Chapter 122: Chapter 122

JUNE

I confronted Mark about his feelings, and he came clean. I felt guilty hearing him speak of how much he had loved me for the past 10 years. I was such a fool for not realizing that the boy who had always been by my side was in love with me.

It was painful to think that I played with his emotions all along, constantly speaking of Kristen in front of him. I can't express how much pain he passed through when I got together with Kristen. Yet, he was there for me through thick and thin. I can't ever ask for a better friend. That was why I vowed to help him. I will always be there when he needs me.

The moment the makeup artist left, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked different. I can't explain how she did it, transforming my face until I looked so much like a doll.

“You are beautiful," Mark whispered, coming to stand beside me. He locked his gaze with mine through the mirror, grinning.

“Thank you.”

Dressed in a dark blue suit with a golden tie, he looked so mature and handsome. His golden tie matched the jewels that adorned the skirt of my gown. It was the colour I chose.

As I had no female friends aside from Favour, I asked him to wear that, to match my gown.

“Kristen will be awed when he sees you. Trust me on this.” He winked as she helped me to rise from the chair. It was difficult with how heavy the gown was, and the 5-inch heels Favour begged me to put on.

Speaking of Favour, she was supposed to—

“Oh my God!” she shrieked, racing into the chamber with her eyes dramatically widened. “Is this who I think —”

“June?” Henry interrupted, stepping into the room, dressed in the same colour of suit as Mark. The only difference was the ox blood tie that perfectly matched the beautiful gown Favour was putting on.

“She looks gorgeous, right?” Favour closed the distance between us and took my gloved hands in hers. “Girl, you are pretty!”

“Yes, she looks like her mother,” Henry murmured, looking like he was barely keeping the tears at bay. It was clear as day that he still cared for my mom.

“Come on, it's a joyous day! Don't go acting like a baby!” Favour scowled at him before she turned to face me, smiling sweetly. “You are the most beautiful lady today, my dear child. I love you.”

“I love you too, Favour.” I enveloped her in a hug, taking in a whiff of her calming scent.

Surrounded by my family and loved ones, I couldn't ask for anything else on such a joyous occasion.

.....

I linked my elbow with Henry, who was waiting at the door for me.

“I can't believe I have such a beautiful daughter.” Henry smiled and patted my arm. He looked like he was about to cry, but I didn't point that out, opting to act like I wasn't feeling as nervous as hell.

It has only been three months from the time Kristen proposed for the second time. I wasn't expecting the wedding, but he was eager to have me as a wife.

The door to the Cathedral opened, accompanied by the solo piano and pipe organ. The soothing sounds and soft light eased my nerves, which picked up when I saw the man at the end of the aisle.

Kristen stood still, with his hands joined in front of him. He looked like a masterpiece, a work an artist meticulously crafted, while inspired by the heavenly beings.

His green eyes looked more emerald. His hair was combed to perfection, giving him a very natural look.

My stomach fluttered at the sight of the man waiting for me. The man, who will be my husband at the end of the ceremony.

With my dad leading me down the red carpet, past the guests gazing at me, I strode over to Kristen with the bouquet of roses.

When I got to him, my dad gave me over to him and walked back to his spot next to Favour, who looked like she was barely keeping her butt on the chair.

"You look beautiful,” Kristen murmured and winked at me.

With my hand in his, we turned to face the priest, who was ready for the ceremony.

“We are gathered here today….” The priest started...

Kristen's warm palms, gently pressing on me, led me throughout the service. I thought I would be nervous when I asked to say my vows to him. Surprisingly, it wasn't so. I effortlessly said it all while looking at Kristen, whose gaze hadn't left mine.

“Should anyone here present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony? Speak now or forever, hold your peace?”

There was utter silence in the congregation. I even held my breath, praying nothing ha—

The front doors opened, and a man dramatically strode into the church. Dressed in a black suit, with his almost greying hair slicked back with a gel, he looked like a secret agent.

“I am—” He froze, looking around the place. His eyes landed on me, and he smiled. “Hello, June. Sorry I'm late for your wedding,” Mark's father apologized as he sat on the last pew.

“Always dramatic!” Kristen murmured under his breath while I chuckled.

For a moment there, I thought someone else had interrupted the wedding. It would have meant that my worst fear came to pass. I can tell the few people in the church also felt that way, since they all knew of the scandal a few months ago.

The priest cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him.

He resumed his speech until he reached the part I was waiting for.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Kristen placed his hands on both sides of my face and stared into my eyes. “You are mine, now and forever,” he murmured before he kissed me.

I was hoping for a chaste kiss, but he proved me wrong. Placing his right hand on my waist, he drew me closer, taking my breath away with the scorching kiss.

His kiss drowned sounds from the congregations. The tingling sensation it brought as his tongue danced around mine. The soft caresses of his left hand, ghosting on my face, the orange taste on his tongue and the gentle way he held me, seemed to drag me down into an abyss.

I moaned out, clutching tightly to his golden tie, moulding my body into his, desperate for something else, but knowing I won't be getting it. At least not in a church.

At that moment, I only had him in mind. Kristen is now mine. The only man I will willingly walk down the lane with. The father of my child, and the only man my heart beats for.....