Chapter 6: The Wedding

Isabella's POV

I pushed Alexander away, suddenly realizing what I was doing. "No, this is wrong," I said. "I have a boyfriend, someone I love, and I can't do this."

Alexander gave me a confused look, saying, "He might be your boyfriend, but that's all in the past. I'm going to be your husband, so I don't see how it's wrong."

I was unable to think straight at that moment. Confusion gnawed at me, mingling with a strange guilt, as I didn't regret kissing him. It had felt...good.

"You have to forget your past, Isabella," he said.

I sighed. "How can I do it so quickly? This morning, everything was normal. I was living a completely different life, I had a boyfriend whom I loved so much, and suddenly, everything changed in a few hours. Now I'm kissing some other guy I've met probably three times in my entire life," I lamented.

Alexander's response was characteristically calm. "Well, that kind of summarizes the whole thing."

My frustration boiled over. "This is not funny!" I snapped.

Alexander merely shrugged. "You're the one who likes to joke in serious situations."

"Not when the serious situation involves me getting married to a stranger," I replied with a hint of sarcasm.

Alexander quipped, "Stranger might not be the right word because you know me."

I scoffed, "I know your name and that you can argue and debate very well. Talking to you is like talking to a wall."

This is absurd, I thought to myself. One moment, I'm a regular college student with a loving boyfriend, and the next, I'm engaged to a man I barely know. Is it even possible to forget the past and embrace this strange new future?

I tried to gather my thoughts and make sense of the situation. But this is real. My parents and Alexander's parents expect us to marry, and there's no easy way out. Even though I don't want this, I need to find a way to cope.

"Isabella," Alexander's voice broke through my internal monologue. "I know this is strange, but we're both in this situation together. We'll have to figure it out."

He's right, I acknowledged. We're both trapped in this bizarre arrangement, and somehow we have to make the best of it.

I looked at Alexander, attempting to read his mysterious demeanor. What's going on in his mind? What does he really think about all this?

"Alexander," I began, seeking some clarity. "Why are you so calm about all this?"

Alexander leaned back, his enigmatic expression never wavering. "Calmness helps in dealing with chaos, Isabella. Our situation is chaotic, to say the least."

I couldn't help but nod in agreement. This guy has a point. If I keep panicking, it won't solve anything. Maybe I should follow his lead, at least for now.

Dad smiled as we returned to the table, and he said, "Isabella, Alexander, we've been discussing some details about your upcoming marriage."

Mr. Harrington, added, "We want to make sure that this is a memorable event for both of you."

I couldn't help but sigh internally. The thought of this marriage becoming an unforgettable event was far from comforting.

"So, we were thinking of having the wedding at St. Mark's Church," Mom chimed in.

St. Mark's Church, I thought. That sounded suitably traditional, though it was hard to be enthusiastic about a wedding that neither of us wanted.

"That sounds like a wonderful choice," Mrs. Harrington agreed.

I wondered if anyone noticed the complete lack of enthusiasm on our faces, but I doubted it.

Mom continued, "And for the reception, we thought the Grand Manor Banquet Hall would be a splendid location. It's a charming venue and large enough for all our guests."

I gave a nonchalant nod, as if I had any say in these decisions. It felt strange to be discussing the details of a wedding I had no interest in and a marriage I had no desire for. But this was my reality now.

Mr. Harrington, seemingly excited, jumped into the conversation. "And we were thinking of setting a date a couple of weeks from now. It should give us enough time to prepare."

Alexander and I exchanged a glance, both of us with a look of resignation in our eyes.

"How does that sound to you, Isabella?" Dad asked.

In my mind, I replied, It sounds like I'm losing control of my life. But aloud, I merely said, "It sounds fine."

I glanced at Alexander, who looked equally uninterested in this entire wedding planning discussion.

My mind raced with bitter thoughts as they continued to discuss the details of an event I hadn't asked for. It seemed like our parents were creating this wedding to serve their own desires, not ours. I was trapped in a web of obligations, and the gravity of the situation was beginning to settle in, leaving me feeling more helpless than ever.

Two weeks had passed by so quickly that I couldn't even believe it. Staying in Alexander's house wasn't too bad, except it was mostly just me and a bunch of workers bustling around. It turns out that this place was going to be our marital love nest. You know, the place where I'd share my life with a guy I hardly even knew. How lucky am I?

Okay, maybe I was a tad thrilled because it meant no in-laws yet. The thought of living with a family I barely know was about as appealing as a porcupine hug. But hold your applause; I'd still get to enjoy that treat soon enough.

Living with Alexander, on the other hand, didn't sound like a total nightmare. Thank goodness it's just the two of us in this house. I mean, who needs more people in this charade?

But back to the point – my partner in wedding crime, Diana, was miles away, out of reach. In our own little world, we'd chat for hours about our future weddings, sharing details only a true best friend could appreciate. It was all magic and dreams. So yeah, there's a major vacuum in my life right now.

Diana and I had crafted grand plans for each other. Think beautiful colors, epic dance numbers, and a love story to make Disney jealous. But now, it was all slipping through my fingers, much like that bar of soap in a steamy shower. What I wouldn't give to just call her up and chat about my epic wedding plans. Instead, I'm stuck in this peculiar scenario, where bridesmaids are MIA, no best man's cracking jokes, and those oh-so-precious pre-wedding jitters? They're AWOL too.

In the usual script, the bride's running around in a frenzy, trying on a gazillion dresses, dabbling with countless makeup shades, and having near heart attacks about whether the flowers are the right shade of "oh-my-gosh-this-is-the-most-important-day-of-my-life pink."

But my version? Oh, it's a whole new level of "Where's Waldo?" Instead of all that, I was here thinking about life in an empty house, wondering what kind of wacky twist was coming next. Seriously, if anyone knew, they'd probably give me the side-eye.

I couldn't help but imagine the reactions of friends and family if they knew that the bride-to-be was spending her final moments of singledom alone, with not a bridesmaid in sight, and no hint of a bachelorette party. Classic, right? I mean, how could you explain the lack of wedding preparations, or the fact that the bride's running around solo, with no one to hold her proverbial hand?

Cue the laugh track. I could almost hear the sitcom audience going wild with laughter. My life had turned into a sitcom, and it was a comedy of errors.

So here I am, alone in an empty house, chuckling at the bizarre absurdity of it all. It's like the prelude to a crazy, unconventional marriage that I couldn't have made up in my wildest dreams. Yet, life had its own twisted sense of humor, and I was just along for the hilarious, and slightly nonsensical, ride. 

The moment had arrived, and it was time for the magical transformation. My makeup artist and dresser swept in with all their tools, ready to work their magic. The makeup artist was probably one of those who could turn a pumpkin into a horse-drawn carriage if she wanted.

"Time to get decked up," the makeup artist cheerily declared.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes as they started their work. What a day to be turning into a bride, right?

The room had been buzzing with activity, and I felt like the centerpiece of a wedding factory. People flitted around, fussing over my hair, makeup, and gown. My "entourage," as they called themselves, were in full wedding commando mode. It was like preparing for a military operation, only the generals were in high heels and had an arsenal of hairpins.

Oh, how I've dreamt of this day since I was a little girl, I thought, dripping with sarcasm. I can't remember when I started fantasizing about becoming a bride and having a glam squad descend upon me. Definitely not when I was playing in the mud as a kid.

The wedding gown they handed me was nothing short of extravagant. It was a voluminous ball gown with a seemingly endless train. It had more layers than an onion and enough lace to make my great-grandmother proud.

Just the perfect attire for an outdoor summer wedding, I thought with an eye roll. I've always wanted to feel like a walking confectionery.

The bodice was a labyrinth of intricate beadwork and lace, and I had to hold my breath as they laced it up. The gown was like a corset on steroids. "Breathe, dear," one of the ladies advised. I managed to nod while pondering how anyone could breathe in a contraption like this.

Yep, this is how I've always wanted to embrace the delicate art of slow suffocation, I mused.

The back of the dress was the showstopper. A dramatic low V-cut plunged all the way to my waist, making me wonder if I was about to marry someone or audition for an Olympic diving event. A row of satin-covered buttons followed, creating an illusion of sophistication. I'd just have to remind myself not to sit down.

But hey, if I ever wanted to moonwalk down the aisle, this dress has got me covered, I chuckled internally.

The gown felt like a marvel of engineering. A few moments of silence, and I'd probably have started naming the lace patterns or counting the pearls on it.

The makeup artist worked diligently, making me look as ethereal as a fairy princess. I wondered if they had a checklist that included rosy cheeks and fluttering eyelashes.

My lashes are fluttering like a windmill in a storm, I thought with a grin. All I need is a tiara to complete my transformation into a sparkly forest creature.

As they continued to work their magic, I mused, If only real life came with this many professionals to make sure I didn't mess everything up. Maybe I should hire a makeup artist for those early morning work meetings.

Finally, after hours of primping and preening, it was done. My mom swept into the room with an excited gleam in her eye. She took one look at me, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree.

"Oh, Isabella, you look absolutely stunning!" she gushed. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, I forgot about the layers of tulle and lace, the makeup artists working their magic, and the impending wedding.

Well, at least someone's thrilled about this whole thing, I thought, unable to suppress a wry smile. My mom should be in the wedding planning business. She's got the enthusiasm for it.

"Thank you, Mom," I said, not wanting to burst her bubble. "It's... quite the dress, isn't it?"

She laughed, clearly oblivious to the hint of sarcasm in my tone. "It's perfect! You're going to be the most beautiful bride ever. Your father will be so proud."

I'm not entirely sure this was his vision of a "perfect" wedding, but I'll go along with it, I mused, still amused by the whole absurdity of the situation.

The car and driver were waiting to whisk me away, and I couldn't help but chuckle at how everyone seemed to be trying to keep their cool in this chaos. It was as if everyone was hell-bent on maintaining a façade of normalcy in a situation that was anything but.

Sure, let's make this journey as short as possible. Can't risk having my makeup melt off on the way to the grand spectacle, I mused.

We arrived at the church within minutes, and my temporary home, Alexander's house, turned out to be conveniently close to this lavish place of worship. I couldn't help but wonder if that was an intentional choice. Let's keep the bride's makeup intact and the sarcasm in check, I thought with a smirk.

Stepping into St. Mark's Church, I was met with a breathtaking display of opulence. It was as if they had tried to pack every ounce of grandeur into this place for our "luxurious and expensive" wedding.

The soaring ceilings were a canvas of intricate frescoes and gold accents, reminiscent of classic architecture taken to the extreme. Crystal chandeliers dangled like overly eager stars, attempting to outshine the sun outside. Wonder if the church bill includes a small constellation, I couldn't help but think.

The aisle, covered in plush crimson velvet, whispered of indulgence with every step. I half-expected red carpet to be laid out in the parking lot too. The sides of the aisle were lined with towering flower arrangements that looked more like botanical bodyguards than decorations. They gave the air an intoxicating fragrance, although I wondered if they were secretly gas masks to help us breathe in all this opulence.

And the pews, oh, the pews. Dressed in creamy satin and adorned with larger-than-life silk bows, they looked ready for a royal event. Not sure if they'd provide thrones for us to sit on, but it wouldn't surprise me at this point.

As I approached the altar, I couldn't help but imagine it was the epicenter of a wedding-themed hurricane. I half-expected the flower arrangements to break into synchronized dance. Now that would be a show, I thought with a smirk.

The whole setup was an absolute testament to extravagance. Despite my personal reservations and sarcastic musings, I couldn't deny that the church was a sight to behold.

Well, at least we'll have something to talk about in those inevitable family gatherings after this whole extravaganza, I concluded.

As I stood at the threshold of the grand church, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the moment that had been rehearsed countless times in dreams and fairy tales. The towering doors opened, and the organ music swelled, filling the air with a majestic, timeless melody. With each step I took down the crimson velvet aisle, I couldn't help but feel like a character in an extravagant fairy tale.

Wouldn't be surprised if Cinderella showed up to hand me a glass slipper, I thought.

The church was a vision of opulence, a testament to the beauty and grace of a Christian wedding. The high vaulted ceilings soared above me, adorned with intricate frescoes and gilded moldings, evoking a sense of classic elegance. If this is what a wedding looks like, I can't wait to see what Buckingham Palace has to offer, I mused.

The aisle was my personal red carpet, a plush sea of crimson velvet that beckoned me forward. Each step was a delicate dance, and I couldn't help but feel like a queen walking to her throne. Maybe there's a crown waiting for me at the end of this, I thought, momentarily indulging in the fantasy.

The sides of the aisle were guarded by towering arrangements of white lilies, orchids, and roses, standing like regal sentinels. The fragrance they emitted was intoxicating, as if the entire church had been turned into a blooming garden. Just a few more steps and I'll be in the land of Narnia, I teased myself.

The pews were dressed in creamy satin, adorned with elegant silk bows and garlands of ivy. They whispered of a romantic affair, as if the seats themselves were in love. Must've seen more weddings than anyone in this place.

The altar was my destination, the epicenter of this grand performance. It was adorned with a resplendent arrangement of flowers and greenery, forming the focal point of the ceremony. I couldn't help but imagine a choir of angels descending from the heavens, ready to serenade us. What do you think, Gabriel, tenor or soprano?

And there he was, Alexander, looking handsome as ever. He stood at the altar in his impeccable black tuxedo, the epitome of elegance and grace. Well, at least one of us is ready for this, I quipped in my mind.

As I approached the altar, I couldn't help but be swept up in the dreamy extravagance of it all. The world around me seemed to fade, and it was just Alexander and me in this grand, extravagant fairy tale.

The grandeur of the ceremony persisted as I reached the altar, where Alexander stood waiting. His eyes bore a mixture of determination and uncertainty, mirroring my own feelings about the situation. The priest began the ceremony, his voice resonating through the church.

"We have gathered here today to celebrate the union of Alexander and Isabella in holy matrimony."

Big words for a big event, I couldn't help but remark internally.

The priest continued, "Alexander, do you take Isabella to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?"

Alexander's voice was filled with a sincerity that tugged at the heartstrings of everyone present. "I do."

I took a deep breath, attempting to channel my inner romantic for the impending vows.

The priest turned to me, and my moment in the spotlight arrived.

"Isabella, do you take Alexander to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?"

My response was accompanied by a wry smile, "Yes, I do."

The priest's expression remained unchanged, and he continued, "Alexander and Isabella have chosen to exchange personal vows."

Personal vows, I thought, this could get interesting.

Alexander began, his eyes locked onto mine. "Isabella, from the moment we met, my life has taken a path I never anticipated. It's been a whirlwind, but in that chaos, I've found something I never expected: a connection. Our journey hasn't been conventional, but here we are. I promise to stand by your side, to support and protect you, to be your partner in this unpredictable adventure we call life. I vow to make every day better than the last, and to cherish and love you with all my heart."

Well, at least he sounds sincere, I thought, a small smile escaping my lips.

The spotlight was on me once more, and I raised an eyebrow, ready to add my own unique flair to the vows.

"Alexander, I must say, this whole 'marriage' thing wasn't on my list of life goals. But here we are, so let's make the most of it. I promise to tolerate your debates and your obsession with Sherlock Holmes. I vow to navigate this unpredictable journey alongside you, though I make no promises to enjoy the ride. I suppose you're not the worst partner in crime."

The assembly stifled a collective laugh, and I couldn't help but let out a playful wink. After all, this was my version of a fairy tale wedding.

The priest smiled, and with a twinkle in his eye, he proclaimed, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Alexander's smile was genuine, and he leaned in to seal our unconventional vows with a tender kiss. The grand church seemed to come alive with applause and cheers, and for a brief moment, the magic of the moment enveloped me.

The whole wedding thing was unexpected and against my wish but since I cannot change it, why not try to enjoy it as much as I can?