CHAPTER 9: THE WEDDING
Sophie’s POV
“Miss Sophie, which wedding gown here would you like to wear?” asked the bridal stylist to me as the maids keep on bringing different wedding gowns.
I looked at the gowns without any emotion on my face. “You can just choose for me.”
The stylist looked surprised. “O-Okay, Miss Sophie. I think the first one would look good on you.”
“Okay.”
I’m going to marry the man that I don’t even love. I’ve been dreaming about getting married since I was a kid. I don’t care if it’s simple, I don’t care what place we’re going to get married at, and I don’t even care what gown would I wear as long as my groom is the man that I truly love. I’ve always dreamed of having a happy, loving family, but I don’t think I would still be able to have that.
The stylists permed my hair and turned it into a messy bun where some strands of it were falling on the side of my cheeks. They put a simple make up on my face, a tiara above my head, and a simple square-neck wedding dress made of real diamonds. “Miss Sophie, you look so beautiful!”
“You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen!”
“Thank you…” I mumbled.
As soon as they are done styling me, a tall blonde woman wearing a white floral dress stepped inside. She walked towards me and spoke. “Miss Sophie, please come with me. The wedding will start now.”
“Okay.”
I stood up holding the skirt of my dress to keep it from hindering me to walk properly. The woman held my hand as we descended down the stairs going to the mansion’s garden where the wedding will take place. “Miss Sophie, don’t be nervous.” the woman suddenly said.
“W-What’s your name, by the way?” I asked her.
“Venom. I’m one of King Vincent’s men. Starting from now on, I will be your bodyguard.”
“Venom. Can you help me? I don’t want to marry that devil. I don’t love him, I want to escape from here, can you help me? Please, Venom…”
We stopped walking and she looked at me. “Miss Sophie, I am your bodyguard. I am sorry but I can’t help you. You made an agreement with the boss and so you have to fulfill it if you don’t want to put your family’s life to risk.”
“B-But—
“Please, get ready now Miss Sophie. Once this huge door open, you’ll have to step out holding this bouquet of flowers and walk towards your groom. He doesn’t like waiting so stop doing unnecessary things.” she said as she wiped the tears in my eyes. “And please, don’t cry because it could ruin your make up.”
I heaved a sigh as I tried to stop myself from crying. Venom handed me the bouquet of flowers and nodded. I looked at the huge white door adorned with white and red roses. My heart started beating so fast when Venom suddenly disappeared from beside me.
I need to do it for my dad, I need to do it for my family. If I try to escape here now then Vincent would probably go after my family. This isn’t about myself or my happiness anymore, I don’t want to risk my family’s life.
Then the door went open, that moment I knew I finally had to let go of my freedom, I finally had to let go of Mr. Jacobs.
I walked through the tunnel of white wedding arches decorated with white and red roses, my hands keep on shaking that I almost drop the bouquet of flowers. On the side of the venue were Vincent’s men wearing black suits. There were no visitors that I personally know, they were all just Vincent’s men and so I knew I couldn’t do anything to escape. At the end of the long aisle filled with scattered rose petals was the devil. He was wearing a well-pressed white suit with a black bowtie that went perfectly with his curly black hair which made him appear like a prince. A devil prince perhaps. He was staring at me with his usual intimidating gaze that could melt someone on the spot.
Tears started to fill my eyes again as I walked closer to him. I don’t know him, I don’t love him, I don’t even know what he would do to me. I’m so scared… Mommy… please help me…
“You look beautiful in that gown.” He whispered as he reached for my hand.
I didn’t answer him. All I could feel was hatred, sadness, and sorrow. This is the worst day of my life.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
We faced the judge while I was trying to brush his hand off my arm. The whole event happened with me trying to move away from him while he keep on pulling me beside him. The judge didn’t even ask me if I agree on marrying him. “And now, I pronounce you husband and wife! Mr. Hastings, you may kiss your wife now.”
That phrase caused my whole body to shiver. I could still remember the time when he kissed me.
Vincent faced me and lifted the veil above my head. I froze in place for a moment while I was staring at his face. Slowly, he moved his face closer to me while looking straight into my eyes. My heart kept on beating so fast it felt like it was going to jump off my chest. He put his hand under my chin and made me look at him as he claimed my lips. I flinched but then I closed my eyes as I felt the warmth of his mouth. I wanted to push him away, I wanted to punch his face but I just couldn’t. It felt like a spell was casted on me.
I tapped his chest for him to finally move away but he just won’t pull away from the kiss. He only let go of me when he was finally satisfied. We were both panting.
His men started to clap while looking at us.