Chapter 1
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Regulus Arcturus Black and Dorothy Beatriz Selwyn"
"You all have come here to share in the formal commitment they are making to one another, to offer your love and support to this marriage, and to allow—"
Regulus zoned out the priest, he just wanted to get this over with.
As he stood at the alter, he started regretting every major decision he made in his 24 years of life.
"Marriage is a bond unlike any other. It is a commitment to stand by one another in all seasons of life, to be each other’s confidant, support, and greatest champion."
I should have left with Sirius when I had the chance. Otherwise I wouldn't be here and could live happy. Be me.
"Dorothy and Regulus have chosen to walk this path together, and today, we honor and bless this decision."
More like our parents chose.
"Marriage is more than just the union of two individuals; it is the merging of two lives, two families, and two sets of dreams and aspirations."
In this case a merging of two, big companies for the greed of these heartless people.
"It is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and love. It requires patience, understanding, and a deep commitment to nurturing the bond you share."
I shouldn't have started anything with Barty.
He looked across the room at the guests. Barty was supposed to be sitting in the second row with Evan and his cousins. But they just had too much history.
"Your love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple."
I shouldn't have fallen in love with James. Heck, I shouldn't have even given in to him and started that whole mess.
"The tradition of marriage is one that values family, community, and the wisdom of—"
It only now dawned properly on him what was happening.
Regulus is getting married. He put off doing so for as long as possible, but his mother started urging for him to marry. There's so many problems with that. For one, his future spouse a girl. Two, he's being forced into it. Three, Sirius can't come. And four, his future spouse is a GIRL.
James and Regulus are past lovers.
Regulus hasn't moved on. He thinks if he invites James, that old spark could relight.
Dorothy doesn't want this either. They could keep their professional relationship and be happy on the side, right?
No, that's stupid.
Oh shit.
Shit. I invited James to my wedding. I invited my ex who I'm still in love with, to. My. Wedding.
Thank god he declined.
"And now, before we proceed to the vows, I ask if anyone wishes to object this marriage, please rise now or forever remain silent."
Regulus silently wished James or Sirius would emerge out of nowhere and do so. Or for his parents to finally realize they are causing their son a lot of pain. Or for his cousins to help him out. Instead, the only response was silence.
"Very well," the priest seemed almost disappointed, "Regulus Arcturus Black, do you take Dorothy Beatriz to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish her, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
Resisting the urge to sigh, Regulus spoke, "I do."
The rest of the ceremony went by as Regulus spoke off the script he had to memorize.
---
The reception was in the backyard gardens of one of the Black family's enormous mansions.
It was decorated by their maids and butlers by string lights, black roses, yellow carnations and white and purple tulips, along with many standing tables for food and drinks.
Regulus had to deal with all the insincere attendees and their meaningless "Congratulations!" as he moved through the crowd to find Evan, who apparently stepped out for a cigarette.
Upon reaching the front porch, James was met with a tanned face. Not Evan's, but James.