(January 27th, 2015)

  I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled slightly. My dress, it was an all ivory lace, silhouette gown with an empire waist. My shoulders were left bare, it was sleeveless. The bottom, was where it puffed and it was pretty exaggerated, the train was longer than just a typical chapel length.

  At the empire waist there was a dark pink velvet ribbon that circled my waist about two inches wide with a formed, beautifully tied bow at the back. The skirt flowed, starting from my waist and ending at a small pool on the floor, making me look all the more elegant. It made me look petite, but rather tall.

  It was everything any woman of my age would want on her marriage, everything and maybe, I could pretend that this was what I wanted too and that is what made me grin, my mind, my thoughts.

  My  shoes added quite a few more inches to my height. They were simple, pearly white pumps, it really didn't matter, they weren't seen anyway. My hair was pulled up into something so beautiful that I couldn't describe and my make up was done with all care, the veil covering my face.

  "Are you ready, love?" my dad asked, holding his hand out.

  "I guess," I mumbled back, smiling slightly.

  "Where did your beautiful smile go, Cassidy? I haven't seen it for years. You're getting married, be happy," he said, smiling reassuringly.

  I chuckled and smiled back at him. I was doing all this for him, if I can can risk half my life, I think I can manage a good smile that he wants to see.

  "It's always there, daddy. Especially for you,"

  I took his held out hand, my small cold shaking one, into his large warm comforting one.

  We walked out of the dressing room where all the groomsmen and bridesmaids were lining up. Acacia was in the front of the line with her arms linked to Blake's arm, the best man.

  It felt like hours before the music cued my entrance. I gripped onto my father's jacket, literally digging my nails into his arm.

  I trembled with every step down the aisle, but looked straight into Jeremy's eyes, who was waiting for me at the alter, grinning like nothing else mattered, like no one was watching. I could tell that he was nervous too, but some how it reassured me. Once I got to the alter I turned to my father.

  I looked into his eyes that were tearing up, even though he wasn't showing it he was scared and nervous like me. He held on to my hand tightly, not moving at all. I leaned over to kiss his cheek and whispered into his ear

  "Daddy you can let go now, I'll be okay. You will always be my daddy and I will always be your little girl."

  "Okay, Cassidy," he said in a low raspy voice "but promise me one thing."

  I pulled back and looked into his eyes, nodding slowly. They are about to burst with tears like mine.

  "Promise me you will always smile and be happy and always remember that I love you." He said. A tear escaped from his eye.

  I swallowed hard "I promise. I love you." was all I could say.

  He turned to Jeremy and pulled him into a quick one armed hug and patted his shoulder before giving my hands to Jeremy's.

  My father looked at me one more time and turned to take his seat in the front row next my mother.

  I turned to Jeremy, who offered me a quick smile, and then looked at the minister and nodded my head.

  "Friends, Family, Loved ones, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show any cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace." the minister pauses for a moment and scans through the crowd.

  "The bride and groom may now exchange their vows" he continues looking at Jeremy "I, Jeremy,
Take you, Cassidy,
To be my lawfully wedded wife;
"

  Jeremy repeated looking me in the eyes and grinning.

  "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, In sickness and in health,"


  Jeremy repeated holding my hands tighter.

  "To love and to cherish,
'Till death do us part."

  Jeremy finally tilted his head up to look at me. He repeated the minister loud and clear for the last part.

  I bit my lip down nervously because it was now my turn. I repeated the same vow keeping Jeremy's gaze the whole time.

  "I, Cassidy Valentines,
 take you, Jeremy to be my 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."

  The minister motioned for the little ring bearer to come forward with the rings. He held up the little cushion towards Jeremy first who took the wedding band and slipped it onto my left ring finger, I notice his nickname engraved on my ring Pumpkin. I could tell he was as nervous as I was because his hands were trembling whilst sliding the ring into my finger. Then it was my turn. I picked up the ring from the cushion into my small trembling fingers and slipped it onto Jeremy's left ring finger. I also noticed my nickname engraved on his golden band, it said Cupcake, well how embarrassing it must be for him to wear such a thing.

  The minister took a deep breath before saying the next part.

  "I pronounce you as Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes. You may now kiss the bride,"

  A relived smile broke into his face, and so did mine. He leaned in closer, pressing his lips tightly against mine, too forced, as if he expected this kiss to be our last and wanted to savor it for eternity. His lips were smooth, supple, just as I remember them. His bottom lip pursed tightly over mine. His hands caressed my neck, slowing sliding up to my flushed cheek. His hand was cold, at first but then I could feel the warmth radiating off his skin onto mine as it settled on my waist. The kiss ended as fast as it started. We turned to the hooting and hollering crowd, and Blake gave Jeremy a pat on his back.

  We walked down the aisle, with smiles as people clapped, cheered and threw flower petals, just like a fairy tale, only I knew it wasn't.

  Jeremy helped me get in the limo that waited for us outside, decorate with white roses. Oh how I hated these flowers, I admit, there was a certain beauty to them, but it was a beauty that will never be seen by my eyes.

  Once the doors of the limo were closed and everyone was out of our sight, Jeremy turned to me and smiled awkwardly. I only raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to speak.

  "Umm.. so? How was it?" 

  "Please Jeremy, do not tell me you just asked me how our wedding was?" This time, I raised both my eyebrows and gave him a ridiculous look.

  "Yeah?"

  I sighed. This was going to be a long, long ride.

  "You look beautiful," he mumbled.

  "So I've been told," I said, giving him a fake smile which he frowned at.

  He tried to make some conversation with me, but I refused to listen and just looked out the window until we reached the hotel where our wedding reception would be held.

  We were the last to reach, as expected. Everyone was mingling around the large garden at the back of the hotel, having some wine or even cocktail. I took my time to run through the guests, greeting them and many wished me happiness for my future.

  Everyone was covered in expensive clothing, women looked gorgeous and all men looked handsome. 

  The photographer that my father hired has arrived and has asked as to stand for pictures. Many people came in for them and it took us about two hours to be done with them, we weren't even halfway through the reception and I was already exhausted.

  As we entered the hall, after everyone did, we were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes by the MC which earned us a huge round of applause and another way of congratulations at the reception line, which for some reason was done before the dinner.

  Jeremy held out his hand to me and I took it, faking a smile that I knew everyone would fall for. We sat at the head table, Jeremy pulling out a chair for me and me smiling all the time, at everyone who was looking. The guests started clinking their wine glasses and I knew what was coming next.

  I turned to face Jeremy, his placed his hand at the back of my neck, pulling my face closer to his and placing his lips on mine. I wrapped my hands around his neck, kissing him back with everything I could. Smiling through it. 

  People were looking and clinking their glasses, I had to give them something to watch.

  With one last peck we pulled away, grinning ear to ear.

  "The dinner will be served right now, we hope our services will satisfy you." the MC anounced, smiling at everyone, and leaving the stage. 

  "How are you liking it so far?" Jeremy asks, smiling politely at me and I look politely right on through, his mother was at his side, giving me a smile which I returned. She was such a sweet woman, it was hard to forget that, unlike her son.

  "It's all right, I like the food. Do you?" I asked, smiling again. 

  "Yes, it's very well done," he said, sipping on his wine. His eyes glistening with something I couldn't quite point out.

  A song started playing, one that I didn't know and I immediately regret my lack of knowledge and interest in music. How sad is it not to know which song is playing on your wedding?

  "Shall we?" he said, holding out his hand. His skinny, but rather built figure hovered over me, blocking everyone's eyes out and I was thankful to the fact.

  "Yes," I grinned, letting him lead me to the center of the hall.

  His hands were on my waist and mine around his neck. We danced through three songs, after me groaning because of him steeping on my foot seven times and my heels weren't helping. I'm glad that the song 'Butterfly Kisses' started playing and my father came up to dance with me, his eyes teary.

  "I hope you're happy," my dad mumbled, his grip on my hand tightening, I smiled sweetly and nodded. There was no way I will go through with all of this just to disappoint him. It was all for him.

  Once the song was over, I dance with my newly father-in-law and the best man, some others requested for a dance, but I apologized, rejecting their offer.

  "Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming the bride and groom up to cut the cake - A Big Round of applause please!"

  ***

   Jeremy and I were now at our hotel room, the music was playing, slow to the ears and romantic to the air of breaths that escaped us. He stood up from the couch that was right in front of mine and walked up to me holding his hand out, "would you like to dance?"

  I raised my eyebrows at him. Jeremy never dances, he hates dancing. I decided against questioning his sudden request and nodded my head in agreement. A grin found its way to his face and I took hold of his hand, he pulled me up too fast for my liking that I bumped into his chest. He however didn't seem to mind it at all and placed his hand on the small of my back and the other is holding my left hand to the side, my right goes up to his shoulder.

  "Are you mad at me?" he asked.

  "Why would I be? everything seemed fine today. Hopefully it would stay that way. It takes you and a nice day to ruin everything." I mumble the last part more to myself, trying to make sure he doesn't hear me and I guess he doesn't, because he doesn't say anything back and Jeremy is never one to be quiet.

  I place my head on his chest, both my hands snaking up to his shoulders and his sliding down to my hips. We swayed to the slow music and said nothing. After what seemed like hours I decided to sit. My wedding dress was making me feel slightly uncomfortable now.

  Jeremy walked across the room partly dazed, we were glad that the wedding had finally been drawn to an end. Needless to say, both of us had burdens lifted off our shoulders. We just sat there on the couch, enjoying the sound of silence and each other's company just like before.

  "Jeremy, be a doll and fetch the wine from the cooler while I freshen up," I requested, without a sound he humbly obliged to my request. He could use a drink too. He sliped off and poured himself and I a pint and set them on the table, undoing his tie whilst he waits there for me to join him.

  "Just give me a minute," I mumbled. I walked to the bathroom, shutting the door but left it unlocked anyway.

  I think he overheard the struggling noises that echoed from the bathroom and he inquired, "Cassy? Is everything alright in there?"

  "Yeah yeah, I'm just a-hh-a can't get this off" I replied, still struggling with the zip at the back of my dress.

  "Do you need some help?" he courteously asked.

  "Yeah, please do come in." I said. He enters to see me struggling to unzip my very own attire which seemed to be stuck about shoulder-length, He sets down his blazer and walks towards me, taking small steps.

  "You look lost trying to get this off, cute," he muttered and I just sighed, waiting for him to help me out and not pass some squishy comments. I'm twenty five, cute wouldn't be the word I would like to be referred to as.

  I looked down at the mirror and see him walking towards me. He had always looked stunning in suits, this moment wasn't an exception. "Can you unzip this for me please? It's stuck and I can't get it to move." I said in somewhat of a coy manner.

  "Dear, I don't know how you plan to unzip the dress if you don't unhook the partings first" he said, amusement dancing in his eyes and the reception of an embarrassed look on my face seemed to give me away.

  "Don't worry, here, I'll unhook it" he comforted, as he reached right behind me. I stood there trying not to move, I didn't want to show him that I was nervous. He tried vigorously to unhook the dress to no avail, he takes a deep breath in and groans, my nervousness doesn't help the situation. He sighs, glancing at me, and I blush in recognition. I could feel the tension building, I could feel his warm hand unhooking the dress.

  A sighed in relief, but not for rather long.

  I turned around to thank him, "Uh-hmm-erm", to no avail but rather to gibberish. He tried to look at ease, but his facial expressions gave him away, I looked down rather embarrassed. He held my face gently by the chin and made me look up at him.

  Our eyes locked, and for that brief moment; I could feel our hearts beating fast, my hands went numb, they were completely hypothesized by his, I felt like we were one. He slowly moved his hand upward, caressing my cheek, and in reply, I rest my hands on his shoulders, leaning into his sudden gesture. I slowly felt unstable and found myself moving towards him uncontrollably, and he read the signs carefully and leaned himself in.

  I closed my eyes as we drew nearer and nearer until our lips meet. An innocent kiss hath latter grown, now we were subtly pacing in a sensual fusion. I jumped up on him, wrapping my legs around his hips and he carried me and pinned me to the wall, our tongues sparring.

  We slowly made our way to the bed, not breaking the dead locked love. He laid me down, and we repeated the act, not attempting to be any less subtle. It went on for some time, and yet it seemed like ages passed.

  He slowly played the first move, trying to be confident but just as scared. He slowly tired to unzip the gown, "Wait! I don't think I'm ready.", I said while panting hard, getting off bed. He retreated his hands, but nevertheless he seemed like he was relieved too. I brought myself to thinking but my thoughts blinded with ecstasy, and with a shocking move myself, I placed his hands back to where they were.

  He, pleasantly surprised, did nothing more than a reassuring peck on the lips and brought himself the audacity to pull down the zip, the gown falling in a pool at my feet making him suck a breath in.

  "Fu-

***

  I woke up to a terrible smell wafting from the kitchen. It wasn't that terrible, it was just that type of smell when you keep burning your food over and over again.

  I walk down the stairs slowly, buttoning up Jeremy's shirt fully and entering the kitchen to see him cooking, or at least trying to cook.

  "Five years and you still haven't learned, Fernandes."

  "I guess I was too dependent on you, Mrs. Fernandes"

  Him calling e Mrs. Fernades caught me off guard, but I hid the expression, not letting him see past my worries at all.

  "I guess you where," I said, taking the frying pan off his hands and placing it into the sink, whilst he handed me another one. I placed the new ingredients into the pan and started working on it.

  He snaked his arms around my waist but I shoved them off and placed the now fried eggs, bacon and sausages into two plates. Pushing one over to his side of the table and said "So, about that contract we signed. No way out, eh?" I ask, sighing.

  "No, don't tell me you don't enjoy being my wife. You can't tell me last night was forced. Admit it, we do have great chemistry, love," he said, winking at me.

  I glared at him.

  "You don't mess with me, Fernandes"

  "I promise, Mrs. Fernandes"

  He kissed me harshly, whilst I stayed frozen in his grasp. He wanted it to be real, but I couldn't join in the fantasy. He wrapped both his arms around my waist, hoping that with time, I would come around and feel the same way. But I wasn't buying it, all I could think of were the bitter memories.

___________

A picture of Cassidy Valentine's make up for the wedding! :)

Thank you to @Molly_me12 and Craig for helping me with this chapter and a few scenes. I hope you like this one, it's quite different from the rest and please do leave your comments and votes, fan maybe to? :) Thank You.

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