C6 Chapter- [ 6 ]

[ Sophia ]

Finally, the day had come when my destiny was going to be changed so my last name.

It felt so strange,I have lived twenty three years of my life with a name which is my identity but with two words, it will be changed much to my resentment but I knew it was useless to fight for something that should be mine.

My fate was already sealed by others.

I was woken up by Lily at sharp 5:30 in the morning to take a shower and be ready when Rose and her team will arrive to help me in getting ready. The wedding is scheduled to take place at eleven in the morning.

"Nervous?"Rose's melodic voice snapped me out of my venture in the memory lane.

I passed her a faint nod of my head while the girls did my hairs.I opted for a more natural look though Rose insisted on going a little overboard but I simply refused.I couldn't bear to look at my sight if I wasn't able to recognize myself in the mirror.

My gown was also not very extravagant though the shop,Mrs. Ashton recommended through her secretary who brought her message to me,was out of my league, they showed me only the gowns which reminded me of the middle age's royals and nobles,ten times heavier than my own weight. Luckily, I had Candance with me,she requested them to show us some decent and elegant gowns.After a hunt of five hours, I picked this one which I was wearing. It had a sweetheart neck and full slaved vintage gown which showed very little of my skin.It had a flare from mid waist with silver embroidery.

"We are ready to go."Rose said with a gentle pat on my shoulder."Your would be husband is going to faint when he looks at you Sophia.You are one of my most beautiful brides."She added.

I sighed with no emotion ,my heart felt like an empty vessel.

A knock on the door indicated, it's finally happening.I hadn't contacted Daniel nor he tried in last two weeks and I am very thankful because his presence makes me self conscious and a little uncomfortable though he is a true gentleman.

"Your Dad is here."Rose informed me while James walked in my room.

His face wore a triumphant smile much to my miseries. He earned his fortune on the ruins of my life.

"Sophia my baby girl."He said very sweetly but it made me gag.He turned to Rose and signaled her to leave.

"I'll see after the wedding. We have to get you ready for the reception."Saying this, she left the room with her team.It was now only him and I.

"Let's go Sophia.We shouldn't make them wait for any longer.They have already done a great favour on us when they proposed this marriage.Sophia,they are very rich and influential people.We are nothing in their comparison so do not give them any reason to regret their decision or the consequences won't be good for you,understood."His voice sounded like he was threatening me.

"Did you hear me ?"He repeated when he saw me standing mute .

"Do you leave me with any choice Dad?"I finally dare to look at his selfish face.

"Don't talk back at me, Sophia.We have done so much for you.If it weren't us,you might ended up in some ratty foster home.So,always remember our favour on you and it's your time to pay us back for our generosity. "The caring father's facade was gone.

"Don't worry father I'll pay back for each penny you spend on my upbringing ."I stubbornly held back my tears .I couldn't show him my vulnerable state.

"Good we expect same from you.Now let's get done with this. We can not wait more .After this marriage,you'll be owner of half of Daniel Ashton's assets even if he decides to divorce you in future,you'd get your share."He said and each word fell like a thousand tons rock upon me.

He made a joke of me and a sacred bond like marriage. I must tell Daniel about his wicked plans before it's too late .I do not want Daniel and his family to blame me and call me a traitor when I am also being used by James and Lily.

During the car ride to the church,I and my father sat on the backseat of the car.We didn't exchange any sort of conversation as he had already said what he wanted to convey so I only wished this ceremony to over as soon as possible.

Upon reaching at the grand entrance of the church, two men clad in black suits rushed to open the door for us. My father climbed out first and helped me with my heavy gown.From here,our drama of a loving father and daughter begun,the path from the entrance gate to the main prayer hall of the church was covered by red carpet.

I linked my arm with my father and with slow steps we walked inside.Musicians were playing the traditional song.My eyes set on the numerous guests, each dressed in finest expensive suits and gowns.I didn't know any of them but they were surely Ashton's guests.

What an irony!It was my wedding and I felt like outcasted.

Daniel was already standing at the alter beside the priest.He wore a black suit ,crisp white shirt beneath with a red bow tie.His hairs were combed back neatly. He screamed of handsome features undoubtedly but it didn't fascinate me.We both knew it weren't our decision to get married.

My father placed my hand on his once we reached at the alter.Daniel gave a slight nod of his head to my father and then turned to look at me.

We both stared at each other expressionlessly,each trying to read other out.

The voice of the priest caused us to divert our attention on him.All my miseries and the selfish people were pushed back in my mind in a mixed blurr.I tried to focus on the vows.I couldn't lie under God's watch.It was a holy place so the bond.

Eventually the most important part of his speech begun which needed my solo attention.

"Do you,Daniel Maximilian Ashton, take Sophia Valeria Stone as your lawfully wedded wife,to hold and to cherish in sickness and health, for poorer or richer,do you vow on being faithful, until death do you apart?"

"I do."

Daniel said without any hesitation or second thoughts.He sounded confident while his eyes bore into mine.

Now it was my turn to be a part of this joke.

"Do you,Sophia Valeria Stone, take Daniel Maximilian Ashton as your lawfully wedded husband,to hold and to cherish in sickness and health, for poorer or richer,do you vow on being faithful, until death do you apart?"

Air seemed to choke my lungs. I had to say those two words which would change my life forever.

Silence sprawled in the hall.Everybody was waiting for my answer. Daniel tightened his hold on my hand to encourage me.Definately,he couldn't afford to see his family's reputation crumbling down if I back out from this moment.

"I...do.."I hardly let these two words slip from my tongue.

I observed him releasing a breath he might be holding.

"By the power vested in me from God and the state,I now announce you husband and wife.Please exchange your rings to seal your promise which you both would bear till your deaths."The priest proclaimed.

Daniel was first to slide our wedding band just above my engagement ring.His name was engraved in tiny diamonds on the platinum band.With trembling hand,I did the same without any emotion.

"You may kiss your bride now."The priest said.

My heartbeats again took up its dangerous speed.I had to give away my first kiss to a complete stranger who was my husband. I saved it for someone whom I could love and cherish but for other people's sake,we must make this sacrifice.

Daniel looked into my eyes for an unsaid permission, I lowered my head giving slight nod of my head to go on.His one hand released my hand and he circled it behind my back,he leaned his face over mine in an angle from where we might looked very romantic and drowned in love.Our breathing were mingling with each others.I bet he could hear my thumping heartbeats.

"Relax Sophia..."He whispered for only me to hear and places his lips on mine.He barely pecked them gently. With that,the crowd broke out in loud cheers and applause.He instantly pulled his face back thus our first kiss lasted only for a couple of seconds or more.

He placed his hand on the small of my back and gently tucked me along with him as we walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Ashton.