The morning light steamed through the lace curtains of my room. Soft and golden, almost deceptive in its warmth.
It was my wedding day, not the fairytale kind I had dreamed of as a girl. But the one written in a contract, sealed in ink and arranged by ambition more than love.
My stylist unzipped the garment bag slowly as though unveiling a masterpiece.
It was actually a masterpiece.
My dress was breathtaking; it was an off shoulder Vera Wang gown made of ivory satin under soft tulle, with delicate pearl beads on the bodice and a long train, and a silver embroidered veil that sparkled in the sunlight.
My hair was styled into a low romantic bun, pinned with diamond combs.
The gown was elegant, designed to silence any doubts about who I was marrying "a billionaire's bride".
As the fabric brushed my skin, my heart stumbled. I caught my reflection in a mirror and for a moment, I didn't recognize myself. "Is this really me?" I wondered .
Lots of thoughts came through my mind. "This is not love, it is just performance. What happens when the music stops? Will I lose myself completely in this world he's built for me?"
I consoled myself with the fact that I chose to do it, I signed and it was just going to last for three years.
"You look great, you are one of the most beautiful brides I've seen". My stylist said softly. I looked in the mirror again and almost believed her.
But my eyes gave me away. My eyes were steady, but too still. Not the sparkling eyes of the woman in love. "I look like a queen". I thought within myself, not a bride.
I held my bouquet, white calla lilies and gardenias tied with a satin ribbon. I practiced my smile. It sat on my lips like glass, very fragile.
The car ride to the venue felt like a blur. When the doors opened, my breath caught.
The ceremony was held at the glasshouse, one of the most glamorous wedding venues in New York.
The venue was every society's magazine fantasy. Everywhere was transformed into a palace of flowers, rows upon rows of white orchids.
Crystal chandeliers dangled overhead, scattering prisms of light across the marble floor. Every chair was wrapped in satin, golden ribbons tied in perfect bows, while a string quartet played softly in the background. It was extravagant and breathtaking, the kind of wedding that people would talk about for years.
Guests gasped when I entered, their eyes widened in awe.
The guest list was a who's who of New York elite. Socialities, CEOs, governors, celebrities and close family members.They were all dressed as though they met Gala and relocated to midtown.
With their phones and cameras, they captured every step I took and every angle of my dress.
To them, I was radiant. The bride who had it all. To the world, it was the wedding of the year.
From the outside, I was a vision of Grace. Inside, every step felt like walking deeper into the cage. I felt my heart louder than the violin.
My gaze locked on the man waiting at the altar, Garrett. His gaze locked on me too. To the crowd, he was a groom struck by his bride's beauty. To me, his eyes were unreadable and business-like.
He was dressed in a black Tom Ford tuxedo and looked devastatingly handsome. His eyes were cold with an unreadable expression. His jaw was sharp, his presence was commanding.
The soft notes of the string quartet faded as the officiant stepped forward, his voice was calm.
"we are gathered here today, to witness the union of Garrett Knight and Elisse Manne, in what promises to be a beautiful partnership" He announced.
Beautiful? I wondered.
The officiant turned to Garrett. "Garrett, do you have you vows prepared?"
Garrett looked at me, his face was composed with a smooth voice. But his eyes flickered with something I couldn't read.
He took my hands. "I didn't expect this", he said softly, the corner of his mouth lifted in a faint and practiced smile. "You weren't part of the plan but somehow standing here with you? It feels like something solid".
The crowd sighed in admiration.
"I vow to be your partner in every challenge. To respect your independence, your strength, and the fire I see behind your calm", he continued " I promise to treat you with care and intention". He vowed.
A murmur of appreciation moved through the room.
Within me, I felt the emptiness in his vows.
It looked all cute and sweet from the outside but deep down, we both knew it was all a game.
I stared up at him steadily, taking large, deep and savoring breathe.
The officiant turned to me. "Elisse, your vows?"
"I vow to honour what we've promised. To stand beside you when things are uncertain. To keep the peace between us, even when it's quiet. And to play my part fully". I said softly.
The crowd heard devotion, loyalty and tenderness. Only I and Garrett knew the truth.
Our fingers touched, we exchanged rings as a symbol of our love and commitment to each other.
Not genuine love and commitment though.
"You may now kiss the bride". The officiant said.
Garrett stepped forward, gently cupping my cheeks. His lips brushed mine lightly. For the camera, it was magical and all cute
For I and Garrett, we didn't know what it was.
When we turned to face the guests as husband and wife, the guests smiled in admiration. Applause rose from them like thunder.
Beneath the claps and glittering lights, two strangers stood in silence. Bound by gold bands and a silent understanding.
We made a deal, not a love story. But they didn't know.
The soft clinking of glasses and murmured laughter from the guests filled the air. The air buzzed with warmth and the illusion of celebration.
I moved through the room gracefully with my gown trailing behind me like a whisper. I carried a practiced smile on my face.
Every guest I passed reached out to shake my hands, offered polite congratulations.
"You look stunning dear", one older woman cooed.
"Garrett is a lucky man". Said another, raising a glass.
I thanked them all, smiling and just saying the right things.
Each compliment felt distant like I was playing the lead in a show I hadn't auditioned for…