DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN WINX CLUB.
Hey, guys!
I should really update other stories -_- But I'm STUCK on writer's block, so if anyone have any ideas on how to continue them, hit me up ;)! I'd love to listen :D!
In advance, thank you for reading (and reviewing, if you did that as well)!
~ New York - 7:30 PM ~
"...and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, cherish, honor, and protect him and to forsake all others for his sake; to cleave unto him, and him only, until death shall part you?" the pastor asked.
Stella Solaria took a deep breath as she looked at the handsome man in front of her. She can't believe her luck. She never imagined herself to be marrying at the young age of twenty-three. But here she was...
Surrounded by frenzy and over-enthusiastic photographers, papparazzi, and over two hundred people who couldn't contain their excitement at being able to witness a chance at the wedding of the century...
Stella took another breath. "I do," she replied in a firm tone as she now glanced at the man in front of her who will become her lawfully wedded husband in less than twenty seconds.
The pastor turned to the ring bearer, a young boy in an adorable tux, and urged him to come forward. The boy skipped forward merrily and stopped before the bride and groom with a wide-toothed grin. The pastor closed his book and held it against his chest with one hand. "If anyone has any concerns or restrictions regarding this holy affair, please speak now."
…
No one said anything.
...
Stella cast a subtle glance around for any raise of hands. Nope, there were none.
"You may now exchange the rings."
Stella looked at him through her white veil. She held out her hand where he slipped a diamond uncut ring into her ring finger smoothly. Next, she saw a slightly rough and calloused hand held out towards her. Holding the wedding ring, she wordlessly slipped it into his ring finger.
"Congratulations. You are now husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the pastor smiled before stepping backwards to give the newly wedded couple their privacy.
Great! Stella thought. She stood still as a pair of hands slowly pulled up her veil. She found herself staring into a pair of light blue eyes and dark brown hair. She felt a cool palm graze her cheek before she saw her husband leaning in. Stella leaned in as well and before long, their lips moved together against each other in a convincingly loving manner.
The audience hooted and cheered crazily as people threw flowers here and there. The couple separated and smiled at each other before turning towards the people. The media went crazy as they clicked hundreds of pictures and sent flashes their way to double the lighting for the photographs.
"It's party timeeeeeeeee!" someone yelled and that was all it took for all hell to break loose. Everyone cheered and wolf-whistled to get the refreshments and snack tables filled with goodies and drinks.
Two hours later...
~ 10:00 PM ~
Stella walked towards the honeymoon suite with a grand and happy smile on her face as she looped an arm through her new husband. She gingerly held the bottom of her dress in order to walk properly and not He smiled down at her as well as he pulled out the keys to their hotel room.
With a swift swipe, the room clicked and blinked green. He opened the door and went in first before letting the blonde inside. Stella turned around to lock the door before going inside. She stopped in her tracks after seeing the room. There was a huge bed in the center along with a sofa on the side. The bed was decorated lavishly with fragrant blush red roses and carnations. Blood red petals were smithered about the bed but their aroma, though very sweet, made the newly wedded couple frown.
Even the brunette in front of her eyed the bed with utter distaste and that's when the adults realized that they needed to talk. Pronto.
Before Stella could even speak, Haydon Matthew Shields, CEO of the Shields' Empires at only 26, turned around with flames dancing in his ocean-green eyes.
"Alright," he fumed instantly while glaring coldly at the blonde. "This is how it's gonna work."
Stella crossed her arms neutrally, obviously expecting a showdown after the so-called, fake-ass wedding.
"When I'm out for events and promotions, you will accompany me and act like my wife," Hayden said coldly.
"Other than that, you won't speak to me or interact with me in any way. You can do whatever the hell you want. Understood?" he finished quite rudely that made Stella scoff.
"Crystal," Stella seethed while scowling deeply. "By the way, do I look like I like being married to you?" she finished with her amber eyes flaring upwards in anger.
Hayden glared, his sea-green eyes illuminating at her ignorant remark. But nonetheless, he didn't say anything.
The two continued to glare at each other, making the situation painfully obvious that they're not happy with each other, quite contraire to what the newspapers are going to say tomorrow.
...
~ The Next Morning - 9:00 AM ~
"Ready?" Hayden looked down at the blonde with an impatient look.
Stella tossed her curled hair over her shoulders before smoothing down her dress. "Ready," she sighed with a tired look at his snippy attitude. Honestly...men are such jerks and assholes. Why is it that they always treat women like some kind of bugs that needed to be squashed?
Hayden extended his arm out for her to take and Stella looped her arm through it with indifference. "Let's go," he ordered while tugging on her arm and opening the door. He held the luggage with his other arm, preferring to carry it by himself rather than calling someone to do it for him. Obviously, he can't let his precious 'wife' carry anything when he's around.
The two plastered fake smiles before stepping out into the hallway. While they didn't smile like total morons, their faces were pleasant and happy.
The duo went down the elevator and into the lobby where a few receptionists turned to give them smiles. Obviously, the glow that a newly wedding couple has is not something one can just overlook.
Stella smiled up at Hayden, who, in return, smiled down at her. To the rest of the world, they were the IT couple who were madly in love. But only they alone can distinguish the artificial feelings for each other.
"We're checking out," Hayden smiled while handing the receptionist their room keys.
"Ahh, Mr. and Mrs. Shields," the man smiled. "I hope you've had a pleasant stay."
Stella smiled. "Yes, thank you." Ugh. Someone please just kill me already.
With a grateful nod, they both left and moved towards their or rather, Hayden's, dark red Audi car. Men and their toys...Stella rolled her eyes while approaching the car and getting in. Hayden slipped in as well before shutting the door and slamming on his seat belt.
The car soon roared to life as he turned on the ignition. He looked over his shoulder before pulling out of the parking lot and into the main road, which bustled with traffic.
"So...where are we going?" Stella asked neutrally.
Hayden tossed her a small cold look before letting out a sigh. "To my house, obviously," he said with a roll of his eyes.
Hayden still lived with his family. While he was a complete ass, his parents were good and kind people. Stella didn't have a problem with them but she can't stand their son, just as he can't stand her.
Stella sighed with a shake of her head. Honestly, she's not the type to be a bitch to anyone in general, but this guy was just begging for it. Would it kill him to at least show some professional courtesy or at least a twinge of respect? Just because he's an asshole doesn't mean that I have to be one, the blonde sighed before looking out the window quietly without asking any further questions.
She concentrated on the buildings that passed by almost wistfully before her eyes narrowed suddenly when she saw that the road they were supposed to take just passed by.
"Wait. Hayden, your parents' house is that way," Stella pointed out.
"I know," he sighed in irritation. "We're heading to the airport first. My brother is gonna land in an hour."
Stella's eyes widened and she paled instantly. "E-Excuse me?! Hell NO. I'm not going with you."
Hayden rolled his eyes and ignored her.
"Hayden Matthew Shields, either you turn the freaking car around or I get off at the next traffic light!" Stella threatened, knowing that he'll comply for sure at that demand. She'll definitely put up a scene and he'll definitely not let her storm off like that.
"Stella," he clenched his teeth. "You're supposed to be my wife in public, remember?" he mocked.
Stella smiled at him mockingly. "Correction. I'm only supposed to be your wife at charity events and promotions. Which this is NOT," she retorted with a smirk.
Hayden glared at her logic before cursing under his breath. "Fine."
She raised a surprised eyebrow because she didn't really expect him to give in that easily. But hey, who the hell cared?
Hayden gripped the steering wheel tightly before taking the next available U-turn.
Stella closed her eyes in relief. Thought she was pretty nonchalant on the outside, she was having a panic attack on the inside. Her face burned slightly as she took deeply relieving, calm breaths.
Thank god...she breathed. She was out of danger...for now.
Thirty minutes later...
~ Shields' Household - 9:45 AM ~
Stella's lips automatically burst into a smile when she saw the house in view. Honestly, she didn't mind living here from now on because Hayden's family was the complete opposite of him.
Stella hopped out from the car as soon as the car halted to a smooth stop. The car ride till here had been completely silent, save for a few uncalled-for curses from Hayden about the double work he's been made to do.
The second Stella got out, Hayden didn't spare her a second glance before setting the car in reverse gear once again.
Stella ignored him and walked up the porch. Hayden and his family were extremely wealthy, but Stella didn't really know what their net worth is. She didn't really a damn because she had never been interested in business in the first place. She hated the industrial business since she was little because of the predicaments exactly like the one she just landed in.
Married and shipped off to a guy whom she can't stand and who can't stand her in return...
Yeah...not so fun.
Stella sighed before climbing up the stairs and ringing the doorbell.
The door opened a few seconds later and revealed a maid, who simply greeted the blonde with a pleasant hello and smile.
"Good morning," Stella smiled cheerfully before stepping inside.
The blonde waltzed to the living room like it was her own house before screeching at the top of her lungs. "Heattheerrrrrrrr! I'm homeeeeeeeee!" Stella screamed before twirling around in the living room.
Three excited squeals and screeches greeted her in return from upstairs.
"Stella!" Heather Shields yelled back from above before her footsteps came out hurriedly.
Heather was Hayden's over-hyper mother and also Stella's new mother-in-law.
Stella grinned widely before squealing happily when she saw Heather. The blonde climbed up the stairs in a hurry before hugging Heather tightly. "Awww, it's so good to see you!" Stella laughed.
"Even though you saw me just last night?" Heather laughed while hugging the blonde back. Heather was a pleasant woman in her early fifties but still looked gracefully fabulous for her age. She was of a European descent, so her hair was a dark brown, resembling black.
Stella sighed but tried not to let that disappointment show. She thought she'd cry like hell after going through this forced, arranged marriage but she hasn't shed a single tear...yet...maybe. The feeling didn't really sink at all and maybe, that's why.
"Yo! Stel, what up?!" a hip-hop voice greeted from above.
Stella looked above to see her best friend, Musa Shields, grinning up at her. If there was one thing about this marriage, it was probably this.
"Muse!" Stella laughed while giving her a short hug. They were just about the same age and were best friends since many years now.
"So...you're my sister-in-law now?" Musa shook her head in mock disgust. "Eww. Bleh." She had dark hair as well (obviously from Heather) but dyed it with navy blue streaks.
"Geez, I love you too," Stella chuckled. "What're you guys up to anyways?" she asked while climbing upstairs along with them.
The house was practically a big mansion that always had maids scuttering about and taking care of things.
Stella had been here plenty of times before and that was only to see Musa...mostly, the blonde thought with a silent frown before following them inside.
"Eh. Just teenager shit," Musa snorted, making Stella and Heather laugh.
"I knew it. I knew you were here when I heard all the commotion," a fatherly voice came out of nowhere, interrupted the girls' idiotic giggling.
"Hey, Luke," Stella smiled while going up to him for a hug. He gladly hugged her back and smiled down at her. "Welcome to the family," he smiled while patting her head as a form of blessing. Lucas "Luke" Shields was Hayden's father and was in his mid-fifties.
Stella smiled tightly. She didn't have the heart to frown in front of them because they were all so happy that their eldest son had just gotten married, even though it was arranged.
Only Musa knew that Stella didn't give a shit about Hayden but that was only because she was Stella's best friend.
"Thanks, Luke."
Heather piqued up. "Why are you here alone? Where's Hayden?"
Stella felt as if someone punched her hard in the stomach. She gulped slightly before her face paled a little. "Airport," she answered as nonchalantly as possible while trying not to choke on her own voice.
Musa sensed Stella's discomfort and assumed it had to do with Hayden, although he was not the reason why the blonde was so tense.
"So, who's hungry?!" Musa demanded. "Dude, I'm starving."
Stella breathed in relief and shot Musa a grateful look. Heather snapped her fingers. "Girls, why don't you help me in the kitchen?" she asked to which the two nodded in compliance.
Heather always preferred to cook on her own. On days when she's busy and running on tight schedule, she'll resort to using one of her maids.
Stella quietly followed Heather down the stairs before checking the time. It won't be long now. Hayden and...his brother will be here soon.
And they needed to get lunch ready for the family. Stella prayed for the clock to tick as slowly as possible. But she knew that...
Fate won't listen to her in times like these.
Two-ish hours later...
~ 12:15 PM ~
A loud honk outside jolted the ladies of the house (except for Stella, that is) to madness and excitement. Musa and Heather quickly set the table while Stella cleaned up the little messes in the kitchen as slowly as possible.
"Lukee!" Heather called out. "Honey, they're here!"
Stella felt that anxiety in her heart start to grow. She ignored the commotion that slowly entered the house. She shut her ears tightly to not hear...his voice. There were so many memories that were just painful to think about now. With a deep breath, she opened her eyes.
"Be strong, Stel. You're so better than this. You're stronger than this," she breathed calmly as she chided herself to relief. "It's okay..." she breathed softly before taking her hands off of her ears.
She was instantly welcomed by what sounded like a family reunion in the living room.
"I can't believe you missed the wedding!" Heather's shrill, disapproving voice sounded above the others.
Stella bit her lip as she gripped the kitchen countertop tightly that her knuckles turned nearly a sickly, pale white.
"Sorry, mom," he laughed. "But it's your fault for making this happen in less than a week. People got plans, you know."
Heather rolled her eyes at her younger son's stupid logic.
Luke patted his wife's shoulder in comfort. "You know we would've tried to postpone if we could," he smiled, making Heather sigh with a nod.
Stella stared down at the counter top while closing her eyes shut. Oh my god, oh my god, she panicked.
His voice...god...it sounds so much deeper and richer than the last time she heard him and that was...years ago.
Musa huffed. "Okay, okay, enough. I'm starving. Can we eat now?!" she interrupted.
"I'm gonna shower first-"
Musa interrupted. "The hell you are," she snapped. "Mom's not gonna let anyone eat until we're all at the table. So you better freaking take a shower last." The family laughed and started to gather at the dining hall where the table was already set up.
Stella blinked back a frown as she let out a small sigh. She gasped when she heard footsteps in the kitchen. She hurriedly composed herself and pretended to clean or whatever. Musa walked in towards her.
"Stel, that wood's gonna wear off. It's clean enough," she rolled her eyes with a laugh. Stella smiled tightly but didn't say anything.
"I'm gonna get the chicken," Musa said while heading towards the oven.
Stella stopped her with wide eyes. "You go. I'll get it," she smiled, hoping to convince her. Musa shrugged. "Okay," she nodded before washing her hands and exiting out into the dining hall.
Stella felt the pit of anxiety in her heart grow. She felt uneasy as her heart raced uncomfortably. Her chest hurt no matter how many times she did the breathing exercises.
She went to the oven before grabbing the over mitten. Taking out the tray filled with chilli chicken, she set it up on the counter, allowing it to cool down a bit. Gripping the counter, she took a few more deep breathers.
"Hello! Where's the food?!" someone hollered from the dining hall, mostly Musa, but the high-pitched shrill was enough to jolt Stella back to her nightmare of a reality.
"Oh screw it," the blonde cursed before starting to walk. Might as well get this stupid thing over with.
She prayed for her own welfare and also warned herself to keep her feelings in check. She didn't want anyone to know how uncomfortable she really is and especially not Hayden.
Stella stepped out of the kitchen and the feeling only got worse. The air suddenly felt thick. She walked slowly into the hall before sucking in a deep breath. Heather was serving food to everyone before taking a seat herself.
Stella's heart raced with apprehension when she saw a certain brunette with dark brown hair. His back was to her, so she couldn't really see his face.
As she neared the table, she composed herself to one of slight indifference even though she was freaking wildly on the inside.
"There you are! What took you long?" Heather asked as Stella approached the table. "Stella, do you remember Brandon?" she introduced her son to her with a bright smile.
Stella's blood ran cold with unexplainable terror and trepidation when the brunette turned around slowly to match her stance. His body turned rigid and his dark brown eyes flashed in recognition. His eyes were the deepest chocolate brown she had ever laid her eyes on. They locked with hers and she could feel her heart start to open up old memories and wounds.
Despite it feeling like an eternity, it was only for a split second before Stella breathed out. "Yeah, sort of," she laughed off casually before nearing the table and setting the tray down.
"Would you like some chicken?" she asked but his eyes blinked with shock, bewilderment, and complete incredulity.
…
So...
I'd always appreciate a review. If you want me to continue, I will, but if not...well...I'll just not continue it :P
If you're confused about certain loopholes, I promise I'll fill them in in the upcoming chapters (if you want me to continue). Right now, this is just an introduction and I didn't want to write too much without having enough readers.
As a side note: Guys, please DO NOT leave reviews here while telling me to update other stories. I said it once already but I just want to really get this across. If you want me to update something, please comment on that story itself. I read each and every review but it's really confusing to read reviews that don't belong there.
Thank you for reading :D !
