Chapter 7 Wedding Bells

~^~ Tony watched as Andrew paled. "How do you-“ "Never mind that. Now why don't you apologize to the beautiful lady and be on your way." Andrew swallowed hard, glancing at Ann. "I've gotta go, Anna, I'm sorry. I'll call you," he said as he stood, watching as Tony shook his head in disapproval. When Andrew left, Tony occupied his chair, smiling satisfactorily at Anna who was no longer shocked but boiling with anger. "Who the hell do you think you are?" she snapped bitterly. "A man with connections and a tendency to always get what I want. It's amazing what people will say for money, his chauffeur is a chatty one." Anna gawked at his arrogance, but she later calmed, gritting her teeth and leaning back in her chair. "You want to do this? You want to challenge my actions and control me?" she raised a questioning brow. “I want you back Anna, and I’ll do anything to have you back. And not just you, your heart and soul too.” Anna snorted and stood. "Is that so? Well then, give me your best shot." With that said, she pulled back and grabbed her purse, walking out of the restaurant, and leaving a smiling Tony. He was up for the challenge. Time passed with the speed of a bullet and before Anna could fathom what was happening, it was the day of her wedding. She stared through the glass windows blankly, watching the activities of the city while she allowed the sun to beat her skin. "Anna?" she heard her name but wasn't interested in replying or regarding whoever it was. But she knew it was her mother - only she knew how to talk her receptionist into letting her up without permission. “Anna," Gianna called more firmly before she walked up to face her daughter. "Leave me alone, Mom," she protested when Gianna ushered her from the window. "You have to be ready in the next hour. Where's your dress?" she asked, glancing hysterically in her daughter's solemn face. "I didn't buy one," she said, smiling. Gianna rolled her eyes. "I knew you wouldn't, that's why I bought one for you," she said, watching as Anna scowled. Stella stepped forward, holding up the bag with the dress. "Come on Ann, you know you have to do this." Anna rolled her eyes and grabbed the bag. "I hate you guys." Stella smiled. "Go shower." Anna spent the longest time under the spray of water, not wanting to step out and face her harsh reality. She was prepared to stay a lot longer until the glass doors were pulled aside, welcoming Stella. "Get your butt out now," she warned, grabbing a towel from the rack and handing it to her. Ann complied and stepped into her room to find her mother on the phone. "She's being stubborn but we'll be there soon. Okay, yes I remember," she disconnected the phone and huffed at Anna. "Quit behaving like a child Ann and quickly get dressed," Gianna scolded. With much effort, Anna got her hair done and slipped on the dress her mother had bought. It was a creme-colored long-sleeved dress with a sequined neckline. It rested fittingly on Anna’s knees, the material hugging her body. "Mom, this is the best dress you could find?" she asked flatly. "The dress looks nice, love," Gianna defended. Anna scoffed. "For a sixty-year-old woman on her way to her grave. I'm not wearing it," she said, shrugging it off. Moving to her closet, she picked out a little black dress and turned, smiling. "Now this is more like it." "Ann, come on!" Stella disapproved. Disregarding Stella’s comment, she slipped on the dress. Off-the-shoulder long sleeves, a tight waistline, and a short flared bottom a few inches from her knee. She smiled satisfyingly and grabbed her favorite nude heels. "Now I'm ready. Let's go." Gianna and Stella’s mouths were agape with shock but they didn't protest. Instead, they followed behind wordlessly. *** Anna paused upon reaching the entrance of the church. As soon as she decided to get it over with, her mother held her arm. "Here, it's for Tony," Gianna said as she handed her the tiny box. Anna opened it and feasted her eyes on the small diamond silver plated ring that sparkled in the box. She shook her head. "You guys must like this guy." With that said, she moved inside to see Tony, her father, and her brother inside alongside the priest. She saw the shock in their gazes and wanted to smile at it and that she did. She smiled and approached them, stopping in front of Tony. "Sorry, I took so long. I was experiencing a little cold feet," she said with a tight smile, glancing at Tony’s attire. Tuxedo. Well wasn't he the gentleman? "Shall we begin?" the priest asked, gaining a nod from Tony who returned his gaze to look intensely at Anna. As the first words left his mouth, Anna gritted her teeth, unable to believe the actuality of it all. The wish she had made years ago was coming true, but now it wasn't a wish she fancied or liked. She disliked every moment of the priest's words, she disliked that Anna was staring at her throughout - as if it were real and he was deeply in love with her. Anna’s throat corded as she looked away when Tony repeated the words the pastor told him to, conviction in each word. When it was her turn, she did it forcefully, wanting to cry her eyes out but didn't want anyone to mistake her sadness for happiness. When all was done with, they exchanged rings, Anna, swallowed hard when her eyes met up with the beautiful diamond rock. Her lips further trembled, resulting in her clamping her lips tight to prevent a sob. "I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride," the priest exclaimed jubilantly.