Steve was already at the entrance, waiting for Emily and Sarah. The tiled floor was covered with a red carpet that extended to the altar in a straight line. The furniture was a bright golden brown, finely polished. Big chandeliers hung from different corners of the room alongside artificial flowers laced up with little light bulbs that shone diversely in rainbow colors, making the evening look surreal.
Steve smiled. The wedding would still be a great one after all. Emily and Sarah arrived at the entrance hand in hand, taking long breaths to calm their nervousness.
" You look gorgeous Em. Smile. It's a beautiful event or do you not like the set up and decorations? The people? They're all here for you. "
Steve said, turning to look at Emily. She looked scared and hurt yet beautiful. Her black doe eyes were so visible in the make up she wore. She clasped her hands at her front, placing them on her dress.
" They're all here for the wedding Father. Not for me. "
She responded and heaved out a sigh.
The brightness coming from the various light bulbs cast a warm glow over the picturesque hall where the wedding was taking place. As the soft strains of the piano filled the air, the guests turned their heads to catch a glimpse of the bride's entrance.
Steve, dressed in a sleek grey suit, stood at the head of the aisle, his eyes glistening with pride. His suit was perfectly tailored, accentuating his broad shoulders and giving him an air of timeless elegance. A single white rose adorned his lapel, symbolizing the simplicity of Emily's heart.
The doors swung open, revealing Emily's breathtaking sight, her ethereal beauty enhanced by the delicate lace of her gown.
With every step she took, her movements were graceful and poised, as if she were floating on air. Her eyes showed no emotion, while a small smile played upon her lips. The soft tulle cape cascaded down her waist, trailing behind her like a calm waterfall.
In a black suit of sheer fabric, Alexander stood firm at the altar watching the young lady he was about to marry walk to him. He watched Emily take graceful steps down the aisle. She looked radiant. Her lips, pursed and plump.
As they reached the end of the aisle, Steve gently placed a kiss on Emily's cheek and with a grin, placed her hands in those of Alex.
Alex gave her a stern but reassuring smile.
" It's okay mama. Keep calm till we're out of here "
He whispered in her ear. Her cologne smelled like a mixture of vanilla and peppermint. A combination that although mild and sweet, smelled like danger. He placed his hands on her waist while she dropped hers on his shoulders. He smiled.
" Steve didn't mention that you are this charming."
Emily looked at the middle aged man standing before her straight in the eye. His hair was layered back, styled with what looked like aloe vera gel. His eyes were stern and unwavering and he carried a calm yet dominating aura.
She showed off a small smile too and replied;
" Neither did he say you were this old."
The energy between them shifted and there was a livid tension around them. Alex's face becomes serious and his stand becomes firm. Emily drops her hands from his shoulders.
...
" Yes I do "
Alex boldly said. It intrigued Emily that he seemed quite happy. Happy that he was marrying her on a business deal? Probably as a collateral for a business her father wants to indulge in but doesn't have the funds for. It was at this point she decided to take a good look at his features. He had quite the definition of handsome. Great jawline, a sexy bicep, the strong scent of oud and sandalwood. The way he dominated the entire room made her curious about what authority he had. He was a typical powerful man.
Emily cleared her throat.
" Yes I .. I do ".
He smiled.
" And you may kiss the bride "
The priest joining the two said, beaming.
Emily's heart dropped. Her face burned a light pink. Shy? Annoyed? Blushing? She let out a light sigh. Her lips looked plumped in the crystal clear gloss she wore. She tried her best to hide the emotions in her eyes, but her white skin gave her away.
" Blushing I see?"
Alex said, smiling softly at Emily.
" Don't flatter yourself. I wish we could skip the part ".
Her voice was sharp.
Alex let out a quiet laugh. He placed his hands on her waist and pecked her lips. It felt so soft. So warm.
…
The ride to Emily's new home, Alex's house, was a silent, pain throbbing journey. His demeanor changed. He was not the kind, inquisitive man she met at the altar.
The moment her father and the crowd waved them goodbye, he became very quiet. Almost angry. He looked bored and stressed after he dropped his phone from the business call he had been on for over twenty minutes.
Emily shifted and twisted on the seat. She made sure to sit at the other side of the back seat space, away from his oozing temper.
Sitting in her dress for the long drive was very uncomfortable as she had been in it for over six hours.
Soon enough, they pulled up into the gates of Alex's mansion and he was swift to get down from the car as though he was running from something, or hurrying to catch up with something inside, Emily shook her head slightly.
" It would take a long time to adapt to this."
She propped from the car and headed towards the front door. The caretaker scurried along, behind her, carrying bags that seemed too heavy for a woman her size.
… ..
Emily took off her shoes and held them in her left hand, while the other touched the walls of the corridor she walked down.
They were painted in a muted shade of cream, providing a neutral backdrop for the ornate gold accents that adorn the room. Delicate floral patterns were hand-painted on the walls, adding a touch of femininity to the space.
" Where is my room?"
Emily inquired from the caretaker who was just returning from the lobby which alighted into a floor of rooms, panting heavily with unsteady breaths. She looked like someone in her late fifties and had very much visible gray hair . She was a little below average height, light skinned and had a petite body structure.
She gave Emily a wry smile before responding.
" Mr Black instructed me to drop your bags in the room opposite his. "
" Alright. Could you lead the way please? "
Emily asked. She needed to take off the heavy dress that threatened to throw her off guard soon, wash off the stress that her body was soaked in and drench herself in her tears hoping that she would find a good night's sleep after. She knew her life had changed completely and she wasn't ready for it .
" Of course ma'am."
The older woman said smiling and began to walk towards the lobby.
" Call me Emily. Just Emily."
" If Mr Black were to hear me call you by name, I'd be good as gone. But, you can call me Martha. I'm Alex's caretaker and now yours. "
Martha has a little squint around the corners of her eye. She was a woman filled with humor. Her smile was relaxing and she sounded like a very calm person.
" When you say Mr Black you mean Alex right? How long have you known him for? "
Emily asked. She held the majority of her dress in her hands while struggling to catch up with Martha's pace. The older woman had the speed and energy of a ten year old.
They stopped at a black mahogany door on the right, just at the far end of the floor of rooms which had over eight separate doors.
Martha opened the door and took a long drag of air from the rose scented room.
" Welcome to the Black's Family child."