Ugly Bride

"Someone sent the bride downstairs",

The anticipation filled the air as everyone eagerly awaited her arrival.

Inside the room, news of the impending marriage broke, causing panic and a flurry of activity. Amidst it all, the bride sat silently, her head bowed, her mind filled with memories of what had transpired just hours before.

Three hours earlier...

"Dad, I don't want to marry that man! Please!" Misha cried out, unable to comprehend why her father would arrange a marriage with someone so unattractive, regardless of his connection to the Myers family.

"But... we can't offend the Myers family. You need to understand, Misha," Leo patiently explained to his beloved daughter. He always showered her with love and protected her, but this marriage was different. It was crucial for his business, and he had to secure the support of the Myers family.

"How about Irene marrying him instead of me?" Miley suggested, unable to bear seeing her stepdaughter in distress. Despite being her stepmother, she loved Misha even more than her own daughter.

Irene, who had been silently witnessing the family drama unfold, was shocked to hear her mother's proposal. She couldn't believe that her own mother would suggest such a thing, sacrificing her own flesh and blood.

All eyes in the room turned to Irene.

"Yes, Dad. Irene can marry him. They're a perfect match—two ugly creatures, a dumb bitch and a cripple bastard," Misha sneered.

"Watch your tone, Misha," her father scolded, walking over to Irene. "I think it's the right decision. Look at how much your older sister loves you. She's willing to give her husband to you."

Irene's eyes widened in disbelief. How could this man, who showed no care for her throughout her life, expect her to believe that he truly cared now? He only cared for Misha and his son.

"You agree, don't you?" Miley asked, approaching Irene.

"No, Mom..." Irene replied hesitantly, afraid of the consequences of defying her mother's request.

Smack!

"How dare you refuse? You bitch!" Misha slapped Irene, sending her crashing to the floor.

"That settles it," Leo declared before leading everyone out of the room.

Irene remained on the floor, crying and begging for her mother's comfort, but no one came to soothe her. Her eyes were bloodshot from tears, her throat raw from screaming.

She was accustomed to being treated like garbage, but she never imagined that she would be reduced to becoming a replacement bride for a stranger, a man she didn't even know.

Presently...

"Irene, what's wrong?" Her name being called snapped her back to the present, her face void of any expression.

"What are you thinking, Irene?"

Irene moved her lips, adorned with red lipstick. "Is this necessary, Miley?"

Miley's expression changed upon hearing Irene's question, but she quickly composed herself. However, her reaction did not go unnoticed. "Do you think we can back out of this marriage now, Irene? Do you think the Myers family will just let us go?Remember, everything depends on you, Irene. You hold the fate of the entire Jones family in your hands".

Irene lowered her gaze, her heartbeat quickening at Miley's words. She fidgeted with her fingers, nervously tapping them on her lap.

Summoning her last ounce of courage, she spoke again, "Do we really have to do this, Mom?"

Miley's eyes blazed with anger. "Don't you dare call me 'Mom.' You know how much I despise it."

Irene raised her eyes upon hearing Miley's words. "You're right, Miley. Let's go."

She rose from her seat, the weight of her heavily embroidered white gown causing her to stumble.

Miley sneered at her, observing how clumsy Irene was. "Can't you even handle this gown properly? How will you handle your husband?"

Irene clenched her fist, suppressing the urge to lash out. She thought to herself, "As if I ever wanted to marry anyone." However, she refrained from uttering those words aloud, fully aware of the consequences.

Miley gripped Irene's shoulder firmly. "Don't tarnish our image, Irene. You're going to represent the Jones family. Don't let your so-called ugliness show. You already look like a disaster to everyone, despite the heavy makeup. Don't make matters worse".

Tears welled up in Irene's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She knew they meant nothing to her family, so why should she waste her tears? She vowed never to show weakness to her mother—correction, to Miley. Her words had struck a nerve.

Irene nodded and stepped away from Miley. She wanted nothing to do with her. With cold feet, she made her way towards the aisle.

She never imagined she would find herself in such a position—getting married under these circumstances. Biting her inner cheek, she fought back the tears threatening to escape. It was a challenging journey she had to endure, but there was no other option.

Dragging her white, ill-fitting gown behind her, she continued walking, her weak figure struggling to maintain composure. The gown seemed to be made for someone else entirely, too tight for her slender frame.

As she walked, her eyes caught sight of the imposing giant door. She reminded herself, "If you step through that door today, your whole life will change, Irene. Think carefully before entering."

She was aware of the consequences. However, Miley's words echoed in her mind, "It's time you paid for all the expenses we've spent on you. So, don't ruin it. Your ugly face is getting a husband, so be grateful."

'You don't deserve to marry anyone, you pig'

Recalling these words, Irene steeled herself for what lay ahead. This was the final price she had to pay for everything.

Opening her reddened eyes, concealed behind a partially transparent white veil, Irene approached the ornate giant door. The sudden flood of light made it difficult for her to see clearly.

She took slow steps, knowing that she would have to face everyone, even though her face was hidden beneath the veil. As she descended the aisle, the weight of her solitude pressed upon her, as she should have been accompanied by her father like any other bride.

She could hear murmurs around her, but she clenched her fists, determined to endure everything that came her way. After all, this was the price she had to pay for being a part of the Jones family—a family that never truly accepted her as one of their own, always casting her aside in situations like this.

In the middle of the aisle, she came to a halt, noticing the priest waiting for her. However, there was no sign of her supposed husband, the man she was to marry that day.

Her heart sank at the thought that he might have refused to come, realising that he was being forced into marriage with someone as ugly as her. The humiliation she had already endured would only deepen if he failed to appear for the ceremony. She alone knew the weight of this embarrassment.

In an attempt to catch a glimpse of what was happening, Irene strained her eyes towards the entrance where the crowd's attention was focused.

"What's going on?" she wondered. "Why is everyone watching like this?"

Irene desperately hoped she wouldn't have to endure any further humiliation. The brightness of the light made it hard for her to see, but she could make out a shadow moving closer through the crowd.

"Ah, there's Miss Jones," a deep, unfamiliar voice resounded.

Irene narrowed her eyes upon hearing the voice, which carried a dark tone that unsettled her. She remained silent, observing the formally dressed man standing before her. Despite his impeccable attire, his presence overwhelmed her, draining her strength.

"Miss Jones?"