chapter 4

Chapter 4: Wedding Day

Mirrors don't lie.

Rayna stared at her reflection, unsure if the woman in the silk wedding gown was really her. The silk of her wedding gown hugged her body like a second skin, and the diamond-studded veil cascaded down her back like a waterfall of moonlight. She looked perfect. She looked like how a bride should look, elegant, poised, stunning.

But something felt missing , herself.

But inside, she felt like a stranger in her dress.

“You ready?” Serena's angelic voice came from behind, her best friend close to tears that she quickly blinked away.

Rayna smiled faintly. “As ready as one can be to marry a man she doesn't even know.”

Serena placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her a comforting squeeze. “You’re one of the strong people I know and I know you're doing this for your family. You’re the strongest person I know.”

Rayy nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Where’s Ivy?”

Serena hesitated. “Oh that bitch, she left right before the ceremony began. Didn’t say a word, where she was going, and I don't care if she goes and sticks her head in the dirt. I don't care!!.”

Rayna’s heart sank. Ivy hadn’t said a word to her since their fight. A part of her wished, foolishly, that her sister would come around. But she knows that Ivy’s silence was louder than any scream.

The grand doors of the chapel opened, and the silence in the hall was golden.

Cameras flashed. The press had been kept at bay, but enough guests had phones out to ensure her face would be all over social media by sundown.

Her father took her arm. “Let’s make this count,” he said in a gruff manner, not looking into her eyes. She nodded, and together they began the slow and steady walk down the aisle.

There he was. Denzel Connor Adams.

He stood at the altar, tall and imposing, graceful, Immaculate, Intimidating.

His tuxedo was custom-tailored, sharp enough to wound, well tailored enough to fit his body frame. He exuded an aura of power and wealth. But it was the way he looked at her that made her knees falter. Not with passion, not with admiration at least, but with a cold kind of transaction calculation like she was a business deal.

Like she was a sold item

The whispers were almost louder than the song music playing in the background.

Seems that's her?

That’s her?

Why her, of all people?

She looks afraid.

And she was. Afraid of the unknown, afraid of tomorrow. Of the cost this marriage might bring. But she lifted her chin in a graceful manner. She had to be strong, at least for Oliver, for her mother.

For Serena,

For herself.

For her future.

The ceremony passed in a haze. Vows were exchanged, a contract signed behind closed doors, and when the officiant said, “You may kiss the bride,” Denzel barely brushed her lips before pulling back like nothing happened.

Polite applause. No joy, no happiness, no smiles.

Only Serena's tearful smile from the second row, and Naomi's Baby Adams, Denzel’s younger sister, watching Rayna like she was a puzzle waiting to be solved.

At the reception, Ivy showed up not to congratulate but to make fun of her.

She stepped in wearing a Chanel designer gown that clung to her figure like a second skin, her heels clicking arrogantly against the limestone floor. All eyes followed, voices whispering. She looked like the woman who should have been the bride, at least that’s what she intended.

Ivy was all smiles, satisfied, like a green snake in the green grass, having caught the attention of people. Rayna sighted across the room, her breath catching in her throat.

“Well, well,” Ivy drawled as she approached the newlyweds, her eyes scanning Rayna from head to toe. “You clean up nicely, little sister. Your wedding dress almost made you look like you belong in his world.”

Denzel’s gaze moved to Ivy but just for a second, his gaze still remained unreadable. Rayna, however, straightened her shoulders, refusing to flinch an inch.

“Ivy,” Rayna said glady. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t want to miss it for anything,” Ivy replied, sharply. “It’s not easy for someone, let alone my baby sister to marry a billionaire. I had to come see for myself, how well you would fit into his world.”

“ Alright, alright. Ivy I think you've made your point clear.” Rayna said, rolling her eyes.

Ivy leaned in to whisper in her ears, her voice laced with hatred “Enjoy the sun while it shines, my dear little sister. Because trust me, in his world? In this his world? Shadows like you don’t get to shine for long.”

She turned away, cat-walking, glad of wine in left hand, already moving to the dance floor.

Rayna exhaled slowly, Denzel still silent beside her. But he knew Ivy’s words had sunk in her heart and the bite still stung more than a bee stung.

Raphael Mel Jakes did make it to the wedding, Denzel’s best friend and business partner. He offered Melinda a charming smile and a cryptic handshake, “Welcome to our world, Mrs. Adams,” before disappearing into the crowd.

Mrs. Adams, that word sounded strange to Rayna’s ears.

Rayna stood beside Denzel, her hand in his, smiled and posed for the cameras. The diamond ring on her finger sparkled like it belonged in her finger.

But she felt like she was drowning in another world, a world she didn't fit in.

The bride.

The Ornament.

The contract wife.

And this was just only the beginning.