CHAPTER 3

　　**** A Week Later ****

　　It is no news that every girl fantasize about having a wedding with whom they love, walking down the aisle with both being a happy and in love couple is every lady's dream.

　　Emma's wasn't different but fate decided to turn her wishes into ashes.

　　Here she is in tears on her own wedding day, it's okay to cry as a lady while leaving your parent's house.

　　Emma's case was different, she is getting married to the man that probably hates her.

　　The most deadliest business man in the whole city of Washington.

　　Even at a young age, her said husband has done a lot of despicable things.

　　How can she get married to that kind of person?

　　Emma stared down at her hands with tears streaming down her face.

　　"Sis" Carl called and sat beside her on the bed.

　　He was very annoyed when he learnt about his sister's marriage to Blake Campbell, a man he will never wish his enemy to get married to.

　　But since it was an agreement, he couldn't do anything to change it, he is also too young to take any action.

　　Seeing his sister this way on a day that ought to be her happiest day hurts him a lot.

　　"Please stop crying, you will ruin your makeup" Carl said to her.

　　She wiped her tears sniffing, maybe this is her fate and she has accepted it.

　　Carl pulled her into a hug patting her back tenderly.

　　Emma buried her face in the crook of his neck and cried harder. She couldn't control the tears that kept welling up on her face.

　　"I am sorry I couldn't do anything about this, I wish I can stop this from happening to you" Carl whispered, he broke into tears before he could stop himself.

　　Both siblings held tight onto each other as they cried their eyes out.

　　That moment, the door swung opened revealing Mr Bryson.

　　He looked down avoiding his daughter's gaze after she broke away from the hug.

　　Her eyes were red, swollen and puffy. The only thing that made her look like a bride was the white gown she was wearing.

　　"It's time" Mr Bryson announced almost in form of a whisper.

　　He knows starting a conversation with his daughter will be effortless like it has been for the past week.

　　Emma neither came out of her room, nor speak to both her parents. Only her brother was by her side all through.

　　Emma stood up from the bed, her brother offered her his handkerchief of which she gratefully collected.

　　She carefully wiped her tears in a way her makeup won't end up being smudged on her face.

　　With one last look at her brother, she stepped closer to her Dad who is going to walk her to he alter where her husband is.

　　Mr Bryson stretched out his hand with the hope of having the opportunity of holding onto his daughter's hand for the last time.

　　There was a lot that was ensued in the contract but how can he tell her all that?

　　He feels ashamed of what he has done to his only daughter, for selfishly sacrificing her happiness for theirs.

　　Till her leaves this world, Mr Bryson will forever be regretful.

　　Emma bit her lip, she placed her hand in her Dad's and looked ahead of them as they walk out of the room.

　　When they reached the empty hallway that leads to the venue, Mr Bryson paused.

　　"Princess please just this once, please don't ignore me, let me talk to you. I know you are very mad at me, what I did is unforgivable and I am not asking you to forgive me,

　　I just want to apologise, I am deeply sorry for putting you through this. I am really sorry"

　　He said, guilt washing over him.

　　Emma stared at him with a blank expression.

　　Her thoughts were occupied with something else other than her father apologizing to her for what has already happened.

　　She nodded her head in response not in the mood to talk to him. She haven't seen her mum since morning and she is glad.

　　Mr Bryson smiled bitterly holding Emma's hand, he has succeeded in destroying the good relationship they had.

　　His relationship with his two children died because of his one time decision. The decision that he didn't think through.

　　Soon, they arrived. The hall was filled with people of different folks ranging from relatives to friends.

　　Even though it is a small wedding, a lot of people turned up. They couldn't miss Blake Campbell's wedding.

　　The paparazzi flashed on Emma's face, a thin lace was covering her face. That did prevent people from knowing that she cried.

　　She will try as much as she can to hide it.

　　Emma felt terrified at the cold gaze that held hers immediately she stood inches away from him.

　　A lump suddenly formed in her throat and she gulped.

　　Her heart raced rapidly up her throat with his chilly gamze fixated on her.

　　Blake looked intimidating, the aura surrounding him made her suddenly find it hard to breath.

　　He smirked at her, a smirk that sent messages of warnings.

　　She wish she knew what he is thinking about but she knows whatever it is can't be any good.

　　His infuriated gaze revealed so much to her.

　　She was quick to look away when her eyes met his hostile stare.

　　Just like that, he Dad left her there. It made Emma question his love for her as her father.

　　It made her doubt if his apology was sincere.

　　There was no one to assure her that everything will be fine, even her Mum abandoned her.

　　As much as she is mad at them, she wished to see her Mum. To cry on her shoulder and get consolation from her but she is all alone.

　　They both stood opposite each other, one with her head bow with fear shooting through her whole body and the other icily boring holes into her forehead.

　　In no time, the noice in the hall quieted down at the arrival of the priest.

　　"Now to the couples, let's begin with today's ceremony, we've wasted a lot of time " the priest said with a smile on his face.

　　Emma nervously fidget with her fingers. Once she consent to this marriage here, there will be no turning back.

　　She thought about denouncing the wedding and running away but then, the Campbells might hurt her family for publicly disgracing them.

　　They won't bat an eye before killing any of her family members.

　　The thought of her brother dying because of her made her cold feet.

　　Even as she is mad at her parents, she can't let them die because of her decision to run away from this misery.

　　Emma jolted from her thoughts as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

　　"Are you with us? I have been calling you for some minutes" the priest said.

　　The hall was so quiet that if a pin drop, it could be heard across the room and all the gazes was on her.

　　She shifted uncomfortably at the attention she was getting, she is never the type that loves attention, she might pass out if they all keep their gazes on her this way for a long time.

　　She smiled nervously nodding her head.

　　"Alright then, do you Emmeline Bryson take Blake Campbell as your lawful wedded husband?" The priest asked.

　　Emma raised her head to Blake whose gaze were blazing with saddles never leaving hers and the permanent smirk on his face made her spined chilled.

　　His gaze was daring as if challenging her to either say yes or no.

　　"Do you Emmeline Bryson take Blake Campbell as your lawful wedded husband?" The priest repeated the question again.

　　Emma bit her quivering lips, she tried saying something but nothing came out of her mouth which cause an uproar among the audience to why she is hesitant about replying the priest.

　　She glanced at Blake again, his eyes were red from anger, his jaw was clenched as he glared dangerously at her.

　　She looked away trying to control her tears, she doesn't want this, this isn't the kind of life she had wanted for herself.

　　Mustering up the courage, she made up her mind to reply.

　　"I.. I do"

　　She stuttered in response.

　　The priest nodded his head turning towards Blake, whose cold aura was emanating within him.

　　"Do you Blake Campbell take Emmeline Bryson as your lawful wedded wife?" He asked.

　　"I do" Blake replied sharply. He felt irritated standing here all for a meaningless wedding.

　　"Please say after me Mrs Campbell" Emma cringe at her new title.

　　"I Emma Bryson Campbell promise to stay with my husband in good health, sickness and wealth till death do us apart"

　　Emma chewed on her bottom lip assuring herself that this is just a vow, a vow that held nothing in it.

　　"I Emma Bryson Campbell promise to stay with my husband in good health, sickness and wealth till death do us apart" She repeated.

　　The priest asked blaked the same question of which he didn't hesitate to reply.

　　"As the power bestowed upon me as the priest, I hereby pronounce you as Man and Wife"

　　"You may kiss the bride"

　　Emma's heart flew to her throat on hearing the announcement while Blake's smirk widened.

　　He stepped closer to the trembling lady in front of him grabbing her tiny waist.

　　He unveiled her and without a second thought, he captured her lips in his kissing her dominantly.

　　There were loud cheers among the people with the thought that this two they are seeing are happy couples.

　　After a few minutes, Blake broke the kiss but didn't step away.

　　Emma's mouth were bleeding from his hard bite, she tried to stop herself from crying, she couldn't deny that he did that to hurt her and it worked.

　　Her eyes fell on Blake's chest, with his hand still on her waist. He pushed her towards him.

　　To the audience, he was pulling her into a warm hug but to Emma, his grip on her waist was hurting her.

　　Blake bent down to her ear with a small forced smile to deceive the audience, a smile which held total disgust and dislike.

　　"Since you, gold digger agreed to this marriage because of my wealth, get ready to become my slave Mrs Campbell"