Chapter Eighteen
Tomorrow was her wedding day and Alexia was getting pre-wedding jitters. She was already missing Briar as grandma and his mom didn't let him visit her as per traditional beliefs. After breakfast she and her dad were sitting at the breakfast table, reading the local newspaper when a small article at the corner caught her eye.
Austin-based Billionaire caught up in a minor rape scandal
Austin based billionaire, Steve Cooper's son, the 28 year old, notorious Ralph Cooper was arrested last night for attempting to rape a seventeen year old girl near a local pub. The girl whose identity is being withheld, has slapped a case against the billionaire. It seems that he had been arrested before too for a similar crime. The girl's family has requested all who have undergone similar torture at the hands of Ralph Cooper to come forward with their cases.
Report your cases to
The Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration (SOAR) Unit
Austin, Texas Police Department
Call: 512-974-6280
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Alexia sat dazed after reading the article. Why did she leave the criminal? He attempted rape on a minor? He really was sick in the mind. She called Briar and sent him a picture of the news article through his phone chat window.
"Briar, I want Ralph Cooper behind bars. Please send all evidence we have to the above number. Let us strengthen the case so that he gets the punishment he so deserves," she said.
"Yeah, that's my girl. I'm proud of you that you finally could conquer your fears and rise up. Give me a few minutes. I'll call the Austin Police Department and then send them the evidence," he said disconnecting the call.
She showed the article to her father who was listening to her conversation with Briar. He smiled,"I'm glad that finally we"ll be able to nail him," said her dad.
Briar called after half an hour. He had spoken to the police chief and sent the evidence to them. They would strengthen the case against him. They might be summoned when the court case started. Breathing a sigh of relief that he would soon be punished for his crimes, she took deep breaths to calm her mind.
Mom came to visit her and gave her a head massage which relaxed her more than anything in the world. She lay on her lap as she stroked her hair. "Don't stress yourself sweetheart, everything will be fine," she consoled.
"Yeah mom. I know, did you too have this nervous feeling before your wedding?" She asked her.
"Yeah it's normal. Every girl goes through it. Just relax, listen to music. If it helps, I'll send Briar after dinner, but don't tell grandma that you met him. Okay?" She said chuckling.
"Yes mom. You're the best," she said kissing her cheek.
"I have to go now. You just relax," she said as Alexia shook her head. After mom left she helped Jude with the kids.
After dinner, true to her word, mom sent Briar to meet her.
"So wifey, I heard you were getting jittery? Are you scared that I'll ravish you on our wedding night?" He asked, holding her tight in his arms.
She grinned at him."Aren't you feeling anything?" She asked curiously.
"Oh yes, I'm feeling horny. I could make love to you here and now, but I can't torture your dad now, can I? " he said winking as she boxed his arm.
"Oof, wifey, are you taking boxing lessons? That hurt," he said, grinning.
"So, what did you do the whole day?" She asked him.
"Oh, I just dreamt of you naked in my arms, making love the whole night. I researched some new poses we could try. Then I took two cold showers. Then I drove to Austin to meet the officer in charge of the case. He was very friendly and helpful. They have slapped more charges on Ralph Cooper. They will inform us when the hearing dates are fixed. Then, I went to buy you a wedding gift," he paused to look at her.
"What gift?" She asked curiously.
His hand delved into his denim pocket and brought out a blue velvet pouch. He brought out a pair of beautiful, delicate diamond earrings in the shape of butterflies encrusted with diamonds. Taking them from his hands, she gasped with delight.
"They're exquisitely beautiful, Briar," she squealed.
"Wear them tomorrow, it's a wedding gift," he said. "Hope my wedding gift is ready?" He asked.
"I didn't buy anything yet," she said unhappily.
"I don't want you to buy me anything. Just give me your love. I want that more and more. I'm a very demanding husband, so you better get as much sleep as you can," he said, winking. They kissed passionately and then Briar left unwillingly.
Alexia had a good restful sleep. She didn't want to disappoint him tomorrow.
The next morning, the bridal party trooped into her house. The men and the boys were sent to grandpa's ranch like before. Briella brought a few makeup professionals to help them.
Everyone gasped once she was ready. She wore a floral applique tulle cap sleeve dress with an illusion mesh neckline. Sequined petals and blooms adorned the bodice. The sweeping train and mom's handmade veil added to its charm. Her hair was swept up with a jewelled comb. She wore the diamond earrings that Briar gifted her and the whole room gasped at the beauty of it.
"You're looking gorgeous. Briar will forget his vows for sure," said Brittany, chuckling.
The bridesmaids, Ivory, Brittany and Briella wore light coral coloured floor length one shoulder dresses with ruffles. Jude as matron of honour wore the same but in a deeper coral shade.
Paige and Sierra as flower girls wore the same dress as the bride, only shorter in length. Alexia chose a white rose and white orchids biedermeier bouquet.
Her father came in looking younger in a grey tuxedo with a white rose boutonnière. "Let's get you married to the love of your life, shall we?" He asked and Alexia nodded.
She left the house to start on a new journey of life, with the man she loved.
