Joel’s wedding took place in a grand hall, with guests trooping in in their numbers. While it was strictly by invitation, Joel had gotten himself quite a number of fans already in the country, with his fame in the fashion world and the clout of Rina being his anonymous model for a while. He’d basked in all the attention he had gotten that period, that even people who knew nothing about O. S. N previously started going back to old articles on tabloids to get the gist of Rina working for him. Still, she was elated he had gotten that far with his career. It didn’t matter that they were no longer on good terms, or that he had said harsh words to her face. Away from his currently obnoxious self, Rina still wanted to think of him as that man who had given her a chance when no one else had wanted to. And if she kept that up, perhaps, she would have an untainted version of him in her head.
The moment she arrived at the venue with Zayn, the duo dressed in matching outfits, of a black suit and a black satin dress that clung to her skin like a glove and accentuated all her curves, the whole attention shifted to them. Reporters and creators alike rushed to them as they stepped out of the limousine, and it took Zayn’s men to get them off the walkway so he and Rina could proceed into the hall. She smiled at them, while Zayn led her inside, protecting her with all his being so no one randomly stopped in front of her from the crowd. They took a few pictures at the photo booth, with Ginny, Rina’s social media manager, with them as well, since Zayn got her an invitation too.
The chemistry between Rina and Zayn was sizzling. It was hard not to notice, as he pulled her flush against his skin for the pictures. She gasped as her hands landed on his chest, then looked up into his eyes, her hazy stare making her look entirely and completely at his mercy. The camera clicked away, and the onlookers loved every moment. Zayn hooked a thumb under her chin and leaned in slowly, taking her lips in his. She kissed him back, the line between acting and reality getting blurry. Her legs wobbled but he held on to her tight, then chuckled as he pulled away, his eyes light and seemingly free from burden.
Taking her arm in his, they walked into the hall after the pictures, with Rina looking up at the theme. They had dressed right for the occasion. Joel and his bride had chosen something black with a mixture of silver. It looked great and made them feel like they had stepped into a fantasy land. They had a table up front, and they walked there immediately, the guests staring and whispering so hard that it sounded like a bunch of bees in one room. Rina held her head high as she walked past, Ginny finding a table close to them where they would always be within eye range.
“How long do you want to be here for?” Zayn whispered to Rina the moment they took their seats. His fingers grazed the bare skin on her waist, sending shivers through her.
Rina shrugged. “I don’t know exactly. I think I am waiting for something, but I can’t pinpoint it. I will know when I see it.”
He angled his head, his eyes furrowed, as if he was trying to work out what she meant by that.
“I have a feeling that I am going to discover something, and even though I don’t know what it is exactly, I know I have to be here.”
Zayn nodded, and poured them a glass of wine, turning back as the music changed to usher the couple in. He saw them first, but gave nothing away, as things did not surprise him anymore. He had tailored his mindset to expect the most strange and unplanned things that when they finally happened, he took it with a good stride.
Rina raised her head about a minute later, and her head whipped back in surprise.
Joel was dancing in with the last person either of them expected. She looked almost different now, without the formal attire and the tight bun. Her eyes were softer and her gaze generally cool. But those weren’t the gaze of someone excited to be getting married. She seemed to dart around as if searching for something.
Or someone.
And her husband, on the other hand, didn’t portray much of a difference. Rina couldn’t help but wonder if it had something to do with her. If it was a year ago, it would have been the last thing to occur to her. But with the events of the last months, with even the most ridiculous things getting linked back to her, Rina wouldn’t be surprised if the marriage was because of her two people forced into partnership for their gains.
When they got to the front of the guests, Rina locked eyes with Joel’s bride Mandy. Although she didn’t remember the words Mandy used during the show, Rina knew that she didn’t like her, and for some reason, neither did Rina. She moved away from her gaze and caught Joel’s attention. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw her. So she was right. His not inviting her to his wedding had been a very intentional act.
The couple had to pull their attention back to their surrounding, turning around as the officiating personality stepped up front to begin the exchange of vows. It was the first time Rina was attending a wedding so devoid of emotions, rigid and bland. She couldn’t help but wonder if hers would be like that too. After all, they weren’t marrying for love.
Rina jumped back to the present when cheers erupted in the crowd as the couple kissed. Zayn, always so attentive to every change, narrowed his eyes at her. “Are you good?”