Chapter # 7

And before I knew it, it came. The funeral of my non-existent feelings… and his too.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, an aristocratic woman with enthralling looks. Beauty with such a charm she never wants to show. A ravish appearance that can hold any heart captive in them.

“Funny…”

But all those looks cannot hide those heartbroken emotions that are filling her heart as her whole being is cold as ice.

“Only if she wasn’t pathetic.” I muttered, Facades hidden behind those layers of makeup and the gorgeous dress.

No one is satisfied with my dress but I felt like it suits me well as it is showing what the future holds for me; darkness. I know it is nothing but a day of despair for me.

“This kinda looks great, don’t you- Oh, I am alone.” I paused, realizing I have no friends.

All I can do is to keep my calm as I hoped deeply in my heart that upon seeing me, Ryan will cancel the marriage.

Papa may have deceived him quite well by not telling anyone the name of the bride, even to the media and in invitation cards but I wonder how long that will remain.

“I wonder how Ryan will react when he finds out that his bride is me, not Marianne. He doesn’t favor me anyways.” I mumbled, pitying the poor man.

I looked at myself, feeling utterly hollow. My heart felt heavy as I felt like my whole being was burning on fire but I cannot show it as I have to bear these overwhelming feelings in me and put up a strong- ‘cold’ front.

I stood up and looked at my dress.

“Mari? Is anyone gonna come or should I just go!?” I yelled, glancing through the corridor and came back inside, setting my beautiful dress.

It's a black A-line floor-length dress. The dress was adorned with lace. The dress was gorgeous if you ask me.

My hair is secured in a waterfall hairstyle. A dark red lipstick and that cat eye eyeliner with those smug black eyeshadow.

My makeup was dark and Gothic. It didn't seem like it's my wedding because neither my emotions nor my appearance was emitting any positive aura.

“I feel like I am getting ready to attend a funeral.”

Whose? Mine.

“Rebe-” Marianne entered as I asked, turning to her,

"Why did you go out? Where the hell were you? Leaving me all alone. You are not supposed to leave this room." I said angrily.

She gave a look filled with immense sorrow and began to say,

"I went to see the guest.. There are too many. Think about it again, Rebecca."

“Okay, let’s pretend I quit right now and there are two scenarios afterwards.” I sighed, telling her.

“First, we both run away and your case will be re-opened by our fucking Father, the fashion diva, a murderer. You will lose the name you spent years building.” I smirked dryly.

She looked down in shame as I continued, “And second, you go there. Take my place. I go back to my Jayden and you lose your job because Ryan’s mother is a witch.” I chuckled dryly, moving back.

“I understood that woman the moment I saw her, she would eat you and that Mama’s boy won’t be able to do anything for you. You can’t handle her.” I told her the harsh fact.

She didn’t raise her head, biting her bottom lips, trying to suppress her tears. I scoffed at her reaction.

“God forbid what inflexity possesses the old man.” I sighed, shaking her head, turning to the mirror.

"So, Tell me, which scenario sounds favorable to you? " I asked.

She looked down and remained silent because she knows even if I ran away, these apparitions will haunt us forever.

“My one mistake can destroy our lives, when I am fine then why are you bothering with sympathy?” I asked calmly, drinking some water.

“Papa wants to throw me away and he is willing to cross any limit for it. I don't understand why marriage is the only solution for him but who can understand him?” I mumbled, setting the earrings.

The only accessory I wear are bangles, the rest pricks my skin, even this earring.

“And Ryan, what was his fault?” She asked sadly.

“I ask myself the same question.” I whispered, looking down but I have to consume the compassion for him.

“Rebecca… he has no faults. If you could, please don’t break his heart.” She whispered, wiping the tear in the corner of her eyes.

“Don’t ask me what I am incapable of preventing, Marianne. His heart is going to break… terribly.” I whispered, smiling insanely, knowing there is no point anymore.

“Let’s just pray he will forget his so-called traditions and break the marriage at the altar.” I shrugged.

“And the scandal afterwards?” She asked and I sighed. I almost forgot about it.

“Let’s place our gamble on your llover.” I hummed with an empty smile, putting the veil over my head and grabbing the bouquet of roses.

“Rebecca.” Marianne stopped me when I was about to leave, holding my arm.

“Hmm?”

“I love you. Thank you for everything.” She whispered, tears brimming in her eyes again as I giggled.

“Gosh, I have such a cry baby as a sister.” Smiling, I gave her a side hug.

“Don’t worry about me. Focus on your dreams. You have Byron, he will help you reach your dreams.” I said, giving her a pat.

“Just you watch, I will work with Mr Black one day.” She smiled, talking about her dream to work with the greatest pillar of the fashion industry.

“I pray you will.” I said and pulled away.

I lowered my gaze and in that moment Papa entered.

“My, I was going to walk down alone. Why did you bother to come?” I mocked, folding my arms, furious at him.

His eyes fell upon me and it seemed like he was stunned for a second. His eyes flicker with something mystifying which is beyond my understanding and I honestly don't even want to know.

“What? Nothing could fix anything.” He narrowed his eyes as his lips slightly parted.

“You have lost your daughter, Papa.” I enunciated, smiling, not a single glint of heartbreak on my face.

And it seems like he is struggling with himself about whether he should do something fatherly or remain a bastard. “Bless you.”

I blinked, taken aback by his words. Before he could say something further, I spoke up first, I don’t need his blessing in my life.

"The moment I take a step out of this room, I'll never turn back to you even if it kills me."

My words shocked everyone. He gasped, eyes widened in appall, “Rebe-” He tried to speak. Marianne and Papa looked at me with immense sorrow as I continued,

"Today, you died for me and I for you."

I declared, cutting all my connection with them and walked out of the room.

I inhaled deeply and held back my tears. I curled my toes to give myself any consolation but no avail.

A heavy pant escaped my lips and I tried to control my urge to cry out loud and let out my misery. I bit my cheek and tapped my feet on the ground.

“Control yourself, Rebecca. They never loved you anyways.” I whispered, shutting my eyes and slamming my eyes before taking a deep breath and coming back to my usual self.

After a few moments, Papa walked out with a watery gaze to which I retorted, "What's the point of showing regret now?"

But he is my father and we both are insensible. I am glad that Marianne is not like us.

"It's not." He said, turning his head away and wiping the tears present in the corner of his eyes.

"Yeah, Right. Why would it be? You are finally throwing your garbage." I taunted and Marianne also walked out and I said to her,

"Since I am moving to California now, I guess we can meet often." I said emptily with a smile. Marianne looked down in shame and turned her head away.

‘And finally the dreadful moment came and I turned my back on Papa with no intention of looking back…’