The wedding bells ring loudly from outside the church. Finely dressed people fill the pews staring at my dress. It’s a beautiful ball gown with a lace corset and ruffle straps.

The pastor turns to me. “Cordelia Hatley, do you take Torren Heath to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

I open my mouth, trying to force out the words. Mrs Heath is staring me, nodding and mouthing “remember our agreement.”

But before I can say anything, William, my William flings open the church doors and yells “My dear!” He runs toward me and pats me down. “Are you hurt? Did this man force you into wedding him? Are you okay? Please my dear, answer me!”

I stutter, looking at everyone’s shocked faces. “I’m perfectly fine. I’m marrying this man,” I say trying to sound serious.

William looks hurt, like I stabbed him. “My dear, don’t marry him,” he says, his voice all soft.

“What the hell are you doing?” Torren says.

William laughs. “The real question is what are you doing? Why are you forcing this magnificent woman to be tied down to your pathetic self?”

Mrs Heath stands, furious. “Don’t talk to my son like that.”

“I’m so sorry to have intruded, please do not waste your energy on yelling at me. I’m just here to pick up Cora, then I’ll be gone,” William says. He holds out his hand.

“I am marrying Torren,” I say.

“No you are not. I will not walk this earth without you. Now come with me my dear, I will treat you better than him,” William says.

I shake my head and say loudly, “I do, I take Torren Heath to be my lawfully wedded husband.”

William steps back and stumbles toward the door.