Naomi took in a deep breath as her hand skimmed over the dress that clung at her. It was a mermaid dress, that sweaped the floor, it hid the silver shoes that squeezed her feet. They had pierced her nose, and a gold hoop hung from it. It was beautiful but that didn't stop it from aching.
At early dawn her mother had barged into her room and dragged her into the washroom where she had preceded to scrub her. Naomi's mind was still foggy and she couldn't comprehend the happenings that were taking place. She was dragged into a car and they had drove to a beautiful hall. Her mother had led her into this room where she had sat for hours. Woman walked in and they preceded to dress Naomi up. Not once was her opinion inquired of, she just sat silently, with her hands in her lap, and her thoughts in disarray.
The sole of her feet ached and she wished she couldn't just run out of them, free her feet from this cage.
She frowned as tears forced their way through her orbs, quickly she blinked refusing them permission to be released. If not for the sake of her dignity but then maybe for the sake of the layers of powder and foundation that caked her face. She gazed at herself in the mirror, unfamiliar to the person that stood staring back at her.
As a young girl she had always dreamed of this day. The day her parents would hand her over to the man of her dreams. She had imagined herself with a bouquet of daisies in hand as she walked down the isle, her soon to be husband's eyes on her and her alone, as she blushed under his intense gaze draped in a ballgown that made her feel like a princess. But obviously dreams weren't always meant to come true.
The sound of the door opening got her attention, her eyes moved from her reflection to Mary, who had a smile on her face.
"You look beautiful my dear" Mary said as she walked towards Naomi, her smile widening by the second
"Thank you" Naomi whispered unable to reciprocate her smile
"I'm so proud of you finally you're going to be someone's wife. I wish you the best my dear"
"Thank you" said simply, she felt as of she weren't herself. As if, she were just looking in from a outer perspective. Her body had gone on autopilot, her emotions, her actions - she had no control over them.
"Come on we need to go" Mary urged as the sound of a bell echoed across the room
"Ok" Naomi whispered as she followed her mother's lead. The door opened and Naomi froze. Her eyes landed on a group of ladies all dressed in similar attire. Taken aback, Naomi took a step back, as her gaze traveled over their grim expressions their eyes were void of emotion as they stared back at her.
"These are your bridesmaids, they'll accompany you down the isle" Mary stated, the smile on her face had widened as she set eyes on Joseph.
"Are you girls finished. We can't keep the groom waiting for this long" Joseph spoke, not sparing Naomi a glance.
"Were done!" Mary exclaimed as she grabbed Naomi's forearm and deposited her besides her father.
A slow and mesmerising tune filled the room and the bridesmaids exited, followed by Naomi and Joseph.
Naomi felt numb as she walked out the door, the tune resounded across the room and the bridesmaids inform of her seemed to move at it rhythm, she didn't bother try. Her heart seemed to race as a nauseating feeling rested at the depth of her belly. She took in her deep breath, trying to calm her racing breath.
The veil that covered her head, didn't help bring any oxygen into her system. Her nerves rose as as she could feel the eyes of everyone on her. She raised her head and allowed her gaze move momentarily over the crowd. She didn't recognise half of the people here, she wondered how Mr Reagan had so many friends and families. He seemed to be much more social that she was.
Even through her veil she still noticed their probing eyes, their gaze sweeping over, filled with disapproval and some with plain curiosity. Naomi dropped her gaze to the ground and focused on walking with these heels. Her toes ached but she swallowed the pain.
Finally she reached the end of the isle and her eyes landed on a pair of feet, she figured they belonged to Mr Reagan. Joseph came to a halt amd placed her hands in Mr Reagans palm. She was taken aback by the softness of his hand, they were warm and soothing. She took in a deep breath as his thumb caressed her skin. She look down to their joined hands, shocked at the subtle affection. His nails seemed tidier than they were before. They seemed tidier and less wrinkled. Had he done a manicure?
"I hand her over to you, she belongs to you now. Take care of her" Josephs words drilled at Naomi's heart, he was handing her over to a complete stranger, a possible murderer and she had nothing in her power to stop it.
She stood silent as she waited for Mr Reagans gruff response but it never came. She watched silently as her father's feet departed and she immediately snatched her hands from Mr Reagans and placed them at her side, her head remained lowered as the pastor began to speak "Friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and this woman. Marriage is a sacred bond, a commitment to love, honor, and support one another through life's journey..." Naomi raised her head slightly, to look at the crowd hoping to find familiar faces in the audience. She saw her mother's face drenched in tears, a big smile on her face, while her father sat stagnant beside her, his face was stoic and his eyes unmoving. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts.
"...Before we move forward, let us reflect on the significance of this moment. Marriage is a promise to be there for each other, to share in joys and challenges, and to build a future filled with love, respect, and understanding..."
Naomi set eyes on Ms Ekaterina and her youngest daughter, Olga, Naomi attempted to smile but her face seemed to be stuck in a frown. Woman from the market too had gathered, but the majority of faces were unrecognisable. They seemed opulent as gold and silver jewelry rested on their necks and wrists. Their eyes were narrowed, some filled with joy, others with disapproval and most with boredom.
"..Today, Anthony le Roy Laurent and Naomi Johnson stand ready to exchange vows and rings, symbols of their love and commitment..."
Naomi sighed softly as she realised that Anastasia was nowhere to be seen. Did she even know that Naomi was getting married? Naomi had always dreamed of sharing her joys with Anastasia, they were best friends once upon a time, but those dreams had been shattered long ago.
"...Marriage requires trust, communication, and mutual respect. It is a journey that requires effort and dedication. Remember the words: "Love is patient, kind, and perseveres..." Sasha was nowhere to be seen in the crowd and Naomi wondered whether her pregnancy test had come out positive.
"Let us proceed. Please face each other and join hands."
Naomi wondered what would happen when Anastasia and Sasha found out that they were pregnant for the same irresponsible, demonic and deceitful man named James. Naomi felt Mr Reagan grab her hand and she scowled under her veil, hoping nobody noticed. Her hand rested limp in Mr Reagans palms. "Do you Ms Naomi Jane Johnson take Mr Anthony Le Roy to be your lawfully wedded/husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?..."
Who would James choose, Anastasia and Sasha held a special place in her heart and she wouldn't want either of them to grow through pain or sorrow.
"Ms Naomi, you are supposed to say yes I do"
The townspeople would probably ridicule them, if it was found out that they had both gotten pregnant out of wedlock for the same man
"Ms Naomi?!" The sound of her name crashed her out of her thoughts as her head rose to glance at the pastor.
"Yes?" Naomi called in shock, the pastor smiled and nodded his head before turning to Mr Reagan. Naomi's brow furrowed in confusion as she blinked and cleared her throat, she felt Mr Reagan squeeze her hand and she held back the urge to spit on him.
"Do you Mr Anthony le Roy Laurent takeNaomi Jane Johnson to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"
"Yes. I do" Naomi's breath hitched as Mr Reagan spoke, his voice seemed huskier, younger, different and so so...
Familiar
"By the power vested in me and in accordance with the laws of Rockville, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss."
Naomi's emotions swirled in her belly, nervousness and anxiety swelling up in her heart. She had never kissed a man before. She wondered how it felt, she had heard of butterflies that fluttered in your tummy but would she feel it with a man old enough to be her grandfather.
She felt Mr Reagans hands clutch her veil and she closed her eyes in weary anticipation, her heart raced in her chest and as the veil lifted, Naomi's eyes rose and they met with the man that stood infront of her.
Her eyes widened with shock as she felt colour drain from her cheeks. For as the veil lifted. It was not Mr reagan standing before her but a different person; younger and much more handsome.
Confusion filled her heart. and surprise flooded her senses, momentarily leaving her speechless. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within her, like a storm of anticipation and uncertainty. Their eyes met, and the stranger smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with love. Naomi felt a surge of emotions as she stared intensely at the man infront of her a flicker of recognition sparked in her eyes. She saw the mischief dancing in his gaze, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Naomi stood numb and shocked at she stared at the man before her, her gaze darting over his features, was she hallucinating? Or maybe this was all a dream- a nightmare.
Naomi felt am arm wrap around her waist and her body collided with those of the stranger. Confusion gave way to curiosity and a growing sense of recognition.
Naomi blinked rapidly trying to step out of this horrid hallucination. The man leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, the world around them faded away, and Naomi's eyes fluttered shut, her hands found their way to his chest where it rested, clutching at his cloth as if she were gasping for breath. She felt herself melt in his arms before he withdrew from her.
The crowd erupted in applause as the pastor gave his blessings to the couple. Naomi stared dumbfounded at those green enchanting eyes that she knew so well. They stared back at her with utmost confidence, mischief dancing in his orbs.
Confusion gave way to curiosity and a growing sense of recognition. "Anthony?" Naomi whispered
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The mans smile widened further as he bowed "Mrs Naomi Anthony Laurent, I am honoured to set eyes on you again"
ns 15.158.61.48da2
