Jennifer stood tearily in front of the mirror, trying hard not to cry so the beady eyed woman who was trying to fox her up would not freak out again. She has already freaked out so much, and Jennifer already had so many problems.
The wedding gown was a bogus mess of a dress, one that was handed down to her by her mother and her mother had gotten it from a friend.All the fittings on the dress would not work, and Jennifer just accepted it as it is. She didn't even need it to find her. She was not a bride as far as she was concerned.The beady eyed woman wore the veil over her, and Jennifer could see a small hole to the side of it. Her wedding was a disaster, just like her life."You look beautiful." Sarah said, a little sad.Jennifer nodded. "That's what a mother says." She walked closer to Sarah, and gave a small smile."Mr. williams sent a car to..pick you up. We will be going now, right?""Do I have a choice?" Jennifer said simply, her brows slightly raised."You don't. Now get out of there, both of you. Leave now and get into the car. I am not going to let your slow wittedness ruin this day." Benjamin said from behind Sarah, his mean eyes darting between both of them.Sarah nodded as she pursed her lips together, then gave Jennifer's shoulder a light squeeze.Jennifer quietly followed her mother out onto the car, and then her father sat in front. Paul didn't even bother coming with the. He had his legs propped up on the rackety dining table with his phone in his hands. He was the only one in the house with a phone."This is the address of the church, Sir. The wedding is set for 9 a.m." Ivan said, handing a small paper to Elijah."Get the car ready, and we will go now. It's already 8:00."Ivan nodded and went out immediately, while Elijah got ready to go out.Mr. William Hugh stood in front of the priest, his smile wide as he accepted congratulations from different people. Everyone had turned up, more out of curiosity than good will.Mr. William however, didn't care for the whispers among people, or the small glances they cast toward him, accusing him of snatching a flower in it's bud. All that he cared for was the success of the wedding itself and he would put everything behind him.It has cost him a lot just having her, and setting up the wedding too, he wasn't going to let the ignorant sentiments of some people cripple his resolve.Jennifer's car finally arrived, and the church was closed. they started with a small prayer to grace the event, and then a small song. Through it, Mr. William couldn't contain his excitement."Here comes the bride." They announced and the chord for the popular 'here comes the bride' song struck up, causing him to jolt slightly. It was all so much for his nerve.The door opened again, and Jennifer stood behind it, tears standing in her eyes. Her face was however covered by the veil she wore and her father came beside her in order to escort her to the groom.The small violin band kept playing as they walked slowly, her impatient father sometimes having to drag her through the aisle.Finally, she stood in front of Mr. Williams."Hold the bride's hand." Ordered the priest.Mr. William was all too willing, and he immediately stretched his hand and grabbed Jennifer's in a less than subtle way.His skin on hers even through the glove she wore felt like a million bugs crawling on her skin, and it took all she had in her not to puke in front of him.Nothing about the church did anything to lift Jennifer's mood. The bright pink and white decorations with large balloons and artificial flowers hanging all over, and a shabbily photoshopped picture of both of them hanging on an empty wall, the violin band, the bright smiles...it all just made her nauseous."How close are we, Ivan?" Elijah was becoming impatient with the car needing a small fix just when they had to leave. He had to wait for Ivan to go back home and bring another car while the other was taken to a repair shop."We are close enough, sir." Ivan replied, trying as hard as he could to back out of the heavily dense traffic.He turned on the siren of the car as a last resort, earning himself some space as he navigated through the cars at top speed."Do you, William Hugh White take Jennifer Benjamin King to be your lawfully wedded wife? To cherish and to adore, to respect and to love for the rest of your life?"Mr. William Hugh nodded. "I do.""Do You, Jennifer Benjamin King take William Hugh White to be your lawfully wedded husband, to cherish and to adore, to respect and to love for the rest of your life?"Jennifer turned to her mother, then to her father who had a huge scowl on his face. He looked like he could do anything to her and her mother if she tried to do anything other than she was told."I do."Does anyone sitting in the church right now, have a tangible reason as to why this marriage should not be held? Of you do, then speak up now, or forever hold your peace.""I do." Said an extremely breathless elijah. He had managed to make it just in time for Jennifer's acceptance, and had waited for this question."Is that....not the mayor?" Sarah said, turning anxiously to Benjamin who stood up, seeing his money flash right before his eyes. His face was too familiar, and she had seen him so many times in the news.Elijah did not need to say anything else, as the officials trooped in."Mr. William Hugh white, You are under arrest for breach of contract, bribery, embezzlement of government funds among other crimes, and we will take you into custody now. You have the right to remain silent because anything you say now will be used against you in the court of law.""What's happening?" Benjamin yelled as he walked in front of Elijah who approached calmly, fixing his suit."What do you mean? Who are you?""I am the father of the bride whose marriage you are sabotaging." He answered, trying to block his way. The officials have already put a handcuff over Mr. William's hands.Jennifer watched, unable to help the urge of excitement and hope that rose in her heart as the handcuffs clasped over his hands."Oh, you mean the man who willingly put his daughter up for same for some measly bucks?""How dare you...""Sir. You should really mind the way you speak to the mayor. You should be very careful." Ivan said, standing between Benjamin and Elijah. Elijah gave a small smile as he walked away, brushing Benjamin's shoulder lightly as he passed by him to the bride. Jennifer was standing there, now alone.Mr. Williams was dragged away, and Sarah cradled her relieved daughter in her arms. The wedding was a huge mess now, with guests trooping out and gossiping
Jennifer's deep blue eyes widened slowly, as she processed the information little by little. The mayor wanted to marry her? "Marry you?" She asked, trying hard not to let the surprise she felt seep into her voice. It was a bad attempt really, because Elijah could hear it loud and clear.He shrugged. "I know it sounds a little like what I just helped get out of, but I promise it will be different. I will respect you the way you deserve, and I don't even have the time to get in your way. Think of it as legally giving you a place to stay."She lowered her eyes from him as he stood up, and went to the coffee maker on the far table. He poured some into two cups and the strong scent of coffee filled the room."Here," He said to her and handed a cup. She collected it, then dropped it slowly on the table.Her mind reeled with possibilities as she studied his faraway expression. He didn't seem like he cared much for her as herself. Maybe he was taking care of her as more of a pitiable perso
"You want to marry jennifer? Why?" Benjamin asked, finding it hard to believe that a high profile person like Elijah would be interested in his rather shabby daughter."I believe I have already stated that. If you give your consent now, you won't have to worry about the wedding expenses or anything. I will take care of it all, and I will take Jennifer back with me today to meet my parents."Benjamin looked at Elijah. He would be hitting the jackpot if his daughter was to marry into a family like that, and since he already lost the fifty thousand dollars Mr. William had promised him, he could regain what he lost from the money he would get from Elijah."Alright." Benjamin started to say. Jennifer raised her head in surprise, but it wasn't all that shocking. Elijah was rich after all, and she was just a source of money. "I consent to the marriage."Elijah nodded. "You might get an invitation." He turned to Sarah. "I hope you will attend the wedding. If you do, I will personally send my
The inside of the house was just as elegant as the outside made you expect it to be. Jennifer didn't have much of a chance to look around, as Mrs. Morrison immediately whisked her away to the large dining table where everyone was gathered.Mr. Lucas Morrison stood immediately, his rather stoic expression breaking away as he smiled, and extended his hand. Jennifer, however had expected a hug and had her arms ready for one.He laughed, then pulled her into a fatherly embrace. Mrs. Morrison stood beside them, watching happily."Hello. You must be Jennifer."Jennifer turned to the woman. She was a bit taller, but the other woman was so dressed up, and spoke of elegance and dignity."Yes..yes, ma'am.""Oh, just call her Mariah." Mrs. Morrison interrupted with a disregarding wave of her hand.Mariah bit the inside of her cheeks at the disrespect, but maintained the smile. She extended her hand to her, her eyes hiding the deep contempt she felt."I am Elijah's first wife." She introduced. "
Jennifer smiled at Mariah's retreating figure, then lowered her head."Don't let it bother you." Elijah suddenly said as he lowered his fork."Is this really okay? You don't have to do this just because you pity me, you know. It is just that...I feel so bad seeing her that way."Elijah gently pushed his plate away, and turned his body completely towards her. He leaned closer, examining her facial expression."Pity?" He asked. "You think I pity you?" He did. But he didn't want her to know. She didn't need to look at him and think she was there just for the kindness of his heart."Then? You proposed to me because you pitied me...right?""Go to bed, Jennifer. I bet you will have a long day tomorrow with the wedding preparation."She nodded, letting the question he had left unanswered hang in the air. She probably did not need to know the answer either."Can I ask a question, then?""Go on," He said as he pulled her chair out and helped her from it, then started to lead the way to her roo
She broke into a wide, beautiful smile. "You are a good man."He laughed and leaned back, feeling light for no reason at all. "You can read now. I'll be quiet."She nodded and turned her attention back to her book.The next couple of days saw her finding an escape from the hustle bustle in Elijah's study, whether he was around or not. She would read some books, a few that were familiar, and most that just piqued her interest.The days passed by so quickly, by the time she stopped to take a breath, it was her wedding. The day of her wedding with Elijah.He had, become even more respectable in her eyes, and she believed she has formed at least, the subtlest friendship with him. She didn't find herself as nervous that morning, as she sat in front of the large mirror and the makeup crew put her hair and face in order.Monica Lim had given certain instructions on her make up and hair, so that she didn't overshadow the dress or the jewelry, but perfectly complimented it.They first piled he
Jennifer woke up the next morning, feeling a little better about the previous night. She had rested off the fatigue, and was now ready to officially live as Elijah's wife and daughter in-law of the Morrison family. Even though she didn't see any babies forthcoming for Mrs. Morrison, she was going to strive as hard as she could.She got ready quickly, at the record time of 8:23 a.m. It was weird when she went down and the house was already busy, with a lot of preparations going on. Mrs. Morrison was one agile woman despite her age, and she was going up and down, doing things and setting things right.Elijah was seated on the dining table in one of his perfectly fitted suit, his coffee in his hand as he swiped through the morning daily. Lucas too was doing the exact same thing. Genes never lie."Good morning, mother." She said as she walked to Mrs. morrison who was standing between the dining hall where Elijah was and the kitchen where Mariah was. She had made a quick trip to great Lucas
"Do not take what she said to heart. She is not a bad person, just really sharp mouthed."Elijah was standing in front of the bed, as he adjusted his watch."I understand." Jennifer sighed and sat on the bed. "You have to go to the office, right?""I am already late," He answered. "I might not come back tonight. The governor has alerted me of some small scale flooding in one of the provinces. I need to go there and check it out."He won't come back tonight. She bit down on her lip, thinking of how she would manage on her own. "Take care." She said. She didn't want to say anything else or look like she was dissatisfied with her life there already."I noticed you didn't have much earlier. I will send some food up for you, and I will tell mother that you don't feel well. Stay in here for as long as you want." With that, he left, even before she could thank him.He was thoughtful, but aloof. Kind but distant. She sighed and lay on the bed, staring up to the ceiling. She missed her mum now