The Darling of the Paranoid Tycoon by Cheryl Rice

Beatrice

The morning sun gilded the stone paths leading to the imposing church. As my heart beats rapidly, I approach the church entrance. I grip the arm of my dear father, concerned that the groom may not be waiting for me at the altar.

Three long years had passed since the last time I saw Edward Maddock. And now, here I am, ready to seal our fate in a marriage that, despite being formalized by a contract, carries the promise of a life together.

With each step towards the church, my pulse quickens, my heart pounding like a drum announcing the unknown. The soft music fills the air, accompanying the rhythmic beat of my chest. And then, I see him.

Edward stands next to the priest, imposing in his dark tailcoat, the epitome of elegance and masculinity that always impressed me. His dark hair is meticulously combed, his forehead slightly furrowed as he gazes ahead. I hold my breath, feeling a lump in my throat at the sight of him there, waiting for me.

Relief washes over me as I realize my fears have not materialized. Edward is waiting for me. A genuine smile plays on my lips as I walk down the church aisle and face Edward, hoping his eyes will smile back at me.

Finally, as I reach the altar, my gaze meets Edward's firmly, and my smile fades as I notice the expression on his face. His eyes, once filled with promises, now display a hardness that makes me hesitate. He watches me intensely, his gaze penetrating the depths of my soul. The familiarity of his features contrasts with the emotional distance he seems to create at this moment.

As I approach, a sense of joy mixes with growing uncertainty. The gentle touch of our fingers meeting at the altar sends an electric shock through my body, but the intensity of Edward's gaze is like a cold that makes me question everything that brought us here. The man who has always been the great love of my life is before me, yet something in his eyes makes me wonder if accepting a marriage by contract might have been the biggest mistake I've ever made.

The celebrant's words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no man separate," echoed powerfully, making me shiver. I look at Edward, searching in his eyes for the same flame that existed when we were young, growing up together in Kent. However, all I find is a cold, emotionless gaze. I wait for what feels like an eternity, but the kiss I expected to receive at this moment does not happen.

The applause echoes, and Edward holds my hand as we exit the church. We walk slowly, forming a group with the guests awaiting us outside. Flower petals fall like rain, and laughter and hugs fill the air. Our family and friends are radiant with joy at our union.

From this point on, everything unfolds like a movie, where I am just a spectator, observing closely but not truly feeling a part of it. At the wedding reception, toasts, a brief speech by our father, who is visibly happy to fulfill an old dream: the union of his daughter with the son of his best friend and lifelong business partner. Dances also fill the night.

"Do you want to leave?" Edward asks, maintaining his usual courtesy.

"Yes," I responded with a sigh of satisfaction. "I believe no one will mind if we depart now."

He says nothing more, only holding my hand and guiding us to the table where our parents are, to bid farewell properly. No discreetly escaping from our wedding celebration.