Chapter 6 Getting Married To Another Stranger
“Do you, Benjamin Lee, take Naomi Woods to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” The minister asked Benjamin Lee, who was in a well-tailored black suit, with a bow tie.
“Yes, I do.”
Naomi had always dreamt of having a flamboyant wedding, standing before the altar with the love of her life but it seems life has other plans for her.
This was a small wedding with only family members in attendance. She felt suffocated.
She was wearing an ivory dress, a veil covering her face. She looked beautiful as always, her pregnancy bump was so small that you couldn't notice she was two months pregnant.
Benjamin looked at Naomi with a huge grin as if he had won a lottery, he was pleased to be getting married to a beautiful damsel in distress.
Meredith sat in the front row, with Isabella, who whispered something to her, and they both stifled a laugh. Jacob, however, kept zoning out.
He couldn't look at his first daughter getting married to someone almost his age, but of course, he has his reputation to protect. He shifted on his seat and adjusted his tie.
“Do you, Naomi Woods, take Benjamin Lee…” the minister’s voice carried on, but Naomi’s mind wasn't there.
She wanted to run away but she couldn't move.
“Naomi?” Benjamin called out her name and tapped her.
“Huh?”
The minister cleared his throat and repeated, “Do you, Naomi Woods, take Benjamin Lee to be your lawfully wedding husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
Naomi stared at the man standing before her, about to be her husband. She thought of the sex tape her stepmother had, she thought of the disappointment her father already had in her, and she thought of the baby in her womb.
“I do.” She replied after a while because she had no other choice but to marry this man.
Benjamin’s smile widened.
“You may now kiss the bride.” The minister said.
Naomi's heart started thumping, this was going to be her first kiss if that night had not happened.
Benjamin leaned in and pressed his lips on hers, she flinched and started shaking visibly. She felt disgusted and almost puked.
Meredith and Isabella clapped with joy while Jacob shifted uncomfortably, guilt written across his face.
When the people dispersed, Meredith approached Naomi. She was seated while Benjamin was greeting a few people.
“Put on a smile, it's your wedding and you should be happy.” Meredith said in a low tone.
“Happy for what exactly?” Naomi asked, slightly raising her brows.
“Happy you got this kind of privilege, my dear. Not every girl in your situation would have the privilege of marrying a rich man after all that mess.”
“You mean the mess you put me in?” Naomi asked, anger slightly felt in her voice.
“This is for this family, you'll be well taken care of. You and your baby.”
“Taken care of? By a man you choose for me?”
“Choice is a luxury, Naomi but you forfeited yours the moment you got yourself pregnant.”
Naomi’s lips quivered. “You’ve wanted me gone from the start.”
Meredith leaned in, her voice venomous. “And now you are. Congratulations, Mrs. Lee. Stay in your marriage.”
She walked away.
Isabella came next, feigning pity but unable to hide her delight. “Well… sis,” she sneered, “I was worried you’d end up a single mother. Can you imagine the shame? But now…” She giggled. “Now you’re Benjamin’s problem.”
Naomi glared at her, wishing she could stick a knife through her.
Her father finally approached her with a heavy expression. He sat behind her and placed his right hand on her shoulder. “Naomi…”
She shrugged his hand off immediately. “Don’t.”
“Please, try to understand…”
“No, you try to understand!” Naomi’s voice was sharp and trembling. “You’ve abandoned me. You chose your wife's lies over me because of your business and reputation.”
Jacob’s lips parted, but no words came out.
“You’re not my father anymore, I don't want to see you.” Naomi said with anger, stood up and left him.
She went to Benjamin and he placed his hand on her arm.
“Let's go home, my new wife.” Benjamin said, but Naomi didn't care about whatever he said, she just wanted to leave there at the moment.
