Even from afar, I can see Malina' body language betraying her nervousness. Coming closer to where I am standing, even Marshall's face shows a slight discomfort. He keeps patting the hand that holding his elbow in a very tight grip.
Only when she release the hand, Marshall expression did return to normal. While Marshall placing Malina on my outstretched palm, he said one sentence only while narrowing his eyes on me.
"Treat her well if you know what good for you."
Alex impression about his new father in law increase a notch, as well as respect for delivering that sentence with a request and threatening him on the same breath.
"I will."
"Good."
Marshall left us and sit at the front row.
Standing side by side with her hand gripping my elbow. Now it's my turn to grimace. Such a powerful grip. I keep petting her damp hand, hoping she will ease down the grip a little.
I glanced over my shoulder looking towards Marshall. He just smirks from where he sits and with a smug expression, very satisfied for me to face a similar experience as he did earlier.
I straighten my shoulder facing the priest as a respect gesture but I am not actually very focused on what he said.
I know my bride notices me keep glancing on her because her blush intensified with every moment pass by.
Even with just a glimpse, Alex knew the dress Malina wearing today at least reach six figures with those real diamonds. The dress covers up her from neck to toe except for the small slit on both side of her shoulders, reveals a glimpse of her slightly tanned skin. Alex acknowledges her good taste.
On their earlier encounter today, Malina's
kohl-dark hair was a tie-up as a ponytail but now her glorious hair is pulled back into a tight braid. It was adorned with a small fresh flower. Her round eyes, framed by long lashes, were the darkest midnight black. So dark like when you staring at it for too long, you will feel like your soul will be sucked out from your body and lose inside it.
But now, her eyes lose some of the intensity and becoming dull. Her worry was evident in the crease of her lovely brow and the down curve of her cherry lips.
So focus of me with her lips, I even jolt a little when the priest suddenly mention a kiss. Did I say 'I do" before? I can't remember her answer either.
The priest gives a discreet cough.
My ears are getting red for caught off guard.
The priest repeated his last sentence.
"Now you may kiss the bride."
Malina's black round eyes were wide as a saucer. Her mouth slack open a bit in surprise. Then, her black iris keep darting right and left. Her body looks like ready to bolt in any moment. Alex doesn't want to risk any chance of being left at the altar in disgrace.
To seal her potential escape routes, Alex firmly grabs both of her upper arms, thus practically caging her.
Alex leans closer. Leaving nowhere to escape, Malina shutting her eyes up so tightly and lips stretching so thin, waiting with dread for the unwelcoming kiss.
But the kiss never came. Instead, Marina feels a warm sensation on her forehead. She blinks a few times. Not understanding what happened just now.
Seeing Malina in a confusing state. Alex confesses his behavior.
"I will when you want me to."