A Wedding with the Devil

Chapter 1

Elina~

"Elina, are you ready?"

I turned to face my reflection in the nearby mirror. A sheer white ball gown for my wedding, a veil covering my face to effectively conceal my feelings, and crimson lips that matched the colour of my eyes this morning before I used the eye drop.

Indeed, I was prepared for my own nuptials. Despite the shimmering tears that refused to go away no matter how many times I attempted to wipe them from my eyes, I managed to smile. With my head angled to the left, I saw my mother standing at the door.

She gave me a gentle head pat while grinning a little. With a small smile on my face, I noticed some tears starting to form in my eyes. She sat down beside me and pulled me into a hug.

She took a seat next to me and gave me a tight hug.

"I understand that you are afraid, Elina. I remember being afraid too, waiting to marry your father while wearing a bridal gown. Your father's marriage to me was likewise prearranged. I am aware that being married to someone you don't know well can be really frightening, particularly if you weren't the intended partner in the first place. But trust me, when you look back on it, it might just be the day you will always treasure. similar to how I do!"

I laughed at how eager she seemed to be every time she talked of her wedding day, as she ended the sentence a little too happily for her own taste.

Since I truly, truly want to leave this place as soon as possible, I sincerely hope that I do not regret this day. I gave her a warm smile before turning to face the mirror.

I hope I never look back on this day! I wish Elina Saint James, who will soon become Elina Adrian Walker, all the best in her new life!

A knock on the door startled me out of my daze. I jumped up from my seat to see my father standing by the entrance behind my mother, looking at me with love.

I noticed a few teardrops gleaming in his eyes. I rushed up to him and embraced him. Perhaps this will help to ease my nerves.

"You're looking lovely, my doll. I wish I could keep you in my embrace like this forever, but you know someone down there is really impatient to see his wife.

He chuckled, releasing the hug and softly caressing my face with his warm hands. In answer, I chuckled lightly, a tear forming in the corner of my eye.

He groaned when he saw me tear up, and drew me back into his arms again. Mom also joined in on the group embrace, which caused us both to cry again.

" Yah! It's time for you both to return to the ceremony. And Elina, don't smear the makeup, okay? It was already tough to get you to sit still and apply everything to your face."

We exchanged smiles before separating from each other. After I had touched up my gown and appearance, I stood by the wedding hall's door with my father and mother by my side, smiling softly and looking reassuringly at me.

After taking a big breath, I was ready to walk down the aisle. 

The gates opened to a vast hall at the same moment that the music started. There were numerous guests invited to the wedding. There were family members, friends, and others close to them, as well as famous people from many walks of life.

After all, it was the wedding of the Walkers' sole heir, not to mention a daughter of the Saint James family. Despite the fact that there were many well-known personalities, only those who could not be overlooked were invited.

It was requested by Elina since she did not want to be overwhelmed by the increasing number of people staring at her. She felt self-onscious and disliked spending long periods of time in crowds. 

As a result, it was decided to hold a private wedding ceremony and reception. Later, a party will be organised to introduce the world to the most-awaited Mrs. Walker in the country.

People were already speculating about the bride because it had yet to be declared who would be the Walkers' bride, while the bride's identity, as the daughter of the Saint James family, was kept secret and hidden.

Walking down the aisle with my parents, I gazed up at the stage after a lengthy battle with my own racing heart, only to be met by those dark eyes staring at my soul. 

For a minute, I felt my heart stop beating, causing my breath to hitch. I quickly looked down at my feet, feeling quite self-conscious. My heart began to race as I felt those eyes on me.

I felt someone hold my hand, prompting me to gaze at the hand that now had mine in his palms.

"Take care of my daughter, Adrian Walker. I don't want to ever see a single drop of tear in her eyes, not even if they are out of happiness, let alone pain."

"I will prioritise her well-being before my own. I promise, father." 

Adrian reassured my father, and for the first time in my life, I felt safe around him. He never made me feel insecure, but he also never reassured me about my safety (from himself).

The promise of a bright future with him was evident in the expression in his eyes. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I never want to look away from his eyes.

He had those sparkling eyes that made me smile right away, even if I couldn't express it on my face because of all the nervousness that had been building inside me since the marriage was agreed.

Adrian and I looked to the pastor, who began reading the wedding vows for us. I could feel his piercing gaze on me, sending a shudder down my spine. I felt him touching the back of my palms, which made me blush tremendously. 

I could feel him give me a reassuring touch, suggesting that everything was alright. I knew he could feel me calming down because I looked up to meet his gaze, conveying the message that I was alright.

"We are gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Adrian Davian Walker and Elina Gregore Saint James. We stand here to honor and celebrate the love shared between these two people as they come together to start their new life with a solemn vow, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Adrian and Elina are overjoyed that you are able to join us here today.”