CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 47 REPLACING HER GROOM

News after news kept making headlines.

“Ford’s Group’s founder and CEO’s identity finally revealed, he’s 30 years old Caden Ford.”

That headline was followed with his pictures.

“Actress, Alora Harper’s groom finally shows up, he is Caden Ford!”

“It had just been confirmed that the delay of the wedding was caused by a car accident.”

“Caden Ford got into an accident while heading for his church wedding, immediately got treated and still pushed on with his wedding.”

“Alora Harper’s groom shows up with a cast on his hand to their wedding.”

As Caden walked up to Alora at the aisle, people were stunned as they began to murmur as a result of what they had just read on their phones.

“It’s said that he was rushed to the hospital. He even had to change his suit because he got blood on it.”

“It would’ve been understandable for the wedding to be canceled after being in such an accident, how could he still show up?”

“He must really love her to still get treated and show up. I’m jealous.”

“I can’t believe he’s Ford Group’s CEO. I’ve always wondered who the founder of Ford Group was.”

“He’s so handsome.”

“I wonder how long they’ve been dating.”

“Look, they’re more pictures coming out, it’s said he’s been around her for a few weeks now.”

“Wow, they’ve been literally inseparable.”

The hall quietened down when it was time for Alora and Caden to say their vows.

*************

*ALORA*

While I was relieved that I had just been saved again by Caden.

I couldn’t believe my eyes at the same time.

Since I hadn’t seen him in almost a week, I didn’t expect to see walk up the aisle to me.

I was in total disbelief.

“How...why...”

This was a big deal and I couldn’t understand why he would help me, why he would replace my groom.

“If you don’t want my help, I can leave.”He said to me, coldly.

I glanced at the crowd who all had smiles on their faces now.

I swallowed and stared at the priest giving him the goal ahead to start.

Oscar had already previously drafted wedding vows for Damon and I.

Caden was given the piece of paper meant for Damon and I was given mine.

In place of Damon’s name, I said Caden instead.

“Caden, you have been my best friend, mentor, playmate, confidant and my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever have imagined and more loved than I ever thought possible. You have made me a better person, as our love for each other is reflected in the way I live my life so I am truly blessed to a part of your life which as of today becomes our life together.”

I paused.

Seriously Oscar?

I told him to write up short vows, and as someone who knew that this marriage wasn’t real, he sure made the vow so romantic.

Sighing, I continued. “Today, I take my place as your wife. May our days be long and may they be seasoned with faith, love,

understanding and respect forever and ever. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives."

Why was this so freaking long?

“I choose to spend today and all of my tomorrows with you"

Caden stared at me and read his.

“Alora, You were my reason back then, my reason now, my reason everyday. You strengthen my weaknesses, bring focus to my dreams. Here and now, I pledge my life to yours, that your dreams become my dreams. No matter where life leads me, I know that as long as you are there, that is where I am meant to be.

If you grow weak, I’ll be there to fight your battles for you. I’ll help you with your responsibilities and make your problems my own in order to spread the weight a bit more evenly. If you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, I’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with you"

I took a ring from the ring bearer and concluded my vow.

"I, Alora Harper, take thee, Caden Ford as my wedded 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 and to obey till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance and thereto I give thee my troth"

I slid the ring into his finger.

Caden took the second ring and concluded his.

"I, Caden Ford, take thee, Alora Harper to be my 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 till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance and thereto I give thee my troth" He slid the ring into my finger.

"Is there anyone who is opposing this union? If there is, come out now or you shall forever hold your peace.” The priest asked.

Gosh, I had been too stressed out today and I hope I wouldn’t hear any word from the congregation.

I just wanted this day to over and done with.

No one said anything.

Intense relief washed over me.

"I now pronounce you Man and Wife. You may kiss the bride"

Caden lifted up my veil.

As he got closer, I noticed he looked pale.

I was also wondering what happened to his hand and why he had a cast on.

But this wasn’t the time for questions.

I closed my eyes as our lips met, just as I was about to melt into the kiss, he pulled back.