Chapter seven - So Much For A Fairy Tale

There was a soft knock at the door as a sweet looking elderly man peeked in. His eyes glistened with hope and kindness, but they were also dark and vengeful. Lexi softly kissed his cheek before she and Sydnie stepped out into the hallway, leaving me alone with the man.

He introduced to me as Lexi, Chris, and Michael's grandfather. His voice was soft and sweet as he spoke.

"So you're the one marrying my Mikey. I always knew he was a catch. I'm only sorry it had to be like... I wish you knew the real Michael Spade. I can almost guarantee you'd fall for him, lots of girls do. I'm just glad he chose you."

He softly kisses my forehead before linking his arm with mine. He guides me out of the bedroom and down the hall. The house is very quiet. I can hear the soft murmur of the kitchen staff as they prepare for the festivities that will follow the ceremony.

We carefully descend the staircase, reaching the entry hall below. I take a sharp breath, not being prepared for what I am about to do.

The large front doors swing open and the crowd rises from their seats. My eyes are the only ones lined with tears. Most brides cry of pure joy on their wedding day, but how can I feel anything besides terror? I am being forced to marry a man that I am destined to never love. But that isn't my place to speak... I need to focus elsewhere.

Everything is beautiful. I've seen beach weddings in movies, but never in my wildest dreams did I envision having one. It's beautiful nonetheless. There are flowers and gorgeous exotic plants everywhere. The aisle is marked with rose petals, and the alter is gorgeous. I meet Michael's stare and I see something other than cold hatred... I see revenge.

The was the corners of his lips turn up when he smirks. The creases by his eyes. The icy blue stare. It all follows my as I walk toward him down the aisle, never letting go of his grandfather. Afraid that if I do I'll never be able to come back. I inch closer to my future husband with every passing second until it's too late to run.

I step up to the alter, softly grasping the hands of Michael. His hands are large and rough, made to wield a weapon. I look into his eyes, longing to find the slightest bit of emotion, but there is nothing to be found.

The bishop says his piece, but I'm too caught up in searching Michael's eyes to notice hes finished until I hear my name being spoken.

"Do you Katie Spencyr Mason take this man as your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold in sickness and health, till death do you part?"

"I-I do..."

Michael glares at me as he slips a beautiful diamond wedding ring onto the ring finger of my left hand.

"Do you Michael Alexander Spade take this woman as your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold in sickness and health, till death do you part?"

"I do."

He says those two small life changing words as though he has practiced them a thousand times as I slide the silver band onto the ring finger of his left hand.

"You may now kiss your bride."

The six words every little girl dreams of hearing some day crash down on me like a ton of bricks. His hand snake around my waist as he pulls me close and lays his lips on mine.

There are cheers coming from every direction, but he doesn't break the kiss. There are a few flashes from a camera when he finally removes his lips from mine. He whispers five small words that drain all life from my body and leave me frozen in my spot.

"Just wait for tonight baby..."