Marriage by Law

"Do you, Ivory Hiddleberg, take this man, Darius Quartz, to be your lawfully wed -"

But I couldn't. The only parent I really had was my father, sneaking me out to live life. Even if I have to marry this man for the rest of my life, I'd do it just to see my father smile at me.

"Ivory, say it!"

What?

I looked at Rose through the corner of the veil, the only part where I could see through and she was staring at me with a pointed look, mouthing "say it" with wide eyes.

Did he finish asking me?

I looked at the priest who was staring at me. "Oh yea," I said, nodding my head. "I mean, I do."

He nodded before closing his book and pushing two sheets toward us, both with a black Parker pen with gold engraving on the side.

"Sign this, please. This is the agreement that binds your wedding together."

I swallowed before picking up the pen and scribbling my signature down. This was really happening. I could see spots in my vision. I wasn't sure if it was because I was finally married, or because the dress was too tight. I went with the dress being too tight.

"Rings, please."

Two kids came running up with rings and I squeezed my eyes. Nearly over. You can breathe once the wedding is over.

"Take the ring."

Oh, right.

I grabbed the gold band from the kid who was peering up at me and smiled at her. Not like she could see me anyway.

"By placing these rings on each other, you are proclaiming your love and that you will be together till death do you part."

I scoffed quietly. What love?

"Hold out your hand," whispered Rose beside me. Oh right, hand. I lifted my shaking hand. Why was I so damn nervous?

I felt his hand grasp my fingertips before something cold and a bit tight slip on. Did my mother really think that you can lose weight in your fingers?

My fingers were already skinny enough. I could see the stone through the corner of my veil and grimaced. God, why did it look so extravagant?

I looked at his outstretched hand and squinted. Okay, now, Ivory, grab the hand, not air.

I gripped his hand, maybe a bit too tightly, as I blindly shoved the ring on and it slipped on perfectly. Why couldn't I get a plain ring, too?

"Gentle much?" whispered Rose and I rolled my eyes, letting go of the hand quickly. Okay done, can I breathe now?

"I now pronounce you man and woman, wife and husband. You may kiss the bride."

Key word being ‘may’ since it was quiet for a whole second before my parents, mainly my father, coughed loudly as he came up to us.

"Congratulations! Now you have a plane to catch."

Thank you, dad, from saving this old man from kissing me. I was engulfed in his hug and I could feel my eyes prickle. I was doing this for you, dad, so you can live happily.

"I love you, Ivory."

"I love you, too, dad,"

Of course, my mother had to say something and ruin the moment and pull me down the stairs. Rose was beside me in a second, holding my hand as I nearly tripped over.

The walk outside felt forever in these heels as I followed him and his parents to a white limousine.

"Get in," said Rose, holding the door open after he got in.

"I have to get in?"

"Duh."

"I don't think I can."

"Ivory, get your arse in there."

"No," I said as I firmly shook my head. "I think my dress is going to pop. I can't breathe. I need to pee, too! I can -" I grunted as she shoved me in, my head clipping the side of my door.

"Hold it and don't faint."

The door slammed shut and I jumped. I watched as they waved and I turned, looking at the seat in front of me. Deep breaths. Don't faint.

Present Time

"You ready?"

I looked at the fifty note she slammed on the dressing table and raised my eyebrows at her. "What are you doing?"

"I bet my fifty that he will jump you at the altar."

"Rose, you're in a church," I said, rolling my eyes as I fixed my veil, one that I can see out of.

"Okay, he will jump you in the limo?"

I roll my eyes and hid my smile as I grabbed the bouquet.

“No bets,” I told her, shaking my head.

"Okay, ready," I said, taking a deep breath. It was finally happening. I was getting married when I wanted, where I wanted, and how I wanted. Well, most of those since Adrian and Rose planned the majority of the wedding details. I was quite surprised to know they worked together. I was sure Rose was about to behead him.

I looked in the reflection at my simple but elegant dress, made out of satin. It was my size, allowing me to breathe.

It had a low fancy back and a belt that was really just a pattern on the dress, an appearance. It had a small trail, simple and perfect.

The door burst open and Adrian walked in, dressed in his white suit. He claimed he was going to match me, and for once I was glad Rose helped him dress. He didn't look like a total idiot.

He wore a navy blue shirt underneath the white jacket, and somehow he pulled it off.

"Well, hello there. You sure you don't want to marry me?"

"Get your arse out and at the altar. She's coming," Rose said, sighing. She was already fed up with Adrian even before the wedding started.

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