Paying Karma Love

11 Secret Weddings

Sofia hands a bouquet of white lily flowers into Audrey's hands. "Dear Audrey, you look so beautiful like the goddess of love Aphrodite. Rein will be fascinated to see you. Plus this lily as a symbol of the sanctity of love, I pray you guys be a happy couple forever."

Audrey couldn't hold back her harbour.

Sof, I'm sorry, it should be you who now stands as the bride wearing this beautiful dress. I feel bad for taking your position. I'm sorry also because Rein and I can't possibly be a couple forever. Our marriage was a show, just a contract. There is no love in this marriage until any time. I promise you when you recover I'll take you straight to Rein's side,

audrey's mind is full of sadness.

Sofia held Audrey's hand and calmed her best friend down, "Don't cry, Drey, the makeup will wear off."

"Tante, could you please put the wedding veil on Audrey's head? I can't stand up from this wheelchair." Sofia asked Audrey's mom.

"Sure, dear."

Audrey again shed tears when she saw her mother put a white lacy veil on her head. Guilt re-emerged in the recesses of his heart. He had disappointed his mother with a contract marriage. Though his mother had been very understanding and loyal to accompany him in the slump. Even his mother was willing to move the contract to save her only daughter from terror. Yes, after Dave's death, Audrey's house was often pelted with rocks, dirt or animal carcasses at night. Therefore, the three of them had to move house several times in order to live quietly. Audrey again remembered the curse that Mama Dave had made. Perhaps what he is experiencing now is the karma he must bear for Dave's death.

A woman who was about the same age as Audrey's mother, walked into the bridal dressing room. The woman looked elegant and elegant with a long magenta-colored dress. She is Mrs. Valeria Bratawijaya, Mama Reiner. Sofia introduced her to Audrey the day before the wedding. Different from her son, Mommy. Valeria is a warm and friendly woman. She did not look down on Audrey's social status and accepted Audrey as her son's future wife. Mrs. Valeria also did not ask about Audrey's decision to replace Sofia. Apparently Ms. Valeria believes in Sofia's determination to choose Audrey as Reiner's life partner.

"Tante, the bride is ready. See Aunt's daughter-in-law is very beautiful," said Sofia welcoming the arrival of Ny. Valeria.

Mrs. Valeria stared at Audrey's face and appearance with amazed eyes. "True, Audrey it's a shame you're so pretty. Her dress, hair, veil and makeup are perfect. Come on, we're out now. The wedding ceremony is about to begin."

Mrs. Valeria held Audrey's right hand, while Audrey's mother held Audrey's long tail dangling backwards. Sofia who was assisted by Bi Mila with her wheelchair followed them from behind.

The wedding ceremony was held in the garden behind Sofia's house. The park has been transformed into a beautiful wedding venue. In front of the door to the park, Papa Sofia, Mr. Jonathan, is ready to stand welcoming the arrival of the bride and her favorite daughter.

"Pa, please take Audrey to Rein's side" Sofia smiled at her papa.

Mr. Jonathan replied to his daughter gently, "Sure, dear."

Mrs. Valeria handed Audrey over to Mr. Jonathan. Audrey's feelings were filled with sadness. Seeing Mr. Jonathan accompanying her as a substitute for the bride's father, he recalled the sweet memories of his childhood with the Papa. Her father died in a motorcycle accident when Audrey was 9 years old. Ever since her father left, Audrey became a very quiet child. Sofia is the only friend who can restore Audrey's little cheer. Now Sofia understood exactly how Audrey was positioned, so she gave up her papa to accompany Audrey to walk to the wedding altar. Sofia is an angel to Audrey. As Sofia struggles with a deadly disease, she keeps thinking about every detail to make Audrey's happiness perfect. Audrey realized that this little sacrifice she had made was not worth all of Sofia's kindness.

In front of the wedding altar, Reiner was already standing wearing a white tuxedo suit. Reiner looked like a handsome prince coming out of a fairy tale book. Some distance away from where Rein was standing, there was Nicko, Rein's assistant, who was accompanying a man in a black suit. The man's face bore a resemblance to Reiner, even though he was no longer young. Audrey was convinced that the authoritative man was none other than her future father-in-law, Alexander Bratawijaya.

The closer to the altar, Audrey's heart rate skipped even faster. However, Audrey was determined to confirm her determination until the wedding ceremony was over. Reiner's eyes could not help but watch Audrey walking gracefully towards him.

Mr. Jonathan handed Audrey's hand to Reiner. "Congratulations Rein, may you two be a happy couple."

"Thank you Jonathan" replied Reiner flatly as he clasped Audrey's hand. For the second time, Audrey and Rein's hands touched each other after their first meeting at the restaurant.

"Well the witnesses, it's time to say the wedding vows. Reiner Hilario Bratawijaya, are you willing to accept Audrey Maureen as your wife, and accompany her in her joys and sorrows?" the pastor looked at Reiner.

Reiner replied in a steady voice, "Yes, I'm willing."

The priest turned his eyes to Audrey. "Audrey Maureen are you willing to accept Reiner Hilario Bratawijaya as your husband, and accompany him in joy and sorrow?"

Audrey tried to answer the priest's question, but her mouth was locked.

"Do you intend to make Sofia's condition worse now?" rein asked closer to Audrey's ear.

Audrey ignored Rein's question. With a single deep breath, Audrey forced herself to open her mouth and say the wedding vows.

"Yes, I am willing," Audrey replied in a trembling voice. The promise of marriage that had just been spoken from her lips was like an empty sentence.

"Now you are officially a married couple. Please put on each other's wedding rings and the groom can take off the bride's face cover."

...****************...

After the wedding procession was over, Sofia who was sitting in a wheelchair, assisted by her servant came forward. Sofia approached Reiner and Audrey and hugged them in turn.

"I want you to do your first dance as husband and wife" Sofia said excitedly.

Reiner and Audrey are shocked to hear Sofia's request.

"Darling, what is first dance for? We have to leave soon, we have not much time. I've followed all your wishes, now obey me."

"Please, Rein. I promise this is the last thing I'm asking of you. After the dance, we immediately leave," said Sofia pleading.

Reiner could not bear to hear his lover's plea. With a clumsy feeling, Audrey welcomed Reiner's hand inviting her to dance. Audrey has never danced before, she doesn't even know how to dance. There was a faint smile on Reiner's lips, as he looked at the nervousness on Audrey's pretty face.

"Follow my movements. Don't you step on my foot" whispered Reiner in Audrey's ear.

Reiner continued his words while starting his first dance with Audrey.

"It turns out you are good at acting also in front of your best friend. I didn't expect your pride to be so high that you dared to refuse me a billion dollars. Or maybe you wish you could get more treasure while being my wife? Look, your hope is that it won't come true because Sofia's gonna get well soon."

"One more, remember our agreement. You have to keep this marriage a secret to outsiders. Because I want to marry Sofia right away when Sofia's done having surgery. The public can only know Sofia as my only future wife."

Audrey was shocked to hear Reiner's rude remark. Indeed, Audrey could guess Reiner's true nature through the articles she made in the marriage contract agreement. But, Audrey did not expect that this man was blatantly showing an arrogant and hateful attitude towards her. I don't know what made Reiner put a bad label on Audrey, but they never knew each other before. Reiner considered Audrey's good intentions of making Sofia happy as a sneaky plan to gain higher social possessions and status.

"Enough, Mr. Reiner. Your talk is outrageous. I don't care what you judge me like. All that matters to me is Sofia's recovery. I always pray that Sofia's operation will be successful. After that, Sofia will marry you and I will be free from this marriage," Audrey replied.

"Hmm, so our thoughts are the same as they seem," Reiner sneered to Audrey.

Audrey couldn't stand it anymore and let go of Reiner's hand. "We better end this dance."

Reiner gestured for Nicko and Bi Mila to approach him.

"Nicko, close the show now. I'll go change clothes first. Are the cars and planes ready?"

"It's Mr. Reiner. You can go right away."

"Bi Mila, have all of Sofia's belongings and medicine been put in the car?"

"Here you go, sir."

"Good, then between Miss Sofia now get in the car" Reiner ordered Bi Mila.

"Good, Sir."

Bi Mila hurriedly returned to Sofia and whispered something in her master's ear. Sofia's face turned sad.

"Drey, I'm sorry that Rein and I have to leave now. I promised Rein. Sorry you had to be alone on your first night of marriage."

Audrey shook her head, "Sof, don't you think about me. None of this matters to me. Now focus on your health and recovery. Trust me, the operation will work. I will always pray for you from here."

The two friends hugged each other. Audrey wants only one thing in her life, Sofia's recovery.