Page 22 of Grumpy Bossy Billionaire Enemy

Chapter ten

Walking Down the Aisle

Amelia

Camille could make a good decision for herself. So when she asked me the important question, "Will you be my bridesmaid?" I didn't hesitate to say, yes.

I would be her bridesmaid because she was my only closest friend. The secret wedding would be held in Troy's huge study. Aside from the priest and Troy's lawyer, Henry and I were the other witnesses. Camille told me about the basis of her marriage contract with Troy. She was supposed to live with him to make their marriage believable. They shouldn't have to pretend they are in love with other because the spark between them could light a hundred fireworks.

Henry and I drove into Troy’s garage. Camille and I separated from the brothers in the dining room.

Camille slipped into an A-line satin dress and I spent the next few minutes making up her face.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

Camille nodded. “Yes, Amelia, you don’t have to worry about me.”

“You're my best friend. I'm obliged to worry about you.”

Camille held my hand when I put the last touch on her lips, “Thank you.”

I walked ahead of my best friend as we met Troy and Henry in Troy's large study. I saw two other strangers, one whose white collar and full beard gave it away that he was the priest. The other stranger had to be Troy’s lawyer. I stood behind Camille as they both exchanged their vows. When the couple exchanged them, the lawyer brought out the marriage paperwork.

Henry's hand brushed my hand a few times. His gaze pierces my mind, sending a tingling sensation down my tummy. I moved my hand up to my neck, stroking the diamond necklace as it reminded me of Henry’s love for me. I bit my lips, unable to hold the sexual tension in the room. I awaited the moment I'd be standing across from Henry like this and we'd exchange vows.

Henry looked like he was thinking about the same thing. Henry and I signed as witnesses to the marriage, and we all moved back to the dining room for the ceremonial dinner. The next day, Henry drove me to my parent's house, where I was introduced to the ladies who were my bridesmaid for the night. They introduced themselves while I pretended to listen to the names I wouldn’t remember after this moment.

A couple of photographers were also ensconced around the house, taking pictures of the preparations for Richmond Magazine, where our wedding pictures and events would be published. My sisters walked around the house, making videos for social media and flirting with the handsome cameramen.

I was sure the same routine happens at Mrs. Robinson's mansion, so Henry took the perfect opportunity to escape from my parents' home.

“I need to be at my mother's house.” I watched him walk out the front door, wishing I could call him back to save me from the most overwhelming event of my life.

The flashes of the camera almost blinded my eyes. I was overwhelmed by the presence of strangers who were pretending to be my friends. A sudden pull of the event planner jolted me. She was a woman in her mid-forties with a ginger head, brown eyes, and lips always curved in a smile.

“You need to get dressed for the bridal shower,” she insisted.

I listened, going up the stairs to my room. I ended up locking myself in to avoid being seen.

The event planner must have noticed my long absence from the living room, so she asked Mother to retrieve me for the bridal shower pictures. My bridal shower wasn't complete until Camille was present.

Mother came to the door, begging me to open it. “I can't,” I said. “I need more time alone, Mom.”

“You don’t have that luxury, Amelia.” She tried to hide the frustration in her voice. “Everyone in this house is waiting for you. Nothing can be done without you.”

“I need you to leave me alone for a while.” I was trying to shed the pressure on my shoulders with people pulling me left and right.

I heard Mother’s footsteps retreat from my room’s door. I scanned the room. My wedding gown hung in a satin garment bag. Another hanging garment bag displayed Camille's name on the top right corner.

I had a wedding gown my parents thought was best for the wedding. I hated to admit my feelings, but I was starting to resent the whole charade. I couldn’t stand it. I'd spent a few hours alone in my room, but a subtle knock on my door brought my mind back to reality.

“It’s me.” Camille’s voice was unmistakable. I was sure that Mother had put her up to this because she knew I couldn't ignore my best friend.

I unlocked the door to find Camille standing in the hallway. Her smile affected me, and I had my first grin of the evening.

“Your Mom said you won’t talk to anyone,” she said as she hugged me tightly. “I feel special because you will talk to me.”

I smiled as Camille walked into my room. “Cold feet?” Camille asked.

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