24

There I stood at the beginning of the aisle, looking at what should be my dream wedding, marrying the person I love and want to spend the rest of my life with; instead I stand her ready to be fed to the devil himself. I took in the room before me as I stood in awe over the splendor. The room dripped from roof to floor in white and lavender.  At the end of the aisle stood Damon; smiling from ear to ear. He waited for me under an archway of taffeta and glittering crystals of purple and white that dance in the candle light surrounded the alter. The room was full of people; some I recognized many I did not.  All sat upon chairs coordinating with the wedding theme of white and purple. Holding my breath, I searched for Angel. Seeing her standing there, solemn for we both knew we were attending my funeral, not a celebration.

My father took my hands and placed a large bouquet of Gardenias sprinkled with lavender crystals within them. Holding onto the flowers I couldn’t help but bring the bouquet to my nose to let the floral smell engulf me. Feeling his hand rest on my arm, I turned to look into my father’s eyes. I couldn’t help it, but tears began to stream down my face. How could my father, the man that was to protect me, sell me off as if I meant nothing.

“Vivian my dear, you do look stunning. A picture of perfection,” He whispered in my ear.  “Girl you should be happy that Damon is so willing to marry you and return you back to where you belong, instead of being among that trash.”

I didn’t say a word. I knew it would take everything I had to take those steps down the plush white carpet.

The music died into an eerie quiet before the wedding march filled the room. Hearing “dum dum da dum” echo off the walls made my knees go weak and a wave of nausea sweep over me. Everyone rose, as I started my decent down the aisle. Keeping my head held high, as I took in my surroundings. At every door stood two goons in tuxedos, guarding the exits; the only way in or out for me was with Damon. If there was any way for Tone to sneak in, I prayed he was near.   

With every step I took, the more defeated I felt. At last we stood in front of Damon and the altar.  He stepped down and shook my father’s hand, and patted him on the back. The smile on both their faces was sickening.

Damon gestured for me to hand the bouquet of Gardenias off to Angel. Glimpsing at her beautiful face, I saw the tears behind those sapphire eyes. I knew we felt the same: scared, trapped, defeated, and lost. We were being torn apart by me not being truthful. If I had told her about my past sooner, maybe we wouldn’t be here right now; being ripped out of each other’s arms.

Damon took my hand into his and led me to rest of the way to the altar. Standing before the minister, I no longer could hold back the tears. I knew to most, it looked as if I was crying tears of happiness and joy. In truth, I was crying tears of defeat.

I was startled when the minster began to speak; I swallowed hard, as I listened to his words.

“We are gathered here today in the presence of God and his company, to join together Damon Hannon and Vivian Hastings in holy matrimony; which is an honorable and solemn estate and should not be entered into lightly. These two souls come now before you and God to be joined as one. If anyone can show just cause why these two many not be lawfully jointed together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

The room was silent and I prayed someone, anyone would speak up and end this shame. Unfortunately, the silence was deafening. Nobody would dare stand against my father and Damon.  Finally the moment of deafening silence ended, and the minster began to speak once more.  

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

“I do.” My father answered without hesitation.

The minster smiled at Damon and continued with the ceremony.

Damon, do you take Vivian as your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?

“I do.” Damon said gleefully.  

I knew my time was coming. Would I be able to answer the minister when he asked me one question I didn’t want to answer? I watched as the minster turned to me, giving me a smile and a wink. I was surprised that he had no clue I was being forced to wed.

“Vivian, do you take Damon for you lawful wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor and cherish him for this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live?”

I stood there, my tongue filling my mouth. I could feel Damon and my father’s stares burrowing into me. Finally, after a long hesitation I was able to squeak out, “I do”. I could hear Damon let out a sigh of relief, as heard a whimper leave Angel’s lips.

The minster then turned to the man standing next to Damon. I couldn’t believe my eyes; the man standing next to Damon had to be his brother. The difference was he looked how I remembered Damon.  Tall, skinny, with kind eyes, not the man Damon was today.

“May I have the rings?” The minister asked Damon’s brother.

Taking the rings into his hands, he place them on the pages of his warn black leather Bible. “May this ring be blessed so he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end.”

Handing the ring to Damon, he took my shaking left hand into his. As he slipped the ring onto my ring finger he said “With this ring I thee wed. Wear is as a symbol of my love and commitment.”

I looked at the ring and back to Damon. The ring was extravagant, beyond beautiful; Round cushion cut stone, wrapped in diamonds. It had to be at least six carats if it was one.

The minster turned to me and held out the other ring, the one I was to give to Damon. I took it, rolling it in my hand. Here I was committing myself to a man I hated. Once again the minister repeated, “May this ring be blessed so that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end.”

Damon held out his hand as I jammed the ring on his finger. The minster gently pushed me to say the vows as Damon had, but I could only get out, “With this ring I thee wed.” Nothing else would leave throat. I tried, but I couldn’t say it. I did not love him and I didn’t want to be committed to him. These simple words held to much meaning for me to say.

I could see the anger flash in Damon’s eyes, as he turned to those gathered to watch this sham of a wedding. “Well it looks as if my blushing bride has become tongue tied.” The room busted out in nervous laughter. “Please continue.” Damon instructed the minster.

Without missing a step, he continued on with the ceremony. The more he spoke the weaker I felt. “May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to forgive and experience more and more joy with each passing day, with each passing year. Damon and Vivian, are now beginning their married life together, we hope that they may have loving assistance from their family, the constant support of friends, and a long life with good health and everlasting love. In so much as Damon and Vivian have consented to live forever together in wedlock, and have witnessed the same before this company, having given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. You may now seal the promises you have made with each other with a kiss.”

With that, Damon took me in his arms and kissed me. I stood there numb, for my fate was sealed. I was now and forever bound to this man; unless I found a way to kill him in his sleep. Life in prison couldn’t be any worse than this. Maybe I could make it look like an accident.

I was deep in thought, until I felt Damon lift me off my feet, carrying me forward in bridal style. I heard the minster call out. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the loving couple
Mr. and Mrs. Damon Hannon.”

I could hear the clapping and cheers as we passed those who sat watching me being sentenced to his man. It was if nobody knew that I didn’t want this, or they just didn’t give a flying fuck. As we made it out the double doors, Damon whispered in my ear. “Your mine now Mrs. Hannon, until death do us part.” Before I could turn to him and reply, I shot rang out as I was dropped to the floor, covered in blood.

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