I stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower. Emerging, I was taken aback by the swarm of unfamiliar faces filling my room. "Who are they?" I asked Lily.
"My cosmetics and fashion team," she replied with a giggle. "Alex sent them to help you get ready."
I stood before the mirror, surrounded by six experts pampering me. The stunning white wedding gown, custom-made by Alex's mother, adorned me. This Grey family tradition signified their acceptance of me.
Lily gazed longingly at my dress, crafted with diamonds. I smiled inwardly, recalling James' proposal to her in eighth grade. "You'd be married by now if you'd accepted jame's proposal," I teased.
"Funny," Lily said dryly.
"I'm sorry," I said, still chuckling. "After me, it's your turn to wear a gorgeous wedding dress."
With Lily's aid, I exited the car and adjusted my flowing gown. As we entered the venue, nervousness gripped me, but remembering my reservations about Alex, I pushed aside doubts.
My father waited near the door, and as we walked down the aisle, I prayed I wouldn't trip. Alex looked captivating in his tailored tuxedo.
We exchanged vows and rings. The priest pronounced, "You may kiss the bride." Alex lifted my veil, and our eyes locked.
His lips brushed mine, sending shivers. We broke apart, and I caught Lily's smiling at me in wonder.
The bouquet toss landed in Lily's hands, and we proceeded to the reception on a majestic ship.
Though impressive, the glamour felt suffocating, a reminder I wasn't marrying for love.
A piercing gaze unsettled me, but scanning the crowd revealed no one.
Alex noticed my unease. "Okay, sweetie?" he whispered.
"Who's your sweetie?" I asked, forcing a smile.
He rolled his eyes. "Smile; people are watching."
I faked amusement, thinking, "How fake can he be.
As the ship docked, I couldn't help but feel exhausted. The glamorous wedding, reception, and endless socializing had taken its toll. Alex, sensing my fatigue, offered a mocking smile, 'you can't even handle such event can you' type of smile.
We disembarked, and a sleek limousine waited to transport us to our new home. The drive was scenic, winding through lush gardens and opulent neighborhoods.
As we arrived at our destination, I gasped inwardly.The house was beautiful, it had a very big and beautiful fountain in the middle, everything about the house screamed money. I was still looking at the interior of the house but then, I was greeted by all the staffs of the household which really outnumbered the one I had back at my house and ou.
Alex voice came in, " Nancy would show you to your room, and all the things you would be needing she would be the one yo take Carr of it. Goodnight." I watched as he stepped away from me and walked towards his car.
'Are you for real he isn't going to stay.'
I looked away once the car accelerated and zoomed off, 'ahh it non of my business whatever he does' I affirmed to myself.
The mansion was breathtaking – crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a serene lake.
I stepped inside, I couldn't help but wow at the interiors and fashion the house was made up of. The interior was just as stunning – lavish furnishings, artwork, and intricate details, the house had a private elevator to each floor room you are going to.
*** ALEX P.O.V ***
I stood before the mirror, adjusting my tie for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Relax, mate," Liam said, chuckling. "You look perfect."
I turned to my best friend and best man. "Hmm, easy to say."
Liam clapped me on the back. "You're doing the right thing, Alex. Now you would be able to secure the remaining shares of the company."
I nodded, though a flicker of doubt crossed my mind.
The marriage contract had been negotiated for months, so it had to go on perfectly, I can't mess it up.
"Hey, Liam?" I said, my voice low.
"Yeah?"
"Do you think my father would find out about this marriage been fake?"
Liam's expression turned serious. "Well it depends, He would only find out about it if some go rattling to him about it."
I nodded, knowing Liam was right. 'There was no one who knew the marriage was fake' or so he thought.
"Time to go," Liam said, handing me my cufflinks.
As we headed to the wedding, my phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number: "Remember, this marriage isn't what it seems."
My heart skipped a beat. Who was this? And what did they mean? How do they know?
I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the ceremony ahead.