Ethan's Pov
The city of New York was bathed in a mixed orange glow with beautiful colors dispersed across the horizon. Everywhere seems to brighten except my facial expression like that of a deadly grave.
I tried to wrap my head around what just happened but I couldn't. My heart chartered a million times and I felt real pain ripping me apart.
I thought I had it all as the CEO of Carter Enterprises, one of the best organizations that influence the economy of New York in the High-powered business world
Everything seems perfect, including my relationship with Sophia Reynold. The only woman I cared about and cherished the most for years. Our relationship has been lovey-dovey which everyone wished for and envied.
She's the only one I ever had my eyes on and I made sure I gave her everything she needed including a grand wedding and now she disappeared.
My hands shook holding the letter my bride-to-be left me on our wedding day bearing the sad news that she couldn't go through with the wedding.
Sweat bid slowly in my forehead and for the very first time, I felt myself losing it in front of the world and my family. It's a grand wedding of two Elite families and the whole of New York City can't wait for the view.
Different camera shutters echoed from the outdoors and one could say the best media platforms are out there ready to capture the moment of my shame.
If the wedding didn't hold it would take a huge tour on my image and our organization. I thought to myself pacing around endlessly.
"What are we supposed to do "? Daniel_my brother questioned disengaging me from the thought. I ignored him, maintaining a cold face.
"Father is around and he would not hesitate to disown you if you don't do something now! Daniel teased jokingly but it got on my nerves so I yelled without thinking.
"Out! Daniel out right now!" I demanded, with my temper Sizzling out badly.
" Easy tiger! He backed out slamming the door.
I turned around trying to get a bottle of whiskey when I noticed my secretary at the corner of the room staring at me blankly.
I wanted to ignore her but then I took a moment to reminisce on how dedicated she was over the years.
Claire Lawson is that one person I can call several times and she wouldn't complain with a smile on her face. I drifted off the thought and tried to think of how to clean the mess Sophia had brought us.
I couldn't regain myself from the fact I wouldn't marry the woman I had loved all my life and I needed to figure out who else to replace her to secure the reputation of the Carter family from the media who are ready to be fed
This wedding needs to be done but who am I going to marry? I questioned myself in sadness for the last time before walking to my Secretary. I have never noticed her and now am about to ask for her help without thinking twice.
She looked lost, bowing her head slightly to show some respect. I wouldn't blame her. I have always carried myself with a natural authority and my aura is ever cold. My gazes were filled with anger and anxiety. I adjusted my wedding suit and tie for the hundredth time while struggling for the right word.
"Marry me". I managed to say with my voice coming out like a whisper. This seems more difficult than making billions of dollars.
"Sir? She asked again softly with her hazel eyes blinking repeatedly. I managed to explain but I couldn't find the right word.
" Be my Bride today please ". I muttered flatly hoping she wouldn't turn me down. I can't bear the world seeing me as a failure.
"Should you want to ask who I am sir? I am Claire Lawson, your secretary. Do you want me to take Sophia's place? She asked calmly but I felt irritated she mentioned Sophia's names
You can't take Sophia's place, no one would! All I am asking Is that marry me! You can name your price. I declared firmly stressing the last word.
She nodded carefully with a warm smile plastered on her face. " I need a wedding dress, at least I can't go out there like this," she added, sounding mighty chipper.
Yes sure! I glared at her for the last time before I bolted out. With a sad smile, I placed a call asking them to get Claire Lawson ready as my substitute bride.
***
Jet black Bentley decorated with creamy ribbons drives slowly in front of a white building decorated with white sea petals ring surrounded with reporters rushing towards our arrival almost trooping over themselves with bodyguards battling to keep them in line.
The car door opened elegantly revealing the youngest and prominent CEO of Carter Enterprises, with a strong presence and a cold glance that could kill, and beside me was a soft and elegant beauty, dressed in a Sagittarius Princess wedding gown accustomed with gems and glistening stones. With a wavy chestnut brown hair gorgeously styled and kind hazel eyes, she gave a warm smile to the crowd. Though our hearts were far away, we looked like a perfect match as we walked down the aisle.
Cameras were put on our faces from different angles and the bustling sound of reporters trying to get information.
"Mr Ethan, did Miss Sophia abandon you or you did for your new mistress? One of the reporters with a distinct voice asked shamelessly.
" Mr Etan, who is your wife ?" Do you love her? Another sharp lady's voice came through from the back and different questions kept popping up as we walked in barely holding each other's hands again.
Pains were ripping me apart as my demeanor remained cold maintaining a straight face while Claire managed a warm smile all through as the priest addressed us holding the holy book
" Do you take Claire Lawson as your lawful wedded wife? The priest asked, facing me who barely wanted to speak.
"Yes, I do! I muttered briefly while the priest asked Claire the same. On the other hand, her response shines brightly. "Yes, I do, with my last breath!". She added with a delightful heart.
" You may kiss your bride!" the priest declared and I almost coughed. I didn't see it coming really. We glared at each other for a few minutes before Claire finally stepped closer.
"What the heck is she doing? What is she doing? I Scrambled within myself at the moment when I felt her soft lips on mine, it was a light kiss as a feather not demanding but passionate. I couldn't return the kisses as she refrained from me.
"We now pronounce you husband and wife!". The priest declared and was backed up by a resounding applause from the crowd.We exchanged the diamond rings which I felt reluctant to let go and faced the crowd with a fake smile. A schmaltzy music filled the atmosphere. It's one of my favorites, Celine Dion. I finally took a deep breath as we exchanged rings, pretending to enjoy the moment as I took Claire's hands to greet a few of our guests. They lavished us with compliments with no one daring to bring up the issue. Before they could ask for the couple's dance I disappeared into the thin air.