The Substitute Groom

She tried to speak, but was choked with tears. Her tearstained face was puffy and swollen with grief, crestfallen, she realized that her only chance to succeed was gone. However, proving the guest wrong was her aim. Her stunning wedding dress which had buried her suit her perfectly as she was groomed beautifully for this day.

Today would have been the most remarkable day of her life if it wasn't screwed up by her groom. Here she was in the dress room cussing at every scene that had happened an hour ago. Her supposed groom had just rejected her last minutes to the wedding ceremony. If it were her wish, she would have halted the time. It was so embarrassing and agonizing for her as she needed to stay strong and sought a way out. Attempting not to freak out, she began to comfort herself.

At that moment, time had stopped as the gnawing grief still held her. Her makeup had almost wash away from the uncontrollable tears while she stood facing the mirror as her mind contemplated.

She folded her fist recalling how his facial expressions was like though he had already won and nothing she says was going to change how he feels claiming she was in his way yet his reasons weren't justify. Devastated and shocked at first, she tried understanding him and reminding him of the promises they swore together but that didn't make him stay. She rushed to the bathroom and slammed the door while panicking. Leaning on the door, she glide limply to the ground and covered her face with the palm while weeping.

Her face was been cleaned by the running water from the washbasin as she gnashes her teeth. It was time to muster up courage and prove to that groom of hers that he couldn't break her down though, she needed to provide a groom for the awaiting congregation, that was her greatest problem. This young bride vowed to be the strongest he ever knew and he need not worry because she won't be broke for long.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She inhaled, sniffed and placed on a bright smile. It certainly was her chief bridesmaid calling up on her to get ready to leave for the church ceremony. The bride beckoned on her that she needed a moment alone.

"Alright Stacy...do hurry up...the press media are gathered already" she informed from outside and then stride away. The thought of having the press media made her flinch as her worries hiked up. This wedding has to take place for her cover up mistakes of the past. Her feet led to the balcony where she could think straight. She had made up her mind that the first male she sees would become her groom only for the day. Her eyes scowled round praying that someone saves her or she might do something crazy. While lost in her wonders, a crashing sound was heard behind her and it got her terrified. Swiftly, this bride turned slightly to observe where the noise was coming from and found a young man behind her with a bottle of alcohol in his hand, he was a distance away, narrowing his gaze and raking his hair at her.

He looked drunk and could barely get a glimpse of her. Her curious eyes lowered down and noticed shattered glasses some inches away from her which could tell it fell out of his hand mistakenly and had drawn her attention. He was stuttering and must have lost his way as his face was lowered to the ground. Stacy swallowed hard, pinned her fingers together and stared at this young man in front of her.

He wasn't her ideal type and his outfit didn't speak of wealth neither was he saying anything. From her speculation, he was dressed casually and trying to get a hold of himself not to stumble. She wished someone else shows up and not this subconscious man. However, if he would be a saviour of the day, she was willing to accept.

"Let's get married" she squeezed out biting her lower lips and pouting at herself for making that statement like a desperate bride. A sided smile left him as he shook his head to get a lucid vision of who she could be. All he could see was a flowing white gown glittering and someone's voice ringing in his head. He shook his head and made an effort to keep his balance.

"So sudden?" He muttered in a husky tone while throwing his gaze away from her as he intended to gulp down the bottle in his hand but she hauled it away from him attempting to make him accept her offer. Time wasn't on her side and explanations could pause for now till the marriage was over.

"It's just for tonight...I need to provide a groom" she snapped and he scoffed, raked his left brow while trailing his eyes at her. She was beautiful and looked like someone abandoned at the wrong time but that request could be deferred. Stacy understood that look which he had on his face. Such people needed to be paid to carry out an assignment. Stacy was already judging him based on his appearance. How he got here wasn't her concern but becoming her groom was all that matters.

"Name your price" she furthered coldly stiffening her grip on the bottle in her left hand. His face brighten up and he nodded to those words. Those boggy eyes peek at her while tugging his hands in his pocket. He didn't seem fully drunk and didn't have to ask her why she suddenly want to marry a random guy whom she knows nothing about neither have they met before. Everything was happening swiftly and it was left for this stranger to act like a hero or dump her also.

"I want something else" he mused drawing closer to her, staggering as his shoes stepped on the glasses that was a barrier between them. Her feet stepped away slowly, trying to maintain a distance but couldn't as her back leaned on the rail of the balcony while he kept drawing near until he was an inch close to her.

"I will do anything" she hurried hoping he stays right there and try nothing crazy since he was drunk. Stacy could feel his breath hitting her hard as he ruffled his hair again. She couldn't concentrate as his eyes were searching hers like though trying to find answers. Her lashes fluttered while ducking her head back, her nose couldn't stand the stench of the alcohol as she gasped for air.

"Hey relax, I won't bite" he mocked judging from her reaction at how close they were. He snatched the bottle from her and whispered;

"Don't change your mind when you hear price"

Stacy gave him a daring glare as she faked a smile to hide her nervousness while gesturing to him if that was a yes or no.