BURNING DESIRE, I WANT YOU, DEAR UNCLE!

Chapter 1

Looking in the mirror, I could hardly believe the woman staring right back at me. Her hair was styled to perfection, her makeup was flawless and gorgeous, and her dress was a work of art. She looked so much like a princess, who's ready to be whisked away to her happily ever after. This breathtaking princess, this perfect princess, is me.

But beneath this perfect surface, uneasiness and disappointment are fighting for dominance.

I couldn't stop my mind from racing, thoughts of disaster and heartbreak swirling through my head. I knew for a fact that I was unable to go through with this, I couldn't bundle myself and get married to a man whom I knew clearly I don't love. But it's too late to turn back now, I was already dressed for my wedding.

"You should get ready to go out now," Mum says gently, her voice tinged with a mixture of excitement and concern. "Your husband is already at the altar waiting for you."

I flashed her a faint smile, trying as best as I could to mask the turmoil of emotions that lies beneath. Today is my wedding day, a day that should be filled with joy, laughter, and anticipation. But for reasons best known to me, I couldn't find it within me to feel happy – like, I don't even want to be here.

As I struggled to maintain composure, my best friend Tiana entered the room.

"It's ready," she announced, her voice filled with warmth and support.

Her presence somehow brought a glimmer of comfort amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

"Mum, you need to excuse us for a moment," I said, my voice gentle but firm. Mum nods understandingly before gracefully making her way out of the room, leaving us in privacy.

Turning to face my best friend, I lock eyes with her and ask earnestly, "What have you prepared?"

Her eyes shimmer with a mix of excitement and affection as she responds.

"The car is ready for you. You just need to get out of this place," she said, her voice infused with a sense of urgency and anticipation.

I nodded my head in agreement, understanding the need to escape the stifling atmosphere.

"Let me touch up your makeup; you can't afford to mess it up because today is your big day," Tiana said, her tone gentle yet determined.

I simply nod in response, allowing her to tend to the delicate artistry upon my face.

"Please, be fast. I need to leave this place," I urged her, my voice laced with a hint of impatience.

"I am done, look how beautiful you are," she said, her tone tinged with a playful whine, resembling that of a child seeking validation. I can't help but scoff at her endearing attempt.

"You need to make yourself happy, Aria," she gently reminded me, her voice filled with sincerity and concern.

"Call my mum. I am ready," I told her, a sense of readiness and determination surging within me.

"Mrs. Pierson," I hear Tiana call out to my mum, her voice indicating the transition to the next phase of this momentous occasion.

"Yes?" My mother responded, her tone brimming with excitement and nervousness.

"Your daughter is ready," she announced, her voice smooth and soothing.

I could imagine my mother's face lighting up with joy, tears of happiness threatening to spill – if only she knew I had other plans for today.

"Oh, that's wonderful news!" My mother exclaimed, the thrill evident in her tone. "Is she okay?" She asked, her concern for me shining through.

"She's ready," Tiana repeated, her voice filled with conviction.

My heart was pounding in my chest, the realization of what I was about to do sinking in.

"There's nothing to worry about," Tiana comforted me, her hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. "It'll all be over soon." I nodded, her words offering a glimmer of solace.

My mother entered the room, her eyes immediately searching for me. "My darling," she said, tears welling in her eyes as she spotted me. "You look so beautiful." I managed a weak smile, my own eyes beginning to water.

"Are you ready?" My mother asked, taking a step closer. I took a deep breath, nodding my head. "It's time."

My mother's hand rested gently on my arm as we began to walk towards the door.

The church's big doors swung open, letting sunlight stream in, making my presence known and shadowing my frame, but blinding the guests as they turned their heads towards my direction.

The guests slowly stood up one after the other, clapping their hands and smiling happily as though they're sharing my joy. Their faces filled with anticipation as they applauded my arrival.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I took a deep breath, ready to face the world, ready to start my new life. Soon they stopped applauding and simply watched me approach my groom at the altar.

My footsteps to echoed throughout the church as my heels made contact with the marble floor. My eyes locked with those of my groom, and I felt a rush of anger. I felt like I was floating.

After what felt like hours, I finally reached the altar, and watched my groom take my hand and make me stand next to him. The officiating priest began to speak, the words seeming to melt away in the background because I was only thinking of one man right this moment, and he is the love of my life.

I was too deep in thought that I didn't realize we're now about to exchange rings. My groom stepped forward with a ringing gently held between his fingertips, and this sight vexed me greatly.

Steven, my groom's voice, was soft and warm as he spoke, his eyes shining with emotion.

"I, Steven, take you, Aria, to be my lawfully wedded wife," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. "I promise to love and cherish you, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse. I will be your rock, your partner, your companion for all eternity."

Everyone applauded as he pledged his loyalty.

"Your turn," the priest turned to me, breaking my thoughts and urging my attention back to the present.

I raise my head, looking out at the assembled crowd. Unexpectedly, my eyes land on the one person I least expected to see, my uncle Kaid.

My heart leaps with joy, as I recall my mother's previous assertion that he wouldn't be able to attend. At this moment, I find it difficult to proceed with marrying Steven purely for my parents' sake. The sight of my uncle's kind and familiar face stirs something deep within me.

Feeling conflicted, I place a hand on my stomach, using it as a feigned excuse for my sudden distress. "Ahhh," I exclaim, putting on a performance of pain. Steven reacts swiftly, rushing to my side, concern etched on his face.

"Aria, what happened?" He whispers worriedly.

"I'm not feeling well. I need to visit the restroom," I say urgently, the need for escape overwhelming me.

Without waiting for a response, I quickly made my way out of the altar, leaving behind the bewildered priest and a confused Steven.