THE D DAY 2

Cherry's POV:

As I stood at the altar, Liam's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I couldn't believe I was actually doing this - marrying a man I barely knew.

But as I looked into Liam's eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause. It was a flicker of curiosity, of interest, and it made me wonder if maybe, just maybe, this arrangement wouldn't be so bad after all.

I glanced over at ma'am rossy, Alexia and MS Fiona, who were beaming at me from the front row. They had been my rock throughout this whole ordeal, and I was grateful to have them by my side.

As the ceremony began, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I knew that I was doing this for my brother, for his surgery, which was scheduled for 6:30 that night.

The thought of it sent a surge of determination through me. I would do whatever it took to ensure my brother's health and happiness.

As Liam and I exchanged our vows, I felt a sense of finality, of commitment. This was it. I was married now.

And as Liam's eyes met mine, I felt a spark of connection that I couldn't ignore. Maybe, just maybe, this marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.

As the ceremony came to a close, Liam took my hand, and we exchanged a brief, formal kiss. It was over before I knew it, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

We turned to face our small gathering of guests, and I smiled weakly at ma'am Rossy and MS Fiona, who were beaming at me with tears in their eyes.

Liam's hand tightened around mine, and I felt a surge of surprise. It was a small, intimate gesture, and it made me feel like maybe, just maybe, this marriage wouldn't be as impersonal as I had thought.

As we made our way through the reception, Liam was charming and affable, chatting easily with our guests and making them laugh. I watched him, feeling a sense of wonder. Who was this man, really?

And as the evening wore on, I found myself feeling more and more at ease in Liam's presence. Maybe it was the champagne, or maybe it was the fact that my brother's surgery was finally taken care of, but I felt a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As the clock struck 6:00, Liam turned to me and smiled. "Shall we?" he said, offering me his arm.

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What lay ahead for us?

We made our way to the hospital, the tension between us palpable. I couldn't help but wonder what Liam was thinking, whether he was regretting this arrangement already.

As we arrived at the hospital, I felt a surge of anxiety. My brother's surgery was about to start, and I couldn't bear the thought of anything going wrong.

Liam seemed to sense my unease, and he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Everything will be fine," he said, his voice low and soothing.

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. Maybe this marriage wouldn't be so bad after all.

We took the elevator to the surgical floor, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. This was the moment of truth.

As we entered the waiting room, I saw ma'am rossy Alexia and MS Fiona already seated, their faces etched with worry. I rushed over to them, Liam following close behind.

"How is he?" I asked, my voice shaking with anxiety.

Ma'am Rossy stood up and hugged me tightly. "He's going to be fine, Cherry," she said. "The doctors say the surgery is routine."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Thank God.

Liam placed a hand on my shoulder again, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards him. Maybe, just maybe, this marriage would bring me more than just financial security.