A month later

This is it.

Today is the day.

I am getting married.

To a man I barely even know.

The makeup artist is just putting finishing touches on my face, I asked her to keep it plain and simple and thankfully she did. The stress of planning my 'wedding' for the last month was clearly visible on my face. I hadn't been much interested, most of my work was delegated.

The off shoulder gown with lace sleeves showed off my collarbones that had been protruding more since the merger. The bodice was also made of lace and fit me perfectly. It had a mermaid cut which accentuated my curves, not that I had many. My sharp shoulders were highlighted because of my hair in an updo , with a few strands falling out to frame my face.

I had a rosy glow and just teensy bit puffy eyes.Because of all the crying last night.

Emilia pulls out my veil from the box with a flourishing 'Taa-daa'.

Ava is still pouting as she buckles up my heels.She's mad at me because I refused to have a bachelorette, I just didn't feel like it. But I do have a feeling that she'll be fine soon enough.

I heard the door open and Ava jumped up to open it and let Asher in. "You look great," Asher says softly to Ava at which she blushed, something that is very unusual for her. Holding the door with one hand,"You don't look so bad yourself." she says to Asher. He laughed it off and came towards me, his eyes were a bit puffy. Had he been crying? Did he not get enough sleep last night? A small smile rested on his face.

But before I could say anything, he asked me,"Ready?".

"As I'll ever be." I breathed in and smiled at him.

He kissed me on the forehead,"Dad will come by in a minute. I talked to Ethan and I warned him if he ever let anything happen to you, I will be the one to put him in his place." I chuckled a bit but it died shortly.

He pulled out mom's bracelet from his pocket that had a tiny chain of sapphire gems wrapped around it. "Let this be your something old, blue and borrowed." He says and puts it around my wrist without looking at me.

I nodded, deep in thought. Asher and I were close but he had never been this overprotective of me. Even this slight show of affection from him was unusual, we always fought like kids but today it felt like everything is changing.

"You look beautiful, you're just missing your big red nose and that colourful wig " ...And he is back, I swatted him on the shoulder but he hugged me instead. Wishing me a 'good luck' he finally left.

With a deep breath I took one last look at mom's picture and walked out of the room with Emilia and Ava right behind me.

"Hi, honey. You look just like your Mom today," Dad said with a hoarse voice "If you want to back out now, you have the chance and no one will say a word to you."

"No dad, I want to do this" I smiled at him.

He took my hand and together we walked down the aisle. At the end there stood Ethan in all his glory. Wearing a fitted black tux with matching tie. He had an ivory coloured flower in his pocket, that matched my dress.Nice touch. I wasn't exactly elated as I walked down the aisle. Ethan and I had not exchanged a single word in the past month.

My eyes started looking around. Anywhere but at Ethan.The first row was filled by Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Asher, my aunt and other close relatives. Followed by other business associates and friends.When we reached the end, Ethan took my hand in his and helped me up the podium.

"Take care of my daughter." Dad whispered.

"Of course sir." He replied softly.

For a man who is the owner of a multi-billion company, exudes arrogance and has everyone at his feet, he is quite the gentleman. He had patiently waited for me to completely climb the podium and stand in front of him before letting go of my hand. It was instant lack of warmth.

The ceremony started and the officiant asked us to exchange rings. Ava handed me the ring, a plain platinum band, I slid it on his finger.

A guy that looked strangely like Ethan and his father handed him the other ring, 2 platinum bands twisted together with a small diamond at each junction, he slid it on my finger effortlessly above the ridiculously big engagement ring that he had 'sent' to me.

Finally the priest said the words that I dreaded, "You may kiss the bride."

Ethan lifted up my veil, I could see his dark stormy eyes, he looked at me with uncertainty. Like frustration mixed with confusion.It was really difficult to understand this man, it felt like he had built walls around him, insecure of the outside world. Apart from the fact that he didn't speak at all.

His face came near mine and my breath hitched, he angled himself and kissed me at the corner of my mouth. And that part was ignited.

Without realising I let out a quiet sigh.

The crowd cheered.

That's it.

I got married.I am someone's wife.

I saved my company.But I filled my future with uncertainty.

We were enjoying the food at the reception, toasts were made and everyone was having fun except me. And Ethan.

My now husband was sitting right beside me, but he had barely said a word. The entire time I had been talking to Ava and Emilia. It was then when Ethan's best man walked towards me and made himself comfortable by pulling a chair beside me, "I don't think we've met" He said with a toothy grin. I gave him small smile and shook my head.

"I am Liam, Ethan's younger brother." That explains the similarity in looks.

"Hi ,I'm Skylar, it's nice to meet you." I said, introducing myself.

"Well I'm sorry we couldn't meet before, but it's good to finally meet someone who can spend time with my sunshine of a brother, as you can see he is a happy little ball of fur." He said in a sarcastic tone, I like this guy.

I chuckled and added "Well it's nice to know someone knows him inside out."

"Heh. Don't mind Ethan I know he gives out these 'Scary Murderer Man' kind of vibes but trust me underneath all this he's a softie and--"

He's cut off by a guy with dirty blonde hair and average height "Babe where have you been, I didn't see you since they cut the cake."

Liam looked at me and then at him "Sorry babe I'm just trying to introduce myself to my new sister-in-law, sorry Skylar this is Zach, my boyfriend." He affectionately loops his arm around Zach.

"Hi Zach, how are you enjoying the party?" I asked him.

"Enjoying ? I've been absolutely rolling, love the theme and the food. And Skylar, may I say, you make a beautiful bride."

My cheeks heat up, "Thank you."

Before we could finish the conversation, Aunt Eden decided to take the mic, "I now invite the newlyweds to grace us with the first dance.Presenting for the first time, Mr and Mrs Carter!"

Apart from our immediate family, no one else knew that this marriage wasn't out of love, rather a business deal--a sham. We were expected to act like a happy couple, madly in love.

All of this, to prevent scandal.

My breathing accelerated knowing full well that this could go very very wrong if we don't go up there right now. Should I go and ask him? Will that be awkward?

Before any more questions could cross my mind, a hand extended towards me.I looked up and it belonged to none other than Ethan, he wasn't particularly smiling. But there was no feeling reflected on his face. Just a patient man waiting for his wife to take his hand. I obliged.

I saw Liam standing just beside Ethan's previously occupied chair with a devious smirk, giving me a thumbs up. Oh, so it was all his doing.

A slow tune started playing, he placed his one hand on my waist and the other one held my hand. My one hand rested on his shoulder and we gently started swaying.I was enveloped in his subtle pine scent.His jaw was tight, wishing as if he was anywhere but here.

Was this a good time as any to tell him I wasn't a good dancer? But it was too late.His feet and body moved in sync to the rhythm, leading me around like a prop. Ethan was so light on his feet, twirling me and dancing around like we were in a ballroom. My mother used to say "Always be careful with men who can dance."

The music came to an end, we stepped down and were greeted with cheers and applause. I wasn't exactly ecstatic but pretended to be.At that moment I felt a little cold and realised Ethan had gone but he wasn't in his chair. Without letting my mind wander off anymore , I walked towards my seat.

It was finally time for the bouquet toss. I threw it, subconsciously wishing no one caught the flowers of a bride who didn't get to marry someone she actually loved. But it was caught by a girl in her mid 20s, someone I didn't know.

I said my goodbyes to everyone. Thankfully there was no crying involved.

Ethan and I walked out with a black car waiting for us at the end, people cheered joyously and threw rice at us. I slid in first and he entered from the other side.I suppose we are going to the airport for our supposed 'honeymoon'. Despite knowing the reality Kate and George insisted that we spend some time together, in their exact words, "Take some time off work, get to know each other!"

The moment the car started, Ethan hit the partition button, causing to block us from the driver and took off his coat. The entire car was surrounded by his subtle pine and woodsy scent, it was kind of addicting.He then loosened his tie and leaned back. I didn't realise I was looking at him until he pulled out his phone and started answering emails.

I just stared out the window. I took off my heels , allowing me to finally feel my feet. I leaned against the comfortable seat and didn't realise when I fell asleep.

After some time I heard a hesitant knock on the other side of the window, I jolted up and realised we were parked in front of a private runway entry. I smiled at the driver and saw Ethan already walking in. In a hurry I put on my heels but didn't buckle them as soon as I stepped out of the car and of course I twisted my ankle.

I hate my life.

"Arghh," I groaned more in frustration rather than in pain. The people who were checking in our baggage looked at me, I was so embarrassed.God.

I tried walking but to no avail, my face contorted with pain but I didn't make a sound this time.

It was then I saw a shadow looming over me, I looked up to find Ethan staring at me in a defeated expression. I look at him, roll my eyes and then try getting up again. His hand stops me, "Stay as you are, you're gonna hurt yourself even more."

That was the first full sentence that Ethan Carter had said to me. I was weirdly embracing that moment when I felt a pair of arms underneath me, scooping me up as if I'm weightless. I squealed, "Ethan!" and reflexively looped my arms around his neck.

He ignores me and starts walking and now I was even more embarrassed as the entire staff looked at us.I could feel his taut chest against the side of my torso and his strong hands underneath me momentarily making me forgot that I had twisted my ankle.

Wordlessly, he took me up the stairs of the private jet and just as easily and positioned me on a recliner.

Be it accidentally, he did carry me over the threshold.

"Can I get first-aid here?" He said in an obvious tone by looking at the stewardess, she blushed and ran to the back to get the kit. She came back and gave me an apologetic smile and started applying an ointment Ethan took over halfway, "I'll manage," he muttered and proceeded to wrap around the crepe. And the entire time, I couldn't bother for my injury but could only focus on his touch.

One moment he doesn't even look at me and the next he is taking care of me. I don't think I'll ever figure him out.When he finally gets up and leaves, I align my chair further back.

Hawaii, here we come.