"Do you, Julian Blackwood, take Alexandria Brown, to be your wife, to stand by her side through all of life's joys and challenges, to love, support her, cherish her, now and forever more?"
Julian looked at Alex, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. That smile was annoying her and he knew it.
"Do you, Blackwood?", she asked, daring him to promise what he couldn't do.
"I do", he said with a smile, obviously accepting the dare.
"And do you, Alexandria Brown, take Julian Blackwood to be your husband, to stand by his side through all of life's joys and challenges, to love him, support him, now and forevermore?"
Alex was many things but she wasn't ready to make a fake vow. When she didn't respond, Julian arched his eyebrow.
"Certainly, you won't make a scene here, would you?", he asked in a low tone.
Alex smiled and spoke through gritted teeth. "So you expect me to lie?"
"It's not lying. It's just... compromising the truth for a greater good".
Alex nearly laughed. "Greater good? You sound like an avenger".
The sudden silence was a harsh reminder that she still hadn't given her consent. . She glared at him. He inclined his head, daring her to do something stupid.
"I do", said Alex with a fake smile.
The minister who was already sweating, was relieved and nearly laughed.
"You may now kiss the bride".
Julian looked at her lips, mischief twinkling in his eyes.
Alex looked horrified. "You wouldn't dare! This isn't even a real marriage".
"Maybe not for you, it isn't. But it is for me.", he said, his head getting dangerously closer.
"Blackwood!", she warned.
But he didn't listen. He kissed her, a mere touch of the lips. But the effect was devastating. Alex felt something like a spark go through her body, a very nice feeling that she dare not admit to. However, she hid it completely. She guessed she wasn't the only one that felt it when she looked up to him. His brows were furrowed in confusion as he kept looking at her lips, sort of wondering how a slight touch could cause so much havoc.
"Don't tell me that you want to kiss her again", teased Elizabeth.
They had seemed oblivious to the applause and cheers from the crowd until she spoke. Immediately, Julian schooled his expression. The confused frown turned into a smile as people swarmed around them with congratulations.
Julian spared her a glance and noticed how she plastered a smile on her face. He chuckled. She seemed to hear as she glared at him.
"Let's take pictures", came her mother's cheerful voice.
Alex stopped herself from rolling her eyes. The photographer seemed to appear from nowhere.
"Um... Ma'am, can you move closer?", he asked innocently.
Alex glared at him and he seemed taken aback. Julian dragged her closer to him by her waist. Alex looked up at him sweetly but Julian knew better.
"How dare you?", she said through clenched teeth.
Julian smiled at her. "It's just a picture wife. Certainly, you can be patient enough for that".
Alex held back. "You'll pay for that later".
Julian smiled, obviously glad he had won. They both turned to the camera simultaneously when the photographer said "Ma'am".
After taking a few shots, Alex wanted to make her escape.
"Um... Can I have one more?", asked the photographer.
Alex wanted to bite his head off but Julian spoke quickly.
"Of course. But make this the last. She's tired".
The photographer nodded. "Can you gaze into each other's eyes? Like affectionately?".
Alex scoffed. Julian was smiling inside. He cupped her chin and slowly turned her face to him.
"Wife, just one last picture, okay? And please smile", he said.
Alex sighed. "Fine".
She turned away for a moment, only to turn back at him with a smile so bright, Julian felt it in his heart. Her eyes were filled with so much love and affection. Julian couldn't believe it. If he didn't know better, he would have thought it real. The moment the photographer said he was done, the smile was gone. They moved forward to greet a few people.
"I'm starting to feel choked in the midst of these people", she whispered.
Julian nodded in understanding. "I know how you feel. Feel free to escape for a while. The evening party is the main event".
Alex felt grateful and actually showed it. In seconds, she was gone.
Alex made her way through the crowd and escaped to the main house. Luckily, the event had been carried out at the spacious ballroom in their compound. One of the benefits of marrying into a rich family, Alex thought with an eye roll.
A room had been cleared for her days ago, that was wear she had dressed up for the wedding. Stepping into the room, she let out a sigh. She stood in front of the huge mirror in a corner of the room. The lady staring back at her looked like her but she couldn't agree that it was her. The makeup was light as her makeup artist said that her natural beauty was best. Alex scoffed at the thought. Her white wedding dress was a stunning, custom-designed Vera Wang gown made from exquisite silk and adorned with intricate, hand-beaded lacework.
The fitted, mermaid silhouette showcased her amazing physique, while the delicate tulle overlay added a touch of ethereal elegance. The dress was a masterpiece of modern haute couture, perfectly capturing her refined taste and sophistication.
Alex laughed. Who was she kidding? The dress captured her mother-in-law's taste and sophistication, not hers. Elizabeth had spent no expense on ensuring her dress was absolutely perfect. Alex turned away from the mirror and went to lay on the bed.