The Day

The wedding day came, and it wasn't easy for the new couple during those weeks. Adriana knew getting married wasn't an easy task. There was much more work to settle, like choosing a wedding dress, sending letters to others, and more.

Though most of the work was done by Astell. He did not let Adriana do much of the preparations because he was worried about her body. But it wasn't like he did the preparations. He gave them all to his secretary.

"Master, I demand an increase in salary," wheezed Felix, sitting on the chair like a lifeless person.

"I will. Thank you for your hard work," chuckled Astell while a servant helped him wear his white coat.

"My wife will also be please if you are to give me a few days off," Felix, who was taking this time to convince Astell.

"Yes, I will. A week off is that enough?"

"More than enough. I expected you to give me two days off, but I'll take a week off," Felix gave Astell a thumbs up. "Only if the master was this every day."

"What is?" Astell gave him a smile.

"Nothing," Felix shook his head and gulped. This was the only day Felix would be like this. Unless Adriana will help him pull a card and let Astell be like this all day long. "This makes me wonder. Will you go see the lady?"

"No, I'll leave it as a surprise," smiled Astell, who looked at himself for the last time.

Felix was dumbfounded. This isn't the master he knew and served. He wanted to rejoice to the heavens, but he held himself back. There was still a bit of uncertainty in him. Felix wasn't still comfortable around Adriana. To make it short. She was a cunning woman.

But seeing the determined look on Astell. He did not have anything else to say. Moreover, it's their life. A new chapter for them. And new suffering to come for him, which made Felix want to run away.

"It makes me wonder. Why propose to her if you don't have any feelings for her?" Felix asked Astell, who smiled at him and answered.

"Are you sure? And to answer because she's a cunning woman."

Yep. He has gone insane. Felix wanted to pull his hair off and didn't care if he became bald. Marriage isn't just something easy. It's more than that. It can damage their lives.

"Then when the time comes, she'll ask for money and leave?"

"Have you forgotten? The lady did not ask for money. Moreover, she did not want it."

"Well…I have no clue what the lady is thinking," sighed Felix, who stood beside Astell. "Well, I have no idea what you are thinking either."

"Didn't you call me insane? I guess I am," teased Astell.

"Excuse me, please be on standby."

The wedding was held in one of the grandest areas of Arabella. It is known as the land of prosperity. It was also where grand duke, Astell's father had his marriage with his mother.

After a long wait, the bride entered the chapel and walked down the aisle. Today, everyone had witnessed one of the most beautiful women in Arabella walking down the carpet in a white dress.

It was an angel. Astell couldn't leave his eyes off Adriana. She looked amazing, gorgeous, and pure. His heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't say anything else.

It didn't look like it, but Adriana was nervous. Still, she kept her image unfazed and continued walking until she reached Astell.

Astell offered his arm, which Adriana gladly took. He then whispered into her ear, "You look beautiful." Adriana smirked and decided to tease Astell.

"Are you saying I don't look beautiful the other few days?"

"N-no. That's not what I meant," blushed Astell, which made Adriana laugh. "Thank you, and you look as handsome as ever."

"R-really?" Stuttered Astell from the unexpected compliment.

"I'm not lying."

Adriana held her laughter, and the ceremony proceeded. It was the same usual thing. A sermon from the priest, then the pledges of the husband and wife. They both raised their right hand.

"I, Astell Skydane, vow to do my duties as her husband. To keep my wife safe and protected. To keep her happy and to love her until death. I also vow to keep her as my one and only wife and none else.

"I, Adriana Belladonna, vow to do my duties as his wife. To stay by his side. To support him in whatever he wants to do. To do my duties at home. And to care for him."

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

The guest cheered for the two while they waved their hands, thanking them for coming to the wedding ceremony. Astell glanced at Adriana, who didn't seem to be thrilled.

"Is something wrong?" Astell asked Adriana, who shook her head. But Astell wasn't convinced. "Are you sure?" He asked once more.

"Yes," lied Adriana.

The truth was Adriana wanted to invite Raven to the wedding; however, he wasn't allowed to come. Since she told the whole family, they weren't invited. It wouldn't be fair if she were to invite him.

"I have something for you later," Astell told Adriana, who nodded her head cluelessly.

"And that is?" Questioned Adriana but Astell went on to greet the guests.

When the night fell, Adriana and Astell made their way to their new home. Which was the Helene Mansion. It had been the talk of the town lately. Some say that there is something special in the Helene Mansion. But they did not know about it.

The Helene Mansion was a lot more extravagant and huge than the mansion of the Skydanes. This is why the people were saying how the heir of the Skydane family was crazy in love with Adriana.

The carriage arrived, and as Adriana got off, she gasped with amazement. Her eyes couldn't leave off the beautiful exterior of the mansion. To add, the flowers planted near the entrance were eye-catching.

Adriana glanced at Astell, who was talking to a butler. Just how much did he spend on this mansion? Even if he told her he didn't do much. It was a lot more. While she doesn't have anything to give him.

"You seem to like it," smiled Astell while a guy in his forties approached her.

"Good evening, madam. My name is Ford Theosald. I am the head butler of the Helene Mansion. If you need anything, please call me. And standing beside me is…."

"Good evening, madam! My name is Joana. As starting today, I have been appointed by the master to serve as the head maid and your personal attendant," she smiled. At the same time, Adriana was speechless, not knowing Astell had hired her.

"Joana? Since when? Why did you never tell me?" Adriana asked Joana, who looked at Astell with an awkward laugh.

"I asked her, and she seemed willing to follow you," interrupted Astell, who gently grabbed Adriana's hand. "Come, you must be tired."

"I shall lead the both to your room," bowed Ford.

When Adriana entered the Helene Mansion, she couldn't express how beautiful it was. The colors looked familiar and calming. As if it reminded her of someone. She glanced at Astell for a short while, then looked away.

Adriana was feeling a bit guilty and grateful at the same time. As if she was being appreciated by someone. The mansion was made with consideration and effort.

Her chest tightened from this unfamiliar feeling once more.