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.

Sebastian:

She doesn't hold a candle to Adeline. She's ugly. Her face is ugly. Her shoes are ugly, and her style is ugly. She gives me a smile, but I ignore it.

I can be civil to the parents, but to her? All cards are off the table when it comes to her. She's the wall standing between me and my Addy. A wall I'll go through any lengths to destroy.

My father goes onto the makeshift podium to deliver a small speech, which I tune out because I'm focused on Charlotte Daymond, thinking of all the ways I can make her miserable.

She must sense some malice in me, because she looks at me again, but this time she holds my stare. A nudge to my elbow brings me face to face with my father. His speech was over quick. He hands me a ring box and gives the other to the Daymond bitch.

I open the box and see a simple gold band encrusted in small diamonds. I bet he picked out the rings himself. He seems more invested in this sham of a marriage than the groom himself. Why can't he marry her instead? Then I could have had Adeline for myself.

I slip the gold band around her finger in distaste and hear claps around me. Why the fuck are they clapping? It's not an achievement.

She does the same, sliding the thicker gold band around my ring finger. If I had it my way, I wouldn't want this nonsense spectacle. But Anthony Crosswalk loves spectacles, so I have to play along with it. Though, I'm surprised he relented on the wedding ceremony.

The ring instantly weighs down on my finger, like a shackle.

"Congratulations to the both of you."

I want to roll my eyes, but instead I say, "Thanks Dad."

It's soon time for dinner and I'm made to sit beside my fiancé.

"Hi." I hear her whisper to my right, but I pretend I don't hear her.

"I know you can hear me." She whispers again.

"I'm no more excited than you are about this marriage. What do you think about becoming allies?"

"I say it's bullshit. Stay away from me." I whisper harshly back to her. Luckily, that shuts her up.

We're served dinner and we eat in silence, but my father keeps chatting with the Daymonds.

"Sebastian, I've heard that you don't want a wedding ceremony." Charles asks me.

I look over at Dad. Nothing in his expression gives me any warning.

"That's right." I cut into my Beef Wellington. I don't elaborate further and he doesn't question it.

"You're okay with that, aren't you Charlotte?"

She lifts her head from her stir fried vegetables to look at her father.

"It's fine. No biggie."

Biggie? What is she? A teenager? Her tits say otherwise. They're rather big for her small frame.

I must be glaring down the front of her dress because Dad clears his throat and glares at me. I quickly avert my gaze and am grateful Charles Daymond didn't catch me staring at his daughter's tits.

She however, didn't notice it because she's too busy eating her lemon tart. I glance down at her stomach and find it flat.

I stop wondering about her body, because it's none of my business and go back to finishing my dinner.

Charlotte stays back after everyone has left. I don't know if she isn't getting my hostile vibes or if she's just that dense. She should have left as soon as she sat next to me at the dinner table.

Unfortunately, she approaches me after listening to whatever it was my father had said to her.

"You don't have to see me as a threat Sebastian."

She comes even closer to whisper to me.

"I support your relationship with whoever it is you love." She looks back at Dad to see if he's listening. He's not.

"I'm stuck in this as much as you are." She smiles at me, but I don't return it.

"So what do you say? Friends?" She holds her hand out for me to shake, but I obviously don't take it. I turn on my heel and walk away.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see her full lips turned slightly downward in a frown.

Good luck sweetheart, because you are going to be wearing that look for the rest of this marriage.

______________________________________

Charlotte:

"He'll warm up to you." I look at Anthony and give him a nod.

"I hope so. I should get going as well."

Fiona had to leave, so I had Franco drop her off. It's strange that I entered this house as a single woman, and I'm now leaving with a gold band around my ring finger, engaged to be married. For a minute, it saddens me. I've always wanted love, but now? I know I'll never have it, unless I'm free from this marriage.

I tell Anthony I'm leaving and call Franco. He's there in two minutes.

I climb inside and the drive home is silent. Dealing with Sebastian is going to be a challenge.

I thank Franco and take off my heels as soon as I step into my apartment. I pour myself a glass of water and chug it down, staring at the ring on my finger.

It takes me fifteen minutes to get ready for bed and before I turn off my lamp, I remove the ring and put it on my nightstand. There's no need to remind myself of the marriage when I'm alone.

______________________________________

"Just a second." I say as I put the last pin in the bride's dress.

"There. Perfecto." I turn her around so she can look at herself in the mirror.

On cue, she bursts into happy tears and on cue, I hand her a box of tissues.

"You look beautiful sweetie."

She throws her arms around me.

"Thank you."

I rub her back for a couple of seconds and let her go, pinning her with a big grin.

"It's all going to be perfect. Don't you worry about a single thing."

"Char! Your phone's ringing."

I catch it perfectly on time as Harper tosses it to me.

Anthony. I hit accept before the call ends.

"Charlotte. Next month, you'll be a married woman. 26th of next month okay for you? I can prepone it, but postponing is out of the question."

I swallow. "26th is fine."

He ends the call without a goodbye and I stare at my phone in horror. Every time, after I get off a call with him, I feel sick. Absolutely sick.