, she hated his guts, he was as proud as a peacock.

"I'm not any of those ladies," Aliyah raved. It was no lie that so many ladies were willing to do anything to be with Marion but she wasn't one of them.

"Aliyah," her aunt yelped through gritted teeth.

Aliyah turned her gaze to her, her eyes glazed with rage," Come with me."

Her aunt didn't wait for Aliyah's response rather she grasped her hand and dragged her with her.

She finally let go of Aliyah's hand and shut the door when they got to her room.

"I know you aren't ready for this marriage but this is once in a lifetime opportunity." her aunt mouthed softly taking steps toward her.

"This is an opportunity for you to get married Aliyah. To the best man you can ever think of, if I had my way I would love my daughter Kylie to spend the rest of her life with Marion but it turns out she loves someone else. I still don't get why she lied to me and everyone and still went on with plans for this wedding. But maybe it is your chance, she has given you a chance to settle down with a lovely man like Marion."

She placed her palms on Aliyah's cheeks and tilted her chin up with her index finger.

This woman was pure evil, the perfect definition of wickedness and her daughter Kylie was no different. Not that it was Aliyah's business but Kylie always claimed to love Marion, who would have thought that she never really loved him and that she loved someone else.

"Just go back in there and tell Marion that you will marry him. Agree to this wedding and everything will be great," her lips curved in a smile.

"I know that you think I don't like you. But I care about you a lot that is why I want you to marry Marion, if you marry him you won't have to pay back the money you took out of the account." Her hands moved from Aliyah's face and she placed them on her shoulders.

Yesterday when Aliyah went to meet her aunt after Kylie told her she called for her. Her aunt said she had to pay back the money she took from her account to pay her college fees because she had no right to anything since her uncle was at the hospital and she was already spending a lot on his medical bills.

"This guy has everything every lady wants in a man seize this opportunity, embrace it." her aunt added.

Aliyah's chest clenched, her aunt's words made her head ache. She took steps backwards holding her head with both hands trying to calm herself down.

"I cannot get married to him, aunt. I will be ruining my life. I don't want to waste my life, yes he might be every other girl's dream but not mine. Please Aunt I'm sure someone out there will be willing to replace Kylie at the altar. Not me please," Aliyah shook her head with tears running down her cheeks.

Her aunt cackled trotting towards Aliyah, she grabbed Aliyah's arm tightly pushing her against the wall.

"You are hurting me, aunt," Aliyah winced in pain as she tried to free herself from her aunt's grip.

"Are my?" she raised her brows and Aliyah nodded.

Her grip tightened even more, "I will hurt you even more if you don't agree to this wedding. What do you say about me telling the doctor in charge of your uncle to take off the life support? Just one call and your uncle will be dead."

Aliyah's eyes narrowed in disbelief, the man she was threatening to kill wasn't just her uncle he was her husband and Kylie's father. Aliyah wondered how she could be so cruel. Her aunt was what she was now and had all she had because of her uncle. Her aunt's parents used to work as a cook in her uncle's parent's house when they were very young and then they fell in love. Aliyah's grandparents objected to their relationship because they wanted him to marry someone from a respectable and noble family but her uncle insisted he was only going to marry her, that cost him a lot but now this same woman didn't give a damn about him.

"He is your husband aunt, how can you threaten to end his life?" Aliyah gasped.

Her aunt let out a chortle, "Husband you say? He is just as useless as you are to me. Do you think I'm joking?"

Her aunt let go of her arm and then picked up her phone and dialled a number after which she put it on speaker.

"it's ringing... Oh, my poor husband. I will miss you a lot," she pouted making a crying face.

"Aunt please I beg of you don't hurt uncle." Aliyah pleaded clasping her hands together as she went on her knees.

"Are you going to do as I say or not?" Her aunt said menacingly.

Aliyah bit the side of her lips, hot tears flowed down her cheeks.

"Yes, aunt. I will do what you want don't just hurt uncle."

"Fine then," Her aunt smiled and hung the call.

"Get up honey," a gigantic grin spread across her face. Aliyah lifted her head and her eyes met her aunt's icy glare which emitted coldness.

"You have just a few minutes to come downstairs. And remember to put a smile on that ugly face of yours, don't make people think that I threatened you." Mrs Sanchez spat placing her fingers on Aliyah's lips as she widened them forcing a smile.

Mrs Sanchez turned to leave but stopped when her phone started to ring.

"it's the doctor," she mumbled looking in Aliyah's direction when she picked it up.

Aliyah's heart hammered hard in her chest. Worry gushed through her, she knew how cruel her aunt was and that she could do anything. She just hoped her aunt doesn't go on with her threats since she had agreed to her demands.

"Don't worry I will keep to my promise since you have agreed to what I want," Mrs Sanchez assured with a faux smile.

"Hi doc, I'm fine. I just called to inquire about my husband's health," she spoke as she picked up the phone.

Aliyah felt the doctor say something to her aunt because she started to feign being in tears.

"I just hope he recovers quickly," she let out before hanging up.

"Phew," she rolled her eyes.

"What?" she questioned when she noticed Aliyah was staring at her.

"Oh, that. I'm such a great actress, right?" she laughed. Suddenly her face turned cold, her eyes blazed with acrimony.

"Better don't say anything to anyone about what we've discussed else I will change my mind and you'll have to go ready for a funeral. I always keep my promise," she declared, her words filled with certainty before leaving the room. Aliyah wiped her tears and braced herself before heading back to the living room.

Back to the present...

"You will get married to my son? Didn't you just say a few minutes ago that you will never marry my son? What changed?" Marion's mom mumbled giving Aliyah a dirty look.

Marion smiled, "Mom I just think she realised how much of a rare gem I am."

Aliyah scoffed inwardly she felt like ripping Marion into pieces if only she could.

"You are kidding right?" Ashley spoke up for the first time since Aliyah returned to the living room.

"No, I'm not." Aliyah tried her best to put a smile on her face. She didn't want Ashley to know the reason why she was agreeing to this marriage because she knew Ashley wasn't going to let her do it.

"Come with me," Ashley whispered taking Aliyah's hand in hers and pulling her with her.

"Spill, tell me what all of this is about. Your aunt threatened you, didn't she?" Ashley inquired.

"No, she didn't," Aliyah lied.

Ashley scoffed, "Really, why are you gazing downwards then? Look in the eye and say that if you accepted to get married to Marion because you want to and not because she threatened you."

Aliyah swallowed the lump that seemed to have formed in her throat and lifted her head to peer at Ashley.

"I want to marry Marion like you said love is just hallucinations and lies. What's the point of waiting for a prince charming when I can spend the rest of my life with the most wealthy man in this city and have whatever I wish for," Aliyah smiled.

Ashley was laughing hard by the time Aliyah was done talking, "You are very hilarious, everything you just said is a joke right?" she mumbled lowly when she stopped laughing.

Ashley shook her head, disarray crammed her eyes and colour drained out of her face, she held Aliyah's hands.

"Why do you want to do this? You are only going to ruin your life by marrying that good-for-nothing man, that cocky billionaire brat," she frowned.

Aliyah pulled her hands from Ashley's, "You should be a good friend and support me." Aliyah was holding back tears, she didn't want to cry in front of Ashley because then she would have to tell her why she had to do this.

"If supporting you to marry Marion is what a good friend would do, then I would rather be a bad friend. I just hope you don't regret this. I would never be a part of you ruining your life so count me out of this wedding," she sighed.

"I really wish I could talk you out of this Aliyah. But it seems your mind is made up," Ashley sniffed in tears and then facepalmed.

Aliyah felt awful seeing her best friend in tears. But she couldn't tell her the reason why she agreed to marry Marion, not after her aunt's warning.

"I have to go and it will be best if we never see or contact each other. There is no need to have a friend who wouldn't share her problems or take advice but rather choose to dig her own grave," Ashley murmured sadly and turned away.

"Bye Aliyah," She stopped and turned to face Aliyah when she got to the door.

"I wish I could wish you all the best but it's hard knowing that you don't want the best for yourself," Ashley shook her head before walking out and shutting the door behind her.

Aliyah plopped to the floor, her body shrieking with each sob that left her lips as she let out all the tears she was holding. She just lost the only friend she had and it was all because of Marion. Her mind was made up she was never going to love him. She was going to make him regret agreeing to get married to her! She was going to be his worst nightmare.

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride." The priest declared after Marion and Aliyah had said their vows and exchanged rings.

Marion inched closer to Aliyah.

"Congratulations on being my wife Mrs Aliyah Marion Brews' Marion Aliyah's just-proclaimed husband whispered wrapping his hand around her waist.

She scoffed seeing him display his egoistic attitude as if he did her a favour by agreeing to her aunt's suggestion about them getting married.

The guests must have thought Marion said something lovely to Aliyah seeing the way she smiled.

"I hate you even more," Marion's face inched closer to Aliyah's and soon his lips were on hers. At that point, she felt like punching him in the face. His grip around her waist tightened as he pulled her in.

Aliyah decided to play his game, she smiled kissing him back, he was taken aback. She could tell because his lips stopped moving seizing the opportunity she bit his lips.

He pulled away but his hand was still around my waist and when their eyes met he smirked. She held the hand which was around her waist trying to take it off but Marion wrapped his arms around her and whispered to her ear. "Dear Wifey, we've already made headlines for today, do you want more? Or would you just let these people see how much we love each other?"

Wifey? Love, Aliyah frowned. She wondered if Marion had lost his mind. It was his lips she bit not hit his head. For the rest of the occasion, she did her best to put a smile on her face as the guest congratulated them. Many had questions as to why it was Aliyah who was getting married to Marion Brews rather than her cousin Kylie, Marion told them he realised who he really loved and that it was Aliyah and they chose to get married and Aliyah had no choice but to confirm the lie. But she knew that sooner or later the reason for this marriage was going to be out in the open even though her aunt was trying to cover it up. But people were no fools, even if they were Kylie's absence said everything.

"Hun, how would our wedding night be?" Marin whispered to Aliyah.

Aliyah rolled her eyes at him and made to walk away but she missed a step. Her eyes were shut as she expected to hit the floor hard.

"I'll be here to catch you when you fall always," Marion's deep husky voice made her eyes wrench open.

Aliyah's eyes shifted from him and darted around the room, everyone stared at them some in admiration while some in disgust and she knew why. She was sure they thought that they were being all lovey-dovey not knowing what was actually happening.

"Let go of me Marion," Aliyah said through gritted teeth when she saw how his hands draped around her waist firmly like he owned it.

"Don't I deserve a thank you?" he arched his brows.

"Fuck you!" she murmured

"I think that can wait for tonight when we get home. Don't be in a haste wifey..." a smile tugged the side of his lips as he observed her eyes go wide.and then she scowled.

"Just kidding," He chortled and then helped her stand properly. He placed a kiss on her forehead before moving away.

Aliyah stared at his retreating figure clenching her fist, just the wedding and he had managed to piss her off this much. She was going to retaliate but for now, all she had to do was keep a smile on her face and act like a happy bride and make him miserable after the wedding.

She sighed as she watched Marion socialise with the guests, seemed like most people in attendance were his acquaintance. She barely knew the people present except for those who were close friends of their family.

Aliyah was on the verge of tears when her mind drifted to the conversation with Ashley earlier, who was she going to share her problems with now when she no longer had a best friend?

"Alie, are you ok?" Aliyah snapped out of her thoughts and turned to see Marion's gaze plastered on her. His face held an expression she found surprising, it was like he cared about her.

"Don't call me that. The name is Aliyah." she stated gawking at him.

"Are you fine?" he asked again ignoring her words.

"it's none of your business. Why do you care?"

Marion made to say something but stopped when a lady stopped in front of them. He smiled when his eyes met hers.

"Congratulations sir," The lady smiled hugging him.

"Thank you, Courtney," he mumbled when they broke the hug.

"Congratulations," She muttered smiling at Aliyah. Aliyah could take her smile was fake that was like a talent she had detecting fake smiles. She was smiling but her eyes said otherwise.

"Thank you," Aliyah uttered faking a smile as well.

"Wifey, this is Courtney, my personal assistant. Courtney this is Alie." Marion introduced.

"Nice to meet you Alie, I've never seen you before," Courtney said extending her hand for Aliyah to shake.

"it's Aliyah!" Aliyah corrected shaking Courtney's hand not wanting to be rude.

"Oh," she frowned pulling her hand away but wore back her fake smile.

"I'll leave now."

"Bye sir," Courtney hugged Marion before ambling away.

"She is a hugger," Marion mumbled when he turned to her.

"When did I ask?" Aliyah sassed.

"You know there is no need to be rude right?" he spoke with raised brows and a pinched expression.

"Say that to your personal assistant with the fake smiles." Aliyah scoffed.

"Do I sense jealousy? We just got married," Marion smirked folding his arms.

Aliyah cackled, "In your wildest dreams Marion Brews."

Later that day.....

Aliyah spent the rest of the wedding party ignoring Marion but he never seemed to get it. He just kept trying to piss her off, making his silly jokes.

Aliyah almost collapsed when she found out they were going to be staying at the Brews mansion. She was a bit excited that she was out of the clutches of her cruel aunt but her joy faded thinking about being in the vicinity of a dreadful mother-in-law. After they got to the mansion, Aliyah didn't see Marion again and she loved it. She just wished he could vanish into thin air and never return.

Aliyah stayed in the room all through, Emma Marion's sister came to check up on her saying she was worried since she hadn't seen her after they got back from the wedding. Aliyah told her that she was fine and was just trying to settle in. She offered to call the workers to do that but she insisted on doing it herself. Emma left when she saw that she couldn't make Aliyah change her mind.

After taking off her clothes and wrapping a towel around her body, Aliyah went into the bathroom to shower. When she was done she opened the door and stepped out but froze in her tracks when she saw him. Marion! What was he doing in the room? She had locked the door earlier how then did he get in?