W I N T E R

After striking a deal with Leonardo, my mind was put at rest.

At least now I know he also isn't expecting much from me after our wedding.

The engagement went smoothly and days passed with my family making wedding preparations.

I went dress fitting a few times but all the dresses had a flaw or the other. I went food and tasting to figure with mom and Rachel so we could all point out what we wanted to eat at the party. 

From the past few days, the only information that fully entered my head was that Leonardo's dad, my soon to be father-in-law, Mr Felix, bought a mansion in New York as a wedding present for us and it's where we'd have to live after the wedding.

I shudder at the thought of living in a luxurious mansion with a stranger.

I'd be so lonely and bored.

My mom also informed me that I would have to take a month break from work because of my "honeymoon" which I plan to protest against.

Different thoughts were floating in my head as a lady and Rachel helped me slip into my wedding dress. I shook it all off as I took a seat in front of my vanity and another lady helped fix my hair into a tight bun and placed a real diamond tiara on my head. Pearly white earrings dangled from both sides of my ear and my make up was fine.

"And you are ready madam," My French make up artist exclaimed as she put on a final coat of pink lipstick on my lips.

"Beautiful."

"Gorgeous."

My hair and make up artist squealed then they took pictures of me to advertise their work. I faked a smile as I could feel my heart sink.

"Smile," Rachel tapped my shoulder.

"I'm doing that already." I answered her.

"You can't fool me, that's not your real smile." She pinched me.

"Ow!" I whinced in pain as I tried to soothe my arm.

"You look really beautiful my love," she went emotional like she didn't just pinch me.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"There we go," she broke into a smile. "Hold that smile." Rachel grabbed her phone and I froze on the spot trying to actually hold the smile.

Rachel grabbed her phone and tilted it to the left so we could both fit into the camera and tapped the button.

"Wait take one with us too!" We turned to the back and saw our parents standing by the door.

My smile fell when I sighted my father and he knew I was upset with him which is why he avoided me for so long after the condition he's put forth.

"You look extremely beautiful my princess," My father sniffled and walked towards me.

"You haven't even walked her down the aisle yet and you're already crying?!" My mother slapped his arm.

"Come here," My dad smiled in between his sniffles and pulled me into a warm hug completely ignoring my mom.

When I hugged him that was when I realized I wasn't upset at him anymore and like it or not I'm getting married today. I won't be able to see my parents everyday and hug them like I've been doing for 26 years. I felt a tear drop on my cheek.

"Richard! You're making her cry." My mom complained. "You will ruin her make up." My mom complained more but I could hear her voice breaking as she said it.

"Come mom." I stretched my hand towards her and she immediately took it so both my parents wrapped me in their arms and I could hear silent sobs.

What is this stinging pain I feel in my chest? I'm not moving to a different city, just at the other side of town but it feels like my parents are being taken from me.

"Perfect." Rachel muttered and I realized she just took a photo of the moment.

"Join in," My mom told Rachel but she passed.

"Well, that's enough, we are running late and your dad has totally ruined our make up," She chuckled.

"Let's get touch up makeup done before we leave!" Rachel suggested.

My eyes scanned my look. The wedding dress was a beautiful floral tulle wedding dress with removable sleeves and a slit which extended up above the knee featuring a long veil which was attached to my tiara.

We hurried out of the house in a grey Rolls-Royce Royal Phantom VIII to the church.

When the car stopped at the entrance of the church, my heart skipped a beat.  I was so nervous that I could feel my hands tremble.

"Breathe." Rachel reminded me when she noticed my shaking hands.

My dad opened the door while my sister fell my veil forward to cover my face. He held up his arm to me and I linked our arms.

We followed the red carpet path inside the church. As we approached the door, the bridal song came on and I rolled my eyes. We walked slowly and slowly towards the aisle. I could see Leonardo standing at the end, his eyes on his shoes.

Bastard!

My father dropped me at the podium and went to take the front seat. As I lifted my eyes, Leonardo and I made eye contact but he looked away.

The priest read on the scriptures while we just stood there.

I can't believe I'm really betraying Damian like this.

Memories from the first time we kissed kept on replaying in my head.

Are you really going to move on with your life after killing Damian who only tried to help you?

Did you forget how he jumped in to fight Devon?

You're really ungrateful

He had no reason to but he jumped in and risked his life to save you from getting killed and this is how you repay him?

You ungrateful bitch!

My mind hurled nasty words at me and I tried to shake it off literally. I sealed my eyes shut and shook my head.

You're ungrateful!

You should have been the one that died!

"No..." I shook my head further.

"You don't take him to be your husband? Are you alright my dear?" The priests voice brought me back to reality and I looked around, everyone was staring while my family had a confused look on.

"What?" I stammered.

"I asked if you, Winter Ruby Simpsons agree to take him," The priest pointed at Leonardo. " Leonardo Miguel Castro  as your lawfully wedded husband. 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?" He asked me again.

No!

No you don't.

"I do." I nodded and a drop of tear stained my cheek.

Don't do this now tears, please.

"And do you, Leonardo Miguel Castro take her," He gestured to me. "Take Winter Ruby Simpsons to be your lawfully wedded 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?" He asked.

"I do." He answered.

"Leonardo and Winter will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other." He announced to the congregation.

A little boy who had the rings brought it up to the podium where both Leonardo and I took one.

We exchanged our rings and the priest blessed it.

"And now by the powers invested in me by the holy church, I now declare you both married. You may kiss the bride." The priest announced.

This bastard will most likely take advantage of this situation.

Leonardo took a step towards me and lifted my veil, I glared at his as he leaned into me. My eyes fill with shock when he places both his hands on either side of my face then places his thumb over my lips and kissed it, creating the impression that it was sealed with a kiss.

The congregation went wild and started clapping non stop.

I just made a life long commitment to a man I don't and won't ever love.

**

Happy New Year everyone!

Celebrating the New Years with an update!

And also because I'm overflowing with ideas for this book.

Anyway check out No Strings Attached, written by yours truly and can be found on my profile!

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Thank you for reading, I really appreciate!