Three

Jemima and Khalid stood before each other, to read out their vows to each other, framed by the arch of flowers, and the watchful eyes of hundreds of guests. Their faces were gloomy, distant yet strangely perfect together.

To the crowd, they looked real, but anyone who looked closely will see it was all just a beautiful lie.

Jemima glared at him, she flipped open the first page, the vows stated as follows;

"I, Jemima Wilson, accept you Khalid Greyson as my lawfully wedded husband."

"I, Khalid Greyson, accept you Jemima Wilson as my lawfully wedded wife."

Jemima smirked, staring at him with so much hatred. It's really happening, she's taking vows with the same man that humiliated her in Chicago.

The same man who yelled at her. When she was still working as his secretary, he was always harsh to her and never treated her nicely.

If he could treat an outsider like that, how would he treat his own wife?

She hates him and she despises herself for being his bride today.

Khalid saw the hatred beneath her eyes, he knew he deserved it. He was cold, harsh and he even yelled at her. When she was falsely accused, he arrested her before the final culprit was detected.

"I promise to love and trust you with all my heart." She read, every word tasted bitter on her tongue.

Khalid was silent, he didn't want to repeat the vow. Love and trust her, he's a man of his word. Saying it will make it fulfill it, but does he have any choice in this?

No. His lips parted and his voice low and soft.

"I promise to love and trust you with...all my heart."

The vow continued, they read it out line after line.

"I'll always support you no matter what." she read aloud, her voice flat, almost sarcastic because she ain't doing that shit.

"I'll be your knight and save you from all danger."

Their eyes communicated, with their heart threatening to pop out of their chest.

"Even if it's the slightest thing hideable, you'll be my secret keeper."

"You'll be my first and last priority."

"I'll never let go of your hand, till death do us apart."

A loud applause roared from the crowd, Laura and Marianne cheering each other.

It was supposed to be a happy moment after the vows but the marriage was a loveless one.

Khalid reached for his pen, his fingers brushed the edge of the certificate, hesitating before he signed on it. He handed it to Jemima who snatched it from him, she signed on it as well.

Yes, it's done.

They're legally married now.

The crowd erupted in a loud applause, guests rose from their seats, clapping with wide smiles.

It was supposed to be a celebration but to Jemima and Khalid it was nothing but a loveless marriage sealed in contract.

The priest cleared his throat and the hall became silent again.

"You can now exchange rings."

The tray was brought to them, without wasting time they exchanged rings.

It was time for the oral vows,

"Khalid, Are you willing to take Jemima Wilson as your wife?" The question came from the priest.

"Yes, I'm willing." Khalid replied.

His mother, Marianne, smiled with joy in her heart. It felt like a blessing seeing his son marrying the best woman she chose for him.

"Jemima, are you willing to take Khalid Greyson as your husband?"

Tears lingered in her eyes, but she blinked it away. Her gaze found her mother who was smiling and she gulped with a no choice expression.

"Yes...I'm willing." She replied.

"Now, I pronounce you as husband and wife, you may kiss your bride."

Jemima bit her lips, anxiety washed through her as he moved closer to her. She let him frame her face with his palm, his eyes lingering on her red lips.

"This is just for our mothers, don't be nervous." He whispered before kissing her.

Her eyes widened at first, she gasped in his mouth and he deepened the kiss. She badly wanted to push him and give him a tight slap, he said just for our mothers, why did he deepen it?

She cursed him under her breath, clutching her gown with the tips of her fingers. She didn't reciprocate his kiss, nor did she break it. She just closed her eyes while he succulently smooched her soft lips.

The guest smiled, murmuring from ear to ear. Laura and Marianne chuckled with a surprise filled face.

The ceremony ended, the guests rising to their feet in celebration. Rose petals and glittery confetti rained from the balcony above.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to rip off the gown and slip the ring from her fingers.

But instead she smiled like the perfect bride.

Like it was a perfect marriage.

The crowd took photos as they walked down the aisle, flash after flash.

"Just like we agreed, my son and your daughter will be leaving the country." Marianne said. "His business is based in Chicago. Your daughter has to live there with him."

"I understand you Marianne. I'm so glad my daughter married your son." Laura nodded.

Jemima stopped in front of her mother, staring at her with tears in her eyes. Laura quickly embraced her daughter.

"I'll miss you so much sweetheart." She said, muffling her sobs. "Please always take good care of yourself and your husband. Give him everything, including your body, okay?"

Jemima broke the hug, giving her a light smile. She's not surprised her mom said otherwise, she was supposed to at least comfort her before she leaves.

Khalid kissed his mother's hand, his mind finally at ease after fulfilling her wish. Even if Jemima filed for a divorce later at least he made his mother smile.

They both entered the car, and the driver drove off straight to the airport.

Inside the car.

"Can you give me one good reason why if I've to follow you to Chicago?" Jemima questioned him.

"The reason is simple, you're my wife." He replied.

Jemima smirked, "I'm only your wife to the world, we both agreed to this so quit the pretense, your mom is not here!"

“You hate me that much?” He asked, staring into her eyes.

“No words can describe how much I hate you Khalid Greyson. I despise you more than anything!” She blurted out to his face.

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