Chapter 36
36
ADRIAN
Golden sunlight streams through the windows of the groom suite, illuminating the dust motes swirling in the air. I adjust my bow tie in the mirror for the tenth time, my fingers trembling. The tux fits me like a glove, crisp and perfectly tailored, but I feel more like an impostor than ever.
In just under an hour, I’ll be standing at the altar with Rowena, pledging my life and love to her in front of everyone we know. It feels so right, as if fate brought us together for this very moment. And yet, the guilty pit in my stomach reminds me I’m still living a charade, that I haven’t found the courage to bare my soul to her and confess my true feelings. I’m lying to her, to her family, to her friends…
Her parents arrived a few nights ago, and even though it was the first time they’d ever met me, they welcomed me with open arms, saying how happy they are to have me as a son-in-law. If they only knew the truth—that this whole engagement started out as a sham, that I’m letting their daughter believe today is still nothing more than a calculated trade-off.
I glance around the empty suite, feeling the absence of close friendships acutely. When it was time to pick my groomsmen, I realized my only “friends” were more work acquaintances than anything else. So today, I’ll be borrowing Tristan and Dylan for the role. Great guys, but more Rowena’s people than my own. No matter that I’ve gotten to know them better over the past few months.
A soft knock at the door startles me out of my brooding thoughts. My mother pokes her head in.
“Oh, honey, look at you! So handsome,” she gushes, hurrying over to fuss with my lapels. “How are you feeling? Nervous?”
“Mm-hmm,” I mutter, unable to meet her keen gaze. But Mom must hear what I’m not telling her because she places a hand on my cheek, gentle but firm, forcing me to look at her. “Adrian, listen to me. If you want this to be real—if you want her —then you need to tell her. Don’t let fear hold you back from something wonderful.”
I swallow rocks. “I don’t know if I can. What if I’m not enough?”
“You are more than enough,” Mom insists fiercely. “You can make her happy. But you need to give her that chance. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you lose her.”
She pats my chest, right over my racing heart, and steps back. “It’s time, sweetheart. Let’s go get you married.”
Adjusting my cufflinks, I nod and follow her out of the suite. My legs feel like jelly as we walk across the lobby and out into the warm, last-day-of-summer air. Central Park awaits, the trees swaying in the gentle breeze, calling me forward to my bride.
As we stride down the sidewalk, dodging the oblivious tourists and harried locals, Mom slips her arm into mine and pulls .
The sun-dappled path through Central Park feels almost ethereal as we make our way to the Bethesda Terrace for the wedding ceremony. A light breeze carries the scent of late summer blooms, and the distant sound of the fountain grows louder with each step.
As we approach the terrace, a strange stillness overtakes me. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale—the grand staircase adorned with cascading white flowers, the elegant arcade framing the iconic angel statue of the Bethesda Fountain. Rows of white wooden chairs line the terrace, filled with guests.
I spot Dylan and Tristan already in place next to the minister, looking sharp in their tuxes. They give me encouraging nods as I take my position near them.
As we wait for the bride, the mellow sounds of the park mingle with the delicate strains of classical music from the string quartet. It’s picture-perfect. Almost too perfect.
My fingers twitch involuntarily as I scan the crowd, waiting for Rowena to appear. I should be over the moon, but unease churns in my gut, warring with the euphoria of what’s about to happen. I paste on a smile, hoping it reaches my eyes.
The music swells and a hush falls over the assembled guests. The bridesmaids arrive. Nina and Hunter begin their procession down the aisle, radiant in flowing gowns the color of champagne and holding matching ivory bouquets. As they take their places opposite me, the string quartet shifts seamlessly into the bridal march.
There, at the end of the aisle on her father’s arm, appears Rowena. An angel in white, gliding toward me, her dress flowing around in the breeze. The subtle curve of her baby bump only adds to her glow.
All I can see is her. All I can feel is the overwhelming rush of love that sweeps through me, and suddenly, I’m fighting back tears. The guests rise in unison, every eye riveted on my stunning bride as she floats ever closer. I plaster on my most charming smile, praying it conceals the whirlwind of emotions threatening to blow my composure.
As Rowena reaches the altar, her father places her delicate hand in mine, giving me a warm nod of approval before taking his seat. Her eyes sparkle up at me, brimming with excitement and unbridled trust. I’ve never felt more worthless.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” the minister begins, his rich voice resonating under the arcade.
The comforting weight of Rowena’s hand grounds me as he waxes poetic about the power of love and the beauty of a lifelong commitment. I steal a glance at my radiant bride, she meets my gaze and her rosebud lips curve into a secret smile meant only for me. I’ve no idea how she feels today, and I’m too much of a coward to ask.
“And now, the bride and groom have elected to recite their own vows,” the officiant announces.
Rowena insisted personal vows would make a better impression on my boss. My palms turn clammy as I fumble in my jacket pocket for the folded slip of paper. The earnest words I poured onto the page in the midnight hours are the singular honest thing about this charade of a wedding.
I risk one more glance at Rowena’s beaming face before I begin. “Rowena, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew my life was changed.”
A soft murmur ripples through the guests, some nodding as if they witnessed our first meeting—if only they could guess how unglamourous it was.
“You have a way of lighting up a room with your passion and determination. Whether it’s your dedication to making a positive impact on the world through your work, or your fierce loyalty to your friends, you inspire everyone around you. Even when you’re throwing axes better than me—which is both impressive and a little terrifying—I am in awe of your strength and spirit.” Even if our first-date story is completely made up, it still feels like an inside joke. Laughter bubbles up from the audience, a few chuckles escaping louder than intended. Rowena is smiling, but is there also a veil of sadness in her eyes? I can’t be sure, so I continue with my speech.
“I love how you collect fortune cookies but never keep the motivational quotes inside them, only the romantic and funny ones. I adore your zest for life, your love for the simple things—tacos, a good book, making popcorn on movie night.” The bridesmaids exchange knowing smiles, Hunter dabbing at her eyes with tissues even if she’s supposedly aware this isn’t real. “Your attention to ensure inclusivity for children with disabilities in your new project is just an example of your boundless compassion. It’s one of the many reasons I’m proud to stand by your side. Everyone who knows you loves you, and the loyalty of your friends is a testament to the wonderful person you are.” A collective hum of agreement resonates from the rows behind us.
“And you do all this while also growing a tiny human inside of you. This baby is already the luckiest in the world because they have you as a mom.” Rowena’s hand instinctively goes to her bump.
“You make every day a discovery and make me excited to wake up and explore what lies ahead for us. I thank you for that. And vow to do my best to deserve it, to deserve you . I promise to always be there for you, whether we’re navigating life’s challenges or simply enjoying a quiet moment. I vow to support you in all your endeavors, to stand by you in times of joy and sorrow, and to cherish the time we share .
“I want to grow old with you. And if you’ll let me, I promise to love you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you for all the years to come. I will always be your biggest fan and your partner in everything. Thank you for being my sunshine and for showing me what true love is.”
I gaze into Rowena’s eyes as I finish my wedding vows, after pouring my heart into every word. But as I utter the last promise, I notice something off in her expression. Tears stream down her face, but they don’t seem to be purely tears of joy. A swirl of emotions dances in her irises that I can’t quite decipher.
For a suspended beat no one seems to even breathe, only a few sniffles are audible from the first rows.
Then the minister turns to Rowena. “And now your vows.”
She parts her lips but no words come out. Her mouth works but she can’t seem to form a coherent sentence. After a moment, Rowena shifts her attention to the gathered crowd with a bright smile plastered on her face. But I know her too well—she’s hiding something beneath that grin.
“S-sorry everyone,” Rowena says, gasping as if she’s trying hard not to sob. “Already it’s h-hard for brides not to cry at their weddings. But it’s downright impossible when you’re pregnant and the victim of raging hormones!”
The crowd lets out a collective “aww” of understanding. But I’m not fooled. I can tell she’s masking her true feelings with humor. A sinking sensation grips my gut. Something is wrong, very wrong. What happened? Was it something I said? Something I did?
Rowena turns back to me, her smile faltering. She tries to speak again but stammers anxiously over the words. “I… I had an entire speech prepared, but…” She trails off and shakes her head , once more overcome with emotion. Her pleading eyes meet mine, silently begging for help.
My heart constricts with worry but I force a lighthearted grin onto my face. I don’t want to make a scene in front of all the guests. “It’s okay, Sunshine,” I say soothingly. “I know you love me. You always let me have the last slice of pizza. I don’t need a speech.”
The tension breaks as the crowd erupts into cheers and laughter. The ceremony continues, and, with shaking hands, Rowena and I exchange rings. And then in a blink, we’re married. Husband and wife… so why does it feel like I’m losing her?
Throughout the reception, I plaster on a smile and try to play the part of the blissful groom. But inside, my stomach churns with unease as I watch Rowena flit between guests, her laughter ringing just a bit too loud, her grin stretching a little too wide.
I maneuver through the crowd, dodging well-wishers and attempting to catch my new bride alone. But there’s always something or someone standing in my way.
Even when we do our first dance and are the only ones on the dancefloor, she barely meets my eyes and refuses to speak a word.
The rest of the night passes in an anxious blur. I go through the motions—cutting the cake, thanking everyone for coming. But always tracking her. Finally, the last guests depart. She walks her parents out; they have an early flight back tomorrow. And I follow her. Now we can go home and figure this out.
I walk out just as the car driving her parents takes off. Rowena is standing on the curb, in her wedding dress and fancy hair updo, her back to me .
“Hey,” I call out.
Her shoulders immediately go rigid, and her expression when she turns chills my bones.
“I’m going to head home with Nina and Hunter tonight,” she says, not quite meeting my gaze.
“Why?”
“I just need space to clear my head.”
“Space?” I gape. “From what? Whatever’s going on, let me help. Please don’t shut me out.” I reach for her hand but she pulls away.
“I’m not shutting you out. I’m just asking for a moment to process… this.” She swats at thin air. “On my own.”
Rowena glances over to where her bridesmaids wait by a cab. Then she looks back at me, her expression pained but determined. “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”
Helplessly, I nod. What else can I do? I have no idea what’s happening, but I can’t force her to stay and talk.
I watch Rowena walk away with her friends, impotent, defeated.
Three months ago, spending my wedding night alone wouldn’t have meant anything. Now, it threatens to destroy me.