WHERE IS HOME

Ella gritted her teeth as Maya’s venomous words pierced through the hall.

“You are so shameless, Ella. Why are you so determined to marry this terrifying man? Oh, I see. You want to disgrace my family because no one would marry a woman like you. And this man, desperate as he is, went as far as posting on social media for a wife. You two deserve each other.”

Ella tightened her grip on the hem of her gown. Her fingers dug into the fabric as if she could crush the world in her hands.

“Of course, Maya, we all know how she has lived. Since no one would marry a woman like her, she has no choice but to marry Elion,” someone murmured, provoking laughter that echoed across the hall.

All eyes turned to Ella, but she did not flinch. Her voice cut through the chaos like steel.

“My Lord, my husband and I are ready for this marriage.”

Elion tilted his head slightly toward her direction. His eyes were unreadable, his expression cold, yet a faint tension tightened his jaw. He said nothing.

It is preferable to spend the rest of my life with this man, even if I do not know him, than to remain a prisoner in the Madisons’ house, Ella thought. She forced a faint smile and turned to Maya, sitting smugly beside her parents.

“Maya, you have always called me a sister, and I have never asked for any favor from you…” She paused, looking at Elion’s witness, Henry, before continuing. “As you can see, I have no witness. Miss Madison, will you do me the honor of being my witness?”

Maya’s fists clenched. Rage flickered across her eyes, but her mother’s subtle gesture held her back. She rose with an evil smile and walked deliberately toward Ella.

“Ella, I’ve always considered you my elder sister. My parents treated you like their own. We want the best for you. Since you have chosen to marry this man…” Maya’s eyes landed on Henry, words laced with disdain, “we will support you. I will be your witness.”

Whispers rippled through the hall.

“She’s so considerate,” one young woman murmured.

“I’ve always envied the Madisons,” another replied.

“The Madisons are indeed saints,” said an older gentleman.

“If I were Maya, this girl would have signed her marriage as both bride and witness,” one of Maya’s friends whispered.

The Lord Mayor cleared his throat. “As the couple now has witnesses, we shall proceed with the signing.” Certificates were laid out, showing the spots for signatures.

Elion signed first, his fingers gripping the wheelchair handles. The hall erupted with murmurs. He rolled forward, facing the crowd like a shadow in motion, daring them to judge.

“This man looks like the devil himself,” whispered a young woman in a red gown.

“I now believe Ella has secrets,” the older gentleman said. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t marry him.”

Maya’s friend shook her head. “She really wasted her beauty. How could someone so stunning marry this… creature?”

Ella’s signature was next. She barely noticed Maya signing and offering a hug that felt more like a shove, a mockery disguised as kindness.

“Ella, I wish you a happy ever after,” Maya said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Ella said nothing, her face unreadable.

Henry, Elion’s witness, signed carefully and placed the certificates in a sea-blue folder. He leaned close and whispered into Elion’s ear.

Elion did not wait for the Lord Mayor to announce them as newlyweds. He gripped the handles firmly and rolled out of the hall, leaving Ella frozen in place.

Henry followed silently. They disappeared through the doors, leaving Ella behind. The crowd’s eyes were sharp, filled with mockery and pity.

Tears stung her eyes. She stared at the floor, trying to avoid the gazes that threatened to strip her dignity.

“Did your terrifying husband just abandon you after signing the marriage?” one of Maya’s friends sneered, prompting whispers from the rest.

“How can you marry someone you’ve never even spoken to?” another asked.

“The man didn’t even greet his bride. Not a word,” the older gentleman said, shaking his head.

Mrs. Madison’s cold voice cut through the hall. “Ella, you are married now. From today, the Madisons have no link to you.”

“She’s right, Ella. We don’t want to see you again. Do not return to the Madisons,” Mr. Madison added.

Tears ran down Ella’s cheeks as she knelt, feeling utterly alone. Her mind raced.

Where do I go? My husband abandoned me. I don’t know where he lives. I can’t return to the Madisons…

She broke down, sobbing.

Just then, a sharp cough echoed from the door. Heads turned. All eyes fixed on the entrance.

Ella froze, her heart pounding violently in her chest. She did not move. Her mind screamed questions she could not answer.

Who is that? Could it be him? Or is someone else about to change everything?

A shadow appeared at the door, tall and deliberate. The hall went completely silent, every whisper dying in anticipation.

And just as Ella lifted her head, she saw a figure step forward…