"Girl, you look so amazing!!"Naya, one of Bianca's friends, a model, commented as she used her hands to feel the amazing material of Bianca's wedding dress.
Bianca replied with a smile of content, her eyes fixed on the mirror before her. She was putting on the most exquisite wedding gown she'd ever laid eyes on — and believe me as a model, she'd seen far too many than she could count.
The strapless, mermaid silhouette seemed to have been made just for her, hugging her curves in all the right places. A smirk fell on her lips. Andre was definitely going to fall on his knees when he saw this.
Delicate, hand beaded lace appliques adorned the fitted, boned bodice, shimmering with a subtle champagne hue that complimented her glowing skin just perfectly. A daring , sweetheart neckline framed her face, drawing attention to her radiant smile.
"C'mon, babe! Give us a 360!"her other friend, Aisha, bubbled in excitement. Bianca giggled, complying as she made a turn.
The back of the gown had a dramatic, flared train flowing behind her like a river of silk, creating an extremely breath taking effect. It was intricately designed, a crystal encrusted belt cinched at her waist, emphasizing on her slender physique.
A dramatic thigh high slit added a touch of sensuality and allure and she indeed felt like a true goddess. One she hoped Andre would hopelessly fall for.
Letting out a sigh of content, Bianca's fingers trailed over the beading and lace, feeling the weight and quality of the gown on her. Thank goodness she was used to wearing slightly heavy clothes.
"This is more than a wedding gown, Bi. It's an amazing work of art!"Naya purred.
It wasn't even close to the one she'd seen Jenny wear, but it indeed was a masterpiece of its own.
"Thanks alot girls. I really really appreciate the fact that you're both here on a very short notice,"Bianca spoke, no atom of gratitude on her face.
"It's fine, Bianca,"both girls chorused and Bianca simply ignored them, taking in her look of perfection once more.
"We should get going, Naya. See you later, babe!"Aisha spoke, pulling Naya with her and out the door.
"Let's see if he'll be able to get distracted by anything even after marrying me,"Bianca huffed, staring at herself through the mirror, a displeased look on her face.
"Andre's attention is mine and mine alone. I'm never sharing!"she spoke fiercely as tough her own reflection was some kind of competition.
The door slightly opened and Senator Eastwood's head popped in.
"Hey, Babygirl."
Bianca turned, holding up her gown to avoid falling. "Dad!"she smiled at him widely.
"I still can't believe you're getting married,"the man chuckled, walking into the room fully and towards his daughter. "You've grown so much. I can barely recognize you as the little angel who ran around my garden, trashing everywhere if I refused to get you a new Barbie doll house."
Bianca laughed along with her dad at the statement.
"I wish she were here to see you now,"he spoke sadly and Bianca let out a sad smile.
"Yeah, I do too. But where ever she is, I'm sure she's looking down and smiling,"Bianca affirmed and Senator Eastwood nodded with a grin.
"Of course she is. Her babygirl made her proud. It's enough reason to be happy,"the man spoke, pulling Bianca in for a hug.
"You're sure you really love Andre? I don't want you ending up in regret after this. It's already clear Eloise doesn't like you,"the man spoke in concern and Bianca rolled eyes with a scoff.
"Who cares what the old hag thinks? I don't. I love Andre and we're getting married. I know it may seem otherwise now, but he'll come to love and accept me as his wife, faster than we all think,"Bianca spoke in an attempt to convince her father.
"You believe so?"he asked, breaking the hug.
"I know so, Daddy,"Bianca grinned.
"Alright then. I'll respect your decision,"he beamed at his daughter.
★
Andre dropped the jacket of his suit as he sat down in frustration.
"What's the issue?"Ryan asked, sitting beside him.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm not ready to marry her! Considering the fact that she's the main reason they're all forcing this marriage thingy on me. It's not fair,"Andre nagged, looking so frustrated.
"But you've never had a problem with marrying her before. Infact, you were beginning to fall for her. What changed?"Ryan asked in confusion until something suddenly clicked. "Ahh. It's Marissa, isn't it?"Ryan teased.
"It's Makisha, dummy. And she isn't the reason I'm against getting married now. It's just.... Bianca's changed,"Andre grumbled.
"So what are you going to do now? Because as it stands, you don't even have a choice than to marry her,"Ryan shrugged, stating the blunt truth.
"Hey, think there's such a thing as a runaway groom?"Andre suddenly asked and Ryan burst out laughing.
"Bro, you have got to be fucking kidding me,"Ryan spoke inbetween laughter.
"Does this sound funny? I'm so fucking serious. Something tells me today has such bad luck. I seriously don't want to marry her. Not now, at least. Maybe later, somewhere in the future,"Andre spoke and Ryan's laughter slowly died down.
"Listen, man. There's no stopping the wedding unless Bianca says so. I'd just get this over with if I were you.... Cause Senator Eastwood ain't smiling,"Ryan stated a fact and Andre groaned.
"Curse my life. This situation is drop-dead annoying,"he complained.
"Don't worry, I'll pray for you. You'll survive it,"Ryan nodded, a proud smile on his face.
Andre just couldn't help but wonder where exactly he fetched the crazy fella as a best friend from.
★
Andre stood there at the alter, in front of the cathedral in his perfectly tailored tuxedo, patiently waiting for his dearly beloved bride. His best-man — who was obviously Ryan — stood beside him, silently teasing hell out of the already nervous man.
Funny how the hall was so full despite the fact that the wedding was held on very short notice.
Andre hadn't even expected up to fifteen guests! But what he was seeing....well, he kinda lost count at a hundred and fifty.
Silence embraced the hall like the sweet icing coated a cake — thick. Everyone patiently waited for the star of the day to arrive and finally, she did.
The sound of soft music filled the air, and the guests all turned to face the entrance whose door was now opened.
Andre sunk his teeth in his bottom lip, silently asking God to help him get this over with.
"Woah. Man, she's so pretty,"Ryan gawked and Andre rubbed his palms together.
"Yeah, tell me about it,"he mumbled.
"Well,I am telling you now. How could you have a problem with marrying a seriously hot package as her? God knows I'd have shot my shot if she weren't my best friend as well,"Ryan grinned, looking at Bianca, whose face was covered with a see through veil.
"Can you just shut it? You're distracting me, okay!"Andre snapped in a low hiss.
The guests all stood up the moment she began her walk of elegance, smiles and tears filling the faces of different people. Senator Eastwood, the scary but highly dignified man, escorted her down the aisle, pride and happiness hinting in his eyes.
She finally made it to the front of the cathedral and Ryan, the best man, stepped forward, taking Bianca's hand from her father's and placing it gently in the groom's.
"I join you two in holy matrimony,"he whispered playfully and Bianca sent him a playful glare making Ryan chuckle as he backed away.
The priest cleared his throat, wearing a warm smile, he began the ceremony.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Bianca Eastwood and Andre Richard in marriage. This is a joyous occasion, one that celebrates the love and commitment that these two individuals have for each other."
The priest paused, smiling at the bride and groom.
"Bianca Eastwood and Andre Richard have come before us today to make a public declaration of the special thing they share between themselves. They have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together, to support each other, to love and cherish each other."
Bianca couldn't help the proud feeling. Few more minutes and he was finally going to be hers. She couldn't wait!
"Bianca Eastwood, do you take Andre Richard to be your wedded husband, to love him, to cherish him, and to obey him as long as you both shall live?"
This was it! "Yes....I do,"Bianca's voice was clear and steady as she gave her confident reply.
The priest turned to Andre who had a blank look on his face. He didn't even have it in him to fake a smile.
"Andre Richard, do you take Bianca Eastwood to be your wedded wife, to love her, to cherish her, and to obey her as long as you both shall live?"
Andre instantly imagined the chaos that'd probably happen if he said no. The hurt that Bianca would probably feel. Deciding that everything happening was for the best, he gave his answer.
"I do."
"My dear friends, before we proceed with the final blessing, I must ask: if anyone present knows of any reason why this marriage should not take place, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
The cathedral fell silent, the guests looking at each other, waiting for someone to speak.
One minute....
Two minutes.....
Nobody.
"I ask for the last time. Is there anybody against the holy matrimony of these two...."the priest was still saying when the door banged open.
"I'm against it!! I'm against this unholy matrimony!"a females voice rang through the church and everyone's eyes widened.