Chapter 6: Wedding Day

“What?! And what did you say?” Mia asked, her eyes wide in disbelief.

As expected, Mia was completely shocked by my news. Honestly, I still couldn’t believe it myself — that I was getting married to someone I didn’t even know.

“Do I have a choice?” I said, hugging myself tightly.

Mia stood up from the couch and began pacing the living room of my apartment, her frustration obvious.

“You shouldn’t agree to this, Eloise! This is your life we’re talking about! This isn’t just some event where you stand in for her like before — this is marriage!”

I avoided her gaze. Mia knew everything going on in my life — she was the only person I could confide in.

“I know,” I whispered. “But if I don’t do this… what happens to the orphanage? Because of my connection to Everharts, I’ve been able to help them. Mother Celine’s treatment at the hospital — it’s all because of their money. I can’t just turn my back on them, Mia. They’re my only family.”

Mia let out a frustrated sigh and sat beside me, her eyes filled with concern. But before she could say anything, the doorbell rang.

She rolled her eyes. “I’ll get it.”

I let her go while I stayed on the couch, feeling completely drained by everything happening in my life. Moments later, Mia returned, carrying a large box.

I frowned. “What’s that?”

Mia shrugged. “I’m not sure. But it’s for you.”

She set the box on the table in front of us. Curiosity got the better of me, and I opened it — my breath caught the moment I saw what was inside.

A wedding gown.

I almost gasped as I lifted the gown carefully. My eyes widened because of the beauty and elegance of it.

The fabric shimmered under the light.

I could feel the delicate lace and intricate embroidery of it – it was ethereal.

It was like something out of a dream.

So soft, feminine, and yet regal.

“That’s… stunning,” Mia whispered, clearly mesmerized.

I swallowed hard and nodded, but beneath my admiration, there was a deep ache in my chest.

This gown meant the wedding was really happening. There was no turning back now.

But as I inspected the dress, my fingers brushed against something off.

I froze.

There — along the side of the gown — was a noticeable cut. It wasn’t part of the design; it looked intentional, like someone had taken scissors to the fabric.

Mia saw it, too, her face darkening with anger. “What the hell—”

I smiled bitterly. “She’s really trying to mock me,” I said, my voice low. “But I won’t let her win.”

—

I stood at the massive chapel doors, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of my chest. The doors opened slowly, and I took my first step onto the long red carpet.

The chapel was filled with guests, and every single one of them turned to look at me.

“Wow! Look at her! She’s stunning!”

“She’s the perfect bride! So gorgeous!”

“I’m so jealous!”

Their words floated around me, a mix of awe and admiration. For the first time in my life, I felt seen. I wasn’t second best. I wasn’t a shadow.

And even though I knew this praise was meant for Celeste — not me — I let myself enjoy it, just this once.

Then I saw her.

Celeste Everhart stood near the bride’s section, her eyes locked on me.

A piece of cloth was covering half of her face to hide it.

She’d gone out of her way to dress similarly to me — probably trying to reinforce the illusion — but the shock on her face when she saw me told me everything I needed to know.

She was shocked seeing how intricate my wedding gown was.

When I saw that it was damaged, I immediately altered the lower area. Making it more elegant and classy.

She hadn’t expected me to look like this.

I smiled inwardly. She thought she could humiliate me, but I wouldn’t let her.

My parents waited for me halfway down the aisle. They walked with me the rest of the way, their hands warm and reassuring on mine. And then we reached the altar.

And the groom.

The moment I laid eyes on him, my breath caught.

This… wasn’t what I expected.

He looked nothing like the cold, cruel man the rumors and articles had described. There was no trace of ugliness or harshness — only a striking, almost otherworldly beauty.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding even without a word. His hazel eyes — framed by long, dark lashes — held mine in an intense stare. Thick, well-defined brows framed his sharp features. His lips were full and a deep shade of red.

But it was his hair that drew me in the most — dark, soft curls that fell around his face with a careless grace.

I swallowed hard.

Why did he feel so… familiar?

I didn’t know this man — and yet, something about him tugged at a memory just out of reach.

But this man was my husband now. I supposed I’d have time to figure it out.

My father placed my hand in his, and his grip was strong and sure. But even through that touch, I could feel the ice in his stare — and the warning behind it.

“Happy now?” he asked quietly, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I turned my head slightly, startled by his words. “What?”

“Don’t think you’ll get what you want after this marriage, woman,” he said coldly.

His voice was like ice — it sent shivers down my spine.

I stared at him, my heart pounding. “I… don’t understand.”

But he didn’t answer me. He just faced forward, his expression hard and unreadable.

And so the ceremony continued, like we were nothing more than actors reading a script — two strangers bound by duty and nothing else.

—

The reception was held in a grand ballroom, filled with glittering lights and endless guests. People kept coming to my table, offering congratulations and well-wishes. I played my part perfectly — I’d had enough practice pretending to be Celeste, after all.

But there was one glaring problem.

My husband — Sebastian Whitmore — was nowhere to be found.

The chair beside me remained empty, a silent reminder of the distance he clearly wanted to maintain.

I tried not to let it bother me, but as time passed, the absence grew heavier. I scanned the room, searching for him.

But he was gone.

He hadn’t been by my side since we arrived here.

And maybe this was his way of showing me exactly what kind of marriage this would be.

But instead of feeling angry… I felt something else.

Worry.