Sydney


We went into one of those posh wedding boutiques that Leah and I would never be permitted into. But we were with Jennifer hence, the immaculately dressed, and spotlessly made up staff scrambled around us.


"Wow, this is so exciting !" Leah commented, she had begged me to tag along, and frankly, I needed support to go through this.


Jennifer had rejected all of the previous dresses, and Leah had finished her fourth glass of champagne. These posh establishments were known for pampering their wealthy patrons.




As I glanced in the glass, Jennifer murmured, "I think this is it." The gown was stunning! The silhouette was fitted through the bodice and then flared out in a circular bell-like shape at the waist. The neck was a simple V in the front and a deep V in the back, almost to my waist. The inner lining was made of the softest satin and had a lace skirt that could be removed. It was embellished with sequins and pearls in a beautiful pattern. It must have cost a bomb! but then when the groom was Aiden Reiner, this was a small price to pay.


"It's so beautiful that it makes me want to cry," she says. It may be the influence of the wine, or she really liked the gown, Leah said sniffing. I was undecided. I, for one, was more perplexed and terrified than I had ever been.




Jennifer told the saleswoman, who nodded enthusiastically, "We need this by Thursday evening." Jennifer escorted me to a few other shops after we finished the fittings to buy some other dresses, as well as shoes, accessories, and other necessities for a new bride. Jeniffer finally dropped us off at our house and walked away with a smug smirk on her face, as if she expected a raise for her efforts.

I had collapsed on the sofa, holding my head surrounded by several shopping bags. I didn't even realize that my phone has been beeping.

Leah jolted me from from my slumber.




Aiden had called.




From the other side, his deep baritone murmured, "Hello Sydney."




"Hello, Mr Reiner," I said, my voice trembling slightly when I heard his voice.




"Please address me as Aiden. What did you think of the ring? "He inquired.




"Thank you," I replied, "it's er...nice." It was not just nice, but also enormous!




"Did you get your dress?" He inquired.




"Yes, Jennifer was quite helpful. Thank you once again."




"So, have you finished packing your belongings? Should I despatch someone to assist?" Aiden had inquired.




"Do I need to pack my belongings? Why?" I asked a dumb question.




"Are you aware you'll be staying with me?"




"Staying with you??" Suddenly it dawned on me that I would be staying with him. Right in the lion's den.




"Right! I'll get right on it, "I responded.




"You're a good girl, and I'm looking forwards to the wedding." His seductive voice sent thrills down my spine even over the phone. I didn't like it.




The rest of the week was spent by Leah and me packing my belongings. The atmosphere would have been different if I had been marrying someone I cared about. There would have been a lot of laughter and joy. I wonder what my parents would be thinking about me from heaven. They must be distressed and ashamed of me.


Aiden


*************


I smiled to myself as I kept my phone. Sydney had been cleared of all accusations after a few phone calls, but she had been framed, and I had a pretty good idea who had done it. Money talks and bullshit walks. How true were those words?

William and I would be having a 'conversation' soon. She would be off-limits for him after we were married. He wouldn't even think of messing with her. Regardless, it would be preferable if I gave him a good warning.




For the first time in my life. I felt like I might have taken a reckless decision. I did want Sydney, the memory of her luscious body and that erotic kiss made me instantly hard. I could have made her mine anyway, but the marriage was something even I had not anticipated. I genuinely wanted to just help her out with no condition attached. But I had suddenly formulated a plan to fulfil grandpa's wish of seeing my wedding. A marriage would serve two purposes, make grandpa happy and I would get Syndey.

Now, I had to see how this investment would turn out. I was a risk-taker after all.


I made my way to the east wing to inform Grandpa of the situation. I discovered him in his room, chess-playing with the nurse Wendy. She'd been a godsend. He gave me his usual smile as he gazed at me.




"How's it going, my boy?" He gave a kind smile.




"I'm fine," I said, "and I have some excellent news for you."




He cocked his head.




I blurted out without making a fuss.




"I'm getting married."




He looked at me calmly and then requested Wendy to go, much to my astonishment. As she exited the room, I waited with baited breath, making careful to close the door behind her.




"Is she already pregnant?" he inquired.




"What! No!"  I replied that I hadn't expected to be asked this question.




He appeared to be relieved.




"Thank goodness, I was afraid you'd been trapped by one of those floozies."




I laughed and walked up to him. I sat in the opposite chair and observed the chess arrangement. Wendy was good, she was going to beat grandpa in a few moves.


"So tell me everything you know about her," he urged.




"Sydney Rosbak is a young Australian woman. She works for one of our companies as a digital artist. That's how I got to know her."




"Sydney, that's an odd name, and her parents were very unimaginative in giving her that name." Grandpa pondered.




I shrugged, "we can't do anything about it. I was expecting you might not approve of her humble background." I said making a move of my Bishop.


"My child, do what you think is right. I'm getting on in years. I can't meddle in your life, and I trust you to make the proper decision. You have proven to be a worthy Reiner, surpassing my expectations "He took my hand in his and patted it. "When will I be able to meet the bride?"




"Soon," I said with a smile, "the wedding is on Friday, and you'll be there, of course."




"That soon! you must really love her." Grandpa commented and I froze.




Love? Where did that come from? I had no time or patience for love.


"I'm sorry, Grandpa, but I have to leave right now. I'll catch up with you later. Be a nice boy, take your medications, and don't pick on Wendy." I said, shifting the conversation.


"Bah! she is a bully. You better get rid of her. Too rigid with the rules," grandpa said trying to look angry but his blue eyes twinkled with mischief. I was sure about one thing. He would get long with Sydney, she had that underlying compassion in her. After bearing Fiona for so many years Sydney would be a nice change. I was happy about my decision now.