Chapter Five

 The weather was perfect, cloudy and humid, just right for an outdoor wedding. It was true that only her immediate family was invited and although she missed her best friend, Virginia, it was partially glad that none of their classmates were present. She had been the brightest in class back then and the student with the highest potential of continuing her education. However, she sat in a wedding chamber, fanning herself nervously though she was not feeling hot. The ivory ribbed dress was fitted to her like a second skin and the diamond teardrops on her ears were worth a fortune. Any woman would be happy, knowing the luxurious life that awaited her, any woman but Mrs Tasha King–Radcliffe. 

 Nelson sat beside her, his fake smile gone from his lips and an indifferent mask on his face. He was a better actor than she could attempt and he had to subtly pinch her at her elbow to remind her to smile whenever a camera passed by. She was sick of the pretence and her cheeks hurt from smiling all the time. She had been offered a plate of appetizers but terrified of messing up her makeup and humiliating Nelson, she politely turned down the offer. Her hair was piled on top of her hair, Cinderella style complete with long, brown tresses falling down on both sides of her face. It was done in that manner to show off the dip at the back of the dress that ran down to the bottom of her spine. 

 “We are to dance soon. I received word from your tutor that you can manage a brief waltz without falling on your ass or stepping on my shoes.” He spoke without sparing her a glance, his eyes looking forward. Tasha nodded humbly and bit down on her lower lip, too nervous to speak.

 “Stop that,” he immediately admonished and thrust a napkin her way. “You will ruin your lipstick and everyone will think I kissed you.” He was clearly disgusted at the thought of kissing her and at the ring ceremony, he had barely made contact with her lips before pulling away. It had not helped her dignity when he had wiped his lips afterwards with one of his numerous napkins as if they had touched something unholy. His breath smelled of lemon drops and his sweet smell of his shampoo wafted past her nostrils. 

 Nelson Radcliffe was an attractive man and he carried himself boldly, completely aware of the effect he had on women. His forest green eyes were breathtaking and when he really smiled, a rare smile that was almost never on his lips, he resembled an angel. His dark hair tumbled forward in a rakish length, the back shaved low and he never got tired of the vain gesture of pushing the unruly locks away from his gorgeous face. The women in her bridal train kept fussing with their makeup and something told Tasha that they had all been more than classmates to Nelson. They were classy and from rich homes. 

 “It’s time,” he announced when the pianist struck a chord and offered her his arm. Tasha took it gracefully, mustering all her courage to keep her back straight and a smile on her face. Her mother smiled at her from the crowd, mopping sentimental tears, her hands encased in her husband’s. Tasha had permitted him to walk her down the aisle but other than that, she had not said a word to him, punishing him with her silence. For most brides, a wedding was a glorious day, the turning point of their lives but Tasha was scared and overly self-conscious. Nelson spun her in a short twirl to indicate the beginning of the waltz and pulled her close to him, too close for comfort. Her breath hitched, her heart jumped and suddenly, the ivory dress felt too tight. 

 “Just focus on what you were taught in your lessons and try not to embarrass me,” Nelson whispered for her ears only and somehow, his words only heightened her panic. His minty cologne mixed with her lilac body spray and the product was a mesmerizing scent that helped to calm her nerves. He managed to keep her at arm's length in a way even though they were up close to each other. Soon, the dance was over and other couples took the floor, giving Tasha time to catch her breath. It was by sheer luck that she had not forgotten a dance step and ruined the whole routine.

 “You have very poor form,” Nelson criticized, poking her in the ribs. “Just a little twirl on the dance floor and here you are, wheezing like a diseased horse. You won't last a minute in my bed.” His subtle message was received by Tasha and she blanched at once, becoming as pale as the dress she wore. Seeing her astonished face, he threw his head back in amusement and onlookers melted at the assumed sweet moment between the couple. However, he was laughing at her and not with her, making her the butt of the joke. Tears glazed her eyes at his insults and she fought them, refusing to give him the satisfaction that his words had gotten to her.

 By ten pm, a barrage of picture taking ended the garden reception and their bootful of gifts were driven to Nelson’s home. Erickson, one of Nelson’s drivers took her home in a different car, enabling her be alone for the first time since the day began. Her thoughts roamed all over the place and apprehension concerning her wedding night made her wish the car ride would never stop. At night, Tasha laid awake in her bed, thinking about the wedding night and how he would take away her virginity. She had heard that it could be painful the first time and keeping up required some muscular effort.  Unfortunately or fortunately in her case, Nelson never came to her room and she drifted off to sleep naturally. He had spent his wedding night in a brothel across town, leaving his new bride to wallow in solitude.