"I'm so happy for you. You two will make the cutest of children. Stay blessed dear"
"Thank you Ms Hernandez we appreciate it very much" Anthony said with a smile as he glanced at Naomi. They say at a table, watching as guests walked up to them presenting their gifts and giving them their blessings. When the elderly woman turned away from them with a smile, Anthony turned towards Naomi "Are you ok?" He murmured.
Naomi turned to him with hollow eyes, her eyes rested on his chest, she couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye "Can I excuse myself?" Her hands were sweating profusely as they laid clutched in her laps, she had just managed to stop them from shaking.
"Of course you can, but don't be long"
∆
She smiled in relief as she saw the dressing room empty. She sat onto the couch her face in palms. She gulped as she felt the urge to scream.
"Naomi?" The voice was too familiar. Her lips curved in a soft smile as she turned to look at Theresa. Her heart seemed to leap for joy as tears flooded her orbs " Mama Theresa!" Naomi whimpered as sprang up to embrace her. "I'm so happy that you're here mama Theresa. It's been so long" With a heavy sigh Theresa withdrew from Naomi's embrace. Naomi gazed up at her in total confusion "What's wrong?"
"I had heard rumours that you were getting married but I refused to believe them. You didn't tell me anything concerning a love interest not even a fiance and out of the blue you're married! Naomi what is going on? How long did you get to know this man before deciding to get married? How come you didn't tell me?"
Naomi blinked rapidly, refusing to allow her tears fall "I... I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It all happened so quick. "
"Naomi, are you sure you're ok. Tell me the truth, this isn't like you, to make spontaneous decisions."
"Theresa, my decisions weren't spontaneous. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. But I'm happy you came."
"Dont lie to me Naomi. The rumours are all over Helslip, of how your parents had arranged your marriage."
Naomi seemed anxious as her gaze darted to the door, "Mama Theresa, I don't want to cause a scene"
"Naomi tell me the truth. Did you get married on your will. Or did your parents force you into getting married? "
Naomi held her hands as her lips quivered. "Mama Theresa, It doesn't matter anymore. There is nothing I can do now, I've already made my decision and I can't go back"
"Naomi, marriage is a lifetime commitment. You are tying your life to to this person. You are going to spend the rest of your life with this person. It's a journey of no return. And you choose to go on that journey with a complete stranger!"
"Theresa, I tried my best. I tried everything in my power to call this marriage off. But it's my fate and I have to accept it."
"What stupid fate Naomi! What ridiculous, idiotic, demented faith? You gave your mother the steers to your life and then you turn around and call it fate?!"
Naomi tried to remain composed, but deep down she knew she just wanted to run into mama Theresas arms and burst into tears "Please dont cause a scene. Please just pretend, just for today please. "
Mama Theresa snatched her hands away from Naomi's grasp "Naomi what is wrong with you, how could you allow your stupidity take control. Look, I am taking you to my house, it's obvious your mother has bewitched you ..."
"I apologize if I am disturbing" Anthony walked in proceeding to wrap his hand around Naomi's waist. His eyes were hooded as he scrutinized Theresa. "My love will you not introduce me to your little friend" Naomi seemed to snap out of her own world as she cleared her throat.
"Mama Theresa this is Anthony" Anthony's jaw ticked at her introduction, "Anthony this is Theresa she's a family friend;like a mother to me"
Anthony granted theresa a curt nod "I am delighted to meet you" Anthony outstretched his hand offering Theresa a handshake however Theresa gazed at it with disgust. Slowly Anthony dropped his hand, his eyes narrowing slightly
Theresa and Anthony's eyes locked and they stared at eachother intensely "Where do you live young man, I haven't seen you around Helslip"
"I do not live in Helslip" Anthony said simply
"I asked you where you live"
"I live in Rockville"
"Rockville" Theresa nodded softly "And are you aware that Naomi lives here in Helslip"
Anthony gazed at her under hooded eyes "Yes. I am aware of that"
"So what are your plans? Have you already packed your suitcase to move here"
"I have no such plans"
Theresa smiled sarcastically "So what are you expecting. Because all I know is that Naomi is not moving to a whole different city. This is her hometown and I don't expect you to pop out from the skies and expect this young girl to relocate to a while new city that she is not familiar with"
"Whether I choose to relocate or I demand that my wife relocates it is none of your concern."
"No. It is my concern! Mr Antonio. Whatever you call yourself. This is her hometown and you will not dictate what goes on in her life"
"Theresa. Please you're causing a scene" Naomi murmured softly
Theresa sighed as if collecting herself "Who are your parents Mr Antonio?"
Anthony's eyes narrowed as he glared at Theresa "You have no right to interrogate me on my private matters"
Naomi walked out of Anthony's grasp and took a step towards Theresa "Theresa please. You can do this another time. People are going to hear you"
Naomi watched petrified as her mother stomped into the room, standing at Naomi's side "Theresa what are you doing here?!"
"How could you allow Naomi get married to this demented pig. He's a physyco. He's a lunatic"
Anthony's jaw ticked as he glared at Theresa "Pardon? Please repeat that again"
"I didn't stutter. You're a demented pig. A lunatic!" Theresa screamed as pointed a finger towards him
"Theresa please stop" Naomi pleaded as Theresa voice rose.
"Theresa shut up you're making a fool of yourself!" Mary exclaimed
"Security" Anthony called and men dressed in black came marching towards them. They grabbed theresa by her arm and began to drag her out. She screamed in protest.
"Anthony. What are you doing?! Tell them to let her go. They're hurting her" Naomi pleaded. Anthony stared at Theresa as she got dragged out, his face void of emotion.
Theresa's screams faded and Mary rushed to Anthony side "I'm so sorry my son, I don't know what's gotten into her."
"It's not your fault, you can't control everyone's behaviour"
A servant ran you to them and Anthony nodded softly allowing him proceed "Sir, the guest are waiting for the first dance"
Anthony hummed softly and turned towards Naomi, whose eyes remained on the door where Theresa had gone through "Naomi." Her gaze rested on him as her brow rose.
"What?!" She blurted
His brows rose momentarily, his smile twitching to a thin line "Our first dance. The guests are waiting"
"Dance?"
"Just follow me. I'll help you"
****
Naomi's hand rested on Anthony's chest and the other on his forearm while his hands were wrapped around her waist. Her body was pressed against his and she tried her best to avoid eye contact with him. A slow tune plaid in the background as they danced center stage while everyone watched.
The eyes of everyone on her added to her nerves and she tried not to falter under their intense gaze. Anthony moved effortlessly, swaying back and forth to the soft melody.
She could feel his breath on her skin as he leaned in towards her. He rested his head in the crook of her neck as he placed gentle kisses on her neck, his breath fanning her skin.
A bunch of ooh and aahs broke out in the crowd at his intimate gesture. Anthony, leaned back slightly and gazed at her. Naomi's eyes narrowed as she peered at him.
A mischievous smile touched his lips. He seemed amused at her discomfort. "You don't know how for how long I've dreamed of this" Anthony whispered, she could feel the vibration of his words as it rumbled from his belly and up to his throat "It won't change the fact that we're married. You are my wife and I your husband." Naomi remained silent.
"You shouldn't have treated mama Theresa like that."
Anthony smiled as he rested his head on hers "Okay maybe I shouldn't have ordered she be thrown out, but she called me a demented pig. Out of all things that she could have said she chose pig. I would have tolerated being called a cockroach. But I am not even close to a pig, not to speak of a demented one"
"I apologize on her behalf. I know she didn't mean it. She doesn't behave like that on a normal basis, I don't know what had gotten into her"
"It's okay my love, forget about it. I just want to spend this time with you. Enjoy it with no negative energy" Anthony placed his lips on hers in a gentle kiss, Naomi's eyes fluttered shut surprising herself, slowly he withdrew and gazed at Naomi once more.
Naomi's eyes raised as she looking into Anthony's eyes, "Anthony what's going on?" 17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20P9gqB6bQ
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iKzKcIUfu
Anthony gazed into her eyes, his brows raising in silent question "What happened to me Reagan?"
"Why are you asking of him? Do you prefer that he stand here in this position of your husband instead of me?"
"Don't dodge the question Anthony"
"I'm not dodging anything besides the aching urge to kiss you"
Naomi stared blankly at him. It seemed that nothing that she would say could get to him. With a gentle sigh, she lowered her gaze focusing more on the steps than her rampant thoughts.
Anthony too remained quiet for the rest of the dance and to Naomi's delight, the music faded to a stop.
Before Naomi knew it a woman was by her side. The woman's true face was hidden behind layers of makeup, her eyes moved slowly from Naomi landing on Anthony. "Sir" she nodded. Naomi figured that the woman was an usher.
Anthony held Naomi as they walked away from the dance room "What's going on Anthony?" Naomi inquired as she she saw everyone turning to them with a knowing look. It seemed everyone knew what was happening except for her.
"It's a tradition in Rockville. The couple spend a couple of minutes with each other after their first dance. And they will not set eyes on each other until it's time for the consummation of the marriage."
Naomi's heart raced as the woman walked them into a small room and walked out after granting Anthony with a toothy smile.
As the door shut behind the woman, Naomi felt as if her world was crumbling before her. The reality of everything seeped in. She was married to Anthony Laurent. She was a wife to a man she hardly knew.
"You look beautiful. I can't believe all of this belongs to me"
Naomi looked up at him, her composure seemed to evaporate as she sneered, anger rising in her chest. "You conniving, deceitful liar. How dare you trick me into marrying you "
Anthony smile dropped as he took a step towards her "Excuse me? Repeat that"17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FHdq9qYfx
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqSmuP8cyn
