A Night With Him

CHAPTER FOUR

It was finally the day of the wedding. The day Anastasia dreaded ever coming.

In the past week, she had prayed and hoped this day would never come, but that was an impossible thing.

She looked at herself in the mirror as she was already dressed in an elegant wedding gown. She couldn't believe out of all the men she could have wished for, she was getting married to an egocentric and mannerless jerk like Jared Wilson.

She inhaled deeply, knowing she was only doing this for the safety of her best friend.

A slight knock came on the door and Anastasia diverted her gaze to it.

" Come in. " She said, and the door opened, revealing Chloe.

" Chloe! Oh my god, thank God. You are okay. " Anastasia said, moving to her and they embraced.

" I was so scared. " Anastasia mumbled and Chloe smiled, pulling away.

" Are you okay? " Anastasia asked.

" I am fine, thanks to you, "Chloe responded.

" Did they hurt you? " Anastasia asked, her eyes scanning Chloe's body, who shook her head.

" No. I am fine. '' Chloe said and Anastasia exhaled.

" You really look amazing. " Chloe complimented.

" As do you, "Anastasia said.

She had demanded her dad let Chloe be her bridesmaid, or she wasn't going to show up for the wedding, and he was left with no choice.

" I am sorry, Ana. " Chloe mumbled.

" What for? " Anastasia questioned.

" This is happening all because of me. If your Dad hadn't found out about me. None of this will be happening. " Chloe explained.

" Hey, this is not your fault, okay? If anything, it's mine. I should never have asked you to spy on my Dad. I am the one who put your life in danger. I should be the one apologizing. " Anastasia said.

" No. I gladly offered to help. " Chloe argued. IP

" I just feel really bad about all of this. I know how much you despised the idea of marriage, especially to a total stranger. " Chloe added, and Anastasia sighed.

" Don't beat yourself up, okay? My Dad would have found another way to get me to do what he wanted. So I guess I am just unlucky, "Anastasia said.

" And really, I am just so glad you are here with me, " Anastasia added.

" I am too. " Chloe said.

A sudden came on the door and both of their gazes shifted to the door.

" Who is it? " Anastasia asked.

" Mr Grey said it's time. " The voice of the guard responded and Anastasia felt her heartbeat seize for a second.

" We will be down in a minute. " Anastasia said, and there was the sound of footsteps retreating.

" Have you met him yet? " Chloe asked.

" Who? " Anastasia questioned.

" Your husband-to-be. "

" Oh, yes. He is the biggest jerk I have ever met " Anastasia said.

" I am so sorry. " Chloe mumbled.

" It's okay. Like I said, I am the unlucky one. " Anastasia said, raising her chin.

"Common, let's go. " She added, and they both walked out of the room.

They soon arrived downstairs and Anastasia saw her Dad waiting for her.

They walked outside the mansion and Anastasia inhaled the fresh air. Then they hopped into the car and the driver drove out of the mansion.

Anastasia breathed in deeply as she stepped out of the car. They had just arrived at the venue, and she stared at the big hall in front of her.

Guards surrounded them as they approached the front door.

The security by the door paid their respect as they paved the way for them and once in. They walked through a quiet alley and Anastasia could see the door where she would walk in through.

Her heart skipped with each step she took towards the door and when they finally got to the door, she inhaled deeply and looked at her Dad, who smiled at her.

Anastasia averted her gaze back to the door which opened, and she walked into the hall together with her Dad and her friend, who helped her with her dress.

Anastasia glanced at the full audience who stood up, their gazes watching them as they walked into the hall. Anastasia tried as much as possible not to look at anyone as she shifted her gaze to her supposed husband who stood gracefully on the altar together with the priest.

She looked at the man standing beside him like his best man and Anastasia felt the air leave her lungs as she halted abruptly on her heels when her gaze came in contact with him.

And Lo and behold... It's Derek.

What the hell? She thought, swallowing deeply as he also stared at her with a shocked expression.

" What is it? " Her Dad whispered and Anastasia averted her gaze from him.

" No... Nothing. " Anastasia whispered back, fluttering her eyelids rapidly.

" Then why did you stop? " Her Dad asked a deep frown on his face.

Anastasia glanced at the audience who were all looking at them, and she forced a smile as they kept walking. She looked at Derek, whose gaze hadn't left hers for a second, and Anastasia gulped hard.

Hell, she can't believe he is really standing there. She averted her gaze from him to Jared and Anastasia could feel her heartbeat thudding loud and hard against her chest as they got nearer to the altar. All the while, she could feel Derek's gaze on her, but Anastasia didn't dare to look at him.

Finally, her Dad let go of her hand as she stepped on the altar with Chloe.

Anastasia sucked in a sharp breath as she stared at Jared Wilson.

The audience was all seated and the priest said some words and a few prayers.

Finally, it was time for the vows.

"Do you, Jared Wilson, take Anastasia Grey as your wife? " The priest asked.

"Yes. I do", Jared uttered, and the priest shifted his gaze to Anastasia.

" Do you, Anastasia Grey, take Jared Wilson as your husband? Promise to respect and love him till death do you part? " The voice of the priest asked and there was a grave silence.

A second passed and there was no response. The crowd looked at each other and a disturbing murmur rose amongst them.

Anastasia shifted her gaze to Derek and she swallowed tightly, staring at his tense green eyes. She inhaled and shifted her eyes back to Jared.

" Ye... Yes I Do " She stuttered.

The priest smiled and they both wore on the rings for themselves.

" By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you two husband and wife. " The priest said.

" You may now kiss the bride. " The priest added, stepping back, and Anastasia felt her heartbeat thudding against her chest.

Jared moved closer to Anastasia, holding her by the waist. He leaned closer, pressing his lips to hers and the audience stood up, clapping their hands.

Jared pulled away from the kiss and Anastasia looked at Derek who had a mixed expression on his face and she gulped in for the umpteenth time.