Lake (Trinity Academy 3)

There’s a moment’s silence before I say, “Lake Cutler, you are the most unexpected and greatest gift of my life.” I take a couple of breaths so I won’t start crying. “During the dark night of my soul, you were my lighthouse. Your light shone through the storm so I wouldn’t lose my way. With a gentle heart, you’ve taught me that any bridge can be crossed. You have filled my soul with riches, and for that, I vow my life to you. I will love you so much in this life, the deities will have no choice but to give you back to me in the next life, and the life thereafter, because no life is worth living if you are not by my side.”

When we have finished our vows, Layla brings a gourd, and each of the sides has wine in them.

With two hands I receive one from her, and when Lake has his, we drink the wine together, showing that we are now two halves coming together as one.

When the ceremony is completed, I smile up at Lake, and my heart is at peace, knowing my mom must be proud of me for marrying such an honorable man.

“Fuck. Lake just got married,” Mason suddenly whispers, and his face is filled with shock.

“Are you being serious right now?” Kingsley asks. “You were standing right there while they were saying their vows.”

“I know, but it just suddenly hit me,” Mason explains.

Falcon pats him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, I felt it too.”

Lake places his arm around my waist and leaning down, he whispers, “You’re the most beautiful bride in the world. Thank you for becoming my wife.”

Standing on my toes, I wrap my arms around his neck. “Salanghaeyo, Lake.”Chapter 20LakeLast night I wore a royal blue suit with a purple tie. The blue represented my mother, whereas the purple represented Lee’s mother.

Standing by the door, I welcome the guests, and when the guest of honor arrives, I incline my head to him and his mistress. “Chairman Park, thank you for gracing us with your presence today.”

“Mr. Cutler,” he says, his mouth set in a victorious smile.

I watch them walk to my father, Mr. Chargill, and Mr. Reyes.

Dad glances at me, and I nod, indicating that we’re ready.

Mason comes to stand slightly behind me, and whispers, “It’s showtime.”

“Let’s do this.” I walk to the front where Falcon is standing by the table that’s been set up for us to sign the marriage license.

My father approaches the table with Mr. Park and gestures for him to take a seat, and Mr. Reyes takes the other.

I watch as Mr. Park reads the document, and glancing up I see Mason and Kingsley waiting next to the aisle. My eye catches Kingsley’s, and when she smiles at me, I feel a little of the tension ebb away.

Layla and my mother are with Lee, so I know she’s in good hands, and I can give my full attention to this moment.

Mr. Park finally reaches the last page, and he proudly signs his name on the dotted line. Mr. Reyes signs beneath him, and Mr. Chargill and dad sign as witnesses.

When the men shake hands, Falcon steps closer, pretending to assist his father to his feet so he can be right by the table and ready to switch the blank contract with the signed one, the instant Kingsley distracts Je-ha.

Then after Je-ha has signed the marriage license I can tell him to go to hell and the signed contract will be destroyed.

Mr. Park gets up and adjusts his jacket with a smug look.

He walks around the table toward the aisle, and I subtly walk to the front of the table blocking the mistresses view, just in case she glances this way.

Kingsley begins to walk and glancing over her shoulder, she says, “You know I love you more than chocolate.” And then she slams into Mr. Park, and I actually cringe when they both fall into the line of chairs. Luckily, Kingsley landed on top of Mr. Park, and she pushes him down when he tries to get up. “Oops,” she exclaims. She pretends to lose her balance and almost elbow him in the groin. “So sorry.”

“I don’t think that was an accident,” Falcon says. “It’s a pity she missed.”

Falcon gives Mason the sign, and he rushes forward to help Kingsley up. “Babe, are you okay?” he pretends to fuss over her, and wrapping his arms around her, he hugs her tight before they walk to the front row.

“Mission accomplished,” Falcon whispers. “I’ve swapped the contract for the fake one.”

“Now for the grand finale,” I say as I walk to the front and take my place.

Dad comes to stand next to me. “That went better than I thought it would.”

“Thanks to everyone,” I say as I give Kingsley a thankful smile.