006 The Quiet Ceremony

The civil ceremony happened three days later in a small room at the back of the mansion. There was neither guests or music to show that a wedding ceremony is about to take place. Just the registrar, a laptop with Eleanor on video call from Libya, Damian, and me. I wore a simple cream dress Eleanor had sent over. It fit well, but it felt wrong. Everything about this day felt wrong.

Eleanor’s face filled the screen. She smiled, but her eyes were tired. “This is the right step,” she said softly. “For Mia. For the family. I am proud of both of you.”

I stood beside Damian, close enough to feel the tension rolling off him. He wore a dark suit, crisp and formal, like this was just another business deal. He did not look at me. Not once during the short proceedings.

The registrar read the words quickly. When it was my turn, my “I do” came out steady but quiet. Damian’s was flat, almost mechanical. The rings were simple gold bands. When he slipped mine on, his fingers were cool against my skin. I did the same for him. Papers were signed. And just like that, it was done. I was now Lila Voss. Legally married to the man who blamed me for his brother’s death.

Eleanor wiped her eyes on the screen. “Take care of each other. I will call soon.” The call ended. The registrar left. The room fell silent.

Damian was the first to speak. “Your things have been moved into the guest wing. The nanny will show you the room. This changes nothing. You stay for Mia. I provide what is needed. That is the agreement.”

I nodded. “I remember.”

He walked out without another word. The nanny appeared moments later and led me upstairs. The guest room was large and luxurious, with a big window overlooking the garden. My suitcase and boxes were already there. I spent the next hour unpacking, hanging my clothes in the spacious closet, placing Alex’s photo on the nightstand, and arranging my sketching supplies on the desk. Each item felt like a small piece of my old life being forced into this new one.

By evening, the nanny called me down for dinner. The dining table was set for three. Mia sat in her high chair, smiling when she saw me. Damian was already seated at the head of the table, scrolling through his phone. He barely glanced up as I sat down.

Dinner was quiet at first. The cook had prepared roasted chicken, vegetables, and rice. Mia ate happily, occasionally reaching for my hand. I helped her with small bites, feeling Damian’s eyes on us from time to time.

“You are good with her,” he said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was neutral, but there was an edge underneath.

“She makes it easy,” I replied.

He did not respond. The rest of the meal passed in a very awkward silence. After dinner, Damian carried Mia upstairs for bedtime. I followed at a distance. In her room, I sang the lullaby while he watched from the doorway. When she fell asleep, he turned to me.

“Remember what I said. This is not a real marriage. Do not expect anything more.”

“I never did,” I said softly.

He left without another word. I stayed in Mia’s room a little longer, watching her sleep peacefully. Then I returned to my own room and closed the door. The silence felt loud. I sat on the bed and stared at Alex’s photo. “I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I’m doing this for Mia. I hope you understand.”

Sleep did not come easily. Around midnight, I got up for water and heard voices from downstairs. Damian was in his study, door slightly open, talking on the phone. I paused in the hallway, not meaning to eavesdrop.

“…Sophia would have known what to do,” he said, voice rough with emotion. “She always did. I still hear her voice some nights. Telling me to be strong for Mia. I miss her every single day.”

My heart clenched. I backed away quietly and returned to my room. The pain in his voice stayed with me long after I lay down. He had loved Sophia deeply. Losing her had broken something in him. And now he was stuck with me — the woman he blamed for losing Alex too.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of Mia’s laughter downstairs. I dressed quickly and went down. She ran to me when she saw me, wrapping her arms around my legs. Damian watched from the breakfast table, coffee in hand. He did not smile, but he did not tell her to let go either.

For now, that small victory felt like enough.

But I knew the real test of this marriage was only just beginning.