The CEO’ s second choice novel Chapter 10

　　Elena

　　I keep my eyes straight ahead as the oak doors swing open and gulp down a breath of anxiety. This was it, I was getting married to the arrogant CEO Sebastian Dumont and there was no turning back.

　　My wedding procession had started, now it would be my turn to enter.

　　The attendees stood up as my father and I appeared at the doorway and I felt myself flush; the cathedral was packed with people I did not know. These were obviously people invited when Eliana would have married Sebastian, people of noble blood and prominent in high society.

　　“Don’t trip, Elena. Don’t trip.”

　　I repeat over and over in my head, willing my self-confidence to come forward as we stride down the aisle. Keeping my head forward and feeling thankful for the veil covering my face, I see Sebastian waiting for me at the altar and my heart beats faster.

　　Why did this man have to look so dashing in a classic charcoal grey three-piece Armani suit?

　　His mouth was a thin line as he saw me walking towards him, and I immediately felt deflated. If I had to put on a show, why couldn’t he? Putting the bad thoughts out of my head, I plaster a smile on my face and keep my head up high. I will push through this marriage. I will push through for 5 years, then I will have my freedom. The thought alone made me genuinely smile.

　　Then I realized we had stopped walking.

　　Oh, fudge. I look up into Mr Arrogant’s honey-coloured eyes and see annoyance there. Ugh, this man would be the death of me. My father takes my hand and places it in Sebastian’s, then he glances at me and a wistful look crosses his face. Why did it take me being given away for them to suddenly act like parents?

　　Sebastian then takes both my hands in his and we face one another; the first time since we kissed a few weeks ago. He smiles at me, then winks!

　　The cheeky bastard.

　　“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today into the house of the Lord so that in the presence of the Church and the community your intention to enter into marriage.” The priest starts the ceremony, and both of us pay attention to what was being said.

　　“God abundantly blesses the love that binds you through a special Sacrament. He enriches and strengthens those he has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, so that you may have the strength to be faithful to each other forever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.”

　　Oh, gosh. Here it comes. My intentions were to run out of there as quickly as possible, Mr Priest, but here we are.

　　“Sebastian and Elena, (There was a murmur in the crowd as the priest said my name.) have you come here to enter into this marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?” The priest asks and I stop myself from giggling out loud. Sebastian shoots me a glare and I immediately resume my poker face.

　　The both of us answer, “I have.”

　　“Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honour each other for as long as you both shall live?”

　　“I am,” we answer in unison again.

　　“Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?”

　　This is where Sebastian and I both hesitate, but then I look at him and nod with a smile. “I am,” I answer and he follows suit, a frown forming on his face. We both knew we had no intention of making this marriage work, so he shouldn’t feel anything while these vows were being said. The priest then continues:

　　“Since it is your intention to enter into Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church.” He says and the both of us let go of the other’s left hand. It was time for us to say our vows.

　　“I, Sebastian Dumont, take you, Elena Wiltshire, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honour you all the days of my life.” Sebastian says his vows with such honour that I almost believe him.