A DEAL FOR A LIFE TIME - CHAPTER 7&8

Bethel

I looked at myself in the mirror, taking in the sight of my wedding gown. The soft lights highlighted the intricate lace patterns on the bodice, and the skirt flowed elegantly to the floor. I had dreamed of this day being special, filled with love, but it felt more like a formality. My hair was styled perfectly, divided into two halves: a sleek, straight lower half and a curly upper half held up by a delicate silver hairpin.

“Bethel!” Bianca’s voice broke through my thoughts, sharp and urgent.

“Yes?” I answered, trying to keep my tone calm.

“You better get your butt in here. Dad is about to ki|| me,” she said, walking into the room with an exasperated look.

“You look so stunning,” she said, her expression softening as she took in my appearance.

“Do you know I didn’t wear this kind of expensive gown on my wedding day?” she said, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and wistfulness.

“I thought you would end up with Cole,” she added with a teasing smirk.

“No, ewww, he’s just my best friend, young lady,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“Yeah, I know,” she said, mimicking my eye roll.

“Hey, ladies,” Charissa walked into the room, her eyes widening as she saw me.

“Oh my gosh, Bethel, you look so beautiful,” she exclaimed, her genuine smile making me feel a bit better.

“Thanks,” I said, managing a small smile in return.

“I heard you set my son up with Jefferson’s daughter?” she asked, her tone curious but firm.

“Wow, I didn’t know that,” I said, feigning innocence.

“You lying rat. And besides, thanks a lot because now he doesn’t want to come home anymore,” Charissa said sarcastically.

“Oh, stop it, Charissa. She’s getting married today. So as her maid of honor, I would like you to keep your mouth shut,” Bianca said, stepping in to defend me.

“Don’t get too high and mighty. So, what are you wearing on your first night?” Charissa asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, she didn’t buy anything,” Bianca said, glancing at me.

“Don’t worry, I bought her something very segzy, but I don’t want you to open it now. After your wedding,” Charissa said, handing over a bag to me. I took it and placed it in the drawer, knowing Gaby would help me pack it.

“You guys are wasting my f*****g time,” Dad yelled from downstairs, his voice echoing through the house.

“Time to go, girls,” Bianca said, and we all rushed out of the room to where Dad was waiting.

“This is why I told your mum I didn’t need three girls. You guys are pains in my neck even at this age,” he grumbled, then turned his direction to me.

“Except for you, sweetheart,” he said, giving me a warm smile before sending Charissa and Bianca deadly glares.

With a deep breath, I took Dad’s arm, and we started making our way to the ceremony. My heart pounded with each step, a mix of nerves and resignation washing over me. Today, I would marry Rico Shawn, a man I barely knew and didn’t love, but it was a sacrifice I had to make for my family.

As we approached the ceremony area, I could hear the soft murmur of guests and the faint strains of classical music. The garden was beautifully decorated with white flowers and twinkling lights, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. My stomach churned with anxiety.

“Ready, sweetheart?” Dad asked, his voice gentle and reassuring.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to steady my nerves.

Rico Shawn

“Where the hell is she? Does she think I have that much time to waste?” I whispered to Charles, my best friend.

“Calm down, she’ll be here soon. Remember at my wedding, we waited two hours for my wife. When she finally arrived looking so stunning, I didn’t even recognize her. I wanted to tell everyone they’d given me the wrong bride,” he whispered back, trying to lighten the mood.

“Just shut up, Bethel is…,” I started, but was cut short by the start of the wedding march. The doors opened, and there she was, walking into the church. Wow, am I getting married to an angel? She looked like one, just today though. The white gown glowed as she walked down the aisle.

“You’re drooling, Rico. Come on, wipe that spit off,” Charles whispered.

“Can you please shut up? I didn’t talk to you on your wedding day when your wife was walking into the church,” I hissed back jokingly.

She finally reached the altar and stood in front of me. Up close, she was even more beautiful. After all the preliminary rituals, the pastor began the vows.

“Do you take Bethel Alexandra Albert as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do,” I answered.

“Do you, Rico Shawn Jefferson, promise to take Bethel Alexandra Albert to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”

“Yes, I do,” I replied.

He asked Bethel the same vows, and she answered as well.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the pastor said. “You may now kiss your bride.”

BETHEL

Rico lifted my veil and leaned in. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for wh@??ver he was about to do.

“Do you think I would kiss that smelling mouth of yours?” he whispered in my ear, but to everyone else, it looked like he was kissing me. What a jerk. I could hear the guests clapping their hands.

Later That Day

I looked out the plane window. Rico was seated in another seat. We were already in his private jet. The wedding was amazing, despite Rico’s attitude. I found out that Cole liked Rico’s cousin, Jasmine. She’s beautiful with her big, round eyes. They didn’t let me change out of my wedding gown. I closed my eyes, ready to take a nap, and soon fell asleep.

I felt someone carrying me. It had to be Rico. I could feel his hard chest against my head, and it felt surprisingly comfortable.

“I’m not doing this because you’re still sleeping. I’m doing this because of the paparazzi. I know you’re awake, just pretend you’re still asleep,” he said.

Rude jerk. I could hear the paparazzi asking different questions. We finally got to the limo. “You can wake up now,” he said, then dropped me, making me almost fall. He entered the limo while I followed from behind.

We arrived at the hotel, R&S, a skyscraper. We walked in and saw a receptionist.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Rico Shawn. Here is your penthouse key,” she said, handing over the key to Rico.

We took the elevator to the top floor and entered the penthouse. It was huge and beautifully decorated. I loved it. I looked at the bed and saw red rose petals arranged in the shape of a heart. It was really beautiful.

I took my luggage into the bathroom and opened it. I pulled out the package Charissa had given me and opened it. “What the heck?” I muttered, looking at the contents.

TBC