Chapter 56

Before Emma could answer, Will snatched her up in a searing kiss. It felt like an eternity since she had kissed him. While her body was more than willing to keep this up, her mind knew that it was little too much for a wedding ceremony. She tried to pull away, but Will crushed her against him, not allowing her to escape. *God, I missed this,* she thought when she couldn’t fight it any longer. She threw her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Loud cheers erupted around them. The crowd believed that they were passionately in love. Who wouldn’t after a kiss like that?

​ The cameras went wild when he released her. She was sure their kiss would be plastered on every magazine cover. It was the passionate kiss of the most celebrated newlyweds in the city.

​ They arrived at the reception, and even more cameras were present. The extravagant reception sparkled with what appeared to be thousands and thousands of crystals. Garlands of them hung from the ceiling casting glittering light onto every surface. Flowers in every shade of blue adorned the table in tall glass vases. Ornate chandeliers hung above, providing even more dazzling light.

​ Emmett waited for them at the entrance. His private nurse, Gina stood beside him.

​ “He hasn’t been able to stop crying,” Gina said with tears in her own eyes.

​ “So happy,” he blubbered.

​ “I’m happy too,” Will said, holding Emma tightly against him. Emmett’s watery smile gripped Emma’s heart. *I’ll be a happy bride at least tonight,* she thought.

​ “He’s been doing very well,” Gina offered. “His progress is astounding.”

​ “Thanks… to Will,” Emmett added.

​ “It’s my pleasure, sir,” Will answered.

​ “Let’s get you settled, Mr. Wells,” Gina said.

​ “See you soon, Daddy,” Emma called to him as Gina rolled him inside.

​ “Well you two are picture of young love,” Conrad approached them. “Congratulations. Will, I haven’t seen you smile like this in years.

​ “Thanks, Pop. It is my wedding day after all.”

​ “And Emma, my dearest, welcome to our family,” Conrad hugged them both.

​ “Thank you, Conrad,” Emma blushed.

​ “Family is what’s most important. Will, I’ve invited your parents.”

​ “Why would you do that?” Will’s cheery demeanor fell away. His body tensed. Emma looked up at him. His expression was dark and brooding. But she thought she couldn’t be imagining the pain in his eyes. Before Conrad could answer, a distinguished looking couple walked towards them. An icy air surrounded them. While they walked together, it was clear they did not want to be in each other’s company.

​ “Great. Here they come,” Will said through clenched teeth.

​ “Your parents?” Emma whispered.

​ “Unfortunately,” he answered. “These are my parents, Julia and Franklin,” he said when they approached. “Mom, Dad,” the words fell from his mouth with disdain. “This is my wife, Emma.”

​ “It’s wonderful to meet you,” Emma greeted them.

​ “Congratulations,” Will’s father said. It didn’t seem sincere and Will’s mother didn’t speak at all. She looked Emma up and down with disapproving eyes.

​ “Thank you. If you’ll excuse, we have a reception to get to. Let’s go,” Will took Emma’s hand and started to lead her away.

​ “What mother would congratulate a son who married a woman she’d never met? Why don’t we anything about her? For all we know she is some gold-digging groupie,” Julia sneered. Emma flinched with embarrassment. Will and Conrad were incensed by Julia’s comments.

​ “Well, I’ll have you know that I’ve known Emma for quite some time. She is a wonderful young lady. Will is lucky to have her.”

​ “I don’t believe that at all.”

​ “Listen, Julia—” Conrad started.

​ “Don’t worry, Pop. If she was actually interested in my life, she would have reached out a long time ago. It’s none of their business what I do with my life. As if they ever cared.” He led Emma away. She remembered her conversation with Conrad about Will’s parents and how they were never a real part of his life. Part of his surliness came from never receiving warmth and compassion from his parents. She could tell how bothered he was by their presence. She wanted to comfort him, but didn’t even know how to start.

​ The best she could do was to follow his lead. More people came up to congratulate them. Will’s smile fell back into place as he greeted different guests. She could tell it was forced. He introduced her to some of his friends, and she played the part of blushing bride.

​ While talking to a small group, a woman ran up to Emma throwing wine on her face and dress. The crowd gasped. Emma was immobilized by shock. The woman lunged at Emma again, but Will jumped in between them shoving the woman away.

​ “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Security!” Bodyguards came and restrained her, but she struggled against them. Thrashing and screaming at Emma.

​ “You bitch! You took him from him from me!”

​ Will shielded Emma from the mad woman, and instructed security to remove her as soon as possible.

​ “Why don’t you remember me?” she cried at Will.

​ “Remember you? I don’t even know you,” he spat at her.

​ “We met in Hawaii last year. We spent an amazing night at the beach together. But then you just left me. How could you leave me? I looked for you everywhere. But then I saw a magazine headline about your wedding. I thought I could get here in time to stop you. Because I know it’s me you really want.”

​ “Get her out of here!” The bodyguards dragged her away. But she kicked and screamed the entire time.

​ “We were in love! You’ll see!” she yelled at Emma as she was being removed from the wedding. “You’ll end up just like me! He loved me! He loved me! He’ll throw you out too!”

​ Will look at Emma, who was visibly upset. She didn’t say anything.

​ Sabrina and Alex rushed towards them having heard the commotion.

​ “Sabrina, can you please take Emma to the changing room?” Will asked.

​ “What the hell did you do to her? Can’t even act right during your own wedding?” she yelled.

​ “Babe, don’t,” Alex held her shoulder to try and stop. She shrugged him off and marched towards Will.

​ “I swear to fucking God—”

​ “Sabrina, no,” Emma stopped her. “Please just… get me away from here.” Her voice was calm, but everyone noticed how shaken she was. Sabrina rushed to Emma’s side and held her by the shoulders. She shot one last glare at Will, before leading Emma away.

​ “I’ll fucking murder him. I swear I will,” she muttered. Emma didn’t trust herself to speak. “Come on,” she soothed Emma. “Let’s sit down for a while.”

​ “It’s okay. Can I… just be alone for a bit?” Emma looked at her best friend. Sabrina’s eyes flashed with fury at the look on Emma’s face.

​ “Sure. Not too long, or you might be a widow before the sun even comes up.” She sat Emma down and walked out of the changing room. “Murder him with my bare hands,” she mumbled, cracking her knuckles as she walked away.

​ *Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry,* she repeated to herself. She took deep breaths to attempt to calm herself down. She felt stupid. For a little while, she allowed herself to believe that this wedding was more than it was. She allowed herself to believe that she was William’s Stewart’s happy bride. And even though it was fake, she lamented that her wedding was ruined. That woman’s words played on a loop in her mind. *“You’ll end up just like me! He loved me! He loved me! He’ll throw you out too!”*

​ She was right. She would end up like Vivian, or that woman. Nothing good would come of falling in love with William Stewart. An eternity ago she was wrapped up with him in passionate kiss. Now she was cowered up in a reception hall changing room. This was the life that was awaiting her. Hopefully she’d make it out in one piece.