Taming My Arrogant Husband

Sophia's POV:

I took a deep, long breath before stepping on the red carpet down the aisle. I know it's just a contractual marriage, a deal between me and him and this isn't real, but I still can't stop my heart from beating loud inside my ribcage.

It's really deafening that I can hardly hear the wedding song that playing inside the church. That was Rian, singing 'This I promise you', and then I slowly lifted my eyes and looked straight at the altar. And there was my husband a few moments from now, standing in his dark blue tux and wearing a smile which I can't read if it's true or just an act.

Holding my purple bridal bouquet, I looked away from him and focused on the red carpet I walk in as I don't want to slip, lose my balance and fall to the ground on my wedding day. It's so embarrassing if that happens.

Craig and Mrs Kelley were standing in the middle of the aisle and waiting for me to get where they are. Aside from my now mother-in-law, I chose Craig to walk me to the altar despite Daniel's disapproval and to tell you honestly, I really don't know why. But of course, I didn't listen to him. He hasn't even given an opinion on preparing for this wedding, so why would I listen to him?

"You're so beautiful, Sophia Ysabelle," Craig whispered in my ear and kissed my cheek as Mrs Kelley did.

"Yeah, you looked ravishing and delightfully charming, sweetie." she gave me a motherly smile and hugged me tightly in the middle of the aisle.

How I wish I could turn back the time and change the past, so it's my own mother who could say those sweet words to me, so it's my father who could walk with me down the aisle to the altar. Who could both give me a warm embrace before giving my hand to the man who will be my partner forever. But no, I can't and nobody can.

I can't change the fact that my Mom left me when I was young and that my Dad didn't believe me when I almost raped and chose to believe those people instead of his own daughter. Especially the person who almost ruined my life and gave me memories that I will take until my last breath unless I get justice for what he did.

I can't turn back the time where I should have been happier and contented having a whole family. And didn't end up marrying someone just for seeking justice. Someone who knows nothing but judge and insult me for marrying him.

Tears of pain started running down my face and right at the last minute, my mind, my heart and thoughts were contemplating if I really needed to do this. Counting the rest of the steps in my mind, I felt Craig's hand on my arm. I glanced at him. He gave me an assuring smile before shaking his head and whispering these words softly...

"Don't ruin the last chance and opportunity you have Sophia. God always has a good plan for everything that is happening to you right now."

Taking a deep breath, I nodded and returned his smile.

And the moment of truth is here. We finally reached the altar. And once again, Craig and my parents-in-law after this ceremony gave me one last hug before passing my hand to the one who must take it, Danie Kelley. He's frowning slightly when he took my hand, but I just gave him a half-hearted smile.

He didn't say anything, he didn't even return that smile. I just sighed and walked with him in front of the priest. When the song ended, I glanced at the church's choir where Rian was currently standing. She smiled at me, secretly saying... 'Don't worry, I'm always here, Belle. I'll help you throughout the way'.

"Welcome everyone to the wedding ceremony of Daniel and Sophia Ysabelle. We have gathered here today to celebrate the most intimate bond between two people, marriage. You have all been invited here not just as guests, but as close and important witnesses of the love that Daniel and Sophia Ysabelle share."

I bit my bottom lip, closing my eyes tightly. 'intimate bond?' 'love?' Haha.. funny, we don't even have one. I sighed and glanced to the side only to find that he was looking at me intently. I also looked at him and never lowered my eyes, although deep inside, I was melting like a candle. It's the first time I ever stared into his eyes in the longest period of time without hearing anything from him. And I noticed what color of iris he has. Hazel brown eyes, a combination of gold, brown and green in one.

-'Wow!'-

And because of my amazement, I didn't realize I was already smiling at him. I was just pulled back to reality when his handsome face creaked and turned into a scowl before turning it back to the speaking priest.

-'Hmmp! Don't you really know how to smile? Rude!'-

I really don't know how I managed not to roll my eyes at him.

-'I'm sorry dear God'-

I silently muttered before focusing on the ceremony.

"May the blessings of life, the joy of love, the peace of truth, and the wisdom and strength of spirit, be your constant companion, now and always, as husband and wife...

...you may now kiss one another."

My heart started to pound faster again as soon as I heard the priest's last sentence.

All the people gathered inside the church who witnessed the ceremony were now clapping their hands and waiting for us to seal this marriage with our kiss.

I gulped when he lifted the veil and closed my eyes when he slowly lowered his head. I waited... waited... and waited... for his lips to capture mine, with the rapid heartbeat inside, tingling nerves all over my body, butterflies dancing in my stomach and mind dying with anticipation... but seconds has passed but I still couldn't feel his lips.

I was about to open my eyes when I finally felt it... 'on my forehead'.

My breath hitched for the silent disappointment. And how I wish I hadn't opened my eyes and stayed closed because when I looked at him, my mouth agape as I found him smirking. -'Really, on my forehead? What am I, your grandmother?'-

And suddenly an idea came to my mind. Raising an eyebrow, I moistened my lips and bit the bottom as I looked directly into his eyes. And bingo! I didn't miss how his hazel brown eyes turned almost brown. I also noticed his sharp breathing and the slight opening of his mouth.

-'Huh! Serves you right, my dear 'husband'! Yes, I'm still a virgin, but I'm not stupid!'-

And I gave him the sweetest smile I could muster before turning my eyes into the people who were still clapped their hands.

"Congratulations to the newlyweds! To the new Mr and Mrs Kelley!" Rian was the one who shouted and was also followed by the cheers coming from some guests and her parents.

My parents-in-law hugged us both with a wide smile on their faces.

"Welcome to the family, sweetie." my now Mom even in papers, kissed my cheek.

"Thank you, Mom," I said smiling at her.

"Son, take care of Sophie." I heard his Dad's whisper. "I know this is just an arranged marriage, but please respect her and treat her as your equal." and he patted his son on the shoulder.

I pretended not to hear them and smiled when he approached me.

"Sophie, thank you. It's now time to fulfil our promise," he whispered lowly as he hugged me.

"Thank you, Dad."

After taking photos in front of the altar, Daniel took my hand and we walked out of the church together. But of course, when we reached his car, he immediately dropped it as if he could get an infectious disease from it.

I just sighed and chose not to comment. I leaned back against my seat as I looked out the window, and tried to count all the trees on the side of the road as we passed.

My new journey begins here. I know from the very beginning when I accepted this agreement, it wasn't going to be easy, it will take half my life to be a fake partner and a trophy wife for a cold and arrogant husband.

But like what Craig said in the church earlier, I also believe that God has His plan or plans as to why He put me in this situation. I know and now I put all my trust in Him.