Chapter 4

Of all people, he didn't expect Steve to talk. Not him. 

He remained silent, not that he didn't have a rejoinder, but that was the best thing to do at the moment. He knew Rachael wasn't going to take his side on this because he had already disobeyed her in public. He had already done a lot. 

"We don't have all day here, brother in-law. I rather be somewhere else than stand and watch you act pathetic, like you already are," Steve said. "If you won't admit it, I'm smart enough to comprehend what you've been doing behind our backs." 

He couldn't let Steve make matter more complex than it already was. Steve didn't like him, yes, but they both knew the reason Steve hated him so badly.

"You and smart can't be placed in an affirmative sentence, Steve," Charles stated, now releasing his anger on Steve. "By the way, it wasn't me who begged you to attend, so I won't be bothered if you leave. I'll even be glad." He rolled his eyes. 

Vivian cracked a smile. She was enjoying the show that she had started; however, she didn't like how she wasn't under the spotlight anymore. Nevertheless, she remained silent. 

Rachael didn't believe that Charles could stand out to her brother and not to a woman who had no values to them. This was becoming so real. 

Charles and Steve hated each other, so it was impossible that Steve was apart of the imaginary prank. It had to be reality. 

"You have the audacity to talk back in such a manner to Steve." Rachael clapped her hands. "But you can't even open your mouth to this...this lunatic. I'm impressed," she said dramatically, still clapping 

This was exactly what Charles had be dodging. That was why he opted silence. But Steve had pushed him by assuming things that wasn't even on the agenda, things that he wouldn't have been afraid to admit. 

Charles threw a glanced at Vivian and saw her smirking. The devil had finally been appeased. She had finally succeeded in disgracing him in public. He knew everyone thought the same way as Steve. And that was her first motive. He knew she had more under her sleeves. This was just the beginning! 

"I'm sorry," Charles apologized, holding Rachael hands again, staring deep down into her soul. "I didn't mean that. But Steve here isn't helping at all." His words were soft. 

"And you believe that you are?" It was more of a statement than a question. Tears had already formed in her eyes. Steve was right. "Charles, you know that I love you. I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't." Tears, mixed with mascara, rolled down her face. "I know you're a man. And man have desires. But as long as you decided to marry me, I don't care about the affairs you had before we became husband and wife." 

"That what I don't want, baby. I don't want you to think that I cheated on you when we were not married," Charles told her. 

"For correction, you aren't married yet. It's better we use the right words here," Vivian stated, shaking her head. It was better that they be mad at each other.

Charles ignored her. "I never cheated on you. I will never. Not with her," he pointed to Vivian, "or with anyone else. I love—"

"Incase you don't know," Steve began, "you're very pathetic. Everyone in here know you won't admit it because you're shameless." 

An idea sprouted into Vivian head. Steve didn't want them to get married as much as she didn't, so it would be best that she make him angry more for him to ignite the situation. 

Rachael cupped Charles' face in her hand. "You don't have to admit it. All you have to do is continue with the wedding. I understand!" 

"Rachael darling," Vivian started, "I made it very clear that I am the one who makes the major decisions here. Charles has to choose between marrying us, and stopping the wedding." She walked back up to them. "People are getting tired. I learnt that another wedding is supposed to go on an hour from now in here. So choose already Charles. Wisely," she added. 

Vivian was never going to back off if she didn't accomplish her mission. Charles was aware of that. 

Everyone became quiet. All eyes were fixed on Charles, waiting for him to choose. 

That was exactly what Vivian wanted— him in a situation that he couldn't handle. She enjoyed his dilemma; his suffering. She promised to do this. Well...he didn't believe that she could. 

"Charles, we are getting married today, right?" Rachael broke the silence. "She has nothing against you that I don't know, isn't it?"

No, it wasn't, Charles thought. She did have something against him that Rachael didn't know. Something he was never going to be ready to tell her. She did. 

His silence stung Rachael. Charles silence hurt her the most. He knew that. 

Since he couldn't convince Vivian to stop, he had to convince Rachael. 

"Say something, Charles, please," Rachael begged him, not bothered anymore about her makeup that was already ruined. Her makeup was made just to go for few days, Charles was made to be with her till death. "Please." She sniffed. 

Steve couldn't stand the humiliation. He felt like crying with her. Holding her tight while she cried her fears out, just like he used to when they were little children.

Rachael needed him the most. 

Steve walked to Rachael, he wrapped his hands around her shoulders. "Let's go, Rachael. Isn't it obvious that he's powerless at the moment? Please don't do this in front the cameras."

No. She wasn't going to leave. She wasn't going to let Vivian classify her as weak. She wasn't letting another woman ruin her life without fighting for it. 

She moved Steve hands from around her. "I don't know what you're holding against him, but that will never make me leave him."

Charles was guilty. Rachael trusted him so him. It saddened him that he was not worth the trust that she gave him, because she would be downhearted the moment she finds out that he did what he did. 

"You are one lucky man, Charles," Vivian said. "But I wonder if you will be that lucky when she deciphers the real man you are." 

Charles stared at her for a very long time. "I can never marry you, Vivian. I rather remain unmarried with Rachael than marry you along. I will postpone the wedding, since it's what you want!" He snarled. 

The whole church remained silent like they were expecting more. 

Rachael started to cry. Christina held her while she wept.