•Ivy•
I had always imagined what my wedding day would be like. Soft lighting, a hall filled with important business partners, Dorian smiling idiotically throughout the day, me doing my best not to slip up at anything.
My parents stressing about every single detail. Cameras. Cameras upon cameras, taking thousands of pictures that would appear on the front page of every magazine the day after.
My real wedding was nothing at all like what I imagined.
It was more peaceful… yet glamorous.
Early in the morning, Camden and I prepared lightly to get our marriage certificate and took a few pictures at the bureau.
Later on, we parted ways to get ready for the main event. A makeup artist came over and had my look for the day perfected. The only other person in the room with us was Vicky.
And she made sure we never forgot her presence, mouthing off about how she couldn't believe that I managed to bag THE Camden Evander in the shortest amount of time.
After we got ready, my father, who I had almost written off from the entire wedding, assuming he wouldn't come, actually arrived and walked me down the aisle.
My mother and Silver were also present. The people I'd invited out of necessity came around. Camden's invitees were also present. From the friends that I'd met the other day to his close business partners and family acquaintances.
The wedding hall was filled up with so many people whom I thought looked familiar but I couldn't even put names to their faces.
I discovered all of this while slowly walking towards Camden at the end of the aisle.
I felt like I was blind with the veil over my face. The bouquet in my hands seemed to weigh a thousand times the closer I got to Camden.
So did the long tail of my mermaid dress. It hadn't felt heavy when I was testing it out despite the millions of jewels plastered onto it. But now, I could hardly walk properly. Still.
A beautiful gown for a beautiful day.
I gulped on my saliva, realizing I had five more steps.
The necklace on my neck felt so heavy, almost deceiving me that my head was being pulled down gradually.
Four more steps.
Camden was a terribly handsome man. Even with the veil blurring my view, I could see this. I would never have thought he would put so much effort into looking extremely good today. Was he wearing eye makeup?
Three more steps.
Father's grip on my arm tightened. I glanced at him and saw that he was glaring at Camden. Yup, he hated him.
Two more steps.
I couldn't breathe. Tight corset, indescribable pressure, curious and judging eyes, an air of regret floating around my body.
One more step.
It was too late for me.
"Incomparable." Camden said, taking my hand and helping me up the platform.
I heard someone "aww" at his words.
"Yourself as well." I felt my stomach on my tongue as I said those words. I wanted to throw up. But not now, not here. Anytime and anywhere else, but not now and here.
"Thanks, babe." Camden flashed a smile at me and I internally cringed.
Babe, my ass.
The reading procession began. How I wish I was capable of tuning out all the words the priest mentioned about loving each other and living for one another.
All the promises and oaths we'd be swearing ourselves into, I wish I didn't know them.
But I did.
"Do you, Camden Evander, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Not even the slightest bit of hesitation showed in Camden as he said, "I do. With all my heart."
Kill me. This man deserves an Oscar.
"Do you, Ivy Beaumont, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
It was my turn now. I had to deliver my line as perfectly as Camden.
"... I do. No question about that." My voice was small, hinted with raw emotions.
But my delivery had been seconds slow. Fuck me.
The ring bearer came with the rings and Camden smoothly picked up my hand and put it on me. It was a perfect fit. Gorgeous.
I could feel my hands shaking as I picked up the other ring. Camden offered me his hand and I went for as minimal contact as I could, wearing him the ring in record time.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest said, his words seemed to echo in my head.
I could hear the sound of my own heart beating as Camden lifted my veil. Gosh, his face was magnificently sculpted. He sucked in a sharp breath upon seeing my face without the veil on.
"You are absolutely flawless." Camden caressed my cheek, looking at me with watery eyes. The green in them seemed to overflow with affection.
How was he able to make this expression? Could I even compare?
I opened my mouth to give him a compliment but his lips had already crashed against mine. Soft and warm. Delicate and powerful.
He kissed me like he wanted me to believe he was mine and I was his.
His thumb stroked my cheek as he deepened the kiss, his tongue finding its way into my mouth. There was no shred of resistance from me as I followed his tongue movements and pressed closer to his body, chasing the heat that was kindling in the pit of my stomach.
Camden's other hand found its way to my waist and pulled me closer. My free hand met his neck, going up to his hair, tugging on the soft tufts.
Camden might be a terrible person, but he was a terrific kisser.
"Ahem!" The sound of someone coughing broke Camden and I from our kissing spell and we backed away.
While Camden was wearing a smug look on his face, I was completely breathless.
The priest said something but the words flew over my head. Everyone stood to their feet and began to clap, cheering Camden and I on.
The noise they were making should have overwhelmed every other sound. But it didn't. I clearly heard Camden say:
"Finally."