Chapter 183
Liam
This is finally it, the moment I make Aileen my wife and she only needs to walk down that aisle and come to me.
As Josh stands behind me, he can't stop whispering.
"Last night was awesome at the club!"
I shut my eyes, wondering why he has to bring that up now.
"Why would you-"Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
"Shush! Your mom's here!"
"I know. I can see her." I force a smile, watching her walk down the aisle so she can take her seat. The camera flashes constantly go off, everyone wanting to take pictures of her in her gorgeous dress.
She elegantly takes her seat beside my father, who looks dashing and stole the spotlight when he just arrived.
Movement along the aisle catches my attention, making me look back and I'm in for a surprise when I realize it's Stephanie. I haven't spoken to her since the day she left. Even my mother said she wouldn't make it. Did they want to surprise me? Well, it worked.
In her body hugging lavender dress, she makes her way to the front, taking a seat beside her mother. It has brought me so much relief that her parents hold no grudges and understand that some relationships just can't be forced.
After a few more faces walk in, they seem unfamiliar at first but I soon recognize them when I also recognize the clothes they have on. It's Abigail and Patricia. Where's her husband?
My question is answered as soon as I ask myself that because there he is, walking beside my gorgeous bride as Meryl accompanies her behind.
Everyone is in awe at Aileen's gorgeous wedding dress embroidered with diamonds. What a beauty, I think to myself as she keeps her eyes on me.
Just as she's brought to me and stands beside me, one more person walks down the aisle and I shouldn't look since I already have Aileen with me, but I glance over there and my heart starts racing. What the hell is Kate doing here? She sits in the back with a smirk and I can't help but wonder what's going on. How the fuck is she here now?
Josh clears his throat from behind me and I glance over my shoulder, realizing he's just as confused as I am but I quickly face Aileen and compose myself. I could ask questions later. My bride should be my only focus right now.
As we exchange wedding vows, I still try not to glance over at Kate and what helps me is the sincerity in Aileen's eyes and voice.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
As soon as I hear those words, I pull her closer for a kiss, everyone giving a round of applause.
While I pull away slowly, I smirk at her and say, "You're all mine tonight."
She looks to the side with a chuckle, but her eyes give it away that she's blushing.
Ever since she came into my life, I haven't fucked anyone else. I've always been the type of guy who needs it frequently but for her, I chose to put an end to that part of me. The last three months have been extremely difficult, but they were worth it because I kept my promise to her. It was one of the main things that made her realize I was serious about making her my wife.
I finely hold her hand as we walk down the aisle together, everyone still on their feet with another round of applause as the press take pictures.
I glance over at Stephanie and she smiles, but something still tells me that's not a completely genuine smile. It's clear she's still hurt by this. I really need to talk to her.
While looking around, I make eye contact with my parents, who are both on their feet to congratulate me but my bright smile fades a little as I remember what they told me in private the day they met Aileen for the first time. I can only hope it never comes to what was discussed.
Words of congratulations are all Aileen and I hear even when outside as a few invited guests come to us. Including Uncle Frank and Aunt Mia.
"You two make a beautiful couple," she says.
"Of course they do," Stephanie says from behind, joining her parents.
Only because I don't want to make this awkward, I think of a way to get away and my Aunt Sophia comes to the rescue when she calls for us. "Thanks for coming," I say to them. "Please excuse us."
They both nod in understanding as they smile, but Stephanie pokes her cheek. I was right about the way she feels, but this isn't the time. Right before I can get to Aunt Sophie with Aileen, Kate gets in our way and chuckles with enthusiasm. What the hell is she doing? Shit! "You really are gorgeous up close, Mrs Richards!"
Aileen smiles but looks a bit lost. "I'm sorry, but do I know you?"
"I'm Kate, Liam's good friend. Hasn't he told you about me? He and I are very close. We were even together at his bachelor party." "What?" Aileen asks, narrowing her eyes in shock.
Before Kate can say anything more, Josh comes to the rescue and keeps her occupied while pulling her away from us. But even after she's
gone, I can't sigh with relief just yet.
en
Aileen jerks her head in my direction once Kate and is out of sight, her face which had nothing but joy turning to an intense glare.
"You had a bachelor party? I thought you had a business deal and that's why you traveled. You lied to me?"
I smack my lips and say, "Look-"
"I don't want to hear it," she says, storming off to join Aunt Sophie as Meryl catches up with her.
I clench my jaw, still wondering how Kate made it here and who invited her.
"Everything okay with you, little brother?" Charlotte asks from behind me.
I turn around to face her with a huge sigh and a fake smile. "Everything's fine."
She chuckles softly. "I asked you that question because I sensed that something's wrong, so don't tell me thateverything's fine when I know it's not."
"I'll handle it."
"I hope it has nothing to do with my sister-in-law."
"I said I'll handle it, okay?"
"Fine. I still can't believe you're a married man. If only our grandparents had lived long enough to see this day."
I smile a little, thinking about all three of them. "I'm sure they're all watching."
"And that's why I really hope you don't cause trouble here," she warns me.
I scoff. "Hey, it's my wedding day. How could I possibly cause trouble?"
"Didn't you take notes from me? My wedding day was flawless." She purses her lips.
"So is mine."
She chuckles, obviously doubting me as she walks away while Uncle Jake and his family join me.
Even with more people present this time, I still can't stop thinking about Kate's arrival and Aileen's reaction. Only a few minutes into my marriage and I'm already being exposed this way?
I need to clear things up with Aileen before we get to our honeymoon destination. I've waited long enough and nothing should ruin tonight.