"Are you going to keep the guest waiting, while making excuses for that stripper?" Alexander, who stood next to Atticus as his best man, muttered, trying to provoke him.
Atticus clenched his fist, making sure he remained calm. He knew his reputation depended on this wedding. If he acted rashly, he might end up becoming everyone's enemy.
"It had been almost an hour and a half since everyone was waiting for Sabrina. You know what happens if she delays more than this, your wedding will be canceled," Vivian, his stepmother, muttered with a fake smile.
Seeing how silent Atticus was, Vivian continued. "If you don't want this wedding to get canceled and become a laughingstock in the city, then get married to Alicia."
"She is already trending on social media and many people thought she was your fiancée, just imagine what would happen if they find out a stripper turned you down on your wedding day? Haha," Alexander muttered, adding insult to Atticus's wound.
Not only was he worried about Sabrina's absence, but he was also worried about the fact that he hadn't seen Francis's report yet.
He made sure the security was at the front door protecting Sabrina. What could be the reason for her delay? No matter how hard he tried to read the situation, he just couldn't understand it.
"Look at grandpa," Alexander's voice drifted him back to reality.
Seeing his grandfather stand up, he knew what was next. Wedding cancellation.
"The bride is here..."
Before Mr. Sawyer could walk up to Atticus, the bride's presence was announced, followed by the slow movement of the bride, alongside a young lady as they walked down the aisle.
Today was supposed to be the best day in any lady's life, but it turned out to be another mysterious day Sabrina must escape.
Even though the poison was spreading, and she was feeling so much pain, she couldn't help but endure it.
She had to endure it to save her face and Atticus's. She knew it would be a big embarrassment to the Sawyer family if her wedding got canceled because many reputable citizens were invited.
"Are you sure you're fine?" Gabriella muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
With the pale look on Sabrina's face despite the makeup, she kept acting fine. Gabriella, who knew how adamant Sabrina could be, decided not to bother asking her until they arrived at the podium where the priest and the groom stood.
There was televisions hung at each side of the magnificent hall, giving those at the back access to see the couple through the screen.
"You look pale, what happened?" Atticus asked in whispers.
"I will tell you after this wedding. Let's focus on our vows for now," she replied back.
Even though there were indistinct murmurs in the hall about the color of her dress, she pretended not to know.
Her eyes scanned the hall, which was magnificent with perfect designs, chandelier light across each edge. She never knew such a place existed.
"Is there anyone against this wedding?"
The priest's voice brought her to reality. Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the only person who intended to ruin her marriage.
But she wasn't there.
"Since no one is against the union of Sabrina Kieran and Atticus Adams Sawyer, the wedding vow may begin," the priest instructed, directing his words to Atticus and Sabrina.
Atticus smiled faintly as if this was the day he had been waiting for. Staring intensely at her, he began.
"On this day, I, Atticus Sawyer, vow to cherish, protect, and stay by Sabrina Kieran's side as her husband. Either good or bad, I promise not to ever abandon her," Atticus read out the wedding vows.
As Sabrina stole glances at Atticus, her heart melted down, finding it hard to believe it was just acting. The way he sounded and the look on his face were far from fake.
"Sabrina, it's your turn," Atticus's low voice brought her to reality.
She exhaled deeply, her gaze directed towards the vows written on the sheet she was holding. No matter how many times she memorized it, she found it hard to recall everything without mistakes.
"On this day, I, Sabrina Kieran, vow to love and support Atticus as his wife. I promise to be by his side during hard, better, and amazing moments," she read out the words with all the energy left in her.
Her knuckles already turned white as she tightened her grip around the sheet and her sideline.
"I, Priest Johnson, pronounced Atticus Sawyer and Sabrina Kieran as husband and wife," the priest's announcement made the hall become noisy. "The groom may now kiss the bride."
Atticus hesitated before he took a few steps closer to Sabrina, closing the gaps between them.
Seeing how pale and weak Sabrina was, he couldn't help but ask out of concern. "Do you have a phobia of crowds?"
"Something of such," she whispered her response.
He smiled faintly before leaning closer. Before Sabrina could go against him kissing her, his lips were already on hers, devouring the flavor.
She couldn't help but give in. Their kiss went on until they realized they were in front of the crowd. Their reputation depended on this day.
"Congratulations," the priest said after they disengaged from the kiss.
After the priest left, the crowd was busy murmuring. Many people were talking about their vows, while some focused on the kiss, and others on the color of the bride's gown.
"Atticus, I want to use the restroom," she said, trying to make up an excuse to walk away.
"I would escort you. You look too pale. I can't let you go on your own," Atticus said calmly.
Having little to no strength to argue, she only nodded. Atticus led the way to the female restroom since he knew the place more than anyone.
On their way to the restroom, Sabrina fell to the ground with blood streaming down her nostrils.
"Sabrina, what is wrong with you? Are you sick?" Atticus asked out of concern.
"I am sorry I didn't inform you. I might end up dying," she replied, her voice barely audible.
Atticus grabbed her to himself before yelling at her. "What do you mean! You better not die! You have no right to die, not now!"
"I was poisoned by Alicia. I am sorry I lied earlier," with the strength left in her, she managed to utter those words before passing out.