"Can you believe it, Sal?" Gina seethed as she paced the room of her best friend's apartment. "The man's out to ruin my life!"

Sally sighed. "I think you're exaggerating, Gina. He seems to be a nice guy."

Gina stopped short, looking at Sally as if she'd lost her mind. "Are you insane? Have you forgotten what he did to me?"

Sally stood and slumped her shoulders. "Never, but people change Gina. Maybe he wants to make things right."

Gina scoffed. "He left me to marry another woman, he left the country and now he's back wanting to marry me. Doesn't that sound like an arrogant son of a bitch?"

Sally raked her hand through her hair and blew out a breath. "You're right but you have no choice, G. You'll have to marry him."

Gina watched the sorrowful look that took residence on Sally's face. "I can't believe this is happening. You know when we were together, I always envisioned marrying him - our wedding day. Now I'm getting it and I hate it, I hate it Sal," her lips trembled and before tears could fall, Sally rushed towards her and hugged her.

"Everything's gonna be fine, G, you'll see," Sally comforted, gently massaging her back.

~**~

Time passed with the speed of a bullet and before Gina could fathom what was happening, it was the day of her wedding. Gina stared through the glass windows blankly, watching the activities of the city while she allowed the sun to beat her skin.

"Gina?" she heard her name but wasn't interested in replying or regarding whoever it was. But she knew it was her mother - only she knew how to talk her receptionist into letting her up without permission.

"Gina," Gianna called more firmly before she walked up to face her daughter.

"Leave me alone, mom," she protested when Gianna ushered her from the window.

"You have to be ready in the next hour. Where's your dress?" she asked, glancing hysterically in her daughters solemn face.

"I didn't buy one," she said, smiling.

Gianna rolled her eyes. "I knew you wouldn't, that's why I bought one for you," she said, watching as Gina scowled.

Sally stepped forward, holding up the bag with the dress. "Come on G, you know you have to do this."

Gina rolled her eyes and grabbed the bag. "I hate you guys."

Sally smiled. "Go shower."

Gina spent the longest time under the spray of water, not wanting to step out and face her harsh reality. She was prepared to stay a lot longer until the glass doors were pulled aside, welcoming Sally.

"Get your butt out now," she warned, grabbing a towel from the rack and handing it to her.

Gina complied and stepped in her room to find her mother on the phone.

"She's being stubborn but we'll be there soon. OK, yes I remember," she disconnected the phone and huffed at Gina.

"Quit behaving like a child Gina and quickly get dressed," Gianna scolded.

With much effort, Gina got her hair done and slipped on the dress her mother had bought. It was a creme colored long sleeved dress with sequined neckline. It rested fittingly on Gina's knees, the material hugging her body.

"Really mom, this is the best dress you could find?" she asked flatly.

"The dress looks nice Gina," Gianna defended.

Gina scoffed. "For a sixty year old woman on her way to her grave. I'm not wearing it," she said, shrugging it off.

Moving to her closet, she picked out a little black dress and turned, smiling. "Now this is more like it."

"Gina, come on!" Sally disapproved.

Disregarding Sally's comment, Gina slipped on the dress. Off the shoulder long sleeves, a tight waistline and a short flared bottom a few inches from her knee. Gina smiled satisfyingly and grabbed her favourite nude heels.

"Now I'm ready. Let's go." Gianna and Sally's mouth was agape with shock but they didn't protest. Instead, they followed behind wordlessly.

***

Gina paused upon reaching the entrance of the church. As soon as she decided to get it over with, her mother held her arm.

"Here, it's for Knox," Gianna said as she handed Gina the tiny box.

Gina opened it and feasted her eyes on the small diamond silver plated ring that sparkled in the box.

Gina shook her head. "You guys must really like this guy." With that said, she moved inside to see Knox, her father and brother inside alongside the priest.

She saw the shock in their gazes and wanted to smile at it and that she did. She smiled and approached them, stopping in front of Knox.

"Sorry I took so long. I was experiencing a little cold feet," she said with a tight smile, glancing at Knox's attire.

Tuxedo. Well wasn't he the gentleman.

"Shall we begin?" the priest asked, gaining a nod from Knox who returned his gaze to look intensely at Gina.

As the first words left his mouth, Gina gritted her teeth, unable to believe the actuality of it all. The wish she had made years ago was coming true, but now it wasn't a wish she fancied or like. She disliked every moment of the priest's words, she disliked that Knox was staring at her through out - as if it were real and he was deeply in love with her.
Gina's throat corded as she looked away when Knox repeated the words the pastor told him to, conviction in each word. When it was Gina's turn, she did it forcefully, wanting to cry her eyes out but didn't want anyone to mistake her sadness for happiness.

When all was done with, they exchanged rings, Gina swallowing hard when her eyes met up with the beautiful diamond rock. Her lips further trembled, resulting in her clamping her lips tight to prevent a sob.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride," the priest exclaimed jubilantly.

Gina didn't know what to do but she watched as Knox's mouth descended and touched hers softly. Her heart broke further. Knox's kisses were always aggressive and hungry but this time it was tender and soft. Gina couldn't help the tear that slipped from her eyes and went to mingle with their mouths.

When they pulled apart, her family's applause in the background, she quickly wiped the tears from her face, seeing the way Knox looked at her, almost as if he was sorry.

"Happy now, Knox?" she asked hoarsely, before she turned to her parents. "Congratulations, you all got what you wanted."

With that said, she hurried to her car and drove to the hotel, stopping by the bar to get a drink. She ordered her favorite - vodka and cranberry, and sat my the counter, drinking it slowly as she reminisced on her life.
Gina glanced at the impressive ring on her finger. Five years ago she would've been ecstatic to be given a ring like it, but now it all seemed futile.

"Nice rock you've got there."

Gina's head flashed around as she came face to face with Fred. Apart from Knox, he was the last person she wanted to see.

"Fred, what're you doing here," she queried, placing her hand in her lap.

"I came to see you," he glanced at her hand. "Is that a fake?"

Gina took another drink. "I wish."

"You're married?!"

Gina nodded. "Unfortunately, I am."

Fred was shocked, he certainly wasn't expecting this and so it took him some time to start thinking clearly again.

"All this time you've been engaged and -"

"It's not what it looks like. The whole thing is just a measly arrangement," she explained.

Frederick's eyes widened. "A what?"

"I did it to save my dad's company."

Fred blinked then raked his fingers through his hair. "My God, Gina. This world has evolved past arranged marriages."

Gina rose a brow and took a gulp of her drink. "Yeah, I thought so too but it looks like some things never change."

Getting up, she placed her bill on the counter and smiled at Fred. "I'll call you Fred."

Author's note:

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Until next time...
Laters baby!
Xoxo
Juju