Seven days down, everything felt like a bunch of illusions in Emelia's head. She has not had a moment of peaceful sleep. Her thoughts constantly drifted away into the unknown abyss of uncertainty.
Staring down at the snow-white wedding dress soon to be worn, she sighs regretfully. Her wedding had been all her parents talked of as she came of age—the alliance they all wished and prayed for. There was nothing they did or said that did not have to do with her marrying their best friend's son, and now the long-anticipated day came… Only the groom was another.
Her wedding dress has been exclusively customized with everything hand-designed, and three years was enough time to have them pay for the dream wedding for their princess before the unfortunate hands of death snatched them away from her. Her mother had meticulously selected each design and hand-picked the flowers and color order of the day, and here she was after so much preparation, yet marrying another. Emelia felt her heart tighten, watching the maids and everyone run around trying to make the best of an already ruined wedding plan.
Not only had the invitations been replaced, but they had to be present to redo everything, and she was more than grateful Fredrick had not made outrageous demands.
"A quiet wedding, brief and swift. I do not have till midnight to play Cinderella and the Prince," he snapped at the wedding host. Emelia was too lost in her thoughts not to hear the door open.
Luna Camfrey walked in with none other than Clair Anderson. A family friend was the term her father held towards the ruling clan, but behind closed doors, his daughter was nothing but a tramp, grazing the bed of the alpha and using such cheap tactics to get on the throne.
"Lia," Luna Camfrey called out, but Emelia stood unheard and distant.
"Emelia," she called a second time, snapping her out of her line of crowded thoughts.
"Luna," Emelia almost screamed, frightened out of her wits. She glanced around the room, carefully noting the familiar faces staring at her. "Why are you as pale as a ghost?" Luna Camfrey asked, but Emelia could only smile. Ever since the rejection of her favorite son, she has been somehow hostile towards her, which she clearly understood.
"Are you having cold feet? It is not too late to change your mind and be Mark's concubine; we understand you have loved him all your life," a taunting voice sounded amidst the little crowd before her.
Emelia choked up a smile, her nails digging deep into her skin. It was unsurprising that Claire Anderson knew so much about their private chat in the alpha's office. Not when her father was a family friend and she was the mistress of her ex-fiancé.
"Oh, Clair, what can I say?" Her eyes softened, and her smile tightened. " You'd best understand me since you recently lost your fated mate. I am so sorry…" Emelia croaked like a bereaved frog. Clair Anderson stiffened, her smug expression pale, and her lips pressed together. She had indeed lost her mate, but rumors had it she had killed him to continue her little fling with the young Alpha, and Emelia could bet there was more truth in it than just some rumor. For someone who once died in their hands, she could vouch for the dead.
"Enough with the chit-chats, get dressed; the wedding will soon be in procession," Luna Camfrey urged, pushing her away into the changing room. It was a perfect fit. Frederick was not ready to play Cinderella and the prince with her, but she looked no less like a fairy princess with smooth skin and glittering eyes… Her dress was not only one of a kind but also specially made for her.
Staring at herself before the huge mirror, she saw a glimpse of her mother. She was beautiful, and her father had been all whipped for her. Just like the loving couple they were, she wanted nothing short of a fairytale marriage, but now that was too much to ask.
The wedding bells rang through the hall as she walked down the aisle, a bouquet of white roses and her veil sweeping the floor. Everyone happily cheered. She locked eyes with the man before her; his black tux was the same as always, but there was an extra shine within him. She could not tell if it was the surroundings or just her imagination. Taking his hand, they exchanged their rings and were proclaimed husband and wife. The familiar phrase. "You may kiss the bride" never came, just like everything else in this twisted fairytale.
"Disappointed?" A cold whisper blew through her ears.
"Uh... no, why?" Emelia stuttered.
"Want a kiss?" he asked, making her blush instantly. Frederick gently grasped the hand of his flushed new bride. They greeted guests and offered a few toasts before it was over. Emelia excused herself, heading for the ladies' room. She was quick with her business, and just when she thought it was all over, the door opened and Clair Anderson stood before her with a mischievous grin.
"How low do you have to sink to come between brothers?" she questioned, but Emelia paid no attention. She busily washed her hands and went for a clean napkin to dry them.
"Don't act dumb, Emelia; it is because of you they are fighting, and I did hear Fredrick is a beast in bed; a naive virgin like you can't keep up with his elaborate taste and vigor." Clair laughs hysterically.
Emelia did not want to keep her new groom waiting. This was the night she had long waited for; she had given her virginity to Mark on their wedding night, and still, despite him being gentle, he had cheated and killed her. A beast in bed did not scare her.
Emilia turned, her face cold and her eyes glaring. "I hope you're not fooled by my sweet looks, Clair?" She pushed past her. Before closing the door, she stopped, turned, and gazed at the pathetic lover before her.
"Don't be mistaken, I want a man in the streets but a beast in bed."