"Congratulations!" Everyone clapped their hands in happiness as the newlyweds sealed their vows with a kiss. Looking at Jane's and Matt's faces, I could tell that they were both ecstatic with finally tying the knot.
As I watched them clung to each other amidst everyone's cheers and good-natured cat calls, I knew that their marrying each other was the right choice. They were made for each other. As much as I hated to admit it, I who had never ever envied anything or anyone in my life, envied those two, right now. I envied the simplicity of their lives, making it easy for them to trust or to love, whereas, with my status and money, those things did not exist.
"Look here!"
I lifted my face and saw Yesha holding a camera as she smilingly snapped pictures of the couple who were now doing crazy poses and I rolled my eyes heavenwards. Remembering the rigid wedding picture of my parents which hung on the wall in our huge living room, seeing Jane and Matt doing wacky shots made me chuckle and I shook my head.
"Hey Kingsley!"
I heard Jane call out and I turned to her and saw her wave happily, beckoning me to join them.
"Let's get that ugly face of yours in our picture," Matt's bride added as she threw back her head and did that infamous dolphin squeal of hers that sounded like 'eun-kyang-kyang'.
"What the heck? Who's ugly?" I retorted with mock incredulity as I approached them.
I reached out my hand to Matt for a handshake, but my best friend pulled me into a hug. It was very un-Matt-like and I smiled, truly happy for him.
"Let's take that picture," he said afterwards and I stood between them.
Jane and Matt had placed their arms on my shoulder as they beamed towards the camera and I placed my hands around their waists. My eyes weren't on the gadget though. My eyes were focused on the raven-haired beauty taking the photographs.
I didn't understand why, but ever since I saw her at the bar that night, she was the only one I thought about. I tried to forget her since she didn't meet my qualification as a partner by going out a lot, dating different women who were as rich as I was, but this angel still invaded my mind. I was thoroughly frustrated over it until now. For the life of me, I wanted her.
"Say cheese!" Yesha called out, her doe eyes sparkling as she smiled and pushed the b.u.t.ton. "Done!" the volunteer photographer declared and I bit my lip, thinking how to get myself be photographed with her. It was so unlike me – childish even, but I wanted it.
As it turned out, I didn't have to think hard. Matt's brother came over and took the camera from Yesha.
"You go over there Yesha and I'll take your photo," Mike, Matt's brother, younger of five years said as he pointed at us.
"Why? I'm not part of the wedding ceremony," Yesha countered and I scowled. It seemed the angel was going to make it hard for me after all.
"But Big Sis, you're my only sister. You get your a.s.s here and take photos with us," Jane said stubbornly and I was relieved when the angel laughingly joined us.
I found myself holding my breath while Yesha came and stood next to Jane. But blessed Jane left my shoulder and pushed her sister towards me and then squeezed us in. Feeling triumphant, I placed my hand around Yesha's waist and smiled genuinely at the camera.
The next events were like whirlwind. Matt had warned me after the photograph that people might try and engage me into conversation regarding business. Even if he had resigned from the corporate world, and even if his family wasn't into money talks, Matt couldn't say for his other guests and I was prepared for it.
When it did happen however, I got a little angry not because some piranhas tried to coerce me into doing business with them. It was because I lost track of Yesha. She was nowhere to be found.
"Where –" I asked myself irritably as I searched for her in the vast garden. When I finally spotted her at the corner of my eye, I instantly turned to watch her.
She was seated on the swing, pushed by giggling kids. Yesha's face was flushed as she laughed. She looked totally at ease with the children that I suddenly pictured her surrounded with some little boys and girls whose faces looked a mixture of ours and I stepped back as if kicked.
What the…
I berated myself for imagining such things. I was attracted to Yesha, I admitted that now. But there was no way I'd marry her, much less have children with her. If I married beneath me, that would only be repeating history, and I didn't want my children to suffer the same loveless fate I had.
This was l.u.s.t, I told myself once more as I looked at Yesha again and my chest constricted. She really looked beautiful.
"Kingsley, if you continue looking at my sister like that, she would melt."
Surprised, I turned to my side and found a grinning Jane there.
"I wasn't looking at her," I lied lamely and she gave me a knowing look before chuckling as she shook her head.
"We'll be going now to the airport to catch the yacht for the cruise," she added as she turned towards her sister's direction. "Big Sis!" she called, and Yesha immediately looked at us, the smile still on her face.
Without words, I watched her underneath my lashes as he stood up, waved goodbye to the children and walked towards us.
"What is it?" Yesha asked breathily as soon as she stood in front of us.
"Matt and I are leaving in a while. Are you sure you're gonna be okay with the bar?" Jane asked, a worried frown creased her face.
"Isn't it too late to be asking me that? It's not like you gave me a choice," Yesha teased and I was once again witness to how her face lit up in laughter. "Seriously, I'll be okay. You go on your cruise with your hubby," the angel added as she hugged her sister.
"If you have any difficulty, just contact this guy here," Jane said as she pulled at my arm. "He may look useless but he can help you out," she added and I gave her a glare.
"Who the heck's useless?" I asked scandalized.
Jane really had the nerve to badmouth me in my presence – not that I complained, however. I found her badmouthing her form of endearment and I was quite comfortable with it. I wouldn't admit to it though.
"You," Jane answered deadpanned and then broke out into her dolphin level laughter once more.
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"Crazy duck-b.u.t.t," I muttered audibly using my own version of insulting nickname for her, possibly making the ambiance lighter.
Matt joined us then and it was time to say goodbye.
"Kingsley, help her out okay?" Jane said once more, this time. I knew she was genuinely worried and was asking for a rea.s.surance from me and I nodded as I turned my attention towards Yesha and stared at her eyes. "I will…"
Definitely.