Page 15 of Something Old

He looks sour.

“Daddy, aren’t you having fun? This wedding is just—”

“It’s over the top. It’s way over the top. He did this on purpose.” He whispers in a harsh tone.

“What do you mean? Who did what on purpose?” I ask confused.

“Vincent Vece. He spent more money on this wedding that what he is giving me to clear my debt. And he invited the entire planet just so that he could rub it in my face.” He snaps.

I bite my lip. I wish my father didn’t see it that way. I am having the most incredible time.

“Daddy, it’s a beautiful wedding. It’smywedding. Your daughter is only going to get married once - so please try to enjoy it.”

“Hmph.” He huffs, still angry, not letting go of his bitterness over this whole thing.

Masaccio returns to my side.

“Masaccio. Congratulations. I am sure you two will be very happy together.” My father says through tight lips.

“Thank you. I am sure we will.” Masaccio replies, just as tense and tight-lipped.

I roll my eyes. Are all the men in my life sulking on my most beautiful wedding day.

I slip my arm through Mas’s and grin up at him.

“Are you ready for our first dance as husband and wife?” I ask, deciding to ignore all the dark moodiness between the men.

Mas nods.

“Good.” I wave at Isabelle, and she comes hurrying over.

“You can tell them we are ready for our first dance.” My heart spins.

The lights are dimmed low and there is a soft spotlight on us. Fairy lights are glittering above us and the music is drifting through the air. I am pressed right against him, feeling warm, safe and happy.

My husband.

The man I kissed and started to fall in love with.

I can’t wait to spend every day with him for the rest of my life.

I smile as we move together, letting the music guide us.

He feels a little stiff, perhaps tense because there are so many people watching us.

I can’t wait to get home - our first night alone together - and the magical things that are going to happen.

It is, after all, our wedding night.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Masaccio

The entire wedding is hell.

I am tired of smiling and playing the part of a happy husband. In all honesty, I have been doing a pretty shit job of even pretending to be happy.

My father sat me down an hour before the wedding started and gave me one hell of a lecture on putting on a show for the guests and the media who are flocking this event like flies on shit.

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