57. THE WEDDING
Ashley took a deep breath and turned to face Noah, who was standing at the altar with the priest by his side, wearing a milk-colored tuxedo and a smile on his face as he noticed her.
Dave quickly covered her head with the veil. She looked at him and wrapped her hand around his right hand. She had never dreamed of this day in her life, but she knew her father was supposed to be the one to accompany her. But now that she was only getting married for her father’s sake, she didn’t think too much about it.
Dave took the lead, slowly walking with her into the hall. The place was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the chairs on which the guests were sitting were divided into two rows, one on each side. Ashley started walking down the aisle with a clenched jaw as the music “Here comes the bride” was being played, thinking of all the nasty things she would do to Noah after the marriage.
“How did you get an influential woman like her to marry you?” The priest asked Noah, who chuckled slightly. “I did a lot of nasty things to get her here; I can’t wait to spend the night with her.” Noah replied with a beaming smile. Ashley caught up to Noah as she let go of Dave’s hand. Noah took her hand, helping her up the altar. She pulled her hand from his grip immediately and stood at the other side of the priest, giving him a death stare, she wished he could see.
The priest smiled and looked at both of them. Noah leaned in, whispering into the priest’s ear. “Please make it quick.” He said to the priest, who just hummed. Noah scanned the crowd with his eyes, looking for his father, but he was nowhere to be found.
“Say your wedding vows.” The priest said to Noah, jolting him out of his trance. “Alright,” Noah muttered as he took a small piece of paper from his breast pocket and began reading what was written on it. Ashley was rolling her eyes at his cheesy vows as he said them. “…I mean every single word, Ashley. I promise to protect you, love you, and cherish you.” Noah concluded, staring at her as if he were seeing her expression under the veil.
It was Ashley’s turn. She shook her head and spoke. “I promise to love you and only you.” She said quickly it sounded like a rap, but she didn’t care. “Huh? Do you call that a vow?” Noah inquired, raising a brow. “Yes, it’s a vow, asshole.” Ashley whispered. “Language, Ms. Gates.” The priest said as he adjusted his tie, his gaze fixed on Noah.
“Do you, Noah Gold Kendrick, take Ashley Barbie Gates to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?” the priest answered.
“I do.” Noah spoke sharply with his head held high. The priest then directed the question to Ashley. Her lips started trembling as everyone was waiting for her reply. “Say it, Ashley,” Noah said in a low tone.
She tilted her head, looking at the crowd and searching for Dave with her eyes, but her eyes landed on Calvin and Emily instead, who were sitting among the guests’ holding hands. She clenched her fist; she thought her wedding was private, but she didn’t know she would have to see the people she never wanted to see in her life there.
She wanted to make them see that she wasn’t affected by them being together now, although there was still a wound in her heart that was still trying to heal, but they had opened it again. “I do.” She said to Noah’s face.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife; you may now kiss the bride.” The priest said. Noah swiftly moved closer to Ashley, sticking out his tongue like a puppy, as he lifted her veil and stared at her expressionless face.
He wrapped his hand around her waist, pulling her closer to his chest, and attempted to kiss her, but she turned her face away. He smirked, breathing on her neck. “This is our first kiss as married couples; don’t blow it,” he whispered to her. Ashley met Calvin’s gaze; he forced a smile at her, and she turned her face back to Noah, crashing her lips on his; he was surprised at first, but he gave in to the kiss, kissing her roughly as the guests cheered.
Ashley tried to break from the kiss, but Noah wasn’t ready to let her go; he was forcing his hungry tongue into her mouth, and she bit his tongue. “Ow!” he growled in her mouth, taking his tongue back into his mouth, and attempted to deepen the kiss again when she bit his lower lip. “Ouch!” he screamed as he let go of her and touched his bleeding lower lip. “I told you not to push it,” she said, glaring at him.Content © NôvelDrama.Org 2024.
He quickly licked his lips, smiling at her. “We are both married now, and that’s all that matters.” He remarked. “Okay, let’s say we are married; now keep your promise and give me the antidote to cure my father.” She said extending her hand to him.
“I didn’t promise you anything, baby; I can decide not to give it to you.” He said. “You will have to give me the antidote or I will make your life a living hell.” She threatened.
“I would like to see you try.” He scoffed and took out a small bottle of medicine from his pocket.
“This is the antidote.” He said flaunting it in her face. Ashley attempted to snatch it from him, but he moved it away.
“If you want me to give it to you, you will have to spend some time with me first.” He said. “Where?” she inquired.
“Here in this hall,” he replied, and he put the antidote back in his pocket. “Let’s start by dancing.” He said taking her hand and led her down the altar.