Chapter 4 - Stop Waiting

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It's been a week.. 

I haven't heard any news from Nate. I sighed.. Well, guess its better this way.. The more time I spend being busy preparing for the wedding and with him out of sight would probably make it easier for me to forget about him.

"Natascha, the guests are waiting.. are you ready?" I turned to the person at the door and smiled. 

"Wow, you look gorgeous, dear.." My aunt complimented.

"Thank you, Aunt Ria.." I smiled. "Come on, dear.. Nicholas is waiting for you outside.." I stood up and went out with my aunt. 

There, I saw a man in a decent suit. Staring at me in shock. I forced a smile at him. He fixed his posture and walked toward me. "You look so beautiful, Natascha, thank God I'm marrying a woman like you.."  

"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Dawson.." I smiled. He touched his nape and blushed.

He took my hand and we walked into a brightly lit hall. A big crowd turned to us and started giving us warm applause. 

Rumors of our marriage had recently been going around. So, both families decided to hold an Engagement Party for us, to officially announce it to the public.  All my friends, acquaintances, colleagues and maybe the whole country was shocked by the news. A few of my closest friends even ask me how it happened, non-stop.

But it seems that deep within my heart, I was quite expecting a specific someone to have reacted to the news. But as I said, there had not been any news about him since that day. 

Nicholas gave a warm welcoming speech to the guests. At the end of the speech, the crowd suddenly asked for a kiss. I was completely taken aback by the request.

I looked at Nicholas and he seemed caught off guard as well. I awkwardly and silently wanted to declined to the idea. 

"I'm sorry everyone, my fiancee is shy.. Maybe at the.. wedding? " I turned to Nicholas when he suddenly held my hand and smiled at the crowd. He chuckled as the guests chuckled. 

My heart pounded uncontrollably..

In a second, I found myself pulling him toward me. Giving him a peck on the cheek. His eyes widen and he was left shocked. The crowd cheered and gave us warm applauses. He chuckled and smiled at the crowd again.

I turned to the applauding crowd and smiled. When I noticed a very familiar figure in the middle of the crowd.

No.. It can't be him.. 

I shook my head and looked again but he disappeared into thin air. 

I must be seeing things.. 

We met with the guests and exchanged, 'congratulations and thank yous'.. It was quite a hectic event. I felt very tired so I excused myself. I went into my room and took a nap.

I woke up from the sound of my creaking door. I looked up to the person who entered.

"You're awake.. Sorry, my bad.." He smiled.

Oh, its Nicholas. 

"No.. It's okay." I got up and smiled at him.

"Uhmm.. I made you some porridge.. Your aunt let me mess with the kitchen.. hahaha.. You must be hungry? I noticed you couldn't eat properly at the party." He handed me a tray with a bowl of hot porridge.

"Yeah, thanks.." 

He sat down on the chair near my bedside. "Oh.. Is it okay for me to be here? Or am I disturbing you?" He asked.  I shook my head.

"It's okay.. You can stay.." I replied.

"Thanks.. Eat up.. I'll leave after you finish that." He said. I nodded and ate the porridge he made. Wow, I'm impressed. This porridge actually taste good. I looked at him. He was scrolling through his phone, looking completely immersed at something. 

The room was entirely filled with silence. I just felt awkward to say something. Later, I didn't notice I already finish my bowl of porridge. 

"Do you want another bowl?" He suddenly spoke. "No.. Thank you." I replied.

He took the tray with the empty bowl and walked towards the door. For some reason, he stopped in front of the door and turned back. He put the tray on top of my bedside drawer.

"Did you forget something?" I asked. 

He suddenly held my hand and pulled something from his pocket. 

"Oh, I forgot about.. this.." It was a beautiful Diamond ring. He slid it into my ring finger and smiled. 

"It's perfect.." He said.

He took the tray and I didn't even notice he left the room as I was left dumbfounded. I didn't know how to react. I froze and just stared at my hand with a beautiful sparkling ring on it. 

July 16, 2016

"Let us all welcome, the bride!" 

The day has finally come. Loud applause, falling rose petals, bright smiles and blinding camera flashes welcomed me as I walked down the longest aisle of my life. Waiting at the end was the man I will soon call my husband, but it wasn't the man I want to call my husband. It was a heavy and difficult path. My heart was pounding hard. I couldn't quite believe it is finally happening. Every step was a difficult decision. I can't turn back anymore.. I want to. 

I was lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize I was already in front of the altar. He reached out for my shaking hand. I forced a smile at him and held his warm hand. He led me to the center. 

The entire ceremony I was lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't focus at all. Something behind those doors wants to pull me. 

"Do you take Nicholas Austin Dawson as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" the priest asked. I just looked at the priest and turned my head to the door. 

"Natascha.. are you okay?" I snapped back to reality when Nicholas held my hand tightly. 

"Y-yeah.. I'm fine.." I'm not 

"I'm sorry father, I was just feeling too nervous. Can you please say it again?" I asked. The priest chuckled and I turned to Nicholas. He was just looking at me intently. I forced a smile on him.

"Do you take Nicholas Austin Dawson as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" the priest asked again. 

"I..I do..." I stuttered as I replied.

"For as much as Natascha Dale Wilson and Nicholas Austin Dawson have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, by the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife.." The priest announced. Nicholas gave me a smile but I could feel a hint of sadness in his eyes. The guests stood up and applauded.

"You may now kiss the bride.." 

Nicholas slowly drew his face near mine. I closed my eyes, expecting his lips to brush against mine. It's just a kiss, Natascha.. I thought to myself. However, I noticed he stopped midway and said words that made me open my eyes in shock.

"Stop waiting for him.. I promise I will always love you unconditionally, Mrs. Dawson.." 

And at that exact moment, my heart pounded so fast as his lips met mine. It certainly wasn't because of the kiss but it was to his odd remark. The entire hall was filled with loud cheering noises. Blinding camera flashes and smiling faces were all there to see. 

It was a joyful day for everyone.. Everyone, except for my little stupid heart.

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