As we headed towards the front door, I saw security all around the church and some standing at the door. At least I knew he was inside and didn’t leave me at the altar.
The closer I got; butterflies formed in my stomach. He had that effect on me regardless of stepping out with another man.
Who knew after five years of being with the same man, we’d meet walking down the aisle and I’d get his last name. The amount of power I was about to have and oh, the money he’d put in my bank account had me fantasizing on what I’d buy, who I’d fire and so forth.
“Congratulations.” I stopped short just as I crossed the threshold of the church. All the bridesmaids were in and the only person standing next to me was my dad.
“Get the hell outta here. You already ruined her life by sticking your dick in her.” My dad shouted.
“Daddy!” I couldn’t believe he said that to Glenn. I knew for a fact someone heard him.
“I just came to say congratulations and to see if you would do it.” Glenn kissed my cheek and walked the other way. I didn’t have time to ask questions because the doors opened and to my surprise, the only side filled with people was mine. Where was Cairo’s family, friends, acquaintances and constituents? I didn’t care not to see cars in the parking lot but now that I’m inside, it did seem quite weird for no one to be here for him.
“You know my family don’t like you so don’t ask why they’re not here.” Rosalina said, pushing past me to take a seat.
“Don’t worry about her. Let’s get you married so that I can have a drink.” My dad patted the top of my hand.
As the music started to play, Cairo turned around and my heart started to race. I was about to marry the man of my dreams and have everything a woman could wish for. Goodbye Miss Samuels and hello, Mrs. Romano.
Taking a deep breath, I followed my father’s lead down the aisle and to my future husband.
CHAPTER 2
Cairo Romano
The Perfect Nightmare
“I can’t believeyou’re going through with it.” My cousin Raul whispered, standing next to me.
In a perfect world, along with the perfect woman, this wedding scene would have been amazing. But since the woman walking down the aisle was Victoria, this was anything but.
“The least you could’ve done was wore a suit to make the shit believable.” My other cousin Manuel, who we called Manny chimed in.
I had on a pair of black dress slacks, a black shirt and black Prada sneakers. I may not have worn a suit but this little casual outfit was decent in my opinion. It was either this or a sweatsuit, and for the occasion, I’d say this was the better option.
Anyway, those two were my uncles’ kids on my mother’s side and let’s just say, neither of them were wrapped too tight either. My mom called them,“The Usual Suspects”because whenevershe heard something bad happened, those two were more than likely involved.
My entire family said they were crazy as hell and that my uncle should’ve disciplined them as kids. Instead, he let them see and do shit normal six and seven year olds shouldn’t have. As they grew up, their desire for crime became worse. Let my aunt who is their mother tell it; it was video games and YouTube. My uncle could do no wrong in her eyes.
“All I know is Rosalina better look ten times better than Victoria when we get married.” All three of us turned around when Felix said that. He was my best friend since kindergarten and that’s because our parents were the same as kids too. For as long as I could remember, he’s had a crush on my sister and to this day, she never gave him the time of day.
Rosalina thought Felix was too hood for her and she didn’t wanna get in a relationship with anyone in the streets that could possibly die and leave her not only in pain but a widow, or baby mother. Therefore, she only dated corny guys that worked at corporate jobs. That was fine with me because I’d hate to kill Felix for fucking her over but I would.Even though he was like a brother to me, Rosalina had been through too much in the past, that he knew about as well, for him to play with her heart.
“She not ever marrying you nigga. Shit, she barely speaks to you in public.” Just as Manuel said it, we all looked at Rosalina on the bench in front of us and she immediately stuck up her finger. She knew if all of us were staring we mentioned something that had to do with her.
“See. She don’t even like us when we’re around you.” Raul said, making Felix push him which turned into those two play fighting.
“Pssst. Excuse me. The bride is standing here and we would like to start the ceremony.” The reverend whispered. Victoria rolled her eyes like always at them.
“Decompress.” Was the only word I needed to say. Anytime I said it, niggas knew to stop what they were doing immediately. It was my way of not reacting violently to whatever bullshit was going on.
“Who gives this woman away?” The reverend asked. Her father answered and tried to place his daughter’s hand in mine. Retracting my hand away made Victoria become suspicious.
“Babe, why don’t you wanna hold my hand?” Ignoring her, I allowed the reverend to continue.
“If there’s anyone in here who thinks this couple should not be joined hand in hand, speak now or forever hold your peace.” Victoria looked at her family sitting there recording and taking photos, while Rosalina put the plan in motion.
“I don’t think these two should be married.” Victoria swung her head around to my sister. You heard the gasp and other comments coming from her family and friends’ section.I counted about seventy five of them which was more than I expected to show up for her. My fiancé wasn’t loved by everyone and some hated her because of her ignorance and nasty ways.
