Chapter 1

Chapter One: Linda's POV

Beautiful flowers decorated the walls of the church and the music helped to dull down the hateful murmurs coming from the guests.

It was my wedding day. I was supposed to be the happiest girl in the world but staying happy became an hassle.

Barney squeezed my hands slightly bringing me back to the moment before us.

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," the priest said and the music increased in tempo as everyone rose to applaud us —or just Barney.

Barney leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on my lips. "I love you, Linda" he whispered.

I felt warm swim into me and my face broke into a bright smile. Barney's love for me was the only thing keeping me going.

Nothing the world said could stand in my way. I wouldn't let it.

"I love you too Barney," I whispered as we held hands and started walking out of the church with rhythmic steps.

As we got outside, the music of the church grew distant and the murmurs from the crowd got louder.

"She is too fat! Didn't Barney see that?" I heard from my left.

"Such an adorable young man! He shouldn't have ended up with her!" Another joined.

My heart swelled but I didn't let them get to me, I focused my energy and attention on Barney who smiled at each guest that brought their hypocritical faces to congratulate us when deep down none of them meant it.

In a world where physical beauty and wealth were considered to be more valuable than intellect or even genuine love, it was a shocker for them when a man like Barney chose me as his bride.

But there was nothing any of them could do, we were now lawfully married.

"Are you okay?" Barney whispered.

I raised my eyes to him and smiled. "Yeah, I just feel tired," I lied not wanting to spoil his mood on such a beautiful day.

He held my jaw and looked at me with those deep brown eyes that always melted my heart.

"I should take you home before I devour you out here my love," he whispered and I giggled.

The limousine came to a stop right in front of the church and Barney helped me settle inside.

I scooted to the other end expecting him to step in after me but he pushed the door closed. My brows rose and I quickly moved to the window.

I tapped on it, expecting him to drop his head and give me a sort of explanation but he didn't do anything.

He was moving away.

My heart started racing and I made to push the door open but nothing was happening. The door was closed.

I tried the window but they were closed as well.

Did he forget something?

I looked out through the window and I saw his gleaming black suit between the crowds.

The scowl on my face squeezed deeper as I realized he wasn't in a hurry. What did he forget?

"Excuse me, can you unlock the door please, my husband isn't in here..." I said to the driver in a voice that was strange even in my ears.

"I am sorry ma'am, Mr. Williams, instructed that I take you to the hotel, he will join you shortly," the driver said.

I looked up at him from the back with confusion in my eyes. How could he tell the driver this and I didn't know?

Could this man be a kidnapper?

I threw my eyes back to the church and Barney didn't seem to be coming back. He was lost in the sea of people.

"When did he tell you this?" I turned to the driver once again.

Rather than reply, he pulled the car into drive and swerved us away from the church.

"Just calm down ma'am, I am not going to hurt you," he said.

My heart was still racing and my mind wasn't at rest but I had no choice. Plus the last thing I needed was to create a scene in front of everyone.

Maybe Barney had something to settle back at the church. Could he be arranging for a surprise soiree?

A smile covered my face as the positive thoughts came to my mind.

yes, that was a better option. He was getting a surprise ready for me.

In last than twenty minutes, the limousine stilled in front of the seven-star hotel in the capital and the door opened for me.

"We are here ma'am," the driver said extending a hand for me.

I placed my hand in his and he helped me out of the car. I was grateful my wedding dress was very large —Though I chose a simpler style due to my already huge size, it also helped to reduce the way people looked at me.

Without the flower and the veil, I simply looked like someone who went for an elegant all-white party.

I strutted behind the driver and he led me to the reception.

This was definitely a surprise, I thought excitedly as I let the driver lead me to where the package should be.

The driver conversed with the receptionist and they handed him the key to a room.

"This way ma'am," the driver said and he led me to an elevator.

My cheeks had turned red by the time we got to the designated floor. Anticipation was killing me.

The driver opened a door and turned to me. "This is where I leave you, ma'am." He stretched the key to me and motioned to the door.

"Thank you," I whispered with a squeak, unable to control my excitement.

He gave a curt nod and walked back the way we came.

With a drumming heart, I stepped into the room and closed the door.

I didn't want to imagine what awaited me, I wanted the surprise to be to the fullest.

I took a deep breath and turned on the light expecting screams and music to burst open.

But to my surprise... There was nothing.

The room was empty, safe for a small note on the bed.

I quickly ran to it and opened it with shaky hands, hoping there was some sort of direction in it.

But my heart already knew.

I summoned courage and read the note out loud, "I am sorry Linda, something came up. Barney."