20

Aaron kept his promise until Laurel felt calmer. She's still worried about tomorrow. The wedding day that had come so fast she could not even think about it, making her stomach churn with anxiety.

Laurel and Aaron took turns showering, then ate the food delivered to the room. After that she said goodbye to sleep. The lights were turned off and after sharing the blanket and pillow with Aaron, Laurel got into bed to lie down and try to sleep. She took a glance, Aaron was arranging the pillows and blankets comfortably on the front sofa while turning on the television in a low voice.

Inevitably Laurel's mind drifted.

Tomorrow is her wedding day. Even though it could be called an unnatural wedding day. Which bride just found out that she will getting married the day before? But if she looks from the past, her life is not natural. If she lived in a reasonable family, tonight she would have been kept in the room, not allowed to meet the groom. Then the whole family will gather at home. Her parents are in front, greeting guests who come and are happy with the preparation of their daughter's only wedding tomorrow; an event that is considered sacred.

However, it was all a dream.

Laurel is alone in this world. Her father and mother have died, ripped from her forcibly. Tears rolled down her cheeks. If only all of that was not taken away from her. Laurel really wanted to hug her parents before her wedding day. She wanted it so badly, she missed them both.

                     _______________

Aaron stepped carefully to the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed. Laurel fell asleep curled up like a fetus in a mother's womb. The room was dim, with only one nightlight dimly lit, but Aaron could see. The dried tear marks, from the corner of Laurel's eye, flowed down her cheek. Aaron gently stroked it, careful not to let Laurel wake up.

“After this you won't cry anymore, Laurel. God knows I'll do everything I can.”

The wedding dress was suddenly there, with Aamber waiting for it. Without realizing it, she was so beautifully dressed that she hardly recognized herself in the mirror.

“I'm glad we meet again at last.” Aamber smiled kindly at Laurel. “However, now that things are different, you will become my sister.”

Laurel smiled and swallowed nervously. “You know this might be too early for me… I feel sick.”

Laurel was really nervous. The wedding was about to take place and her feelings were chaotic, mixed.

Is this a marriage? Geez. Not only that, she will even get married to someone she doesn't even know closely. Is she out of her mind? But what else? The incident on the night of the party made a difference and, like Aaron said, Laurel couldn't back down anymore.

“Are you all right, Laurel?” Aamber touched Laurel's shoulder gently, snapping her out of her reverie. Laurel looked so pale that it made Aamber worry.

“I am alright. Maybe this marriage makes me a little nervous,” Laurel replied softly.

Aamber smiled understandably, who wouldn't be nervous when she found out that she will getting married just the day before? Her brother is too much. Aamber can't blame Laurel. If she were Laurel, she might have passed out on the spot.

“Aaron is a good person. Trust me, when he decides to marry you, he will take care of you.” Aamber smiled reassuringly and took Laurel's hand. “Come on, I'll walk you to him.”

_______________

They are married. Laurel was pensive, suddenly they were legal as husband and wife. It was like a dream, it just happened. So now what?

Laurel glanced at Aaron who was sitting next to her, they were having a simple dinner with a wedding witness and some friends. The man sitting next to her, Aaron Silverwhite, is now her husband.

Her husband….

Laurel recited the words over and over to herself, trying to get her heart used to it. However, it felt like it was too soon to make something that lasted so suddenly become accustomed to her heart.

“You will love to be there, Laurel.”

Aamber's voice startled Laurel from her hidden observation of Aaron. She coughed a little and tried to get back into the conversation. What are they talking about?

“The island, Aaron's private island where you will honeymoon later, is a very beautiful small island, with complete facilities, of course,” Aamber continued her words and smiled at Laurel, making her confused about what to respond. “Aaron has a beautiful house there complete with his servants. There is a small village at the bottom of the hill containing only fifty families, most of whom work for Aaron. The island is a beautiful little paradise, I'm sure you will love it there.”

They're going to the island? So they won't go back to their city? Laurel had to ask Aaron's plans, or else she'd be preoccupied with surprises she wouldn't have thought.

“We'll be leaving later, after spending a few days here. I want to make Laurel used to me first,” Aaron half muttered to Aamber.

The man touched the fingers of Laurel, who this time had already worn her wedding ring, with a diamond bigger and more beautiful than her engagement ring.

“You're gonna love my island, Laurel, we'll stay there for a while.”

Laurel was thoughtful. She wasn't quite sure, but from Aamber's words, the island was isolated or had limited access to the outside world. Laurel really feels kidnapped now.