But I didn't want to argue anymore. I just looked straight ahead, letting him say whatever he wanted.
Mason finally lost his temper because of my indifference and shouted at me, "Audrey, what does your silence mean? Do you think I'm wrong?"
I let out a cold laugh, playing along.
"How could you be wrong? It's me who judged you unfairly."
I gave my usual response, but my tone carried an unfamiliar ease and mockery.
Maybe I was mistaken. For a moment, I saw a flash of panic in Mason's eyes, though it quickly disappeared, too fleeting to grasp.
As arrogant as he was, he wouldn't dwell on it.
Thinking I was scared like before, he smugly ordered, "I'll take you inside."
His tone dripped with charity.
When we arrived at the front hall, all the invited relatives and friends were already there.
Mason walked half a mile ahead of me, holding Claire's arm.
The usher naturally turned to Claire and said, "The bride needs to be separated from the groom for a while."
Claire glanced at me proudly, offering no explanation.
I was about to leave with a sneer when Mason grabbed my wrist and explained to the usher, "What are you talking about? This is my wife!"
It was the first time he had ever said that.
Mason stood up for me and called me his wife.
But soon after, as if my hand had burned him, he let go.
The ceremony flowed smoothly.
Soon, it was time for the bouquet toss.
Mason didn't say anything and handed the bouquet to Claire, passing right by me.
His eyes were slightly red and moist.
"I hope you find happiness."
Claire, holding Mason tightly, said tearfully, "Mason, you'll soon belong to someone else. As a friend, can you give me one last kiss?"
I stared at Claire in shock.
I was astonished by her shamelessness.
But what surprised me more was the crowd egging them on.
Mason and I hadn't informed our parents about the wedding, only inviting a few close friends.
I had painfully few friends, and most of the guests were Mason's.
Before the wedding, I had mentioned that it should be formal, with both our parents invited. Otherwise, it would seem like child's play.
But he claimed I didn't respect his wishes, and if I didn't want to marry, I should just say it.
The crowd immediately began to shout excitedly, "Kiss! Kiss!"
The host had never seen anything like this and didn't know how to proceed.
Their chests were pressed together, noses almost touching, as if they were about to become one.