I heard distinct voices from outside my bedroom door. A few knocks followed, and before I could reply, my mother entered the room. Two maids accompanied her, each of them holding dresses and jewelry in their hand.
Today was my 21st birthday and marriage ceremony. It seemed like the night passed by in a second. I couldn't remember getting any sleep as I had spent the entire night crying.
"I would like Jada to dress me," I told my mother as she ordered the maids to drop the clothes on the bed.
My voice was croaked and shaky as I spoke. But I doubted if Laura noticed it, all she wanted was for me to get married.
She sat by the edge of my bed and dismissed the maids. It was now both of us alone in the room.
"I'll call Jada immediately." She said, causing my mind to be at ease. "Happy birthday dear," she added and I faked a smile, knowing that there was nothing happy about this birthday.
She left to call Jada, leaving me alone in the room. I stood up from the bed and walked towards the mirror. My eyes were slightly swollen. Eyes that were supposed to be a bright hazel, but we're darkened to a murky shade from crying.
Jada entered the room a few minutes later. But someone else accompanied her—Sasha.
I clenched my jaw as Sasha hopped into the room. She held me in a tight hug.
"I'll miss you so much sis. I apologize for all my bad behavior towards you." She said smiling.
The image of her in bed with Brian flashed before me. I pushed her away from my body and I could see the startled look on her face.
"Keep your apology to yourself. I don't like hugs." I muttered coldly.
Jada watched our exchange without saying anything. I wanted to tell Jada about what I saw yesterday, but I couldn't do it with Sasha being around.
"Happy birthday, Maria." Jada said as she held my hand and led me towards the chair. She picked up the dresses that had been selected for me.
"Which one do you prefer?"
"Anyone. Just choose for me."
I wore the red dress after I came out of the bathhouse. Jada adorned my hair with emerald hairpins. Sasha had refused to leave the room the entire while. Her presence felt like a tick on my skin.
"You look beautiful." Jada complimented as she placed the veil over my hair. I stared at myself in the mirror, knowing that I wasn't anywhere near happy.
Sasha finally left the room, leaving me alone with Jada.
"I have something I want to tell you." I finally confessed. She turned to look at me expectantly.
"What is it dear?"
"It's about Brian." I stuttered. "I saw…"
Just then, my mother entered the room causing me to go silent.
"My Luna." Jada acknowledged while bowing slightly. She exited the room seeing that my mother had arrived to take me to the ceremony.
I bit my lower lip in frustration as I locked my hand in Laura's. I had just missed my chance of revealing the truth to Jada. She was the only person who would believe me.
"Make your family and the pack proud." Laura whispered to me as we arrived in the hall where the guests were seated.
Brian was already seated in the center. He wore his flowing ceremonial robes. His features were bright and I walked towards him to sit in the chair by his side.
"You're beautiful." He whispered to me as the event unfolded. I forced a smile and looked in the opposite direction. Without looking at him, I could still feel his continuous stares in my direction. This was the man who saved my life. I owed him a lot, but getting married to a cheat still felt like a rash decision.
"Where did you go after you left me yesterday?" I asked in a hushed tone.
"To attend to pack duties." He responded, and stretched out his hand, locking it firmly with mine.
My heart raced as the event unfolded. The marriage rites and vows were drawing closer. After the vows were taken, we would be sealed as couples. My family and pack settled on my right, their faces beamed with joy. Brian's family and members from his pack were by my left. I felt like an insignificant pebble surrounded by rocks.
My insides twisted as the elder who was in charge of performing the marital rites stepped forward. I wished that something could come up to disrupt the process. I waited for an interruption, but it never came.
The question was directed to Brian. "Do you accept Maria as your bride and chosen mate?"
"Yes." Brian replied to the elder's question.
He took the marriage necklace meant for couples and wore it over Brian's neck. The man held the other pair in his hand and directed his gaze towards me.
"Do you accept Brian as your husband and chosen mate?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but found myself stuttering.
"It's okay. Don't be nervous." Brian whispered to me, rubbing the back of my palm.
My parents and pack fixed their eyes on me, expecting me to respond positively to the elder's question. Yet, I said nothing.
The man cleared his throat and repeated the question. Maybe he thought I didn't understand him well.
I took a deep breath. This was a man that saved me.
"Yes." I said in response.
The elderly man took the bead, ready to place it over my head. My heart kept beating and I knew that I might never be happy with this marriage.
I held his hand, causing him to drop the necklace.
"I can't do this." I whimpered, and the tears which I struggled to contain flowed freely.
"Maria, you don't have to be nervous. I'm here." Brian said as he resumed rubbing my palm.
I flung his hand off mine and I could see the shocked expression on his face.
The gathering which had been quiet and serene became rowdy as murmurs filled the room.
"Maria," He called out, reaching out to hold my hand again.
I moved away from him, confessing what had been on my mind. "I can't marry you, not after what you did."