Chapitre 11: The Omnious Wedding

The black dresses Skyla had been adorning soon changed into white. The colour of purity was also the colour of her wedding gown. The flowing attire covered her like a second skin as she checked herself in the mirror with eyes devoid of any happiness.

The white pearls Doran had gifted her were elegantly draped along her slender neck. They felt more like a noose than jewellery, suffocating her.

"You look beautiful, Miss Skyla," Madame Maven gave her makeup the final touches. Her crimson hair had been neatly arranged in a hairstyle that complimented her face and we're decorated with a fancy clip.

She was a bundle of raw nerves. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life and yet all she felt was dread. She was marrying a despicable man, who had already promised her a loveless life.

"We will always be here for you. Don't ever think you are alone," Huria whispered in her friend's ear and adjusted her neckline.

"I know, Huria. But I need to fight my own battles. I have to survive this because I made a promise to my dying father. Will be going to any length to honour it. This marriage, I need to give it a chance at least," Skyla heavily breathed out.

Huria didn't agree with her decision but she wanted to support her friend. Wrapping her arms around Skyla, both friends hugged for a long time and revelled in the solace of this peaceful moment. Huria then handed her a bouquet of purple roses.

"I will be taking my position on the stage," she gave a small kiss to her friend and headed off to perform her maid of honour duties.

Skyla's maternal uncle came to fetch her. In the absence of her father, the responsibility of walking her down the aisle fell on his shoulder.

He was her only non-greedy family, the only family that had been invited to the wedding.

"Are you nervous, my child?" Uncle Hariot asked, patting her hand.

"A little," she replied honestly, clutching the hem of her dress so she wouldn't trip.

"That's understandable, I wish your mother was here to see her beautiful daughter all grown up," he wistfully sighed and she nodded her head. What wouldn't she give to have them here with her? If they were she wouldn't have to do this.

"I have spoken to Doran. He is an exceptional young man. The way he is handling the company is commendable. He has big plans and both of you will do a wonderful job of running it."

Doran had even charmed Uncle Hariot. But then Hariot was a simple farmer, an innocent and honest man. He saw the goodness in people and had no clue how the business world was run.

"Indeed, Uncle Hariot," she wanted to keep the fake facade. There was no point burdening his heart. This was her battle.

They entered the great hall where the wedding was to take place and it was elegantly decorated. Most of the guests belonged to Doran because there was hardly anyone from Skyla's side. Only Huria's and Uncle Hariot's families were present. Apart from Madame Maven and a few people from her father's company.

"Deep breaths," she mumbled to herself as she lifted her eyes to see Doran standing on the stage.

Adorning a royal blue three-piece custom-fitted suit with silver tie and black loafers, he was a perfect groom. His sandy-coloured hair were stylishly backcombed and a nimble smile graced his full lips. No one could even guess how fake his smile was.

His frosty eyes were the same as ever, they held no warmth as they scanned her from head to toe. Something flickered in them but Skyla couldn't comprehend what it was.

The guests watched the beautiful bride in awe. Every girl her age dreamt of being in her shoes and yet she wished to be anywhere but there. Nearing the stage, Uncle Hariot handed her over and Doran extended his hand to help her up. As always his hands lacked warmth like his eyes but his touch wasn't harsh.

He pulled her close and she handed the bouquet to her friend.

"You look stunning. A perfect bride indeed," he slowly said and she remained tight-lipped. Skyla knew she should smile, he deeply cared about appearances. But her lips refused to spread.

"Smile, at least seem happy for the people," he sternly murmured in her ear and she forcefully did so.

The priest read the sermon, the false vows were exchanged which held no meaning for him at least that's what Skyla believed. And yet he kept that charming smile plastered on his face and stared at her as if she meant the world to him.

Huria handed her the simple platinum band and she slipped it on his ring finger, something snapped inside her.

His best man, Caleb, handed him the ring too and he did the same. Hers had a small diamond embedded in the letter 'S' which was stylishly embossed inside the band. The ring was also custom-made.

Her finger seemed to have been branded, the metal burned her although it was cold.

She felt trapped and suffocated as she stared at the small band that adorned her slim finger.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest announced.

His arms snaked around her waist as he tugged her close to his chest. His lips descended on hers and barely grazed. There was no passion in his kiss, just an obligation.

The joyous crowd erupted behind them, clapping and cheering. Cameras flashed, and phones were raised to capture this memorable union.

But Skyla felt a void inside her that echoed her helplessness, squishing her dreams and engulfing her hopes. What lingered was a fleeting sense of emptiness this blue-eyed devil would never fill.