“Shall we go, Eva? The officiant is here and Alexander is waiting for you,” said aunt Claudia after ten minutes.
“Yes, aunt Claudia. I’m ready too,” she said with a radiant smile. It showed how happy she was! The girls escorted her outside the house to the arch and Eva’s smile widened on noticing it for the first time. The decorative red rose floral swags and the sheer white tulle draped around the heart-shaped arch looked ethereal and dreamy. Although she preferred a church wedding, she had to admit that this looked quite romantic.
“We chose the red roses to symbolize love and passion, while the deeper burgundy ones represent commitment. The decision was so sudden, we didn’t have the time to choose amongst the other floral combinations,” said Penny as they approached the aisle. Rose petals in the same hue strewn along the white aisle runner made Eva smile. She had always imagined herself walking down an aisle strewn with red rose petals, with Alexander waiting for her at the opposite end.
“Perfect! I love the decor, Penny. Thank you for coming up with something so beautiful,” she said looking around her breathlessly. Penny gaped at her in disbelief.
“Didn’t you see the decor yesterday?” she gasped while Kendall smiled knowingly.
“This is what true love does to you! I can’t wait to meet mine,” she said, clasping her hands together.
“Well, you have an admirer here who hasn’t taken his eyes off you since the moment he walked in,” said Penny, glancing at a love-struck Mike who stood beside an impatient Alexander and a distracted Ashton, all three lost in their own objects of interest.
Kendall groaned and looked away, not interested at all. “Why did he have to be Alexander’s friend?”
“Why? What’s wrong if he is? Don’t tell me you’re fearing Max’s reaction?” asked Gabriella. “I wish Jax would be interested in me! He looks so hot in his tight cop uniform! I’m drooling already!”
“He’s ten years older than you for Christ’s sake. Have you gone out of your mind?” scolded Kendall.
“Age is just a number. I could marry him just now and be a stay-at-home wife to him. That way I wouldn’t have to study for my term-end assessments,” said Gabriella, and Kendall smacked her arm to quieten her.
“Shut up Gabby! You will have to finish your school first.” Despite their silly banter, Eva’s eyes sought Alexander’s, and he smiled at her. Eva smiled back, knowing that soon they would be united for life. It seemed like a dream come true and she couldn’t believe that it was finally happening. Strangely Maxwell was nowhere to be seen.
They decided to start the ceremony without delay. Maxwell’s dad had asked Alexander if he wanted to invite his family members, but he declined. So, aunt Claudia escorted Eva down the aisle towards Alexander, who watched her with so much adoration that it took her breath away.
She placed her hand on Alexander’s with a warm smile. “Yours for life now, my boy.” Alexander smiled back and clasped Eva’s hand in his.
“Yes, thank you, aunt Claudia!” he said softly, leading Eva towards the altar.
“We are gathered here to witness the union of two soulmates, Eva and Alexander, and to help them join in the holy vows of matrimony,” started the officiant.
A car screeched to a halt and within minutes, Alexander’s parents came rushing, escorted by none other than Maxwell. Eva’s face paled at seeing the furious looks on their faces. She had completely forgotten about them and looked at Alexander helplessly.
“Stop right there. This wedding cannot happen. I strongly object to this,” yelled Daniel Van Every, glaring at Eva with eyes filled with hatred. The officiant stopped and glanced at Maxwell’s dad.
Alexander grabbed Eva’s hand tightly and waited for his parents in silence. He knew this was about to happen, but hadn’t expected it this soon. His dad came to a halt right in front of him, trembling with fury.
“How can you marry this woman knowing her true colors? I won’t allow this as long as I’m alive. Stop this wedding immediately!” he yelled at his son. Maxwell’s dad came forward to pacify him.
“Please introduce yourselves for intervening in the holy matrimony of a couple who have stood the test of time. Marriage is an honorable estate, instituted by God. Do you have a just cause why Eva and Alexander may not be lawfully joined?” asked the officiant, looking displeased.
Daniel Van Every fumbled a little before glaring at Eva with intense hatred.
“Yes, I have a just cause. I am Daniel Van Every, Alexander’s dad and this is my wife, Jodie Van Every. We have known Eva since she was a child. Her mother, Stella Roderick, has swindled my family, dragged us to the courts, and caused my brother to end his life. We have suffered so much because of her. Therefore, this woman cannot be a part of the Van Every family ever!” he said, gritting his teeth. A low murmur went all around them as everyone discussed Eva and her eyes pricked with tears of humiliation. She noted the look of pure pleasure on Maxwell’s face at his victory. He wanted to stop the wedding, and he had been successful.
“What proof do you have that Eva was involved in it alongside her mother? Did Eva swindle you, Mr. Van Every?” asked the officiant. Daniel Van Every hesitated, at a loss for words.
“No, Mr. Lawrence. Eva had been abandoned by her parents at eighteen and had been living all on her own since then. My parents don’t allow her in their house although she is my sister’s best friend. Eva has never protested and stayed away from my parents all her life. My dad’s accusations are baseless. I’m sorry to say that we can’t penalize her for what her mom, Stella Roderick, did to us,” said Alexander, not leaving her hand even for a second. This time, he was determined not to allow anyone to come in the way of his happiness. All his life, he had lived for others, listened to others, and prioritized them, but not anymore. This time, he would stand up for Eva. She deserved it!
His parents gaped at his outburst. The Alexander they knew would never utter a single word against them. What was wrong with him?
“Don’t pay any heed to him, Mr. Lawrence. I’m sure she has poisoned his mind already. I know why she’s marrying my son. She wants a luxurious life with him. She wants his money, but I won’t allow it. I will freeze all Alexander’s accounts and stop transferring him money from the family business,” said his dad.
“Fine, dad. I had expected it,” said Alexander.
“That’s not all. I will lock you out of the penthouse we jointly own.” Alexander nodded wordlessly while Daniel Van Every trembled with fury at seeing his threats not having any effect on them.
“Mr. Van Every, since your claims do not have a direct bearing on Eva, we would like to proceed with the wedding. As for the other accusations, I wish to see legal proof.”
“It’s the truth. Why can’t you believe me?” said his dad while his mom tried to escort her husband away from the place.
“Let’s go, Daniel. You’ll fall ill. Alexander won’t listen to you, so let’s stop a creating scene here.”
“Fine them. Go ahead with the wedding, but mind you, Alexander. We will break off every possible relationship with you if you marry her! My decision is irrevocable!” Alexander stood like a statue while his eyes glistened helplessly. He couldn’t understand why it was so difficult for his parents to accept Eva! She had never harmed them, and neither was she ever disrespectful towards them. He watched his parents leave helplessly while Ashton ran after them to ensure that they were fine. Maxwell left after his plan failed and the ceremony resumed.
This time, all the enthusiasm left Alexander’s body. He felt like an orphan in a matter of minutes. Was it so easy to break off all relationships? He wanted to tell them about Eva’s pregnancy, but with so many strangers watching the ongoing drama, he couldn’t. Eva gripped his hands as they faced the officiant.
Alexander was prepared with the rings and gazed into her eyes as he placed the ring on her finger to seal their fates together forever. Eva gazed back at him, her heart swelling up with more love for him. He had given up everything he had to keep his promise to her!
“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” said the officiant. “You may kiss the bride!”
Alexander held her cheek and claimed her lips in a gentle kiss, but released her too soon. Eva could hardly feel him before it was over.
Everyone congratulated them, and Alexander thanked each one of them. Eva hugged Maxwell’s parents and thanked them for everything they did for her. Her friends loaded her stuff into Alexander’s car and soon they bade an emotional farewell to each and everyone present.
Alexander drove off while Eva turned to look at him. “Where are we going, Alexander?”