Chapter 11

(Author’s POV)

The soft amber light illuminated the room as the evening descended. Aurora paced back and forth, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing louder in the silence of the suite. She glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, noting how little time remained before her life would change forever.

Her palms were clammy, and she rubbed them together nervously. ‘This is it. Soon, I’ll be married. Not just to one man, but to four… How did I get here?’

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She froze for a moment, then cleared her throat. 

“Come in” She called, her voice trembling slightly.

The door opened, and the head butler stepped in, his expression as composed as ever. Behind him, two women followed, both dressed in professional attire but exuding an air of superiority.

“Miss Aurora,” The butler said with his usual polished tone.

“These are Ms. Claire and Ms. Nina, the stylists arranged to assist you for the ceremony. They will ensure everything is perfect. Should you need anything else, please let me know” Aurora managed a small nod. 

“Thank you” The butler bowed slightly and exited, leaving Aurora alone with the two women.

Claire and Nina exchanged glances, their expressions subtly betraying their disapproval. Claire, a tall woman with sharp features, set down a sleek black case on the vanity table. Nina, shorter with a tight bun, folded her arms and surveyed Aurora critically.

“Well, let’s get started… Sit down over here, please” She gestured toward the vanity chair.

Aurora hesitated for a moment before obeying, silently taking the seat they indicated. She noticed how neither of them smiled or made an effort to ease her nerves.

“You’re paler than I expected,” Nina remarked bluntly as she opened a case filled with makeup brushes. 

“We’ll need to add more color to your face” Aurora flinched inwardly at the comment but kept her expression neutral. She didn’t want to cause a scene, especially not now.

Claire pulled the wedding gown off the mannequin and laid it across the bed with a sigh. 

“Be careful with the dress…It’s worth more than some people’s yearly income” She said flatly. Aurora’s stomach tightened. The remark stung, but she remained quiet, her hands gripping the arms of the chair.

As they worked on her hair and makeup, the stylists exchanged curt instructions and occasional murmurs between themselves. They tugged at her hair and applied makeup with precision but little care for her comfort. Aurora winced a couple of times but bit her lip, refusing to complain.

The moments dragged on, and though they worked efficiently, the atmosphere was far from welcoming. Aurora felt like an object being polished and prepared, not a bride about to embark on the most life-changing moment of her life.

After what felt like an eternity, Claire stepped back and examined Aurora critically. 

“There. That’ll do” She said, nodding in approval. Nina handed her the wedding gown. 

“Put this on carefully. We’ll help adjust it once it’s on” Aurora stood and took the gown, her fingers trembling slightly. She managed to whisper.

“Thank you”.

As she walked toward the adjoining dressing area to change, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her reflection looked stunning…like someone else entirely. But beneath the flawless exterior, she felt small, overwhelmed, and utterly alone.

It's been an hour or so since the stylists left, Aurora was sitting on the edge of the plush bed, fully dressed in the intricate wedding gown that sparkled faintly in the soft light. She clasped her trembling hands in her lap, staring down at the delicate lace of her dress. Her reflection in the nearby mirror caught her eye, but she quickly looked away, unable to fully reconcile the girl she saw with the one she felt she was inside.

Her heart thudded heavily, a mix of nerves and sorrow. A soft knock broke the silence, and before she could respond, the door creaked open. Aurora turned her head to see her mother stepping inside, her eyes immediately filling with tears at the sight of her daughter.

“Oh, Aurora,” Her mother whispered, bringing a hand to her mouth as emotion overtook her. She stepped closer, her gaze fixed on Aurora in awe. 

“You look… so beautiful, my darling. Like a princess” Aurora felt a lump rise in her throat as she met her mother’s tearful eyes. She stood and moved toward her, her own emotions threatening to spill over. 

“Mom…” She said softly, her voice trembling. Her mother took her hands and held them tightly. 

“I can’t believe this day has come. My little girl, all grown up,” She said, her voice thick with emotion. 

“I know this isn’t what you dreamed of, but… I am so proud of you. You’ve always been so brave, Aurora. So selfless” Aurora bit her lip, the weight of her decision pressing down on her. 

“I’m doing this for you and Dad,” She admitted, her voice cracking. 

“I just hope… I hope it’ll all be worth it” Her mother cupped Aurora’s face gently, wiping away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. 

“It will be, sweetheart. I know it will. You’ve always had the strength to make the best of any situation”.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, her mother reached into a bag she had brought and carefully pulled out a long, delicate veil. The lace trim was intricate, and the material shimmered faintly under the room’s light.

“This veil has been in our family for generations. Every bride in our family has worn it, and now, it’s your turn” Her mother said in a soft voice.

Aurora nodded, unable to speak. She knelt slightly so her mother could place the veil carefully over her head. The delicate fabric cascaded down, covering her face in a soft, ethereal haze. Her mother adjusted it gently, ensuring it was perfect.

“You look breathtaking, Aurora. Truly” Her mother said, stepping back to admire her daughter. 

Aurora stood still for a moment, her vision slightly blurred by the veil, but it felt oddly comforting…like a shield between her and the overwhelming reality she was about to face.

Her mother took her hands once more, her gaze filled with love and encouragement. 

“No matter what happens, Aurora, remember this, you are strong. And you are never alone. Your father and I are always here for you”.

They embraced, holding each other tightly, as if trying to draw strength from one another. The moment was brief, but it was enough to steady Aurora’s nerves for what lay ahead.

Aurora took a deep breath, nodded, and followed her mother out of the room, her heart heavy yet resolute.