Charlotte:

Anthony Crosswalk is meticulous in everything he does. From what he eats, to the way he chews, to choosing a wife for his son.

I watch him cut his food into neat little cubes. As I chew my own food, I count the number of times he chews the food. I'm not surprised to count thirty two. Of course he chews his food thirty two times.

"Charlotte, how's business going?" My father snaps me out of my counting.

"Business is going great, father." I put some roasted carrots into my mouth, hoping he doesn't berate me.

"She doesn't want my diamond business, Anthony. Can you believe that? My billion dollar business."

"Charles..." My mother tries to stop him.

"No, Elise. She has everything handed to her on a silver plate, and yet she just doesn't want it. She goes and opens a boutique, something that's only good as a hobby."

I put some mashed potatoes in my mouth and find it hard to swallow. Well, there goes my appetite. I sip some water and remove the handkerchief from my collar, wiping my mouth with it.

"Well, I've never had that problem with Sebastian. He was eager to take over the company from day one. Sometimes, they rebel just for the fun of it. For attention."

A spark of anger shoots down my spine, before I snuff it out. How can a man who doesn't understand his own son understand a complete stranger?

I stay silent. As I always do. My mother looks at me with the same sympathy in her eyes as she always does. My father levels me with a hard look, as usual. The only new addition here is Anthony Crosswalk. Who looks at me like I'm way beneath him. But, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what he thinks about me, because it's not him I'm marrying, it's his son, who, from what I've seen, does not like his father.

"Where's Warren?" I ask my mother, referring to the boy who used to landscape our garden, AKA my childhood crush.

"You don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Warren doesn't work here anymore. Do you know Accelerate?"

"Those gyms?"

"Yes dear. Well he's the one who owns them."

I gasp. "Seriously?"

She smiles at me and nods. She'd found out about my crush in its early stages. God knows how.

"He used to be our landscaper." My father fills in the blanks for Anthony.

"How does he concern you?" Anthony asks me and I'm stupefied by his audacity.

"He's my friend."

When it's time for the Apple Pie, I know I don't want a piece, so I excuse myself from the table and go inside, up to my old room.

Everything is still the same. It looked uninhabited before and it looks uninhabited now.

Gold and white accents, with a queen sized bed on a raised platform in the center of the room. Lustrous gold curtains hang in front of the windows. Often, the room made me sick. The gold was too much for my eyes. I'd often change rooms when I was a kid, to one with purple accents instead.

Looking at the room still makes me feel sick, so I go to the purple room, which feels like me. There's even a fireplace in this room. It was one of my favorite things about it.

The mantel is still lined with my knick-knacks. The night dresser still has my floating moon lamp and my mini Big Ben clock. I would have expected my father to throw all this out, but perhaps he hasn't even been here to notice.

I toss myself on the bed, reveling in the amazing feel and close my eyes.

I might have fallen asleep because when I open my eyes, it's thirty minutes later. I get up and go into the attached bathroom to wash my face. I dry it with one of the hand towels and go downstairs to find everyone in the family room.

"Where have you been dear?" My mom asks me.

"Just took a little nap. What did I miss?"

"Nothing yet. We're just about to discuss the dates."

The thought makes me go pale. I always knew my father would arrange my marriage to someone of his choice. Perhaps, that's the reason why I've never bothered giving any importance to my love life. Still, it's intimidating to marry a complete stranger.

"We'll hold the engagement next week. The wedding will be within the next two months."

The words make me queasy and I fall into a loveseat.

"No. No. No." I keep chanting. My nerves are all over the place and my stomach wants to turn in itself.

Everyone looks at me strangely. Me! When they're the ones who have gone completely insane.

Anthony crosses his arms over his chest.

"I don't see a problem here."

"I can't plan a wedding in two months."

"You don't need to. All you have to do is pick out a dress. I'll take care of the rest."

"But, I'm not ready." I say this on a whisper.

"For what?" He asks me.

"To get married to Sebastian."

"What is it that scares you so much?"

I think about it.

"For sharing my life with him."

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to. How is it so different from living by yourself? The only difference being, you'll have company. You'll even love our house. You can go to your boutique as you wish. We even have a cook, Julia who prepares all the meals. I'm not even home most of the time, so you won't have to worry about that. If you have any problem, you can always tell me or Sebastian. We can even get you your own driver."

I digest all his words and surprisingly, they make me feel much better. Everything he said sounds appealing, and Anthony Crosswalk seems like a man who keeps his word.

I nod, even though I'm internally searching for any holes in his words. It sounds easy enough, but I'm still a little nervous.

"Now that that's settled, I'll have to get going now. Charlotte, will you be joining me?"

"Yes. I'll be right back."

I change into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and say my goodbyes to my parents.

Anthony:

"I do not want a wedding ceremony. Forcing a woman upon me wasn't enough for you? Putting my signature on the papers is the most I can do. The only wedding I ever wanted was with Adeline, and you so selfishly robbed me of that. Only Adeline will ever be my bride. So, if you think I'd even attend my own wedding, you're poorly mistaken, father dearest."

It takes all my effort to push down my anger. What the fuck is that bitch Adeline doing to him?

"Crosswalk Industries and Daymond Diamonds. Both of them Fortune 500 companies. You expect us not to throw a grand wedding? That's what your future wife does for a living, mind you"

"I don't give a shit about her, least of all, about what she does. You can throw the biggest wedding ceremony you want."

"Thank y-"

"But the groom won't be attending." He finishes with a smirk and leaves.

As soon as he closes the door to my office cabin, I launch a dart. Bulls eye. I continue to throw more darts till I've expelled all my anger.

Just then, my phone rings. I consider smashing it, before thinking better of it.

"Hello?"

"Hi Anthony. It's Charlotte." She speaks in a small voice.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I can plan the wedding myself. It won't be a problem."

I rub my eyebrows, feeling a headache start to form.

"Sebastian doesn't want a wedding ceremony."

There's silence on the other end.

"What...is he expecting to do then?"

"He just wants to sign the papers."

She must be sad. A wedding is every girl's childhood dream. Now, she won't be able to have it. Not my problem. But what is going to be my problem is, explaining to her parents why there won't be a grand wedding.

"Father isn't going to like that." She points out the obvious.

"Thank you for pointing out the obvious Charlotte. I appreciate it."

There's a faint sigh on the other end. Did I not hang up? I try to do just that before she speaks again.

"Perhaps this is why I was meant to be a wedding planner. To give other brides the picture perfect wedding that I'll never be able to have."

I don't know what to say to that.

"Perhaps." I hang up before she can say anything else.

Now, to deal with Charles Daymond. I decide to FaceTime him.

"Charles. Good afternoon. I hope you're doing well."

"Very well in fact. To what do I owe the pleasure of getting a video call from Anthony Crosswalk himself."

"It's about the wedding. There won't be a ceremony." I decide to take the blunt approach. I was never one to beat around the bush. And, when push comes to shove, Crosswalk Industries is much bigger than Daymond Diamonds. Nonetheless, the union would be extremely beneficial.

He swings his club far back and hits the ball, sending it flying high into the air.

"Anthony, you just told me something I would have preferred not to hear. I have, but only one child. A daughter. I'm sure you understand, what with Sebastian being your only offspring. He wasn't able to make it to lunch either, last weekend. I hope there's no trouble?"

Yes, there is trouble. My son is fixated on a woman who tries to get into my pants every fucking chance she gets, and I don't tell my son, because somehow, he's head over heels in love with the whore. I only remain silent, for the sole purpose of not breaking his heart.

I choose not to use such crass language with Charles though.

"There is no trouble Charles. It's just that Sebastian hates weddings. Seeing as how things are between me and his mother, he doesn't believe in throwing grand weddings."

My words hit their mark, even if they aren't true. A flash of sympathy sparks in his eyes.

"I do understand that. But, Charlotte has always dreamt of a grand wedding, one that she, herself wants to plan."

"She's okay with it."

At this, his mouth opens.

"She was okay with it?"

I nod and a sad smile flits across his lips.

"Perhaps it's because she does not love the boy. Maybe, it's the reason why she doesn't care."

"Perhaps." I end the call with him the same way I ended it with his daughter.

______________________________________

Sebastian:

"When are you to marry Lance, Addy?"

Her head rests on my naked chest as she scrolls through her phone.

"Izzy just can't get rid of that fat, can she?"

I gently pry her phone out of her hands and ask her again. She pouts and says,

"The fifteenth of June. I told Daddy to make the wedding big."

"You're going to have a wedding ceremony?" The thought is disturbing and only serves to spark fury within me.

"Yes Seb. A wedding is every girl's childhood dream. If he can't give me the groom I want, the least he can do is throw me the wedding that I want."

I try to rationalize my thoughts. It's not her fault. She wants a wedding? She can have one. It's not like she's asking me not to have a wedding, so of course, I can't ask the same of her. It would only end in one of the priceless vases crashing against the floor.

I stare at her beautiful face and kiss her forehead, running my hands through her shiny blonde hair, the hair that I love so much.

My hands travel further down, down, down to her ass.

"Sebastian, you were at it just a few minutes ago." She whines and I smirk.

"Is that a complaint I hear?" I'm not hard...yet, so she's good...for now.

"You know it's not."

She grabs my dick and tugs, giving me a semi.

"Ok, now you're asking for it."

"Of course I am. It belongs to me, doesn't it?"

I smile down at her and plant a kiss on her lips.

"Damn straight it does."

She sighs. "Who knows? You may give it to your future wife."

The words make me scoff in disgust.

"Never. That bitch is getting nothing from me. She'll wish she never married me."

The engagement party is way sooner than I expected. It does make me nervous, but Anthony's words keep replaying in my head and to some extent, they still reassure me. The engagement is going to be held at their house and Anthony told me he would send a driver, but I declined.

Franco can drop me off. It's quite odd that Sebastian has not even spoken to me yet. It may become problematic in the future.

A shriek causes my spine to snap up straight. I'm immediately held in a chokehold.

"You look so fuckable right now."

I laugh and turn to hug Fiona.

"Thank you."

The glittery gold bodycon dress attracted my attention as soon as I saw it through the display window. I knew I had to have it, so I bought it.

The fuckable comment is probably because of the slit that starts at my thigh, extending all the way to my ankle.

I look into the mirror and weave some golden flowers into my French twist.

I put in some chandelier shaped earrings, clasp a gold chain around my neck and turn to look at Fiona.

"I'm ready."

"Just gorgeous." She gives a chef's kiss and I give her a flying one in return.

"Wait a minute though." She stands in front of me and tells me to kiss her hand.

I do and a red lip imprint is left on her skin.

"Okay, now it's perfect."

I step into my strappy gold heels and we walk arm in arm to the car.

Franco has the back door held open for us. I get in after Fiona and thank him.

"Benson won't be able to make it?" I ask about her husband.

She frowns. "No. There's a shortage of staff at the hospital. He's needed there. He really wanted to come though. Put on a tux too. The call came when we were inside the car and let me tell you, I've never heard him curse like that on the road." She chuckles.

Benson was my first ever client. I thought it would be a woman, but perhaps I shouldn't have been biased. He placed all his trust in me to give his fiancé a perfect wedding and I did deliver. When I had met Fiona, we'd just instantly clicked. We've been friends since then, which was almost five years ago.

The drive doesn't take long, and soon, we're pulling into the circular driveway, with a huge water fountain in the center. Beyond the circular driveway are trees. Lots and lots of palm trees.

Franco drops us off at the front door and leaves, since there are tons of cars parked outside the gates. Several rose bushes line the front of the house. The black roses are a sharp contrast against the pale beige exterior of the house. They look majestic.

It feels like I'm a guest to my own engagement and the thought makes me laugh. If only.

Fiona let's out a whistle beside me, her eyes fixed on the house, and I laugh. There's two garages on either side of me and the front door swings open just as we climb up the last step.

A short middle aged woman comes up to me.

"You the bride, yes?" She asks in a heavy Russian accent.

"Yes." She grabs my hand and pulls me inside. I pull Fiona behind me. Hmm. I like this energetic woman. I don't have time to appreciate the grandeur of the foyer as I'm quickly ushered to the living area.

White couches are lined up against the white walls. Hundreds of shoes walk across the cream and brown marble flooring. Champagne flutes are being passed along with hors d'oeuvres.

My eyes find Anthony talking to a group of people. He's dressed in a tan suit, with a black shirt underneath. His hair is neatly gelled back and his watch is clasped to his wrist as always. It's the first time I actually pay attention to the tattoos on his hands. The hummingbird catches my attention for some reason. I would not have pegged Anthony Crosswalk to be a tattoo guy.

"Is that your future husband?" Fiona glances in Anthony's direction.

"That's Anthony, my future father in law." Heat creeps up my face.

That makes her let out a low whistle.

"Hot damn. Talk about DILF. Where's your future husband though?"

I scan the room again and there he is. Dressed in a cobalt blue suit with a light pink button down underneath it. His hair is neatly combed to the side and he looks like he wants to be anywhere but here.

So how does this work exactly? Am I supposed to announce my own arrival? A minute later, I feel a familiar presence beside me.

"Father." I greet him and go to hug my mom.

"You look beautiful Mom."

Anthony's voice speaks up and I haven't even realized he's been standing in front of us.

"Charles. Elise. Glad you both came."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Where's Sebastian?"

"Sebastian, come over here. Your father in law wants to speak to you."

I can see Sebastian gritting his teeth. I don't know whether to be annoyed or sympathetic. I totally understand his behavior. I can't even imagine the pain he must be going through. To love someone, but be forced to marry another? I'm glad I'm not in his shoes. But, at the same time, he doesn't have to look so annoyed for just making small talk. He doesn't have to be rude about it.

For a brief moment, I'm angry at Anthony. Why can't he just marry Sebastian off to the woman he loves? My eyes are laser focused on Anthony. I don't see an ounce of guilt in his golden hazel eyes.

His eyes snap to mine and I look away, focusing on the wall beside the giant flat screen. I'm aware his gaze is still on me and I shift in my heels.

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Daymond." Sebastian holds his hand out for my Dad to shake.

Dad looks pleased and goes for the shake.

I don't miss the flash of surprise in Anthony's eyes because I feel the same way. I was prepared for Sebastian to say something rude.

"Likewise, son. I was disheartened that you couldn't make it to lunch last weekend."

"I truly am sorry Mr. Daymond, but I had to attend the business summit in London. I hope you'll forgive me."

"Of course, young man. You are welcome to join us for lunch anytime at our place, isn't that right Elise?"

"Of course dear."

Something does seem suspicious here. When Sebastian's eyes land on mine, I swear his eyes turn hard and his lips are turned up in the barest of scowls. I look away and catch Anthony's eyes on his son.