MARRY ME, MISS
Micheal's POV
"I don't care how you do it; just get me a woman!"
I was on the phone with my personal assistant, and his words were just nothing to sit still with. I looked at my wristwatch and realised time is not on my side anymore. This was 3 PM. If there is anything to do, I have to do it during broad daylight. I couldn't find a bride at night.
I told myself Ma was just joking; yes, she doesn't mean it, but hell well, that woman meant it because at exactly 10 AM this morning, the lawyer called me. At that time, I was starting to get it over with sleep after the stress of midnight, but then the blaring of my phone wouldn't allow me. I had picked up the call and waited to hear the husky voice of the man I had grown up to dislike.
I lay on my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as he talked. "Good morning, Michael," he said, his voice firm. It was always firm.
"What is it, Mr. Thomas?" I asked, knowing deep down what this was about.
"Your grandmother's will...the clause about getting married by today," he began.
"I know, I know. I have to get married in nineteen hours or lose everything," I finished for him, feeling a sense of desperation creeping in.
"Michael, I know this isn't ideal, but your grandmother was very clear about her wishes. There is more to the will. She wanted you to settle down and start a family," he explained.
"But that's just it—I will do that, okay? But when Ma was thinking about this, you couldn't talk her out of this? How will I just marry someone for the sake of it?" I argued.
"I understand, Michael, but time is running out. You need to make a decision quickly," he urged.
I threw off my covers and got out of bed, pacing around the room. "This is crazy! I can't believe she's doing this to me from her deathbed!!"
"Even in death, it remains the same, Michael; please understand."
The clock on my nightstand seemed to be ticking away, mocking me with every passing second. Nineteen hours wasn't enough time to find a suitable partner, let alone get married. And scrap out the midnights; let's just stop at 8 PM today. I was finished.
"Michael, I'm sorry. I wish there was another way," Mr. Thomas said, his voice softening, and then the call had ended.
The voice of my assistant brought me back to reality. "Sir, I've tried my best, but there is only one way though." I didn't say anything; I allowed him to go on. "I think you need to be here, sir, at Alt Film Industry."
"To do what, Andrew?" I was annoyed. Of all things to think of, why would he say this?
"Get married. I have everything arranged, sir; we just need the papers and evidence that you got married. And also, I'll need some money."
I sighed and nodded as if he could see me. "Take whatever you need. I will be there. Just give me twenty minutes."
***
Alaina's POV
I was acting. And it felt so true.
"One, two, three—ACTION!"
I was walking down the aisle, looking all beautiful and radiant. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was just a scene for a movie, but the setting and the atmosphere made it feel so damn real. It reminded me of the wedding I never had with Nicole.
The church was beautiful, with stained glass windows and intricate carvings on the pews. The priest stood at the altar, a kind smile on his face, and beside him stood the actor I would be exchanging vows with. They all looked so real.
As I approached him, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. Tall, dark hair, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. He looked so unreal and had the hunter's eyes. I don't think I've ever seen him in any movie (maybe he was a washed-up doll like me).
"Repeat the vows, Alice." It felt great to be called that character name. I looked at the actor and started my vows. I didn't need to re-read my script to know what I was supposed to say.
"I take you, Michael, to be my wedded husband," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death we do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faithfulness."
For a while, the actor couldn't say anything. I could have sworn I caught a look of mischief in his blue eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. "I, Michael, take thee to be my wedded wife," he said, his voice low and husky. "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death we do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faithfulness."
As we finished, the priest pronounced us husband and wife and said, "You may kiss the bride."
Then 'Micheal' leaned in and kissed me. It was a gentle, soft kiss, but it sent shivers down my spine, and he tasted so familiar. So, so familiar.
"CUT!"
As we broke apart, I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of joy and happiness that I hadn't felt in a long time. The directors and everyone began to clap, and I was elevated. I wanted to rid myself of these accessories and go to meet Keisha so we could talk all about my ex-husband. But then, as I began to walk away, someone held back my hands. I turned back to see that it was the actor I just kissed. His grip was firm and insistent.
"Follow me home," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Follow you home? Why?"
It was like he forced himself to speak, and when he did, it was gibberish. "We are married. We just sealed our love in front of God and witnesses."
"You are crazy; this is just an act for the movie 'Marry Me, Miss'."
He shook his head, "No, this is actually real." He paused and went on as if he had hot coal in his mouth, "You are actually married to me, miss."