4 Chapter 3

"Wh-what ?" Thomas stuttered.

"She told me. That you used to be childhood friends", she smiled, voice sweet as honey. Thomas visibly relaxed.

"Well yes. I was just telling that to Mrs.Belle." The lady's expression fell as she noticed her mother drowning herself in expensive wine.

"Did something happen?" Thomas replied non-chalantly.

"Your brother is drunk. Again ."

She glared at Charles as her voice dropped,"What more did you expect ? He was drunk even at father's funeral. His own wedding shouldn't be much different."

Her husband scoffed, an amused smile on his lips. The smile ceased quickly as a young man walked over.

"Cecilia , your brother is here", Thomas whispered, not quite pleased.

"Brother !" Cecilia welcomed the younger in her arms.

"It's been so long . I was starting to wonder if you had shipped my sister off somewhere, Thomas", he laughed as Thomas forced a smile.

"Fancy meeting you again , Nathan . I believe our previous meetings have been quite short ."

Thomas's tight smile was enough to let Nathan know of his discomfort. After what felt like an eternity of Nathan rambling on about his studies and advances , Thomas sighed.

"I pity her", Nathan suddenly stated .

Thomas's brows furrowed at the words ,"Pardon ?"

"Our new sister-in-law . I pity the girl." Thomas felt something stirr inside him at the word 'pity'.

Cecilia protested ,"There is nothing to pity. She's marrying into our family. She's marrying our brother ."Thomas nodded.

Nathan chuckled darkly, "Just look at him ! He drinks all day, spends all his time gambling and sleeping. He lives on father's money and not to mention that girlfriend of his."

Thomas had no choice but to agree. All the words were true. And she was marrying him. Surely she would never be happy. Then why?

"The bride's here !"

All eyes went to the door. She slowly entered as the music began playing.

Thomas's eyes sparkled as he whispered ,"Carina...".