A Hopeless Pursuit (Forbidden Love Series Book 10)

Lisa walked down the aisle slowly as an overwhelming feeling of completeness filled her mind. She felt at peace with her life, she would now legally belong to the most awesome man. They would be now united for life. Liam came forward to receive her.

Laurence placed her hand into Liam's. "She's now yours for life. Take care of her," he said softly.

"I will always, bro," said Liam. He led her towards the altar where the wedding ceremony was to be held now.

"Please be seated," started the officiant to the guests.

"First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here on this happy day. The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can’t imagine spending another day of your life without them. For Liam Parker, that happened about 2 and a half years ago when he met Elizabeth Lennard and fell in love with her at first sight. I saw how deeply these two care for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another. I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, my name is Stephen Jones and I am a close friend of Eric and Ethan Parker," introduced the officiant as Liam unconsciously caressed her hand. It calmed her down, comforting her immensely. The officiant spoke briefly about their love story and ultimately it was time for the vows to be exchanged.

"Dear beloved and honored guests, we are gathered together here to join Liam Parker and Elizabeth Lennard in the union of marriage. This union is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. The bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now," said the officiant.

Clearing her throat, Lisa looked deeply into Liam's eyes. "Liam, I cannot express in words the amount of love that I feel for you. I think you felt that already. From the day we met, we had this strange sense of belonging towards one another. You made me feel so special, so cherished. You made it your goal to make me feel safe, protected, and loved, something which I had not had much experience in feeling. I'm so glad that our love for one another has transcended all hurdles. So now, today, I want to promise you that will stay with you through all of the thick and thins, at your highest and lows, through ups and downs forever. In the presence of our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you,  to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live," said Lisa with shimmering eyes. A few from the audience had tears in their eyes as well. Liam smiled indulgently at her and his hand touched her cheek softly to comfort her.

"Since the day we collided, I knew that I was in love. I had to work hard to snatch little moments with you. I patiently waited for you to grow up, to mature, and in the process felt more in love with you. I love how you always opened up to me, how you always cared for me, how you always waited for me, and how you always ran into my arms. You taught me so many things, patience, appreciation, tolerance, self-control. I was lost when you were in trouble. I had thought that I had lost you forever but I'm thankful to God that we found each other again. I promise to always be there for you Lisa, to shelter you and protect you with all my life. I will be truthful to you and will honor you always, care for you, and stand by you in times of joy and sorrow. I won't ever let you go after a hopeless pursuit of happiness, of true love, of you," he vowed as tears of happiness started falling from her eyes. Liam wiped them away lovingly.

Everyone clapped. "And now," said the officiant. "Can I have the rings please?" Tyler and River's son Ryder came up with the rings. He handed the ring to Liam first.

Liam slipped the ring onto Lisa's finger and spoke solemnly. "I, Liam, take you Elizabeth, to be my lawfully wedded wife,  to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,  until death does us apart."

Lisa too picked up the ring and slipped it onto his finger saying the same thing to him. Since no one had any objection to their wedding, they proceeded with the 'I dos'.

"By the authority vested in me by the state of Nevada, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," said the officiant as Liam already captured her lips in a hungry kiss. Dave nudged Liam.

"Cut it, short bro," he reminded Liam who released Lisa with a grin.

After a while, the wedding photography session started. Sophia avoided the asshole who she found out was Liam's best friend called Dave. Thankfully he wasn't interested in her and ignored her very existence. Victoria drooled over him and Sofia gave her glares of disapproval. After the photography session, they all proceeded to the banquet hall in the main building. The banquet hall was beautifully decorated with balloons, flowers, and crystal chandeliers. They were served refreshing drinks before serving lunch. There was a huge table laid to accommodate all of them. Silver vases with white roses, purple hydrangeas, and lavender and pink peonies served as centerpieces at regular intervals. In one corner, a dance floor was being readied for the first dance.

The music started to Ellie Goulding's 'How long will I love you' and Liam led Lisa to the dance floor. It was a very slow, romantic song and Lisa chose it for themselves. Everyone clapped after they were done and then the groomsmen took over, dancing to some peppy numbers in perfect synchronization. Afterward, lunch was served and the speeches started. As Dave spoke, Sofia concentrated upon her mobile, refusing to even look at him. The man somehow brought out the worst in her and she was glad that she'd never get to see him after today. The speeches were over and they all tucked into the delicious food.

Afterward, the couples took to the dance floor. Victoria danced with Kevin who was another friend of Liam. He was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy and they did a fun dance with each other, happily giggling away. Sofia sat with Walter and sipped an amazing mocktail when a hand caught hold of her hand and took away her drink.

"What the hell!" She muttered angrily looking up to blast the person who had a death wish. Her eyes met the electric blue ones of the horrendous Dave. He kept her drink on the table and hauled her up from her seat. Sofia was shocked at the roots of her hair. Before she could realize what was happening, he pulled her into his arms for a dance.

"Let go, you creep. I don't want to dance with you, " she said, trying to push him away. But he didn't budge an inch as he held her in a firm grasp and with a smirk on his face kept on dancing. She looked around and saw everyone happily enjoying the party. Why did such things happen to her always? After her futile struggles against him, she just gritted her teeth and decided to bear the torture. Strangely, he didn't say a word to her, just stared at her in a creepy manner. The music came to a stop and he released her. She whirled around and walked away towards Arianna who was sitting with baby Aries, talking to Carmella. Sitting beside them, she fumed for the rest of the time.

Finally, the cake was cut and everyone celebrated and congratulated the newlyweds. Liam whisked his bride away and left for his building while the others enjoyed the after-party. Since Victoria wanted to enjoy more, Sofia decided to take a cab home. She walked down towards the main gate when a sports car suddenly skidded to a halt before her. The door opened and the horrible Dave came out. He strode towards her and picking her up, placed her on the passenger seat of his car, and locked the door.

"Hey, asshole. I don't want anything to do with you," she said furiously. He turned a deaf ear to her and sat down in the driver's side and drove off with a very angry Sofia spewing out curses at him.