Aiden

"Do you accept this woman as your lawfully wedded wife, Aiden Reiner?" The man inquired.

I said, "I do."

"Do you accept this man as your lawfully wedded husband, Sydney Rosbak?"

After a few seconds of silence, I tightened my grip on her hand, hoping to shake her out of her trance. She shivered.

She answered gently, "I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, and you may kiss the bride."

Her gaze fell on mine at that point. Her eyes were filled with terror and bewilderment. Jennifer had done an excellent job in selecting Sydney's outfit and accessories. She appeared stunning! For a brief moment, I wanted to cancel everything and rush her into my room. For the time being, I had to make do with simply a kiss. Her soft lips brushed against mine, and I kissed them chastely.
I took her hand in my arm and made my way through the crowd. She was frightened and uneasy, as one would expect. But I respected her bravery in the face of adversity. I realised Fiona and Will were missing from the ceremony while escorting Sydney to the terrace. For me, it worked perfectly. Grandpa grinned at me from the front seat, and I returned the smile. I approached him and introduced Sydney to him.

"How are you doing, Mr Reiner?" Sydney asked.

"So, you are the girl my grandson spoke about?" Grandpa looked her over for what seemed like minutes.

She gave a slight nod. This was going to be a lot of fun.

"My grandson does have a fine eye for beauty. A natural beauty."

Her cheeks reddened slightly at his remarks. She looked cute. His next statement turned her red like a beetroot.

"And she got that childbearing hip, she will do Aiden," he quipped.

I could feel her tense up.

"Grandpa. Don't scare her. If she runs away, I will hold you personally responsible. Then I'd marry Miss Wendy instead." I jokingly forewarned.

"Young man, don't you dare to threaten me? We also have to get rid of the witch! I'm not ill!"

I laughed; we were used to bantering. We moved ahead and I whispered to Sydney. "Don't take him seriously, grandpa is just a bit brash, he speaks his mind without much thought."

Her response took me by surprise.

"I didn't mind at all because he is a very wise man." She gave a kind smile.

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

Sydney

The large table was draped in a white costly tablecloth and packed with various foods, with a stunning four-tiered wedding cake in the centre.

"Wasn't it agreed that we'd have a simple wedding with no reception?" Looking around at the swarm of strangers, I said to Aiden.

He gave me a friendly smile.

"Is this what you call a reception? It's just a group of friends and family sharing a meal. Our friends would be hungry after all of the excitement. I'm hungry as well." He gave me a friendly smile.

"But what about a wedding cake? Isn't it a little out of context in relation to our agreement?"

"Hmm...let me try to remember what was in the contract." To my annoyance, he drummed his finger on his chin theatrically as if concentrating.

"I don't recall wedding cakes being prohibited!" He gave me a wicked smirk.

I locked my gaze on him. I had a sneaking suspicion that I'd wind up as his 'meal' at the end of the night! I averted my gaze from him. He then took my arm and reconnected it with his before turning to the small gathering as if to make an announcement.

"Friends!" he said. "I'd like to thank you everyone for coming and for helping to make this such a special day. As a show of thanks, my wife and I would like to propose a toast to you all." He smiled as he finished his little speech and sipped his drink.

Jennifer was mopping her eyes with a handkerchief and remarking to no one in particular, "I love weddings."

I looked around the room for Leah and Mike. They were standing in a corner when I found them. Mike was sulking as Leah was glowing in her stunning red gown. Aiden approached the pair as if reading my mind. Mike scowled at us with an angry expression, so I gave him a weak smile.
 "I just wanted to let you know that my wife and I are delighted that you were able to attend the wedding..." Aiden began to speak.

"She isn't your wife!" Mike cut him off, speaking in a low, irritated tone.

"But we have the contract and the marriage licence to establish contractually and legally that we are married," Aiden pointed out.

"I don't know what you are trying to get at, but I intend to find out. And believe me, I will expose your scam!" Mike told him hotly, while I squirmed uncomfortably, what was wrong with him?

"Let me ask you a question, Mike...have you been carrying a torch for her the whole time? But too afraid to make a move? If that's the case, please accept my heartfelt condolences. When I see a good deal, on the other hand, I make a kill. Don't wait is the fundamental rule of business." With a grin on his face, Aiden said.

Leah and I exchanged worried looks.

"She is NOT a commodity or an object to be acquired." Mike retaliated.

"I don't recall pressuring her in any way. It was her choice, her decision. This was something she consented to. She is fully aware of what she is about to embark on." Aiden expressed himself in a perilous manner.

"BUT YOU ARE NOT IN LOVE WITH HER!" Mike spoke up, but not loudly enough for everyone to hear him.

Aiden laughed sarcastically at him.

"And how does that concern you? Do you love her?"

Mike's face had gone completely white "Yes, but not in that sense. I care about her because friendship and relationships are important to me. Things that a cold-blooded bastard like you would find strange." Mike sarcastically stated.

"Oh! so now I am a cold-blooded bastard? It's because of cold-blooded bastards like me that some people would still have a job to feed their families. When I build a business, I create jobs. Thousands of people working under me, depend on me for their livelihoods and I don't let them down because you know why? I deliver what they want! JOBS! unlike some morons like you who think, love conquers all! Grow up, Mike. Your world is too small. Love can't fill an empty stomach; business does and ALWAYS WILL!"

Aiden was now visibly seething, and I was worried. Mike's face had turned slightly pale upon hearing his speech.

"Aiden, we should go," I mumbled, attempting to defuse the atmosphere.

Leah and I exchanged glances, and she grabbed Mike's arm in an attempt to sway him away.

"Let's go get something to eat, shall we? Those shrimps appear to be quite appealing." Mike threw her a nasty glare but remained silent. I breathed a sigh of relief as the siblings went away. I felt as if I'd averted a war.

The sun had begun to set over the horizon. It gave the scene a strange quality. Aiden declared, "Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that my wife and I will have to depart. Those who wish to stay can do so in the guest rooms that have been prepared. Thank you once again for coming to see us."

I looked at him and frowned slightly. Where was he taking me too now?

"Are we going somewhere, I want to be with my friends a little longer," I explained.

"I am afraid we have to go to Sydney. You can talk to your friends any time you want but right now we have to leave." He said with a glint in his eyes.

"Where?"

"To our honeymoon of course, what the point of getting married without a honeymoon." His grin was slightly evil, and I shuddered.

"Honeymoon? The deal, though......" I fumbled a bit.

His sapphire eyes gleamed with danger.

"Unfortunately, Sydney, you don't have a choice." I shuddered as he beckoned to Jennifer, who materialised near him almost like a Gennie.