Married To Ethan Crawford

After dinner that day, all the days I'd gone through seemed so heavy. When my father kept urging me to take care of choosing the wedding ring and the dress I would wear later. Meanwhile, every time I sent a message to Ethan, he always argued that he was busy and couldn't accompany me. In the end, he only sent me a few sample photos of wedding rings, asking me to choose one of them. I even went to the boutique to try on my wedding dress without him.

Like a fool. Forcing myself to smile when I was so hurt inside. Just like me, I'm sure Ethan didn't like the idea of this wedding either.

One month passed quickly. I was in the hotel room alone. Our wedding was being held in a five-star luxury hotel. Inviting every important colleague from each side of the bride and groom.

I wanted so badly to escape from this one-sided marriage. I couldn't imagine living with a man I didn't love at all. How would our married life be, how would he treat me? Would I be happy married to him?

All these questions after horrible questions kept haunting me for the past month. It was so scary to think that I would be married to Ethan. I didn't even know what kind of man he was. How is his nature, how is his daily life? Everything seemed gray.

I sighed many times as everyone was busy putting on my makeup. I, who was supposed to be happy, looked sad and anxious. Not smiling much and just looking down like someone with a lot of problems. Yes, my problem was indeed the wedding I was going to have in a few hours.

I reflexively looked at the door that was opened by one of the people who did my makeup. Should I run away? There's still time left before the wedding starts.

I don't want my life to be ruined in the hands of the wrong man. I want a beautiful wedding with the man I love and not an arranged marriage with a man I don't even know.

"Wow, look at the bride who's getting married soon." I sighed heavily as I watched Nicole walk up to me. Looking at me so sarcastically.

"Don't make my mood worse, Nicole," I said equally sarcastically.

Nicole stood next to me. Leaning against the dressing table. Staring at my appearance from top to bottom.

"I think you like the idea of this wedding. Don't you?"

I glanced at Nicole. "That's none of your business," I said curtly.

"How devious," Nicole said. I looked back at her.

"What do you mean?"

"Didn't you do it? You're pretending to accuse me of being the one who drugged you. When it was just your plan to get Ethan to sleep with you. To expedite your marriage. Isn't that right?"

"Watch your mouth, Nicole! I never thought of it that way!" I shouted back at Nicole's every word. I stood up because I was too angry and upset. "You'd better get out of here if you're just here to mess with me. Please, give me a break to breathe!"

Nicole just laughed crisply and it made me feel even more annoyed. "You're crazy, Nicole."

"You're the crazy one. what do you want from Ethan?”

I shook my head, not believing the bad thoughts Nicole always had about me. "If I'm being honest, I don't even like the idea of this wedding. And if you think it's unfair, why don't you talk to Dad and tell him that you will take my place? I'll volunteer to give you the loudest applause as a sign of congratulations on your marriage to Ethan!" My hands clenched into fists, holding back my anger. I didn't care when everyone was staring at the two of us.

A moment later, Nicole left without saying anything more. And I went back to sitting in silence, with my nerves getting the better of me as our wedding drew nearer.

Not long after, my father arrived with a bright smile. He looked so proud and happy when he saw me wearing a sleeveless bone-white wedding dress. With a hood on my head that went all the way to the floor.

"You look very beautiful, Layla." I smiled back as he complimented me. He gave me a quick hug and rubbed my cheek. "I'm sure you'll be happily married to Ethan. He's a good boy," he said again.

I hope so. I hoped that my marriage to Ethan wouldn't be as bad as I thought it would be. Who knew that after marriage, the love would start to grow between the two of us?

"It's time," my father told me. I took his hand and walked out of the room towards the wedding area.

I took a deep breath as I stood in front of the large closed door with one hand held tightly by my father. My heart was beating like a drum. It was a little claustrophobic, perhaps because of the small dress, or because my anxiety was making it difficult for me to breathe.

As the large doors opened, my eyes widened to see many people standing around applauding my arrival. Some of them were busy throwing flowers as I walked to the red carpet that led to the wedding altar.

Over there. Yes. Up there, stood Ethan in a black suit, with neatly styled hair and a bit of makeup on his face. Waiting for me with a faint smile.

With only a few steps left until I reached the altar, my gaze was drawn to Nicole who suddenly stood up. Before leaving, I looked at her who was also staring at me with a look full of anger. Stomping hard out of the wedding area.

Was she upset about my marriage to Ethan?

I didn't have much time to think when my father suddenly stopped, and I realized I was standing in front of Ethan. His hand stretched out towards me, welcoming me, grasping my hand gently, and helping me up to the altar.

There, we were guided through the sacred wedding vows, which we took turns reciting.

"I, Ethan Crawford, promise that I will always take care of and love Layla Wales for the rest of my life. Make her the only woman I love and devote my life only to her."

My heart skipped a beat as I heard Ethan recite the sacred vows loudly and emphatically. There was no hesitation in every word he said.

"I, Layla Wales, promise to always keep and love Ethan Crawford for the rest of my life. Make him the only man I love and devote my life only to him." This time it was me who said the sacred promise. My hands trembled as Ethan placed the ring on my ring finger. Then the officiant said the word 'sah' before telling us to kiss each other.

I held my breath, full of nerves as Ethan moved closer quickly. Pulling my hips closer to him, he grabbed my chin and prepared to kiss me. But, instead of kissing, Ethan whispered in my ear. Saying words that make me feel like I've been struck by lightning.

"Congratulations on our wedding, Layla. Don't worry. I'll make sure that your life will feel like hell."