The Arrangement
I own nothing! Been having a little trouble writing lately, sorry if it's awful. First dance song is 'Rain' by Patty Griffin, which I also do not own but I do think is a great song just for the emotional value alone.
Chapter 4
I guess I didn't really know what I was expecting. I've been married before, so I didn't think about it. Steph and Hunter said they would take care of everything. They told me who she was. We'd never met, and I wasn't sure what to imagine. For some reason, Cody in a dress kept popping into my mind. The less said on that, the better.
She's beautiful though. At least that's a plus. But this is still just one more requirement, one more hoop for me to jump through to hold onto what's mine. It's just a contract after all.
Melanie's POV
For a few minutes, I vaguely heard the priest talking about the necessity of love in marriage and the great commitment blah blah blah…
I couldn't turn and look at him. I was scared. Before now I was just pissed off, I was angry, now I was terrified. How could I have gone through with this?
I felt alone in every sense. My family was so far away from me, with a snide bitch standing between us. No friends in this room, everyone was a stranger. Even Roman was and he was in no position to help me. He was on the other side after all, I had to remember that. I was truly alone now, and the mere thought of that sent shivers up and down my spine. I jumped slightly when I felt cool fingers take my left hand.
It took me a moment to realise he was reciting wedding vows. His voice was low and smooth, it wasn't unpleasant to listen to. My voice shook slightly when I recited mine. Still I avoided eye contact, but he kept holding my hand.
The ring was a simple silver band with a small diamond in the centre. He slipped it onto my finger without any hesitation. It felt cool and foreign next to my skin. I never wore jewellery on my hands. I would have to get used to this. His band was also simple. I put it onto his finger as quick as I could, hoping we would drop hands at that point. He kept holding mine.
The priest asked who objected to the marriage. I held my breath. For all of twenty seconds, then the priest started talking again.
That sealed it. In the darkest depths of my imagination, I thought my dad or brothers might object. They didn't. I wasn't startled by this, I realised I had expected it.
I hadn't expected the kiss. If it could be called a kiss. Randy's lips brushed mine for only a few seconds. His mouth was smooth and I was instantly aware of his distinct scent. As quick as it occurred he pulled back, and I swallowed in discomfort. There was no affection, but I shouldn't have been surprised. I didn't have any either.
Normal POV
After a small scattered applause, the bride and groom were ushered into a small room with Triple H and Stephanie to sign the licence. The guests were directed to another room set up for a meal and a small reception. The guests helped themselves to refreshments and mingled amongst themselves.
"Shouldn't you be off with Randy? You are his best man after all", Dolph remarked to Dean Ambrose.
The dirty blonde sipped his beer. "Nope, was told to come through here. Be glad when this day's over. I can't wait to get out this monkey suit". He pulled uncomfortably at the tie around his neck.
"Relax man, it's just a suit not a neck lock", Dolph gestured to an outside balcony. "What's wrong with him"?
Dean followed his gaze to where Roman stood with his back to them. The big guy was obviously distressed, he had a grip on the railings so tight his skin was almost as pale as Sheamus.
"I'm not sure", Dean lied easily. Of course it was a lie. He had seen the look on Roman's face last night and again today at the wedding. What the hell was Stephanie hanging over his head to make him do all this?
Dolph muttered about going to grab a drink and patted Dean on the shoulder. Kane then approached and drew him into conversation about he had acted well today, shown his support for the Autho- snore…..
Dean wasn't interested. He bobbed his head along with whatever Kane was saying, keeping one eye in Roman's direction. A slight smile crossed his mouth when he realised that Sheamus was standing with Roman, and their hands were entwined.
Randy POV
Signing the license was a cold and uncomfortable process. I was married to this woman but I didn't know her at all. She wouldn't even look at me. Was it really this bad? Would she have preferred to marry Ryback? Surely she knew what she was getting into. I signed the document and handed her the pen. She took it and signed quickly. Stephanie then placed another document in front of her.
"What's this"?
"Time to legally change your name Melanie", Steph pushed the papers towards her. I could see Melanie swallow uncomfortably.
"Now? But"-
"May as well get it all done in one go", Stephanie fixed her with a glare. I glanced at Hunter. He just looked at his wife, his face unreadable.
Melanie fixed her shoulders and signed it.
"Good, now let's get some photos of you two", Stephanie took the document back and folded it in half.
General POV
The Rhodes brothers stood apart from the majority of the room. Their father was across the room standing with two directors from NXT, laughing over a glass of scotch. Cody huffed and turned away, followed quickly by Dustin.
"This is crazy, we're crazy for standing by and letting this happen", Dustin hissed. Cody nodded. He had failed his little sister. "We need to talk to her, we can walk right now. All of us".
Melanie POV
Stephanie pulled me aside after the signing.
"Remember, no talking to your family. Even look at them, and I will not be happy", she threatened.
"I said I would cooperate didn't I"? I retorted angrily.
"Yeah, now you just got married. Be happy, or at least act like it", Stephanie smiled again and slinked off to speak with her husband.
I took a few deep breaths. Sure happy, ask me to stop time while I'm at it. God, I wish I could.
Randy came up beside me and took my hand again. My fingers bumped against his wedding band and I recoiled slightly. He frowned at me and I quickly looked down.
"Sorry, you startled me", I mumbled.
He didn't say anything, just took my hand and led me through to 'our' guests. I wondered vaguely if I had offended him, then realised I didn't particularly care. I just had to try and get through the rest of this day. This what it right? From now on I just have to go through the motions. I wondered if this was how most women felt when they were party to an arranged marriage.
I know I've said it a lot, but I really want my mom right now. There's no other comfort in this world. Not anymore.
Normal POV
The guests sat around several tables. At the head of the room, Stephanie and Hunter took their places at the top table. Randy led Melanie through the smiling crowd to the same table. He pulled out Melanie's chair and she sank down into it. Her family were seated at the table in front of them to the left. She dared not look at them. she could feel Cody trying hard to catch her eye but she ignored him, instead drinking from the wineglass in front of her. This was the most uncomfortable situation she had ever been in. Randy on her left side didn't help matters much. He was sitting joking with the Supreme Bitch. Hunter sat on her right, next to him was someone she didn't know. They were talking business. The guy was huge, almost seven foot tall and bald. Later she would find out that he was Triple H's right hand man, or demon as some described him. The table across from her family seated Roman and his stable mates and a few other wrestlers. She noticed Roman's lover among them and Randy's best man from the ceremony. The guy with the two toned hair she guessed was Seth, she recognised CM Punk, who was giving the majority of the table suspicious looks over a glass of Pepsi. John Cena she knew, and she assumed the smaller man was Daniel Bryan who was sharing a stilted look of concern with a brunette across the room.
Roman caught her eye and smiled softly at her. She tweaked her lips slightly back at him before breaking contact again. It was probably better to avoid everyone.
"Is it just me, or does this whole set up scream weird"? Bryan whispered to Punk, who raised an eyebrow and nodded.
"You mean because the only people in this room who are genuinely happy are Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-bitch up there"? Punk mumbled back. Bryan stifled a laugh, and covered it quickly with a cough when Triple H looked in his direction.
Stephanie called for a toast. Her speech made Melanie's stomach churn. She spoke of the deep seated affection she had for the 'happy couple', the families and friends gathered, and the love shared.
"This is a great day for all of us, one which sees two of the most prominent wrestling families joined together in matrimony, and united with the McMahon family in promoting what is best for business", she continued, smiling that same fake smile that set Melanie's teeth on edge. "Please, charge your glasses, to Randy and Melanie".
The crowd replied the sentiment and drank before the first course was served. Melanie downed her wine in one go. The waiter stepped forward and refilled it. Within minutes it was empty again.
Stephanie gestured to Randy, who turned the waiter away before he could refill it for a third time.
Melanie turned to him with a fire burning behind her dark eyes. Randy just fixed her with a stare and turned back to Stephanie. Cody kept watching his sister, and his food returned to the kitchen untouched, as did most of Melanie's. Under Stephanie's eye, she forced down a few bites.
Her behaviour was rewarded, and her glass was filled again, although slower and with weaker wine.
Not that it matters, she thought wearily. There isn't enough wine in the world.
Randy's POV
I wasn't happy to be there either, but at least I could pretend. I didn't get it, this girl was dead inside. What were Steph and Hunter thinking when they picked her? Even if it was Dusty's idea; do they hate me this much? I began to get frustrated. I was going through with this for the sake of the Authority. Looks like I got the short end of the deal. I took a sip of my own drink, resigning myself to the inevitable. It wouldn't be the first time I was in an unhappy marriage.
Normal POV
Not long after the dinner had finished, Dusty had left to go talk NXT with some of his colleagues. Dustin and Cody had split up and tried to get to Melanie, but every time they tried Hunter or Stephanie diverted them, or Kane got in the way. Even the Shield formed a tight perimeter around their younger sister and they couldn't get close. Cody tried calling out to Melanie; she ignored him.
Did she hate them? Did she blame them as much as their dad? Neither brother wanted to believe it, but it seemed likely. Why else wouldn't she acknowledge them? neither saw the absolute torment in her eyes every time she did it. They also never saw the complete satisfaction in Stephanie's either. Some of the wrestlers noticed though; although opinions were divided on why this was happening.
Music was played and some dancing was underway. Melanie stayed where she was, an untouched glass in front of her. Champagne, she really wanted to knock it off the table and call this out for the sham it was. But her hand was weighed down with the price she paid for her brothers.
Her brothers…she wanted to get drunk. Wanted to forget the looks on their faces. They hadn't let them near her. Her father hadn't even attempted to come near her. So much for loving his baby girl.
A shadow fell over her, and she looked up into the cool eyes of the viper. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet.
"Come on, first dance", he instructed.
The floor cleared and Stephanie and Hunter took their places back at the table. The king of kings and his queen in front of their court watching the puppets dance, Melanie was very much aware of the similarities.
Randy pulled her closer to him and slipped one arm around her waist gently. She rested her hand on his shoulder, opting to look past him. She could feel his breath on her ear and neck as the music started. When the song started she gripped his shoulder a little tighter. This had to be someone's idea of a joke. She had listened to this song before. Non-stop for a week, the week after Declan had died. This was his favourite song. She felt the tears prick at the back of her eyes. She felt slight dizzy as the music washed over her. This was too much.
"Strange choice for a first dance", his voice was smooth in her ear as he led her around.
"I didn't pick it", Melanie choked out. She would not cry, not here and not in front of this man.
"I think your dad did", Randy replied. Then he never spoke to her again for the rest of the dance.
Why?
Cody's POV
I pushed my way over to my dad. Anger was bubbling and I was shaking from it. I saw the look in Melanie's eyes.
"Who picked this song"? I hissed at him. Dad stared back at me confused.
"I did. She used to listen to this one all the time. It was the one thing I could do for her", Dad just stared at me.
"Do you remember why she was listening to this so much"? I demanded. "Do you"?
Dad shook his head slowly.
"Should I"?
"You really don't care about her at all do you"? I turned and walked away. Dad stared after me, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Not right now.
On the dance floor, a single tear slipped from Melanie's eye. If Randy noticed, he didn't let on. But I noticed. I couldn't help but notice, and I couldn't help but feel completely and totally helpless.
Melanie POV
Randy kept me for two more dances before passing me on to Hunter. He gripped my waist tightly and I could smell the strong reek of alcohol on his breath.
"You know, in the past kings claimed first rights on new brides", he slurred.
I tensed my arms to keep him as far away as I could.
"You're not a king", I hissed. "You're just a bully in a suit".
I wondered if I had gone too far, a flash of rage was in his eyes. Then it vanished and he gave me an evil glare.
"Try to please him, I don't need a mopey champion representing my company", he paused and ran a finger down my spine. I resisted the urge to vomit. "You know, I'm actually curious just what kind of talent you two could produce with your gene pool. Why don't you think about that later"?
How could I possibly have forgotten, the worse was still to come?
Normal POV
It came sooner than Melanie would have liked. No sooner had Hunter finished his threats, Stephanie reappeared and ushered her upstairs to the bridal suite.
"Hunter just wants a quiet drink and a man to man chat with Randy, he'll be up soon enough".
She sat Melanie down and the dressing table and started removing the pins and tiara which held her hair up. She brushed out Melanie's hair smiling.
"Excited? I hear Randy is exceptional in bed".
"I really don't care", Melanie replied stiffly.
"Maybe you should", Stephanie put the brush down. "Anyway, bathroom now. Go change".
Melanie sighed and stood up. Seconds later she came back, her face flaming.
"If you think I'm wearing that"-
"Oh, I do"! Stephanie raised her voice over Melanie, her business persona taking over. "Unless you don't want your brothers to have a job"?
"I hate you", Melanie seethed. "You are a complete bitch".
"Watch your mouth girl, and do what you're told", Stephanie replied simply.
Thanks for reading, stay tuned for part 5 in which the wedding night goes ahead, Melanie bows to the Authority and the remaining Rhodes stand divided.