Chapter 7 Today Is My Wedding

Mason's parents paused mid-bite, fixing their curious gazes on him. Nina, Mason's mom, had a faint inkling that his words might be related to the impending wedding. She ventured a guess, "Go on. It must be related to the wedding, right?"

"But let me make it very clear to you, Mason. You aren't going to stop this wedding by any means," Nina warned, her tone stern.

"Let him speak, Nina. It's not necessary that all his words will be about the wedding. Please, son, go on and tell whatever you want," John, Mason's dad, interjected, softening the tone in the room.

Taking a deep breath, Mason began to voice the inner turmoil, "You guys are making me marry a girl based on your liking, and I'm obeying that against my will. As the wedding is mine, I have the right to make a few decisions."

Mason felt a profound sense of helplessness as he uttered those words, unsure if his parents would truly hear him this time.

Hearing Mason's words, Nina furrowed her brows, questioning, "What are you trying to do, Mason?"

"You guys are my parents, my well-wishers. That's why I'm not attempting to do anything against your opinion. But all I want is a simple wedding," Mason replied, releasing a heavy sigh.

"A simple wedding? What does that mean?" John asked, echoing Nina's confusion.

"I don't want many guests, just two family members," Mason explained, leaving Nina annoyed.

"What nonsense! We've already invited most of our guests. And what's wrong if there are guests at your wedding?" Nina questioned with curiosity, not expecting such a request when the invitations were already sent.

"Mom, I'm already marrying a girl beyond my liking, and I've agreed with all your decisions till now. Can't I have just one simple wish for the wedding?" Mason pleaded, his heart breaking.

Anna, observing the conversation silently, couldn't help but look at Mason with sympathy in her eyes, wishing she could somehow help her brother escape this forced marriage.

"I honestly don't have any desire to hear guests gossiping at the wedding," Mason finally revealed the true reason behind his wish.

"But..." Nina began to object, only to be interrupted by John.

"It's fine, Nina. The wedding will happen exactly the way Mason wants," John assured, bringing a fleeting smile to Mason's face, though it didn't last.

"Thanks a lot, Dad. I'm really grateful for accepting at least one of my wishes," Mason expressed his gratitude before abruptly leaving the dining table, leaving the conversation hanging.

Nina wasn't pleased that John had agreed so easily. Once Mason was out of earshot, she voiced her discontent, "You weren't supposed to agree. That's nonsense."

"Look, Mason is getting married despite his reluctance. Can't we fulfill one of his wishes, Nina?" John asked, finding it right to honor at least one of Mason's desires when it was, essentially, his wedding.

"But we've already invited the guests. Besides, if Isabel's family doesn't agree with this sudden decision," Nina argued against the idea.

"Don't worry. I will handle it," John reassured her.

After that, John called Isabel's mom, Jenna, and explained their new decision that the wedding would happen only between the two families. Since Isabel's family had no extravagant wedding requirements, Jenna easily agreed to the changed plan, much to the relief of Mason's parents.

Both families began to look forward to the wedding day, just three days away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The long-awaited wedding day had finally arrived. Today was the day when Isabel was set to marry her Prince Charming, Mason Williams. As she prepared for the grand event, her sister Emma was by her side, helping her with the final touches.

Emma applied a light, simple bridal makeup on Isabel, who was not a fan of heavy cosmetics. Despite Isabel's initial reluctance, Emma managed to enhance her features subtly. A touch of rosy blush, a few coats of mascara to accentuate her long lashes, and a pinkish lipstick that complemented the blush on her cheeks. Emma aimed for a natural look, hoping to keep Isabel content.

When Emma was finished with the makeup, she couldn't contain her surprise, exclaiming, "Woah!" Isabel, however, rolled her eyes at Emma's reaction and attempted to see herself in the mirror, but Emma prevented her.

"No... No... Not yet," Emma protested, blocking Isabel's view. Confused, Isabel asked, "Why not?"

"First, wear the wedding dress, and then you can see yourself in the mirror," Emma insisted, pointing towards the elegant gown hanging in the closet, sent by Nina.

Isabel donned the wedding dress, and Emma assisted with her hair, opting for a simple style that let Isabel's long, wavy light brown hair flow freely. The final touch was placing the veil.

"You're done, my sister," Emma declared, leading Isabel in front of the mirror. The moment Isabel saw her reflection, she was taken aback. Today, she felt prettier than ever. Flaws and imperfections were still there, but the bridal attire seemed to transform them into a unique kind of beauty.

Tears welled up in Isabel's honey brown eyes as the reality sank in. "Isabel?" her mother Jenna's voice called from behind.

Turning around, Isabel saw her mom smiling through tears. She hesitated before asking, "Am I looking okay, Mom?"

"I have never seen such a pretty bride until today," Jenna replied, her words genuine and heartfelt. Although Isabel felt joy hearing her mother's compliment, a sudden realization dampened her spirits.

"Maybe I look pretty to my beloved people. But those out there still consider me the ugliest, don't they?" Isabel's heart sank at the thought.

"What happened, honey? You seem sad?" Jenna inquired, noticing the sudden change in Isabel's expression.

Isabel shook her head and replied, "It's not easy to leave all of you, Mom," masking the true reason for her sorrow.

"You're not leaving. You can come here anytime. It's still your home, Isabel," Jenna assured her, concealing her own heartache.

"Are you guys done getting ready? We need to reach the church," Isabel's brother Liam interrupted.

"Wow! My sister looks utterly gorgeous," Liam complimented, bringing a slight smile to Isabel's face.

After that, Isabel went to bid farewell to her paralyzed father, Alaric. Sitting by his bedside, she shared, "Today is my wedding, Dad. Your imperfect daughter is finally getting married. Bless me," tears welling up in her eyes. She wished her father could be healthy today and join the celebration, but she found solace in the fact that he could hear and see her.

Saying her goodbye to her dad, Isabel left her home for the church, stepping onto the path of her new life. Little did she know what awaited her as the wife of Mason Williams. If only she had an inkling of the challenges ahead, she might have hesitated before taking that next step.