Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Vincent

I got ready by wearing simple clothes. I am not the one for an “over the top” wedding. I was ready and the wedding was gonna start soon.

I came out of my room and was roaming around to see it for the last time that everything was alright. I was getting bored anyway. When the hell will she--

I saw her coming out of her room. Her makeup was done again and this time, she just… looked more beautiful. I don’t know… more bright, happier.

I was staring at her and I didn’t notice it until she looked at me numerous times and finally blushed a little. I took my eyes off her and damn, for the first time in my fucking life, I blushed too.

“Bride and groom don’t see each other--”

“Rules don’t apply to us” I replied to one of the girls who interrupted us. She nodded and continued her work.

I went to her and she looked at me with a confused expression.

------

Ashley

I was shocked at the way he was looking at me. God, I know I was just hallucinating, but, I don’t think that in even any hallucinations, he can blush.

The girl told us we can’t see each other like he is ever gonna follow any rules and traditions. As expected he told her that rules don’t apply. But what shocked me was that he said “us” not “me”.

He started coming towards me and the confusion grew in me.

Ah, not so close…

I wanted to say but he kept coming near until the distance between us completely vanished. He touched my hair and I looked at him. His gaze was lingering on me intently and he looked like he… he, I don’t know, wanted me.

I looked down because even if we are marrying, I know, he knows, this is not a love marriage, neither a marriage of love or for love.

This is just a promise made by my parents to his parents.

“Look at me,” he said huskily and I craved to look into his eyes. I looked up once again and he smiled faintly. He came closer and my breath slowed down to almost negligible.

He leaned down looking in my eyes and I just stood there dumbly. I didn’t know how to react even if I knew what was gonna happen if I didn't stop him.

Somehow, I didn’t wanna stop him.

“Oh no! The bride and the groom can never kiss before the wedding day like this!” some random girl almost yelled and suddenly he went back and looked sideways.

I was again confused by his reaction.

“V-Vincent--”

“Get ready, only around ten minutes are left” he left.

Well, I think his mood suddenly changed but the thing is that I don’t even know why.

I was ready, what did he mean by ‘get ready’, huh?

Well, I am not emotionally ready and I will not be…

“You two look good together. Maybe the circumstances are not in your favor, but still, try to make this work” Lara hugged me and asked me to be strong and positive.

“Yeah…” I replied.

“Go”

I smiled and slowly made my way to the stage where Vincent was already standing. I took a deep breath as I realized the lack of my dad. There is no one to walk me down to the aisle. This is so bad.

I sighed as I tried to forget any stupid thoughts clouding my mind again. I have to focus on my present, not my past or even the future. I should think about it now, and I know that I don’t have any choice. Well, sometimes I feel good to have no choice- at least I won’t have any regrets.

I made my way to the aisle and stood next to him. He didn’t even look at me this time. I looked down. What do you expect, Ashley? Keep your stupid thoughts to yourself, okay!

I saw Lara and someone else walking and standing near us. oh yeah! Lara is the ring bearer too.

“Dear beloved. Today we are gathered here to…” the officiant started addressing the crowd. Since he spoke about other things like the importance of this marriage and stuff. Then he addressed us and told us about the responsibilities we will be taking after speaking the vows.

After all that, we were asked to take our vows.

“I, Vincent Smith, take thee, Ashley Jones, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith to you," he spoke and I listened to it really well. I will just repeat it.

“I, Ashley Jones, take thee, Vincent Smith, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith to you."

He looked at me as I repeated his words and a small smile played on his lips.

“Now, the ring-bearers may present you with the rings”

Lara came and gave me a ring. “Remember, left hand” she smiled and went back.

He took a ring too.

“Now, you may exchange rings” Father instructed and he moved forward and took my hand.

“Ashley, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love” he inserted the ring on the third finger on my left hand.

I blushed at his words. He is so sweet with words, isn’t he? Now, I won’t repeat it, it’s gonna be awkward. I am happy that I prepared a little differently from this.

I took a deep breath and took his hand hesitantly. I looked at him to make sure he didn't have a problem and he was just standing emotionless.

Well.

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day” I placed the finger on his left hand.

He smiled. “Sweet”

I looked at him as I quite didn’t expect that word to leave his mouth.

“As we lack the engagement ceremony I thought you would have liked, I offer you a new ring in case you ever feel the lack of it” he took my hand and kept it in my hand. “It is not right to make you wear it today; I hope I get the chance tomorrow, and forevermore”

I smiled. “I am sure you will. I am glad you thought so much about me”

“I love you”

As those words left his mouth, I was too shocked to react. I smiled widely as I processed them.

“I love you too”

“You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined, men must not divide. Amen.” the priest announced and he smiled at me.

“You may now kiss the bride”

He came slowly close to me and this moment was when I was quite scared. This was gonna be my first kiss… and I don’t even know--

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“I-I…” words never form at these moments!

He chuckled. “It’s okay”

He joined our lips in a soft kiss and the crowd burst out in a round of applause. He ended it soon and we looked into each other’s eyes just after that, like… like we are madly in love.

The ceremony ended with a few last words from the officiant and we walked down the aisle followed by Lara and others.

I hugged Lara for one more time as we went out of the building.

“Stay happy, stay blessed!”

“You too” I smiled at her. “Bye, Lara”

“Bye, Ashley”

“Passenger’s seat” he whispered suddenly and sat down on the driver’s seat. I sat down beside him and he started driving. I waved at everyone and got teary-eyed seeing Lara.

“Congratulations,” he said.