High Society: Wedding Hesitation

High Society: Wedding Hesitation.

I like the loving wives category but it can be difficult to come up with something different and the comments are often ruthless. I try to explore alternate realities or situations with angst.

I do spell and grammar checks and proof read but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.

Please check the tags, don't read it if it's not your thing. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.

Best Wishes, Satin

****

This storey is loosely based on the 1998 film 'Sliding Doors' starring Gwyneth Paltrow. It's worth checking out, not least because of the star's fantastically plausible British accent.

Stephanie was simply stunning; she looked like a model, long auburn hair and deep brown eyes. She was a socialite and influencer and seemed to know everyone, constantly at the centre of what was happening.

So how did she end up with me 'Dan'... a fairly normal and average looking guy, it certainly didn't start well!

We had known each other 'at a distance' for years. After months of admiration, alright it was lust! I finally built up the courage to ask her out. Nothing gambled nothing gained they say; turns out there was a fair bit to lose, my pride for starters.

To compound an already poor decision, I asked her out in front of her friends at the university food hall. To say I was shot down in flames doesn't quite do it justice. By the time she realised I'd had the audacity to ask her out, all of her friends were broadcasting my impending demise live to social media.

There were too many people to count laughing at my humiliation. Even my best mates were there shaking their heads, no doubt wondering what on earth I had been thinking. To be fair, she could have been far crueller, but the look of pure surprise, followed by distain and the curt "No", was adequate to seal my fate.

All eyes were on me... fuck!

I stepped up on the table next to us and took a theatrical bow before announcing, "Alas I took my shot but got burned, I don't regret trying, maybe some of you guys laughing don't have the balls to go for it... I did! But I won't make that mistake again, and it might serve as a warning to anyone else who wants to try."

The laughing died down and I could see a few heads nodding, "The good news is, I now have a ticket for the Foo Fighters going spare, so if anyone fancies a date let me know!"

Melody a girl in my business class, shouted out, "I'll take that offer!"

I pointed at her, "Deal, with the pretty lady in blue!"

All was not lost after all; there were discontented rumblings from those who didn't shout quickly enough. Before the captain of the first 15 at rugby shouted, "If I'd known it was the Foo Fighters, you could have taken me out!!"

The whole hall laughed, I jumped down from the table and escaped with my reputation such as it was, almost still intact. Stephanie was not amused; she and her entourage looked furious and stormed off.

I found out just how displeased she was a few weeks later, "You prick!"

I must admit I was dumfounded, it may be true, but I had no idea why she thought so and continued to stare at her.

"No one will ask me out now because of you, they all think I am a right bitch!"

"Well you know... if the shoe fits!"

"I just said no, was that too hard to take?"

"You could have been kinder... you and your friends, but I had no idea it would backfire on you."

"I can't believe it, you made a right mess of things you absolute dick."

I checked, reminding myself I hadn't really done anything wrong, "Well having met you properly I am pleased you said no. Tell you what, just offer to put out; you're pretty enough, they will all be chasing you again in no time."

That did the trick... off she stomped again, much to my satisfaction!

We hated each other from afar after that but still had classes together.

She caught me my surprise a month or so later, "Why don't you just stop pretending you hate me and ask me out again."

"You wish! I tried that once and it didn't work out, I don't want a repeat of that futile experience."

"It might work this time, you never know until you ask! I am really not that type of person... you just caught me by surprise."

"But you didn't want to go out with me!"

"I hadn't thought about you that way, that's all."

I thought about it, she was stunning after all. But I couldn't shake the original humiliation, despite her apologies and insistence that she wasn't 'that person'. Weirdly the rejection seemed to be a challenge to her, maybe that had never happened before and she was struggling to cope. Either way I was being pursued by her and her friends, only just managing to escape with my virtue intact. Well not intact exactly, but certainly not shared with that cow!

***

We were both from affluent backgrounds; although nobody admitted it, marriages were often informally 'arranged' between the old families, and used to merge wealth and consolidate standing in society.

In Stephanie's case she was due to inherit one of the wealthiest estate and business portfolios in the area. There was a quirk where wealth was passed to the oldest daughter rather than son. This was a result of numerous philandering, drunk and gambling addicted young lords squandering fortunes, leaving their families destitute. Women then often needing to marry to ensure financial security.

My family were in a similar position. My Great Great Grandmother had suffered an abusive relationship; after her husband died she passed all the wealth onto her daughter, a tradition which stuck over the generations. That meant all of our family money went to my older sister Melanie. Only one person was designated to inherit, this prevented estates being broken up. To say we didn't get on was an understatement, I could forget about the family fortune. There was enough trust fund to get me through university and that was it. I couldn't complain, I could still live in the 'big house' at no cost and was acutely aware that not many people had that sort of privilege.

This all left me in a similar position to many 19th Century second sons or daughters, or even Prince Harry... the spare. The options then were: service in the armed forces, a career in the clergy, a profession, an arranged marriage or any combination of the above. Move on two hundred years and my options were not too dissimilar. I was hunting around for an entry level post graduate management position and struggling to find anything that I really liked the look of.

***

As the prodigal daughter, my sister felt within her rights to control my life. That is what led to seeing my old nemesis Stephanie and her parents at my home having dinner.

My heart dropped, I had no idea what they were planning, but I seemed to be in everyone's sights. She was as stunning as ever but had matured, dinner sitting next to her turned out to be surprisingly pleasant.

She apologised about our time in University, and suggested we get to know each other, before our parents and my sister got carried away. The penny finally dropped, this was a match making dinner and both families were keenly interested.

I wondered if my family would kick me out if I refused to engage with the whole process. Not something I wanted to test out at this point and Stephanie actually seemed... well nice!

So we started dating, leading us back to the start of this tale and the many virtues of my new girlfriend. When we went out, I was aware I often got 'a look' from people which asked the question, 'how did you manage that... she is out of your league!' Stephanie either didn't seem to notice or was particularly good at disregarding it. I wondered if she agreed with their assessments.

Despite that niggle life was good, we got on well and grew closer. Stephanie admitted to being a bit bossy, saying it ran in the family. I was pretty laid back but wasn't a push over, and told her when she was getting a bit too bullish. That balance seemed to work for us. She quickly established herself as part of my life and I really missed her when she was away doing media work.

If I was in any doubt about our relationship, our time in the bedroom 'put paid to' it. Stephanie was absolute dynamite, she had all the equipment, perfect looks and body but it was her pure enthusiasm which put her on another level. She loved sex, it was usually her suggesting it and she had great stamina, just about wearing me out. When we disagreed, she was able to fuck any problems away. Afterward I couldn't even remember what we had disagreed about!

***

That led to my proposal, I did the whole down on one knee thing in a Michelin starred restaurant... and she said yes!!!!!

Yes except... except I saw a slight hesitation. She covered it, saying she was shocked but so happy and "Yes, definitely yes."

Everyone cheered and we blushed our way through putting the ring on her finger and the whole restaurant applauding us. All the time my stomach was churning, what was that hesitation about? I thought she expected it, but she had looked shocked. We walked along the riverbank afterwards; it was lit with fairy lights and as I had hoped making it quite a romantic setting.

"Are you sure you want to get married Stephanie?"

"Yes I am sure."

"It's just... I saw you hesitate."

"I am sorry Dan, I really do want to marry you."

"There's a but coming, aren't I good enough for you or is it your family?"

"God no, your perfect husband material, it's me, the families and our circumstances. How much are we being affected by family pressures and the business side of things?"

I could see her point, I was sure I loved her, but was I head over heels in love with her? I had no experience to compare to. If I was being totally honest, did the wealth and financial pressure impact my decision to propose; that thought didn't sit too well with me at all.

Stephanie continued, "We are good together, and I hope our love continues to blossom or we could agree to be together for the pragmatic reasons. If that is the case, we will face all sorts of challenges and should be honest and accept that."

"Are you saying this is a marriage of convenience for you!?"

"No, I, I don't know, I am just trying to be honest!"

We talked around it for ages without adding anything new. I finally dropped her at home and drove away. Alone, I considered living without Stephanie... the truth was my life without her would feel empty!

I'd heard the rumours, rumours that Katherine her mother had a long term lover and her husband turned a blind eye to it all. Is that what Steph was considering? Maybe they started with a conversation similar to the one we were having.

***

A night in a bar didn't help me, when I finally dragged myself down to breakfast, there was a delegation waiting for me: my mother and sister and Stephanie's mother Katherine.

There was no doubting where Stephanie got her looks from, Katherine although heading toward 50 remained a striking woman. She had the same hair but with more curves and cut a powerful figure. Actually 'power' was a good word to describe her, she was ridiculously wealthy and that brought a high level of confidence. Her manner included a natural flirting element; I suspected she could charm most men quite easily with minimal effort.

Powerful also seem to fit the trio sitting in front of me. Between them they owned and controlled millions, much of it managed for them by their husbands, who were all in executive and board positions. This looked and felt like an ambush.

My mother led off, "Congratulations, we heard you proposed and Stephanie accepted; we are delighted for both of you."

"Yeah well don't get too ahead of yourselves, life isn't all a bed of roses."

Katherine picked up the baton, "It's natural to have doubts Rob, but we are here to help you make the right decision. Your future will be assured, my husband already has a career path planned out for you, and you could be managing your wife's whole estate one day!"

"That's hardly a loving relationship and Stephanie seems to have doubts about that!"

"Stephanie had a little wobble, but we've talked and she is seeing things clearly now. Just think of the lifestyle you will have together; you're a nice guy, and perfect for her. You can have a loving relationship, with a lot of other benefits as well."

I looked at Katherine, making sure she knew my next question related to her as much as Stephanie, "Tell me, does a marriage of convenience mean she will ultimately be fucking other guys."

"Of course not and to answer your direct question of me, Yes I discreetly play around a little; but I adore my husband and I take care of him. It works for us and we are very happy together."

My sister could see the danger of that confession and rushed to intervene, "That's not necessarily going to happen Dan. My marriage was agreed on the same principles, it's been five years and we haven't strayed!

"You make it sound like it might happen though!"

"It won't... Craig is one of the youngest Directors in the city and I am so proud of him. But we started like you and Stephanie and needed all the family support to achieve what we have. There is a lot riding on this for both families, not least your future. We are looking to merge organisations; all of the jobs, properties and everything we have is depended on continued growth."

My mother added, "You are reading far too much into this Dan. Stephanie's concerns stem from how we reintroduced you to each other, not about fidelity."

"What if I don't go along with it?"

"You'd have to fend for yourself, we retain control of everything and it all passes to your sister, but there is no need to even consider that."

Katherine took hold of my hand and looked me in the eye, "We're getting distracted by negatives and practicalities, you and Stephanie are perfect for each other! We'd be delighted for you to join our family with all that entails. Stephanie is petrified of losing you; she is at home crying and hoping she hasn't lost you by expressing a quite natural doubt."

***

I talked to Stephanie, whatever doubts existed, they were denied now. She insisted that she loved me and wanted nothing more than to marry me.

"It didn't sound like that Steph, it sounded like a business arrangement and at some point you might follow in your mum's footsteps. She thinks it's perfectly acceptable to sleep with other men, as long as she is discreet."

"I am not her, that's not what I meant and NOT what I want! For her it's more about control than anything else, she is paranoid about it."

Everyone seemed to be saying the same thing... be reasonable. That this was an amazing opportunity and would set me up for life! My mate Josh even outlined a worse-case scenario: if Stephanie cheated, I'd still be better off regardless of the result, compared to not going through with the marriage.

There was one other person I had to speak to... my father!

He knew it was coming and looked embarrassed before taking a huge breath, "Yes I know your mother cheats, at least she is more discreet than Katherine, but I am sure it still happens on occasion."

I'd had my suspicions and thought back to when I was 12 on holiday. I noticed my mum leaving the beach for an afternoon rest in our holiday villa. The noises coming out of her room didn't suggest much rest, but I wasn't sure what was going on and the child carer distracted me, taking me back out.

"And you're Ok with that?"

"Not really, but I can live with it! We had a family and I had responsibilities, so I stayed after forgiving her first... indiscretion. After that it was easier to turn a blind eye. Your mum still believes we are part of a great romance. She doesn't see her behaviour as wrong, it's not a priority in her life, and just something she does."

"Do you feel the same?"

"No, our lives are so busy, we get on, it's cordial and convenient. I hold myself back, that protects me and provides balance, like cheating on her a bit by not being all in. I love my work and hobbies, and I pretty much do what I like when I like. It's a good life, especially if you've grown up poor. I am sure a shrink would have a field day with it all."

"You were never poor."

"That's not true, you just never saw it. I excelled at college and business and became a candidate for your mum. But I grew up with very little, in that small cottage we used to sneak away to when you were kid. That was my family home growing up; your granddad scrimped and saved for 40 years renting that place. I bought it for him years later... only time I ever saw him cry!"

"Look, your mother isn't a bad person, you know that. She has different moral values to most people and there are a lot of issues surrounding control. When I was really sick, she dropped everything for six months and nursed me back to health without the slightest complaint. I owe her and not just for the wealth.

I wondered if Stephanie had a similar attitude. There was that arrogance back in University and she didn't lack for self-confidence. But I had seen a different side to her, she was caring and loving.

"I can't tell you what to do, but Stephanie isn't Katherine or your mum. Don't judge her against them; judge it on how you feel about each other."

The same arguments were going around in my mind endlessly. The engagement continued, and wedding arrangements went into full swing. Stephanie proceeded to try and fuck away any brains I had left.

All too soon it was the big day!

Everything was arranged with no effort spared. The event itself was huge, I couldn't believe that we could fill a Cathedral... a Cathedral for fuck's sake, it was so over the top, it was ridiculous!

****

(This is where our story diverges, the sliding door moment from the movie. A singular critical point in time, where a decision or choice can change your life forever!

And this point in time was in front of a huge audience... "Did I Daniel Jenkins take Stephanie Katherine McMasters to be my lawfully wedded wife?"

I felt distinctly feint, the words... 'I do' or the alternatives flittering through my brain. I looked into the deep pools of Steph's eyes and said...)

****

Scenario 1: "I do!"

Stephanie gave a sigh of relief before breaking into a huge smile. I did indeed kiss the bride and we received a rapturous round of applause.

Had I bowed to pressure? Stephanie eased my fears, I had never seen her so animated and happy. She looked absolutely stunning, mesmerising everyone in attendance. The wedding was a total success; our faces ached from all the smiling and photographs.

Our wedding night was everything I'd imagined and more, she looked flawless in her white bridal lingerie. I must have kissed every inch of her, until she insisted I focused on one particular inch. That was fine by me, I loved being buried between her thighs and it took little effort to get her off. She was still in the throes of orgasm when I entered her; letting her recover moving slowly, before picking up the pace. After an intense coupling, we manage to coincide our eventual climaxes. After a short rest we repeated the whole exercise at length, and again first thing the next morning.

I was in danger of injuring myself on the honeymoon; we were at it that often. Stephanie was insatiable, but I gave it a bloody good effort to satisfy her. Her confidence and assertiveness in everyday life certainly extended into the bedroom. And now we were married, she ramped things up! She had a love for lingerie, leather outfits and playing around. No matter what she wore, she looked like an Amazonian goddess and I was powerless to resist her.

There wasn't much time to settle in afterward. I was now employed and on the fast track at our newly combined corporation and working closely with my father, father in law and brother in law on the merger. We and other family members formed the core of the management team, supplemented by a broad range of professionals. I was really enjoying it, learning huge amounts and challenged every day, it was truly exhilarating and exhausting.