Chapter 9

The day my parents had been waiting for had finally arrived. But not me. When it’s a day you don’t wish for, it always comes too fast.

I stood before the mirror. Dressed in a stunning gown, my face touched with makeup, and my hair neatly styled. I stared at my reflection without emotion. In just a few minutes, we would be leaving for the church. I felt no excitement, only heaviness. The knock on my door jolted me back.

“Czes! Come out now, we’re heading to church!” Daddy called from outside.

I sighed deeply before standing up and opening the door. There he was, waiting in his black tuxedo. He looked so handsome, so elegant, standing tall and proud. If only this was my marriage to someone I truly loved and who loved me back, I would have praised him wholeheartedly. Instead, I felt like I was only waiting for this wedding to end.

Daddy guided me carefully down the stairs until I slipped into the car. Mommy sat in front, silent, while the ride remained quiet from start to finish. None of