05

Eternity’s pov

As I caught a glimpse of her, it was clear that the glow that adorns a bride’s face was completely absent. It was heartbreaking to see the flicker of hope in her eyes doused. I paused and turned to face myself, trying to imagine that moment from her perspective.

Eternity beautiful wedding dress

Wearing my breathtaking lace off-shoulder bridal gown, the excitement of my wedding day is undeniable. However, my eyes reveal the emotional turmoil I’ve experienced while preparing for the big day, leaving me looking like a crying mess. But despite the temporary struggles, I understand the true meaning of marriage – a bond built on love, respect, and trust. It’s not simply a piece of paper or a ring, but something to be cherished and celebrated each and every day. Growing up, my grandmother’s wedding tales instilled within me a sense of wonder and hope for my own future nuptials.Marriage is the joining of two hearts, where each partner willingly sacrifices for the happiness and well-being of the other. It’s like a blooming rose, basked in the warm sunlight and dazzling in all its radiant beauty. It’s a gift two soulmates give to each other, a lifelong commitment to love and cherish one another, through thick and thin. So, let us treasure our holy couplings and gift each other the promise of forever with the most special person of our lives.

Let me share with you an unfortunate reality – I am not marrying my soulmate. Rather, I am tying the knot with the Devil himself, Aaron Knight. Despite our union, we will never be united as one as I have always been a lone wolf. The man does not value me for who I am, for his sole focus is on his own accomplishments, his fame and the profitability of his multi-billion dollar empire. In his eyes, I am nothing but a traitor who may bring harm to his company and his reputation. This situation breaks my heart, and I implore you to understand the gravity of the situation.

Flashback

His voice boomed, causing me to startle and take a small step back. « I would prefer to speak with her in private, » he declared, causing the others in the room to slowly disperse.As the last person left, it was just him and me, standing there in tense silence. He approached me with a menacing swagger, his piercing eyes flickering with anger and frustration.With a trembling breath, I lowered my gaze, unable to endure the ferocity of his glare. « Please believe me when I tell you that I am innocent and that I have no knowledge of that man, » I implored in a hushed, strained whisper. Tears threatened to spill over, but I held them back fiercely, unwavering in my conviction of my own innocence. I had never deceived a friend or family member in my life. »You do realize the severity of your situation, don’t you ? » he spat bitterly, his words laced with venom. »I had no idea who he was, he simply handed me that file and left, » I replied resolutely, feeling rooted to the spot. « I swear to you, I am telling the truth. »

« Cease your deceitful ways ! » he accused, falsely attributing my actions to those of a dishonest person who only seeks to gain corrupt funds. I was devastated by his baseless accusations.Who was he to pass judgment on me without evidence ? I felt a white-hot rage building inside.I understand that the recent privacy breach has angered everyone, but it does not give you the right to speak to me in that offensive tone. Your words and attitude are unacceptable. My blood was boiling, and I could feel my pulse racing.In response, he clenched his fists and his eyes narrowed menacingly. Suddenly, he approached me, gripping my wrist tightly and twisting it until I cried out in pain. »Don’t you dare raise your voice to me, » he threatened. « Or face the consequences. »I couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks. After a moment, he shoved me away, and I stumbled backward, slamming into the wall and crashing to the ground.

With a deep sigh, he uttered the words that made my heart skip a beat. « I am willing to withdraw my complaint and investigation against you, » he said, making me stare at him in disbelief.

My voice trembled as I whispered, « What do you mean ? » I couldn’t fathom what he was trying to say. »But first, let me give you a condition, » he said, his eyes locked on to mine. »What is it ? » I murmured, dreading the answer. » Marry me ! » he asked, and I froze on the spot, as if struck by a bolt of lightning. »I’m sorry, » I said, shaking my head vigorously. « I can’t marry you. » »Think twice before rejecting me. I have all the information about you, » he said, with an air of menace. « Your parents are divorced, and while your mother has remarried and started a new family, your father has also moved on and has another wife. You live with your maternal grandmother, who has sadly passed away. The home that you live in is the only place that reminds you of her. What if I set it on fire and sold the land ? » he said, with a smirk that made me shiver. My blood boiled with fury at the audacity of his words, leaving me staggered and incensed.As my fists balled up, I thought to myself, « this is not how I imagined my Tuesday afternoon would go. »Whack ! I slapped him with all my might, but it seems my blow only made him angrier. He grabbed me with a grip so tight, it was like he was trying to crush me into dust. Slamming me against the wall, I hit the ground hard, tears streaming down my face.

« Listen up, honey. You’re marrying me and there ain’t no way out of it, » he barked, looking like he wanted to pummel me into oblivion glaring at me with a look that made my knees knock together. « Do you know who you’re dealing with ? » he snarled, his fists clenching tightly.

As if I could forget ! He made it quite clear that I was to be his bride, whether I liked it or not. « Why me ? » I dared to ask. »I’ve got my eye on you, » he sneered. « I know you’re up to no good, trying to get your grubby hands on my business secrets. Well, now the game is over, honey. It’s time for you to face the music. »Oh boy, here we go. With veins bulging and muscles straining, he looked ready to explode. I couldn’t help but think, « I think I just stepped into a movie. »

Flashback over

As the door slammed shut, I saw my younger cousin’s brother, Wilber, my maternal uncle’s son, and Olivia, walking towards me. My heart sank as I noticed swollen eyes of Olivia – a clear sign of her recent crying.In a sudden motion, she wrapped her arms around me so tightly that I could barely breathe. Her words were soft and sentimental, « I’m going to miss you so much, Eter. » I looked down at my hands, trying to hold back tears, and replied with the same.But just then, Olivia’s tone shifted, and I could feel my heart drop. « Eter, does marrying Aaron mean you’re forgetting about ‘him’ ? She asked. I knew exactly who she was referring to, and my heart skipped a beat.Despite my mixed feelings and the hurtful reminder, I responded with patience. « No, Olivia. I could never forget ‘him.’ And I hope you can understand that. » I spoke softly, hoping to convey my condition.

I’ve avoided thinking about him for all these years. Eliot, I’ve had a crush on him since high school, but things changed after that horrible recollection, but I’ll never forget him ; he was my first and final love.

As I stood there, my cousin’s brother, Wilber, walked towards me with open arms and gave me a big squeeze. He made it clear that he had no idea about the arranged marriage and promised that he would do anything to stop it. He always had my back as his overprotective brother, but unfortunately, I had to go through with the wedding to honor my grandmother’s memory. « Wow, look at you all grown up, » he chuckled, gently holding my face. « I can’t believe my baby sister is getting married ! »

As I clutched my bouquet and my brother’s arm with a vice-like grip, my stomach felt like it was doing the worm dance. It was a true vibration sensation that could rival any earthquake !

As we saunter through the lavishly decorated eternal hallway of the church, my eyes are greeted by pristine white flowers and the sweetest light pink tulips. It almost feels as if we’ve found ourselves in a slice of paradise.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him – the man who would soon be my husband. But as I looked at him, a feeling of dread washed over me. I couldn’t ignore the truth any longer – this man was a devil in disguise.

Can you believe this guy ? All dressed up in his fancy Armani suit, styled hair, and chiseled jawline, he may seem like a dream come true to any woman. But let me tell you, this man is no prince charming. With all his arrogance and entitlement, he’s nothing but a deceiving devil.As he locked eyes with me, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden rush of desire. My body couldn’t help but react with moist lips, increasing saliva, and rapid breaths. But I quickly remembered who I was dealing with – a man who hides behind a cold, icy demeanor.Now here I am, standing right next to him at our wedding. The priest is chanting away, but honestly, my mind is too tired to even comprehend what’s going on. I’ve had enough of this BS !

The priest posed the question, « Do you accept the Eternity Granger to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and obey, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance ? »Without hesitation, Aaron confidently answered, « I do, » causing a sudden flutter and twinge in my chest.As the priest repeated the question to me, I briefly considered declining the proposal. However, the memories of my childhood home at my grandmother’s house flooded my mind. Despite the pain and heartache caused by my parents’ divorce and their separate families, I realized that I was willing to commit to this marriage for the sake of my beloved grandparents, who had worked hard to create a home filled with love and cherished memories, now embodied in my grandmother’s last moments in that very home.So with a bold and unwavering voice, I answered, « I accept this union, for the love and honor of my family and their beloved home. »

With eyes squeezed shut and all other thoughts blocked out, the words « I do » effortlessly spill from my lips.

The priest’s voice echoes through the sanctuary, proclaiming us husband and wife. Congratulatory cheers ring out, but the only sound I hear is the frantic beating of my own heart.

As the priest urges us to seal our union with a kiss, panic grips my entire being. I’ve never been kissed before and the idea of doing so in front of all these people terrifies me.

I sense Aaron’s hesitation too, his eyes burning with intensity as his fists clench at his sides. Our gazes lock and for a moment, we both silently agree : we don’t want to do this.

But the pressure from the crowd is too much to bear, and before I can fully process what’s happening, his lips brush against mine. It’s a delicate touch, feather-light and fleeting, but my body reacts as if it’s been struck by lightning.

The swarm of well-wishers around us left me feeling overwhelmed, but Aaron remained unmoving – a solid pillar in the midst of it all. As doubts crept into my mind, casting him as a demon, I refused to give in. Deep down, I knew there was more to him than met the eye, and I was determined to discover it.As time passed, I realized that he was no longer by my side. I searched the crowd, but he was nowhere to be found.Suddenly, a familiar face appeared – Phil, Aaron’s childhood friend, with a warm, inviting smile. He referred to me as his sister, teasing me for being a sissy. He always wanted a sister. »Hey Phil, have you seen Aaron anywhere ? » I asked, scanning the crowd. »He actually had to step away for business matters, » Phil replied hesitantly, scratching his neck. »It’s okay. I understand, » I replied in a compassionate tone.

Despite Aaron’s hatred towards me, I couldn’t help but wonder what his thoughts were towards me. However, Fhil’s enthusiasm for heading to the Knight mansion pushed my doubts and worries aside. With a forced smile, I agreed to go along with him.As I said goodbye to my loved ones and left the church, a Rolls-Royce Phantom gleaming in the sunlight awaited me. Fhil’s warm and comforting smile greeted me as he asked if I was ready to go home.During the ride, my curiosity got the best of me, and I asked Fhil about Aaron’s parents, realizing I hadn’t seen them at the wedding. Fhil’s response saddened me as he revealed that they had passed away when Aaron was a child. Hearing about the depth of Aaron’s love and loss, I couldn’t help but feel empathy and compassion towards him.

« So, my dear sissy, pray tell, what hues tickle your fancy ? » Fhil gleefully inquired, eyes twinkling with excitement. »Well, my dear sibling, I have a soft spot for a lovely shade of green as well as a pretty blush of pink, » I responded with a loving grin. »Ah, we do have something in common ! Perhaps we were separated at birth and our guardians just didn’t know it, » Fhil exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. »I think you might be onto something there, brother dearest, » I quipped back with a playful smile.Fhil is not only my newfound brother but also an amazing human being. He and his childhood friend Aaron practically grew up together, thanks to their fathers’ unbreakable bond. Fhil’s wit and humor never cease to amaze me, and I am beyond grateful to have him as both a sibling and friend here.