Diana POV
I sped up driving to the airport, still wearing my wedding gown that has been drenched from the rain. I never knew whom my mother set me up to get married with, nevertheless, my tears never stopped falling as soon as I ran out of the altar. In this day and time, my mother still desired to arrange a marriage for me to secure her wealth and status. Being the only child, I cannot refuse the person who raised me alone... given that my dearest father died early on. From then, my mother has been strict and very decisive of her only child who is the future of our small family.
EARLIER TODAY
"DIANA WOODSWORTH!", Kate, my assistant and best friend hissed as she pulled the covers over me. "It's almost eight in the morning and you are still in bed?? Wake up now and get ready! You're getting married in a few hours!".
Wearing a thin night gown, I shuddered as the cold breeze course through my skin. "It won't matter if I'm late, right? The wedding is still going to happen", I answered her with my eyes closed and hands clutched to my shoulders.
"Yes, and we don't really have a choice. I don't understand why Mrs. Woodsworth would fix a marriage for you. You're 28, and the future medical director of the DW Medical Hospital, not 18 and ignorant.", Kate said as she press the buttons on the remote control to open the thick white curtains of my windows surrounding my bedroom. "The weather isn't in approval too. Look at how the rain is pouring outside... But regardless of that, I am in charge of getting you ready or else Mrs. Woodsworth is going to kill me. So get up now and get ready! ", she clicked her tongue as she forcefully pull me up and push me to the bathroom.
"Okay, okay.. I'm going..", I timidly answered and walked straight to the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror and swept my jet black hair from across my face, tucking it behind my ear. 'So this is my fate, as drawn by my mother - become a doctor, lead a hospital and get married to a stranger', I thought to myself as I drag my feet under the cold shower to wake up my senses in this unbelievable reality. I looked out the window seeing how the sun shines brightly, and at the same time, the finely thin drops of rain convectionally falls down. 'Funny how the sky is half hearted which to choose - let the sun shine alone, or let the rains own the sky', I sighed.
As soon as I stepped out of the bathroom, Kate immediately grabbed me towards the vanity table. "Hurry up! We have wasted so much time!", she pushed me down on the wooden settee and started to brush my damp hair. Just then, I noticed that she's wearing a thin strapped blush pink long gown, and she stand outrageously beautiful in her nude stilletos. Her naturally blonde hair is swept on one side highlighting her pale skin and brown eyes.
"I didn't know you would look this pretty today Kate, I'm proud", considering Kate have always maintained a conservative image with her hair up in a bun, and her thick eyeglasses on.
"It's my best friend's wedding, so today's an exemption! I even bothered to get a pair of contact lenses. Anyway, what kind of look would you like to have? ", she smiled as she comb through my hair with her fingers.
"Kate, I don't want an extravagant bridal look. Let's go with a more natural one. You know, my everyday look?.", I asked. I don't usually wear makeup, and if I do, it's very minimal.
"Is that the reason why you didn't hire a make up artist? It would be nice to see you get all dolled up today.", Kate pursed as she skillfully blowdry my long wavy hair, weighing it down to my waist.
"Today is not too special anyway".
Kate continued to dry my hair until its finally set with a natural wavy look. Not too long, she started with my makeup. I smiled a little, seeing how serious she is despite that we both didn't like the marriage idea my mother came up to. I may never want this marriage, but I cannot unwillfully disobey her. I would hate to disappoint my mother since I am all she have. Lost in my thoughts with a frown on my forehead, Kate hugged me from my back, and gave me a small but comforting smile. We exchanged no more words from then. We both knew that surely, tears would be streaming endlessly. I wouldn't want to waste Kate's efforts too.
I changed to my wedding gown and noticed Kate's eyes widen. I truly expected that my mother would indeed make sure that I would stand out on this day. She chose a white laced serpentina wedding gown that accentuated my curves. If I were to choose one, I'd rather have a ball gown that would hide my chest and curves, instead of this very uncomfortable gown.
"Do I look.." before I even finish my sentence, Kate blurted out. "Stunning!! Your groom would be head over heels crazy for you as soon as he sees you!". Kate held my hand in joy, while I feel anxious. Hoping for a miracle that would make me escape this blunder. Just in time, our butler, Hendrick, slowly opened the door and said, "Dr. Diana, it's time."
Thirty minutes have passed and still my groom haven't showed up. How could he be late? I heard that his family were so eager towards this marriage, just like my mother. Instead of waiting in the bridal car, I insisted to go inside the church despite the light rain drizzling outside. The driver hesitantly opened the door and helped me step out of the car. Kate handed me a bouquet of white roses, and put up an umbrella worried not to ruin my hair and makeup. Then, she guided me to the entrance. The doors opened and the musicians started to play. Everyone were struck in awe as I slowly walk down the aisle and stand in front of the altar.
Unknown faces filled the parish. Most of them were my mother's business partners and associates, whom I am not familiar with. I gave my mother a small nod, who was elegantly wearing a white suit, and white pumps. We were never relatively affectionate towards each other, but I know she cares for me. We had this certain kind of mother-daughter relationship where we connect subtly.
Moments later, the mother of the groom seemed to have receive a call. I noticed her face turn white, dropping her pink lips as if in shock. Thereafter, she turned to me with that uncertain steps and a frown wrinkling her forehead. She held my hand, and then, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders tightly and whimpered,"I'm sorry, my dear. But my son is not coming".
My heart stopped and couldn't believe what I heard. Even if it was a gloomy, and rainy day, it still felt like the brightest day that I ever had. I slowly pulled her away and looked at her with my mouth open. No words came out. My eyes swelled in tears as I drop my bouquet of white roses, held my gown up and ran out of the altar. I'm so happy in tears knowing that I'm not the only one desperate of running way.