"Ethan's point of view,"
Stella was supposed to meet me at the church, but it has been an hour, and she hasn't shown up. Even when I called her, she didn't pick up.
Why has Stella Parker not yet arrived? Is it because she tricked me, or what?
No, this is not possible. She has signed a business arrangement with you; she will not cheat you like this; after all, she is very professional, and it is because of her commitment that she is a successful businessperson. My subconscious quickly began extolling Stella's qualities.
Stop talking like that; if she keeps making fun of me in front of my family, I'll give her a condition she can only imagine.
I believe she is in serious peril; my subconscious is still more concerned with that stubborn Stella Parker than with my image.
"Ethan, why hasn't your bride arrived yet?" To Grandma's query, I have no response. I was pleading with God for Stella to arrive somehow while it fixated me on the phone's display.
"Why don't you respond to me?" The worried tone in her voice was palpable.
"I believe she might...,"
"I'm sorry for being late, Mr. Woods." Stella entered the church even before I had finished.
Is this Stella?
She appeared to be an angel in a white gown. I did not know my grandmother's fancy gown would look so stunning on her because I had only ever seen her in a professional dress. Her body was exhibiting all its beautiful curves. Her natural beauty was being enhanced by the least amount of makeup on her face.
Am I drawn to that obstinate girl because of her beauty?
Of course, my magnificent subconscious again irked me:
Why don't you just admit that you like her?
Stop your nonsense; this girl has humiliated me in front of everyone once more, and I will hold her accountable.
"Miss Parker, could you please tell me why you are running late?" I asked in a furious tone.
"You can complete these things later, Ethan. It's too late now." Grandma cut me off before she could respond to my query.
"How did your time constraints fail you today? Do all of your rules only apply to certain people, or do you breach them yourself?" As soon as she approached me, I whispered my question.
"We'll talk more about that later, Mr. Woods." She answered in a quiet voice.
"Do you come here by yourself?" It puzzled me she had no one around.
"Yes. Do you experience any difficulties with this?" In a grating tone, she asked the question.
Will this girl still treat me rudely once we are married? Does she not possess the decency to address her husband politely?
I'll soon punish you for being obstinate, Stella Parker. I felt quite thrilled inside as I considered the wicked thoughts that were entering my head.
Do you not think that since she entered her marriage alone as well, you ought to now inquire about her family? I still don't know why Miss Parker is so important to my subconscious.
"Why haven't your family or friends shown up, Miss Parker?" I was getting nudges from my subconscious, telling me to ask her this.
"My friend could not visit because, for some reason, and my parents had passed away." She responded, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor.
"Miss Parker, I apologize if I offended you." I'm not sure why, but I don't feel at all good inside after seeing the misery on her face.
"Okay, Mr. Woods, we're only getting married for a year under contract. This isn't a real wedding where everyone needs to be there." Looking into my eyes, she said.
After all, what is this girl's issue? She is having issues with my sympathy, but I am being a pleasant gentleman and offering it to her.
"Miss Parker, my family member, is here; it would be better if you didn't keep reminding me of our agreement."
I don't understand why I become so irate when she points out that our marriage is only a legal document and that we are not a real married couple.
"Do you accept Stella Parker as your wife, Ethan Woods?" I glanced back at Stella as she stood in front of me from head to toe after hearing Father's voice.
Am I prepared for marriage?
Yes, you need to act right away.
You must accept Stella as your wife to make your grandma happy, who is now very content because of this marriage.
"Yes, I do," I answered Father's question by listening to my inner voice.
"Do you accept Ethan Woods as your husband, Miss Stella Parker?"
"Yes, I do." As soon as she heard Father's question, she responded.
I got the impression from her response that she had rehearsed it at home before offering it to me. After Father finished the last of the wedding ceremonies, he requested I kiss Stella Parker.
"You can now kiss your bride."
My eyes widened in surprise as I listened to the father's comments.
Is this man kidding? I won't take any such action. I disregarded what Father stated.
"Why are you hesitating, Ethan? Kiss Stella hastily." I turned to look at Stella when I heard my grandmother's words.
It was obvious from the look in her eyes that she was not at all prepared for this kiss.
She remarked in a hushed voice, "Don't even think of doing something like that."
"Do you believe I want to kiss you?" I answered her in a low voice.
"Are you so timid?" Relatives who were in the church taunted me.
Oh my God, I already have so many problems; why would my family want to make things worse for me? If I had known this earlier, I would not have invited these people, so why did I invite them here in the first place? My grandma is to blame for everything; I had to invite these people to the wedding on her advice only.
"Kiss the bride quickly; what were you thinking of taking so long for?" In front of everyone in the church, my grandmother chastised me.
I now feel envious of Stella because no one is pressuring her to kiss as I am; thus, it would have been better if I had arrived here alone like Stella.
"Happy wedding, Miss Parker and Mr. Woods!"
Oh no, only these individuals were missing in action. Paparazzi suddenly burst inside the church.
After all, who invited these folks to this location? I glared at Stella.
However, she shared the same irate expression as I did, making it abundantly obvious that she had not invited the media to visit.
Who, if not Stella, invited these individuals to this location?
"Thank you for coming; I was only waiting for you." It surprised me when my grandmother finished speaking as I turned to face her.
Oh, so my grandma only did this, but why?
Because She is unaware that her grandson is accepting a one-year contract marriage to fulfill her wish. Once more, my subconscious made fun of me.
"Stella has been waiting for your kiss for such a long time, so waste no more time and kiss the bride right away."
What happened to my grandmother, oh my god? She must have forgotten that I am her grandson and not her childhood friend or close cousin if she talks to me in this manner.
I once more cast a beseeching gaze on Stella, who was standing in front of me. She continued to warn me with her eyes.
I lowered my voice and brought my face to her lips, saying, "Sorry, Miss Parker; I can't do anything about it right now."