Chapter 4

After the priest's preaching about love and faithfulness, which almost bled Lucas's ear, he began to ask the questions that made most couples who were about to be wedded rethink their decision. To Carla, she had nothing to think of, but Lucas thought about everything again.

Was what he was doing worth it? What if Logan was right about what he said a week ago and Robert was trying to play him? Would he be able to spend the rest of his life living as Carla's husband?

" Carla Hudson, do you take Lucas Grayson as your lawfully wedded husband? To love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" the Priest asked.

" Yes, I do, " Carla replied almost immediately, earning a side look from Lucas who was standing next to her. He had just wished she said no, everything would have been over then. He would have traveled to Italy tomorrow morning, taken a lady in his arms, and spent a week there without…..

" Lucas Grayson, do you also accept Carla Hudson as your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish her, in sickness and in health, till death do you part? , " the Priest turned to Lucas asking him the same question he asked Carla.

' Say no, ' his subconscious told him as Carla turned to look at him. He knew he couldn't do anything stupid, people were watching, and everything was at stake. He is that much of a coward.

" I do, " he answered in between gritted teeth, trying his very best to hide the scowl that was threatening to show on his face. This wasn't what he wanted, he didn't want to get committed to anyone, especially not Carla.

Sadly, he said yes, making his subconscious weep in sorrow, but his newly wedded wife beamed with happiness. He picked up a ring and took her hand in his, the warmth in her hands covering up the cold in his.

" I, Lucas Grayson, take Carla Hudson to be my lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish her, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, " he recited and slipped the wedding band into her fingers, even though he just lied about his vows. He couldn't love and cherish her, it wasn't going to be possible.

After Carla had recited her vows, the priest proclaimed them husband and wife and ordered him to kiss his bride. That was when he began to panic.

The last thing he wanted was to kiss Carla, but he had a crowd full of people including the press that was waiting for him to. Murmurs began to fill the air as he stood there, doing nothing. Robert and David looked at him expectantly, but he didn't know what to do.

Carla's gaze fell, disappointed that Lucas didn't look her in the eyes, let alone kiss her. She looked around, reporters were already typing on their laptops, and both her father's and Robert's face held disappointment, Lucas was letting them down. She looked back at him and he still had not made any move, she knew she had to do something.

So, she stood on her toes, grabbed his face in her hands, and then pressed her lips on his, earning gasps from the audience. She knew it would become a new story, A Bride kisses the groom at their wedding ceremony, but it would be better than ruining her husband's image.

After the service, everyone headed to the reception hall. Carla and Lucas walked side by side, their hands linked together like happy couples as they began to greet their guests one after the other.

On getting to Lucas's father's side, Carla unlinked her arms from Lucas and went forward to hug him.

" Robert, " she called out as they hugged and he patted her back, smiling as she hugged him.

" Congratulations, Carla and welcome to the family, " he said as she released herself from him.

" Thank you so much, Robert, " she responded and then turned to Maria, Lucas's stepmom. " Maria, " she greeted, hugging her as she did with Robert. She gave Logan, who was standing next to Maria, a quizzical look as she had never seen him before and Robert cleared his throat, gaining their attention.

" This is Logan, my second son, and Lucas's younger brother, " he introduced and her mouth formed an ' o ' as she nodded in understanding. Logan came forward, stretching his hands for a handshake which she accepted gladly.

" Welcome to the family, damsel. I hope we get along well, " he said and made to kiss the back of her hand but Lucas slapped his hands away and Carla was taken aback by his sudden action.

"Back off Logan", he growled and grabbed Carla's wrist tightly, pulling her behind him.

" Lucas, behave yourself, the both of you are in public and there are reporters here, " Robert warned in a hushed voice and Carla pursed her lips firmly, a part of her wondering why the two brothers weren't on good terms.

" Then, tell your son to stay away from her, " he retorted and a light pink color crept up to her face, liking the fact that Lucas just stood up for her. He walked away from his parent's table, dragging her along with him. She wanted to complain about his tight grip but decided to keep quiet as he loosened his grip almost immediately.

" Lucas, " she heard a male voice call and she turned her head in the direction of the voice only to see Noah waving his hands at them. Lucas walked up to him while she followed directly at his back.

" Noah, " she called out on getting there and he waved, smiling softly at her. Noah looked at the both of them while giving her boyfriend a quizzical look.