Chapter 35: Chapter 35
I wasn't in the least surprised at Tilda's words. Mark telling me to give him two years gave me some hope that something might happen but I just didn't think it will be something this sad. Sir Max was lost in the whole confession so I had to explain everything to him. It surprised him that I went through all that without telling him. He was disappointed but also proud of me. I know he always thought me to be strong and brave but this has revealed a different side of me. I saw the relief in Tilda's eyes. I knew she always wanted me to be happy. Tom hugged Mark. It was so priceless. My heart was filled with so much joy seeing those two being best friends again. What more could I ask for. Mark asked to speak with me. I wanted us to speak in private but he insisted on speaking in front of all these people. He said there was nothing to hide.
"I am sincerely sorry for all that I put you through", Mark said looking straight into my eyes.
No, you should forgive me for not trusting you in the first place. I should have trusted our love but I was consumed with jealousy.
"You don't have to blame yourself". "It's not your fault. I didn't explain things to you because I knew you will tell Tom and Tracy. I didn't want people to know about her condition." He said sadly.
I know, and I love and respect you for what you did for her. You are such a good person. I don't deserve you.
"No, I am the one who doesn't deserve you. What if I had lost you when you were admitted to the hospital because of my stupid secret? I could never forgive myself for that incident." He said with sorrowful eyes.
I don't know if I am still dear to you. But I promise to trust you if you give me a chance, I said.
"Are you saying that you will marry me?" He asked with hopeful eyes but I wanted to prank him a little.
Well is that your way of proposing? So unromantic, I said faking anger.
"Then give me a chance to spend the rest of my life making it up to you and turning everyday into a romantic moment. So Miss Tracy Jacobs, will you marry me and be the mother of my five children?" Wait. I didn't see that coming. Five? Not bad. I will love a big family, I thought.
Who else will I marry? We are stuck in this for the rest of our lives. I said and for the first time, I saw Mark truly happy with no fears or pride or arrogance. He was perfect. But the smile disappeared and there was an instant sadness before he popped the question.
"What about Tom and your engagement?" He said as his face became dark.
We were never engaged. It's fake. We only pretended so you will leave me alone. I said. The instant pop of laughter on his face made me happy about not moving on. it wasn't easy but it paid off.
"Oh my God, I hated Tom so much and I pressed all those charges against you to distract you from him. I stressed and made your life miserable for no apparent reason. I am sorry Maya, I did all that because I was jealous. I couldn't stand seeing you with anyone else but me." Did he say mean that? I was so happy to know that he never hated me.
But what about cold treatment? I jokingly asked.
"That was only to prevent me from kissing you when I meet you but trust me, it hurt me more. Especially when you wanted me to stay away from you." When he said that, I was beyond joy. He never for once gave up on me. All this while, he was just finding ways of respecting my wishes.
"I love you, Maya, you were the one, you are still the one and will always remain the one. I have engraved you in my heart. I can never stop loving you.
I love you too Tom. I said before he pulled me into a tight hug. How I longed for this. I never wanted it to end. But sooner than I thought, Sir Max spoke, making us break the hug. Mark has started respecting him as my dad.
"If you are going to get married, I want to walk you down the ail before I leave so it better be quick and you don't want the ghost to also hunt you, I guess." Everyone laughed at his statement and I realized they were all caught up in the moment with tears of joy. Even Tilda was looking better than she was when we came in.
I just wish we could have a joint wedding. I mean, Tracy and I. I said sadly. I wanted happiness for Tracy too and when I said those words, my eyes travelled to that of Tom and I wanted him to get the clue and do what he had to do.
"But it's not possible," Mark said.
"It is," Tom interrupted. I guess he got the clue. "Tracy, now that you know the truth, I want you to know that I bought this ring a year ago and was waiting for the right time to pop the life-changing question. I don't think of a better time than this. Will you be my wife?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I will". She screamed. Hey, today turned out to be the best day in over a year.
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We only had a few days to plan our wedding. Mark sent us a celebrity wedding planner and she was just amazing. I couldn't believe that I was getting married and the first guy I had a crush on. According to Mimi, the wedding planner, the gown I wanted could not be made within this short time so she gave us some already made ones to choose from. I thought it was even better than what I wanted. I wanted to look my best for Mark.
I am very glad that Mark pressed those fake charges against me because I never would have known the shares I had and best of all, I wouldn't have had Sir Max to walk me down the aisle. I chose the venue to be the garden where Mark first proposed to me and I was amazed at the transformation. I thought it was the most beautiful garden I ever saw but seeing it on my wedding day, took my breath away.
Mark's POV
I stood at the altar with Tom. We wore a matching white tuxedo with a cream bow tie. This is the biggest day of our lives. I was nervous and I could see that Tom was also nervous. We are both getting married to the love of our lives on the same day. We shall forever cherish this memory for the remaining year's of our lives. I watched as Tracy walked down the aisle with her father. I was so anxious when I saw her. She looked so beautiful and I wondered how Maya looked. Her gown was the most beautiful one I have ever seen so maybe, they will both wear matching gowns just like Tom and I, I thought.
Next.When Maya started walking down the aisle with Sir Max, my eyes instantly were filled with tears. I remembered all she endured because of me from the very first day. I despised her because of my pride and arrogance. I vowed to spend every single day, making it up to her. She didn't wear the same gown as Tracy. Well, it was almost the same. The only difference was the neck. Hers' was V-shaped and Tracy's was round. I couldn't believe that such a beautiful, sexy, caring, loving, and selfless girl, fell in love with an asshole like me. I don't deserve her. She is the most beautiful among God's creations and I am so blessed to have her.
Tilda came as promised and today is the happiest I have ever seen her. I don't care what you think but Tilda is a miracle. Thanks to her plan, we didn't have to disobey our parents. We both got what we wanted even though the process wasn't great but the result is exceptional. I love her so much as a friend.
After the wedding, Sir Max left the next day. I was happy to meet someone as close to Maya as a father. I know it wasn't easy for her to grow up without her own parents. We decided to stay for two weeks before going on our honeymoon. Tracy and Tom will go earlier, whiles Maya and I stay to manage the company till they return. They will take over the company for us to also go on our honeymoon and that is how it's going to be in the future.
Another reason why we have to stay behind is that sadly, Tilda passed away the next day after our wedding. We intend to go to the funeral before our honeymoon. Tilda's death has been very hard on Maya eventhough she knew it was going to happen. It's as if they have known each other for years. I will allow her enough time to moan but when all this is over, she is going to perform her marital duties, atleast twice a day. Well, that's what I have planned for us. Call me whatever you want but guess what? I don't care.