The wedding was the event of the season. No, of the year.
The world was shimmering with gold and white.
Not her favourite colours. She didn't ask for any of this. Where every detail was to perfection. Embroidered linens. Vintage glasses, calligraphy menus on hand-pressed paper. A live orchestra played at the corner under fairy lights as the sun dipped low, casting a golden glow over the celebration.
Scarlett stood beneath an arch flourishing with red and white roses and lily vines curling towards her. Beautiful yet suffocating.
The camera clicked. Applause swelled. But her eyes didn't spark as the pink rare diamond slid onto her finger.
She locked her eyes with her husband right before her. Taking him in. Tall, composed, his features were sharp, strong jawline, high cheekbones, and lips that rarely smiled. His pale skin contrasting with his dark brown hair. It was his eyes that truly silenced a room. Icy blue, clear like a glacier. She felt nothing more than hate.
"I do" he said. It was a husky deep voice. She didn't flinch, kept her face still, perfect just like they taught her. But behind her eyes, the hatred pulsed like a quiet scream. She hated the way he looked at her, as he if owned her. She hated the sound of his voice, smooth as silk over poison. And most of all, she hated herself for standing here, dressed in white, when all she wanted to do was run.
This devastatingly handsome man, her new husband.
Eldrin Achillies.
Then she smiled flawlessly at them even though inside she burned.
He leaned in and whispered " You are mine now" It sounded more like a contract then a promise.
He met her gaze then slowly leaned down and brushed his lips softly on hers. He seemed to be enjoying this moment. Her eyes were clear, cool and deep like a forest after rain. They watched. Calm, unreadable, almost too still. Her lips were full, masking a smile which didn't reach her eyes. Her posture was elegant, almost too perfect like someone is holding herself together. Most of all it was her auburn red hair that completed her, casting her delicate features to highlight. She was nothing but breathtaking.
This wasn't a fairytale. It was a transaction draped in chiffon and diamonds.
Scarlett despise this every moment. Mostly to be born in to her family who traded her to save their wealth. Of course it would be her. She is the black sheep of her family. Then there are two golden hatches. Brother and sister. She caught them smirking in the audience to her despair
"May I? loving wife" He purred. It was more of a mockery then anything else, as he gestured for the bride and groom dance. She followed his lead gracefully dreading every step he leads. The ballroom was exquisite a crystal chandelier hanging high above, scattering light across the polished marble floor like diamonds spilled from heaven.
Gold drapes framed towering windows, and soft music floated around the room.
And yet in the center of it all she stood with this man she met just today. Her husband.
Everything gleamed, too perfect, too controlled. Just like her life.