The Edwards and Davier families began preparing for the wedding, planning a grand ceremony for both of their sons on the same day.
During this time, Taylah stayed locked in her room, avoiding the outside world. The Edwards family didn't acknowledge her presence; they were simply relieved that there were no issues regarding the wedding, ensuring their shares remained secure.
Dia was frustrated about marrying Ethan, but the elder's orders left her with no choice, intensifying her anger towards Taylah. Despite being engaged to Ethan, Dia frequently spent time with Arjan, who didn't seem to mind the situation, knowing it was all a mess.
Initially, Taylah was Ethan's fiancée while Dia was supposed to be Arjan's. This sudden shift in their relationships left both women struggling to accept their new reality.
ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING
In the dressing room, Taylah prepared for her unwanted marriage. No one was there to help with her makeup; even the servants whispered cruel remarks about her. The only person by her side was Dicentra.
Dicentra finished Taylah's makeup, opting for a light touch rather than anything heavy. The white wedding dress shimmered with sparkling crystals under the bright lights, adorned with pearls and encrusted with white gems, perfectly shaped to fit her body. Taylah looked like a pure angel descended from heaven.
As the time approached, her heart began to race. She struggled to breathe, teetering on the edge of a panic attack. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and an inexplicable fear washed over her.
"Are you okay, Taylah?" Dicentra asked, gently wiping her sweat. Taylah nodded in response.
They called for the bride—it was time for Taylah to step into her new life. She emerged from the dressing room, Dicentra by her side. Taylah's father held Dia's hand as they walked toward the stage where the ceremony would take place.
A sharp pang of hurt hit Taylah; even her father seemed indifferent to her. Dicentra patted her reassuringly, and Taylah moved toward the stage slowly, gliding like a swan. Whispers of admiration filled the air as people marveled at her beauty, captivated by her silvery eyes.
Ethan and Arjan stood on the stage, watching the scene unfold. Ethan's gaze was fixed on Taylah, and the elegance he saw in her made his heart skip a beat—something he had never experienced before.
As Taylah reached Arjan and stood before him, Dia clenched her teeth in fury. She looked up and locked eyes with Arjan's dusty blue ones, and in that moment, she felt herself losing control. Dia burned with anger, realizing that the life she believed belonged to her was now slipping away to her stepsister. Her lifelong dreams shattered into pieces.
Arjan stood in a perfectly tailored charcoal black suit, adorned with intricate embroidery that seemed made just for him. He looked like a god in human form.
The gentleness he showed toward her sister stirred something in Dia; it was a kindness she had never experienced, and it made her heart race. She recognized the gentleness in his eyes as false, but it still affected her deeply.
As the priest began the ceremony, he instructed them to exchange their marriage vows. Taylah hesitated for a moment, but Arjan took her small hands in his, gazing at her with a tenderness that felt sincere.
"Taylah, I could promise to hold you and cherish you. I could promise to be with you in sickness and in health, and say, 'till death do us part.' But I won't. Those vows are for optimistic couples, those filled with hope. I do not stand here today, on my wedding day, filled with optimism or hope. I am not hopeful; I am certain. I am steady.
I know that I am a heart man. I take hearts apart and put them back together, holding them gently in my hands. I am a heart man. So this I know for sure: you are my partner. My heart beats for you, A lie actully." The last words were only heard by Taylah and the female knew her coming days with this man going to be hard.
Arjan continued which broke Taylah's thoughts, "And on this day, the day of our wedding, I promise you this: I promise to lay my heart in the palm of your hands. I promise you… me. Arjan Davier, Not even in your dreams I'm not going to give you the attention." he concluded with a gentle smile, Taylah knew what kind of meaning this smile held. The guests were left in awe of his vows. Little did they know the fakness in his words.
"Bride, you may take the vow." The priest initiated.
"Arjan, today, surrounded by all your loved ones, I choose you to be my husband. I am proud to be your wife and to join my life with yours. I vow to support you, inspire you, and love you always. For as long as we both shall live, I will be by your side—for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer. You are my one and only, today and every day," she said, smiling back at him, absolutely a fake one. Her smile pierced his heart.
The priest instructed them to exchange their wedding rings. Taylah and Arjan, along with Ethan and Dia, exchanged their rings. Taylah's heart ached as if pricked by hundreds of knives. The love of her life was marrying someone else, and the man holding her hand was not her love; instead, it was the man she despised most.
Before Taylah could dwell on her miserable life, a soft kiss landed on her lips, making her gasp. Arjan was kissing her, and she felt dazed. But before she could fully comprehend, he bit her lip hard. She struggled, but his grip around her waist tightened.
"Don't think your married life will be happy like others. I will give you a nightmare worse than hell," he whispered into her ear, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. A weak, tender smile appeared on her face—echoing the same reaction she had felt when his grip almost crushed her throat. Sensing her unease, he quickly turned his head away.
Meanwhile, Dia seethed with anger, while Ethan's gaze remained fixed on Taylah. Memories of their time together flashed in his mind, and his heart raced as he realized he regretted his decision.
The wedding continued in grand fashion.
At the Night Party...
Everyone gathered in the party hall, where the two families mingled while the couples made their elegant entrance down the stairs. They raised their glasses of wine to toast the occasion, but Taylah didn't take a single sip.
Soon, the guests were invited to dance. As the elder son of the family, Arjan initiated the first dance, instantly capturing everyone's attention. Under the bright lights, Taylah's refined features seemed overshadowed by his towering presence.
They began to dance, moving perfectly in sync. Soon after, everyone joined in, and the hall was filled with soft music and the rhythm of couples swaying together.
Taylah couldn't believe this day had come into her life.