Chapter 88

A month had gone by. Will’s life was a blur of wedding plans, important meetings, caking tastings, work presentations, suit fittings, and he felt empty throughout the entire time. He lived his life on autopilot. Grace had planned a stunning and elaborate affair. However, Will insisted it be a private ceremony, with only friends and family in attendance. It would take place in a small chapel just outside the city. The reception was set to take place at Grace’s family’s home. He wanted as little fuss as possible.
Grace had tipped off a few reporters, so they were waiting outside of the chapel when they arrived. She wanted to the world to know she was going to be Mrs. Stewart.
Will stared at himself in the mirror, a fog taking over his mind. Jason had ensured that he looked amazing but couldn’t commit a single detail of his suit to memory.
“Hello, Earth to William,” Jason tried snapping Will back to attention. “You are very far away.”
“Um, just nerves, I guess,” Will lied. Memories of the last time he did this came unbidden. He longed for that day instead.
“William Stewart doesn’t do nervous,” Jason said. “But if that what you need to tell yourself to get through the day, then go ahead. But I know what the real problem is.” Jason had a knowing look in his eye.
“You can go,” Will dismissed him.
Jason shook his head in sorrow. Will had changed, and it was a sad sight.
Will had a few moments alone with his thoughts. His reverie was interrupted when he saw another reflection in the mirror along with his.
“Look sharp there, son.”
“Don’t call me that,” Will answered.
“Can you at least try and look happy? Your uncle Robert is out there.”
“Pretending won’t be hard. I had great examples of that my whole life,” Will sneered.
“At least you listened to me.”
“Whatever. Just go and tell Uncle Robert how happy I am to be getting or some shit. I just want to get this over with.”
Franklin frowned but left.
Alex came to see him, a disappointed look in his eyes.
“What are you doing?” Alex asked.
“I don’t know. Saving my company, I guess.”
“Sabrina didn’t come with me.”
“No, I didn’t she would. How is she?”
“She’s fine. The baby is getting big.”
“Good.”
“Dude, really. You don’t have to do this.”
“I do, though. But thanks. I’ll see you out there.”
Alex shook his head and left. His best friend was fading away before his eyes. There was no fire in him anymore. It was only a matter of time until he was completely extinguished.
Will took his place at the altar. He turned on a false, but bright smile. Camera lights flashed in his eyes. Grace came down the aisle, but he didn’t see her.
“Dearly beloved,” the officiant began. “We are gathered here today, the presence of beloved family and friends to celebrate the union of these two people in love.” The officiant’s words were white noise to Will. Everything was a haze. He said the right words when he needed to say them, smiled when he needed to smile.
“Grace Marie Cunning,” the officiant continued. “Do you take William Anderson Stewart as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, better or worse, til death do you part?”
“Yes, I do,” Grace said with tears glistening in her eyes. The officiant looked towards Will.
“William Anderson Stewart,” the officiant continued. “Do you take Grace Marie Cunning as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, better or worse, til death do you part?”
No. You said the wrong name, his soul screamed.
“Yes, I do,” his mouth said.
“By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
It was a soulless kiss. There was no passion, desire, or longing in it. Part of him had hoped that kissing Grace might reignite his feeling for her and save him from the purgatory his life had become. It was nothing but a meaningless meeting of flesh. A mechanical display of the tradition necessary to seal the ceremony. But it was enough for the wedding guests, who applauded the gesture.
The reception was a similar blur.
“Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, look this way!” The reporters called. He posed for all the photos, embracing his new wife exactly the way he was supposed to. Grace could tell he was just going through the motions. That cold kiss was a dead giveaway. Honestly, she has sort of expected his reaction. She just didn’t realize how morose he would be. But she didn’t care. She was Mrs. Stewart now there was nothing anyone could do about it.
Later that night, they arrived home. Will walked towards his room, but Grace stopped him.
“I thought we could sleep in the same room tonight,” she purred. “We are married now. We should follow tradition.”
“We talked about this. Nothing changes within these walls when we’re alone.”
“Come on,” she cooed. She pressed herself up against him. Her fingers trailed small circles on his chest. “Don’t you want me?”
“No,” he sighed. “I don’t.” He moved away from her and went to his room. Grace followed after him.
“Will, wait!” but he closed the door before she could follow him inside.
“Ugh!” she huffed and stomped her foot. He wouldn’t be able to resist her forever. A plan had already begun to form in her mind.
That morning, Grace got up early catch Will before leaving for work.
“Good morning, darling,” she sang.
“Good morning.”
“So, I’m assuming we aren’t going to have a honeymoon?”
“No, I’m sorry. But if you’d like, I can arrange a trip for you and your friends.”
“I’d rather take a trip with you.”
“I’m sorry, Grace. That’s not going to happen. But again, if you’d like a trip, I can arrange one. Wherever you’d like to go, however long you’d like, with as much money as you’d like to spend.” Will meant it. Just because he was trapped in a marriage he didn’t want, didn’t mean Grace had to be miserable as well. He’d never be able to give her what she wanted, but he could give her something.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Okay. I’m going to work. Bye.” Will left and went to the office.
The staff was surprised to see him.
“Good morning, sir! Congratulations on your wedding,” his receptionist said. “My apologies. We assumed that you would be on your honeymoon. All of your meeting for this week have been rescheduled.”
“It’s my fault. I should have told you I’d be here. Call the Seoul branch and see if they will meet today. Set up the virtual meeting if they can. Then call the New York branch and tell them I need their report by the end of the day. And tell the PR department to draft a press release about the wedding. I’m tired of the tabloid coverage about it.”
“Y-yes, sir.” The staff was on edge by Will’s presence. His tone was callous and detached, and they didn’t know how to approach him. They tiptoed around him for the rest of the day. He worked all day, rescheduling the rescheduled appointments, getting reports submitted and ensuring the board knew how hard he was working. The company was all he cared about now, and he wouldn’t lose it to his power-hungry uncle.
At home, Grace had been working as well. Her plan to seduce Will was in full swing. Dinner, candles, wine, the works. Deep down, he was a romantic at heart. She knew exactly what to do.