Rejection

Emma 

The makeup artist wore my wedding gown on me and went behind my back to help with the zipper, I couldn't help the smile on my face 

"Ma you look so gorgeous in this wedding gown, it hugs your body tightly bringing out all your pretty curves, your body is well set" She complimented 

"Thank you" I smiled

I was so happy and excited, finally my strongest wish is about to come to pass, my love for Charles started the first day I set my eyes on him at the Hills company, I told my parents about my feelings for Charles and they said they could fulfill my wish, I was so happy and hoped that Charles would accept my parent's proposal, and finally he did accepted my proposal, Charles parents said that the marriage will help and strengthen the growth of the companies, I was so happy that Charles accepted my marriage proposal, and since then we've been talking and going out together as couples, as the day passes by, my love for Charles continues to grow massively…..he showers me with praise all the time and never fail to tell me how lucky he is to have me

I'm twenty-five, and I can't wait to get married to Charles and be his wife and take care of him, that's just my simple dream, my parents have a multi-million naira company but I don't have interest in any of that, my stepsister has always fought me thinking I came with my mother to take her father's wealth away from her but the truth is, my mother got married to her father five years ago, and their marriage was based on love and not about money.

After waiting for so long I'm finally getting married to my dream man today, but my stepsister is nowhere to be found, even if she hated me, she could have at least been around for her father's sake, I guess I'll finally leave so she can have the peace of mind she has always wanted, but her attitude won't stop me from loving or caring for her.

"Oh my baby you look so gorgeous!" My mother complimented happily as she walked into the room, 

"Thank you, Mother," I said with a smiley face, I was already dressed up for the wedding

"How do you feel about today?" My stepfather asked as he walked in with a smile on his face, I looked at his face and was close to tears.

"I'm so happy father, I can't believe I'm finally getting married."

"Shhh…don't cry my darling so you don't ruin your makeup," Mom said patting my face and I nodded 

"Father..?" I called.

"Yes dear" 

"Hennesy, isn't she coming to my wedding today?" I asked and both my stepfather and my mother exchanged glances before they returned their gaze to me 

"Don't worry about Hennesy, the important thing is your happiness, you need to smile okay?" My stepfather said caressing my face

"Hmm" I nodded 

"Don't let anything ruin your happiness, my dear"

As I walked down the aisle with my stepfather holding me by my right arm, I couldn't help the butterflies in my tummy. I could literally see my dream coming through right before my eyes. I've always dreamed of getting married to the man of my dreams and having my dream wedding, and now it's happening to me. What could be more special than that?

The hall was filled with influential people of different caliber, slow music was playing, while the choir of singers smoothly played the violin. The whole place was decorated in all white just like I wanted, giving the ambiance a heavenly feeling. 

I finally got to Charles and my stepfather handed me over to him. I can't help but notice that Charles' handsome face looked pale. I became worried immediately. 

Is he okay?

What if he's sick?

"If anybody has anything to say, please raise your hand or forever hold your peace!" The priest announced, I looked at the crowd but nobody stood up, 

"You may now exchange your……" The priest was suddenly interrupted by Charles who raised his hand 

"Charles, are you okay?" I asked thinking maybe he was not feeling well, he ignored me and turned to the priest 

"I'm sorry but I don't love her and do not want to get married to her"

The crowd started roaring and began to whisper among themselves

I was caught off guard, I wanted to talk but became short of words, I blinked my eyes twice to make sure I wasn't dreaming, I pinched myself but heck! All this is real, how could Charles do this to me in front of all these people? How could he humiliate me this much, what did I do to deserve this?

He suddenly left my side and walked up to my stepsister who stood by the side, I was shocked when he wrapped his hand around her waist, 

"I want your sister and not you Emma," He said with no remorse, I staggered on my step and nearly fell, reality hit me so hard, Charles and my stepsister planned this together, they want to see me broken but I won't give them what they want.

I built up the courage and looked through the crowd, I saw a young man standing gorgeously, I didn't care to know who he was, I walked up to him looked at his beautiful gray orbs, I stood on my tiptoes, and whispered in his ear

"Please accept my ring and save my face, we can divorce later"

I thought he would say no, but was surprised when he pulled out his right hand 

"The ring?" He smiled, I nervously inserted the ring on his finger, he took mine and inserted it in my finger. I walked up to Charles and my stepsister 

"I will make the both of you pay for what you did to me today"

I locked hands with the stranger, as we walked to the priest and took our vows 

"I pronounce you two husband and wife you may now kiss your bride" The crowd were all staring with confused look including my parents they had a sad and disappointing look on their faces

I looked at Charles and my stepsister and they were all staring at me with a mockery look, I smiled and pulled the stranger's face down to my height without warning 

I kissed him, I thought he would push me away, but was more surprised when he pulled me closer and deepened the kiss