Chapter # 7

I truly want to get a black wedding dress for my devastation, to see the reflection of my future in the mirror but this red wedding dress is very itchy for my eyes, every time I look at it, made me want to rip it apart. My heart was heavy, I could feel this tingling sensation of pain rushing in my every vein. My heartbeat dropped, the day was so mournful. I was pushing deep into the gloom. All I can see is despair chasing me and taking me away and bounding my life with a very demanding guy who cares only about himself, his image. The more I try to know Leon, the more I am hating him. My eyes were swollen due to my constant cries. I was so heartbroken, I was so lonely. There was nothing I can do but to cry over it because of my fucking father. And Nicolas was not even present at my wedding. I want him to walk me down the aisle, not Elmer.

When everything was done, I got up and went down. The wedding was being held in the Hotel, I walked down with a bored expression over my face, there was still time for the wedding and I had no intention of crying in that dressing room so I went. People looked at me slightly surprised but I ignored and walked down, Leon was nowhere to be found or else he would be angry because I don't give a damn. I don't want him to walk me down, I have legs, I can walk on my own. Besides, I don't want to wait, it will increase my grief more. I walked to a few guests and passed my time. "Now that's a modern bride! Why would you wait?" Someone said. I turned, ready to mock that person but it was Father, looking pissed at me. I gave him my monotonous look and said, "Don't piss me off, Elmer. I don't want to talk to you." I said rudely and walked away. I grit my teeth and leaned on the wall enjoying my whiskey alone but I sensed someone leaning beside me.

"You will regret it, Candice." An angry voice of Tyler came this time. I turned to look at him and whispered, "I don't want you to tell me that." Ever since I have told him about my marriage he is opposing it more than me and kept coming with different reasons for me to not marry him but how will I explain to him that I don't have any choice? Tyler is not giving up.

"Then why are you marrying him?" He said in a low exasperated tone. "I love him," I said a white lie so fluently. "Don't give me those jokes. I know you don't." He said.

"How do you know that I don't love him?" I asked, turning to him. "You deserve better." He said, avoiding my previous question." I sighed and shook my head. "Candice." He called me again.

"What do you want, Tyler?" I said getting agitated. "Don't." That's the only word he said and it hit me right in the chest because that's something I cannot do. "Please Tyler, you are here as my friend, don't do this," I said turning to him and gave him a pleading look. He looked at me with his eyes softened, "Please, Candice.." He whispered, desperately. "Why are you saying this?" I asked. "I don't want to lose you. You cannot live with someone who will take your freedom away." He tried another failed attempt to make me understand. "Tyler. Don't do this. Who knows when we will meet again so don't ruin this day." I said sadly. "That's why I am saying this. You cannot marry the person who will restrict you to his demand." He was getting angry now.

"Nothing can be done now, Tyler." I sighed.

I then walked away. I turned and saw Sophie coming with Christian. Christian greeted and left with Tyler. Sophie said to me and engulfed me in a hug as she beamed, "Congratulations! God, You're looking so pretty, Girl!"

"Thanks. And you're also looking very beautiful." I said, pulling away.

"Thanks. By the way, where is your groom?" She asked. In hell. My mouth gaped and my heart skipped a beat, my throat dried as I mentally prepared myself for that unbearable moment. Knowing I cannot run away from it and the time to get bound to the guy eternally is near.

I took a step back and turned, looking for him and replied, "He is not here."

"You go and find her." She said.

"No need. I'll send someone else there." I smiled not wanting to see him before marriage. "No, you should go or else someone else might fall for him. Go and get him. I want to see you together." She asked- almost pleaded with me. I raised an eyebrow at her not understanding her but shrugged my shoulders, "If you say so." I said as I left to find him.

I was looking for him but I couldn't find him. I walked around and heard his voice from coming from the groom's dressing room. I opened the door and saw him making out with a girl. I gasped and moved back. I ran away and leaned on the wall feeling utterly betrayed. This motherfucker said he won't cheat and now kissing a girl right on his wedding day. The only reason I was putting up with his shit because he said he will not cheat but I cannot take it anymore. I don't know what I should do, I will not marry that cheater but if I don't then what will happen. I pressed my teeth against themselves and lowered my head. I pressed my palm against the wall. I lost my breath, tears began to spill out. The uncontrollable flood of tears flowed from my eyes. I was panting while letting out silent tears with my heart smashing to pieces. Not knowing what sins I have committed that it's happening to me.

"What happened Candice?" Sophie's voice came. I whispered her name and looked up and saw her, Tyler and Christian looking concerned. I lifted my gaze to meet Tyler's and whispered again, "I'm sorry for not believing your words." I spoke with such difficulty.

"This doesn't matter, tell me what happened?" Tyler asked, coming closer. "Leon.. he..he is cheating on me." I burst into sobs upon saying that. Sophie gasped and was shocked to know, "Oh my Candice.." She hugged me as I continued to cry. She rubbed my back as I began to say between the sobs, "My parents' respect will be shattered, no one will marry me, a stain will appear on my name. Sophie, can you think, Candice, a girl who was left unmarried at the altar." I continued to cry, feeling so disheartened and broken. I don't know what I should do.

"What you're supposed to do now?" Sophie asked hesitantly.

"I don't know. I definitely won't marry him. But if not, then what about those hundred guests that are ready to spread rumours?" I cry loudly, feeling so stuck in that undesirable situation. Sophie tried to console me but to no avail. I felt heartbroken, a feeling of betrayal on the very day of my marriage, it's ravaging.

"Candice.. calm down.. we'll sort something out." She tried to assure me but I asked, "How are you supposed to do it?"

None of them spoke another word as the sound of my cries filled the empty corridor and that sympathetic gaze of Tyler is greater than anyone here.

"I'll take care of the guy," Christian said and left.

We remained like that but then Tyler suddenly announced- too much to everyone's astonishment,

"I'll marry you." My eyes widened as I looked at him in uncertainty thinking he must be joking like he usually does but there was no hint of amusement in it and Tyler began to say, "Don't worry. At least, I'll never cheat on you like that and I am willing to give you all things you'd deserve."

"T-Tyler.. we are so different in status. You can't marry me. I don't want to destroy your life." I tried to reason in a barely audible tone but he heard it.

"Candice. It depends on me to choose the person I want to spend my life with, Don't worry, I'll never disgrace you in any way." He said earnestly.

"And you? What about your dreams? Your choice to select the girl you love?" I was left with the inability to speak, not knowing what I should say. I never thought Tyler would say something like this.

"Candice Whale, do you want to marry me?" He asked seriously. I bit my lips, knowing there's no other way. I stood up and mumbled, "You'll regret it."

"I don't mind." He said casually. I spare a glance at him and nodded. Tyler smiled faintly as he said, "Be ready to become the wife of Tyler Moretti." The way it sounded gave chills to my bones. I am not ready to become a bride of such a person, his very name held power in it. I swallowed the lump in my throat and excused, "I'll go and fresh up." and ran away.

I ran my hands in my hair, not apprehending what I had done. I agreed to marry such an infamous personality, this wasn't supposed to happen, how can he live with a low girl like me. I am no match compared to him. He will never be happy with me, what should I do?

I paced around the dressing room in anxiety and rubbed my cold hands together. After a few moments, Sophie entered as I asked her,

"Is it right Sophie? I mean look at him and me, we are so different." I said distressed. Sophie passed me a smile and said, "It's alright. Don't worry. Tyler will take great care of you. I know him." He reassured me. "But-" She cut me off.

"No buts. Listen, Tyler is a gallant guy, he will love you more than you can imagine." She smiled. The mentioning of love made my heart skip a beat, I never thought love would occur between me and Tyler. I nodded slowly and she said, "Come on, let's fix you up." She said.

She helped me to freshen up and to apply makeup again. She put the veil over my head and then Rufus came looking worried, "Candice, what I heard, is this true?" I kept looking down not saying a word. He walked closer and bend to my level, "Please speak and tell me." He said, holding my hands.

"Rufus... Don't..." I whispered in a croaked voice. Rufus kissed my hands and we remained silent. Then Father came, he was about to say something but Rufus stopped him.

"Don't you dare." Growled Rufus.

"She has always been a disgrace. Even when leaving she taints our name." Father said with venom, I wanted to yell at him that this happened because of you but decided not to.

"Have you ever thought about her happiness? What did she feel? What does she want? You just forced your wishes upon her and when she is that heartbroken, instead of consoling her you are scolding her. The real disgrace is you as a father!" Sophie suddenly yelled at Father. He narrowed his eyes at her.

"Who the hell are you?" He snarled.

"No one." She grumbled and ignored him. He turned and left before saying, "You truly are a disgrace, Candice. You have nothing like your mother in you." I remained silent as tears brimmed in my eyes.

I tried my best to ignore his harsh words but still, a few tears fell on my hands. "Get out Mr Whale." Sophie hissed.

"What?"

"Get the fuck out of here! Before I threw you out!" She shouted. He cursed under his breath and went away.

Rufus again turned his attention to me and we both were surprised to see the sudden outburst of Sophie.

She scoffed and looked away, "Don't cry for someone who isn't worthy of your tears."

"He is my father," I whispered.

"Fathers are supposed to protect their daughters, to love them, to stay by their side." She said. I remained silent feeling sad. Rufus smiled sadly as he said,

"I'll miss you. Please take care of yourself."

"You also." Then Christian entered, "Everything's ready." and the time to leave came.

Fate played it's card, throwing me into those pits of turmoil. But all I could hope for is that your domain becomes my sanctuary.