I wanted to run away, but in the end, I couldn't. Jasmine and Lily were right—if I backed out now without a proper reason, my father would disown me. And my mother... she had been crying as if, if Gilbert said no, I would never get married in this lifetime.
As the priest chanted the prayers, Gilbert and I stood before God, ready to take our vows. I could clearly hear the whispers from the guests seated around the venue.
"How could they choose her for their only son? Seriously, money can make people do anything. Still, they could have found someone who looked good standing next to Gilbert. She's so lucky."
"Do you accept Gilbert as your husband?"
The priest's words pulled me out of my thoughts and forced me to face reality.
I looked at the man standing beside me—the man everyone admired. Even though he had a terrible personality and judged anyone who didn't meet his standards of beauty.
I closed my eyes and said, "Yes."
He turned toward me and placed his right hand on my cheek. Leaning closer, he seemed about to kiss me. But just before our lips touched, he slipped his thumb between them. Then he stepped back into place and flashed a charming smile, as if he were some perfect gentleman.
He really was good at pretending.
I had no idea what was going on in his mind, but thank God he hadn't actually kissed me. Otherwise, I might have scrubbed my mouth clean afterward.
Does she really think I would kiss her?
The expression on her face when I placed my thumb between us was priceless. She wants to be my wife? I'll make her regret this.
I didn't care what people were saying. I just wanted to get home as soon as possible.
I could hear the whispers the moment she entered the hall. She had closed her eyes—I had no idea what she was thinking—but marrying me had been her decision, so she would have to live with it.
Gilbert was lost in thought when his mother interrupted him.
"Son, what are you thinking? Come, let's go for lunch—and hold your wife's hand."
Gilbert looked at her in surprise. "What? Why?"
His mother shot him an angry look.
"Are you really that stupid? Didn't you hear what everyone was saying? Poor Rita must be feeling terrible."
Gilbert glanced at Rita before turning back to his mother.
"Really? Why should I care? This is all because of you, so don't drag me into it."
His mother glared at him.
"Bring her with you. I don't want to hear another word. Don't you care about your father's reputation at all?"
Having no choice but to obey, Gilbert grabbed Rita's hand.
She had been standing beside him, pretending everything was fine. Startled by his sudden action, she asked, "Hey, what are you doing?"
Gilbert pulled her closer and whispered near her ear so no one else could hear.
"I'm fulfilling my mother's wish. Are you coming or not?"
Rita stared at him in shock.
"Where?"
To everyone around them, they looked like a newlywed couple deeply in love.
Gilbert led her toward the lunch area, where everyone was waiting for them to cut the cake.
Both Gilbert and Rita plastered bright smiles on their faces, pretending to be delighted as they cut the cake. The moment it was done, both of them immediately removed their hands from the knife.
Everyone around them was celebrating, laughing, and dancing—everyone except the two of them.
Even though he's my enemy, Rita thought, I have to admit he's excellent at acting. Unlike me.
Before she could think any further, her aunt interrupted and dragged both of them to the center of the dance floor.
They stood there awkwardly, completely clueless about dancing. Both Gilbert and Rita had skipped dance lessons.
Then, to Rita's surprise, Gilbert placed one hand in hers and wrapped the other around her waist, pulling her closer.
Rita stiffened instantly and turned to look at him.
But she knew he wasn't doing this out of affection.
He was simply trying to save face.