Taming A Billionaire

It was a hubbub of activity at the Spencer's manor. Why? Today was finally the wedding day.

"Why do I have to get this shit on my face? Reina loves me however I look," Niklaus complained as the makeup artist "tortured" his face - in his own definition.

Eden, seated beside him, merely snorted, focusing his gaze on the large vanity mirror, observing the changes made to his face. 

Both looked extremely handsome and breathtaking in their tailor-made royal blue tuxedo, with silk satin notched lapel. They each had a black patented leather pair of tassel loafers and a white pocket square. The only difference was that Niklaus had a black cummerbund and bow tie while Eden had just a bow tie only. Still, Niklaus wasn't relaxed and had been grumbling over the past hour. 

"Seriously, don't tell me you're having cold feet," Eden asked, giving him a questioning look. 

"Pfft!" Niklaus laughed it away, pointing to his chest, "Who? Me? Cold feet?" he gave his cousin another ridiculous laugh. 

However, Eden had on a passive look that wasn't amused by Niklaus' dry joke. He kept on staring at him intensely until the laughter gargled to a stop. 

"Fine. I too I'm developing cold feet," The great Niklaus admitted, wonders shall never end! He looked away embarrassed, after all, It wasn't an easy feat to admit he was having second thoughts about this marriage. 

Eden simply said to him with a serious tone, "I don't know what you're thinking, but you're marrying Reina, not Kay - they're two distinct people. She loves you, you love her and I honestly feel sorry that little angel ended up with a man like you. So get your shit together because hurting Reina means hurting Camille and she is hurt, means I'm hurt too. I won't like you much if that happens," his warning was clear - the wedding must go on!

It was not difficult to figure out the source of the problem. Niklaus had married Kay and the marriage turned out to be his worst nightmare. Even if he's gotten over the trauma, the scar deep inside would still haunt and remind him continually of his mistake - one he was about to commit again, as claimed by his mind.

Niklaus took a deep breath, calming himself down. He started to chant in his head continually, "You're getting married to Reina, not Kay," He never intended to make a big deal out of this but the memories of his previously failed marriage had saturated his senses. He couldn't help but wonder, was he making the same mistake again? 

"Seriously," Came in a vexed Pablo wearing a black tux with a shawl lapel and black tie like the rest of the groomsmen outside, "The pastor isn't going to wait forever," he hinted they were running late. 

"We're done," The beautician announced, turning their swivel seat around for Pablo to appreciate their handwork.

The man in question was blown away by their attractiveness especially with the way they were posing a smug grin. However, he composed himself and said blandly, "Not bad,"

Eden and Niklaus almost stumbled from their seat in disbelief. Just that? Not bad? Has Pablo seen any other face as majestic as theirs, made by the heavens and capable of snatching the hearts of all the maidens nearby? Maybe they overdid this a little. But seriously, why was he so stingy with compliments? Today was their day and he was supposed to make them happy.

"Fine," Pablo gave in as they sulked, "You both look so charming, sophisticated, breathtakingly handsome, and dashing that I wish beyond reasonable sense that I'm the bride you're about to spend the rest of your life with," He fawned dramatically. Pablo intended to sound sarcastic, unknowing the reverse was the case. 

There was a sudden silence in the room as Niklaus and Eden gave him an odd look after digesting what he just said. 

"You're a big dreamer but don't worry, with time they would come through " Eden hinted he wouldn't be the one to fulfill that kinky fantasy and took his leave. 

"What?"Pablo was now the one confused. He didn't mean what he just said, it was just to cheer them up. They couldn't have taken what he said seriously, right? 

"I'm sorry Pablo but I love boobs and ass which you sadly don't have," Niklaus gave him all-around body scrutiny, patted him on the shoulder sympathetically, and left after his cousin. 

"Seriously! " hissed the flustered Pablo when he saw even the makeup crew steal pointed glances at him with stiffed snickers while making their exit.

He would never attend weddings again, Pablo sighed and took his leave. It was time to chain those Casanovas to a woman forever and ever, Amen.

In the bride's room:

As expected from women, the bride's room was a clutter of discussion as the women laid down their unnecessary complaints and gossip.

"Stop talking," the makeup artist working on her face warned her.

"I know but I'm just trying to make sure everything is perfect," she breathed out, fidgeting with her hand nervously. 

Even with the helpers they hired, the wedding arrangement was nerve-wracking since she had to ensure everything was in place ranging from the venue to the clothes - there was no room for mistake.

"Chill girl, nothing's going to happen," assured Camille, her co-bride seated beside her, who squeezed her hands tenderly.

"I know but I can't help it, I feel sick," Reina fanned her face and even gagged.

"Are you pregnant again?" Camille was concerned. This wasn't the first time.

"What? God, no! I'm not! I've been careful and taking extra medications...." she faltered and inhaled deeply, "It's just the nerves - I thought I've gotten over this annoying disease already," 

Camille smiled in understanding, it was not that surprising for first-time brides - she was one too. She was just not bothered, why worry over things that were bound to happen? Moreover, if the worst happens and Eden abandons her? His loss! She would eventually find someone better, who would love her wholeheartedly - yes, she was that confident! 

"You love Niklaus, right?"

"Of course," Reina gave her a stupid look, "Else why would you think I'll marry that crazy man," Yep, she didn't mean to call him "crazy" but the nerves were making her vexed.

"Then relax, you're safe. Nothing is going to happen," 

"Everything could happen," Reina listed, "I could strip and fall; I could lose the ring; my kids could blow up the whole place - by the way where are they?" she hasn't set her eyes on them today thanks to her running here and there. 

"Eyes close please," the beautician pleaded for the umpteenth time already so she could perfectly fix her eyelashes. 

"They should be in their room getting prepared by Miranda. Everything's under control so stop behaving like the world's about to collapse!" Camille scolded her with an annoyed countenance. 

Forcefully, Reina pushed the negative thoughts to the back of her mind, she had to keep a positive mindset especially today. 

The other women were here including Emily. Though she would have loved to stay back with her son at Lincolnshire, Akim himself had threatened her to leave else he'd force himself to fall sick. So she had to attend the wedding with Judy of course, who has been treating her like a frail egg after discovering about her pregnancy. 

It was going to be a difficult birth because of the complications from the past, the doctor had told them when they went for a complete checkup. But she was confident of having a safe birth since Lincolnshire had the best resources available for that.

The chatter was on the increase that they didn't notice someone was knocking until the door was almost barged down.

"Oh my," Emily's hand flew to her mouth when she discovered it was Sakuzi on the door, "Come in," she let him in. Everyone had finished changing into their clothes so there wasn't anything to hide anymore.

Though this man was Reina's father and wouldn't harm them, everyone still feared him since he carried an unnatural bloodlust around him as if he was bathed with blood. 

"Princess," Reina's face brightened when she heard that voice. She turned around and hugged her father while everyone else grimaced. 

How could she be so comfortable with him? Father or not, some people weren't that close to their parents, not to mention one that was a mafia leader. Well, another man's meat is another man's poison.

"You look so.... " the man was out of words to describe her radiating dainty appearance.

"Beautiful?" Reina suggested. 

"No, dazzling," the man said, cupping his daughter's face lovingly. He added, "And happy," 

Suddenly, Reina's throat clogged with emotion, "Dad" she pulled him into a warm hug once more, fighting back the tears. She shouldn't ruin her makeup. 

"The past seven years have been the best part of my life, Reina. You brought back light into my life, daughter and I'm so glad to see that same light on your face now," 

Reina sniffed, she really shouldn't cry. That makeup took quite a time. 

Sakuzi continued, "Which is why I want you to be truly happy this time. Let go of the extra grudges now, "

Reina's brows furrowed in confusion,

"What are you talking about, father? " she was beginning to feel slightly uneasy. 

"I brought some people, Princess," Sakuzi told her with an uncertain face which she recognized clearly as his gambling look. Her father was about to piss her off. Greatly. 

At the same time, the door opened to reveal two people Reina prayed she would never see in her lifetime, again.