Chapter 22

***Levi.***

Kenya, was escorted on her right side by Alan. Her arm, clutched affectionately in the crook of his elbow, walked the aisle to meet me.

She was accompanied by her elder sister, who I met earlier, and her Mum. Both women wore the same peach-colored dresses, though with varying designs.

I felt bad for Kenya. She had been disappointed, knowing her nieces couldn't make it to the wedding, due to their exams. The eleven-year-old Stacy and 8-year-old Lisa. I didn't know them, but their grandma had spoken so much about them at the table yesterday.

In no time, Kenya stood in front of me. Hesitant. Encouraged by Alan, she surrendered her hand to me. I took her hand, giving an appreciative nod to Alan. Mounting the altar steps, we stood before the priest, who began the ceremony immediately.

I watched Kenya appreciatively from beneath her thin, white veil. Beautiful. Dressed in a flowing, white lace gown, long and slit at the left thigh. Her hair, held in a low bun, accessorized with a long, thin white veil that came with a diamond comb. I sensed her distance and regret crept in. But one look at her bare neck and all trace of remorse evaporated. She wasn't wearing the necklace I ordered for this occasion. I was displeased. Forcing myself to focus on the ceremony.

Everything went in a hurried blur and soon the rings were exchanged. The priest excitedly declared that we were now husband and wife and I could kiss my beautiful bride.

I closed the distance, slowly. My hands pulled her closer.

Leaning into her, our breaths mingling, I pressed my lips to hers, slowly. Lightly. It was pleasant, stirring a familiar fire deep within my loins. But I felt her resistance. My voice grazed her ear. A whispered promise, audible to us both.

"I promise to make you the happiest woman on earth. You will never lack anything. Not even my attention."

I pulled away from her slightly, looking into her eyes. My heart, earnest.

"I'm afraid I can't say the same for you, Levi." Her confession, fierce. Her gaze, intense. My eyes suddenly turned dark.

"I would make you regret this day. So much so that you would only wish that you could turn back the hands of time."

The wedding breakfast was delightful.

Light, comprising of delicious foods, which had been organized for the intimate reception at my Malibu beach house. I had been impressed at the efficiency with which the house had been tidied for our arrival at such short notice. Knowing that I hadn't lived here in a while. Although staff cared for the place, I hadn't known what to expect.

Thankfully, the place turned out in good form. I would have wanted to head out to New York immediately. But something in Kenya's eyes, when she embraced her Mum, had prompted me to grant her reprieve. For in her beautiful eyes, I had seen an intense yearning. So I let her stay around her loved ones today and tomorrow. Perhaps head out to NYC by Thursday. Thank God I had Blake handling everything .

I smiled softly as I recalled how Kenya had inquired if I was going to hurt Blake that night she found out about Hank. She had no idea how far Blake and I had come. Way back to Hell's kitchen. A bitter taste rose in my mouth as I recalled my fury, when Blake had confessed his error over the phone to me that night. But I had later cooled down, knowing it had been an honest mistake.

Alarmed, I had immediately called Kenya to explain everything to her. To reassure her. To confess about that awful night, I had found her almost raped by Hank. But she had avoided my calls. So, doing the next best thing, I broke into her house. Ensuring I didn't lose her.

When she had asked me about that night with Hank, I had hesitated within myself. Unable to tell the truth to her. Because I had been scared of her judgement. Afraid of that disdain, I had once seen in Belle. So I had silently watched her piece the components of the story together. Watching her succumb to the pain of my betrayal.

But with our marriage, I intended to uphold my vow, even though she promised hell on me. I only hoped I hadn't destroyed the desire that once existed.

"Mr Ruthford, thank you for inviting us. I hope you both have a blissful marriage." Alan's voice came.

The both of us, seated on the terrace at the back of the house, where we had gone to relax after breakfast, sipping brandy. The air was cool, from the sea breeze. Our hair tussling in the wind. I smiled in acknowledgment and turned a gaze to the sea, my eyes on a few people languishing on the beach.

"I have offered your wife a spot on my upcoming movie. I had confessed to her that I hadn't any idea that she was a tremendous dancer." Alan's voice dragged my thoughts back.

A frown suddenly climbed my face as listened.

"Of course at the time, she wasn't married to you, so I didn't need to inform you of this development. You should know, nonetheless."

There was a brief pause, where I silently studied the man, weighing my next words before I spoke.

"Did she accept the offer?" I asked, taking a sip of my brandy, the breeze rustling my hair.

"Naturally, you know Kenya." Alan breathed, slightly amused. "She was shy to accept the role at first." I stared at him with an expressionless gaze. "But her sister was able to convey to me that she accepted the offer."

I nodded my head absently. Then seeing that Alan awaited my response, I shrugged. "She is my wife." I began, quietly, gaining Alan's full attention.

"Our marriage doesn't impair her career aspirations. Rather, I believe it gives her an added advantage."