CHAPTER THREE
1595 Words
Edwina stood at her mother's hospital suite window, shaking hands gripping her phone. News alerts filled the screen, with headlines flashing with titles like "Wedding of the Century: Thompson's Mystery Bride Revealed" and "Billionaire Playboy Joe Thompson Engaged!" Her belly roiled. The relentless stream of media coverage and the paparazzi queuing outside the hospital for a peek of her, was not something she was designed for.
Her entire life, she had lived in peaceful places, comfortable and unseen. However, right now? She was now the subject of tabloids and gossip blogs, all because of Joe's prestige and fortune. Nothing had prepared her for the ferocity of what he had warned her would happen.
"Edwina, are you okay?" Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother's weak voice.
Edwina looked away from the window, and as soon as she spotted her mother, the tightness in her chest began to loosen. Joe had gotten her moved into a VIP suite, which was a huge, bright room with plush bedding and a view of the city skyline. He had spent everything he could to ensure her mother had comfort in her last days. Edwina was not blind to the irony of the situation. And here she was, getting ready for a wedding she had no desire for, all the while seeing her mother's life slip away.
Edwina feigned a grin and went to her bedside, saying, "I'm okay, Mom." She cast a quick peek at the immaculate and exquisite wedding gown that was hanging in the corner. Joe sent it early in the morning. The designer gown was exquisite and simple, just what she would have imagined for herself if she had ever considered marriage. But up until this point, she hadn't. not until her mother's desire compelled her to act.
Her mother softly murmured, "Let me see the dress again," her eyes brightening.
Edwina approached the gown and took it off the rack, slinging it over her arm. She approached her mother and held the cloth in front of her so she could feel the soft lace.
Tears filled her mother's eyes. "My dear, it's great. You'll look stunning. All I want is... I wish I could have been there to witness your marriage proposal."
Edwina's throat constricting. Grasping her mother's hand, she bent down next to the bed. "You're going to be there. Mom, you will.
Yet the reality was known to them both. There was not much time left. Edwina was afraid her mother wouldn't last even a month, as the doctors had only given her that much time.
She was pulled back to the present by the sound of her phone vibrating. A message from Joe.
Joe: It’s time. Are you ready?
Her heart skipped a beat. Was she ready? Could she really do this? She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. There was no turning back now.
---
The ceremony was intimate—just the way Edwina wanted it. There were no cameras, no flashing lights, no media frenzy allowed inside the hospital. Just her, Joe, and her mother. The hospital staff had cleared the room, giving them privacy as the officiant stood at the foot of the bed, his voice low and solemn.
Edwina’s mother smiled weakly from her pillows, her frail hand resting on a bouquet of flowers Joe had brought. Edwina glanced at Joe, standing beside her in a sharp black suit. He looked calm, confident as ever, though his eyes softened whenever they landed on her mother.
Joe had arranged everything. The hospital upgrade, the wedding, even a private reception afterward at the Grand Hotel. For all his rough edges, there was something about the way he handled this that made Edwina… grateful.
Maybe this isn’t just a transaction for him, she thought as she adjusted the lace on her dress. But she quickly pushed the thought aside. This was still a business arrangement. A marriage of convenience.
As the ceremony got underway, Edwina's heartbeat became faster as the officiant cleared his throat.
"I never imagined this," Edwina turned to face Joe and said in a barely audible voice. "Here I am, getting hitched. I'm not sure if I'm capable of this."
Joe's gaze softened as he turned to face her. "We’re doing this, Edwina. Together. Just focus on what matters most right now."
She followed his gaze to her mother, lying peacefully in bed, watching them with glassy eyes filled with both pride and sadness. For her mother, this was everything—her final wish, her last joy before she passed.
Edwina swallowed the lump in her throat. This wasn’t about her. It was about her mother. She could do this… for her.
Her thought was racing as she said her vows, and the officiant's words were hazy. When Joe answered, "I do," she hardly heard him. And all of a sudden, it was her turn.
"I… I do." The words were alien, as though they belonged to someone else, but they also carried a huge stone-like weight that landed in her chest. Seeking confirmation that they were both making the correct decision, she peered into Joe's eyes. Still, it was impossible to discern his face.
Edwina looked at her mother, who was crying uncontrollably, as the celebrant declared them husband and wife.
"You succeeded, my love," her mother muttered. "You did it."
Edwina finally started crying as she knelt at her mother's bedside. Whispering, "I love you, Mom," she planted a kiss on her mother's hand.
"I also adore you, Edwina. I'm really happy for you."
---
A few hours later, Edwina was by herself in the Grand Hotel's changing room, with the sounds of conversation and laughter permeating the walls. She felt as though her bridal gown was suffocating in its beauty, its weight greater than before. She fixed her gaze on her own reflection, which was a stranger. The elaborate makeup and flawless hairstyle gave off the impression of being a character she had never intended to play.
How was she going about this? Her world wasn't this one. She wasn't supposed to be with folks celebrating a marriage she never desired at this lavish hotel. The sound continued to reverberate, reminding her of the sharp contrast between the happiness outside and the sorrow that hovered inside her as she leaned against the cool wall and closed her eyes in an attempt to block it out.
"Edwina?" Her thoughts were interrupted by Joe's words, and when she opened her eyes, she saw him standing at the doorway with a look that was hard to read.
She forced a smile that seemed more like a grimace and said, "Hey."
He shut the door behind him as he entered. "Are you alright? You appear... far away.
“Simply put, she was "processing everything," as she glanced down at her hands. "That is a substantial amount."
He crossed his arms and added, "I get that," his tone slightly changing. However, it's necessary for you to perform for the cameras. It's no longer just about us.
"That's right," she replied, stifling a backlash. "Because showcasing the ideal couple is the main purpose of this."
Joe's face flashed with displeasure as he arched an eyebrow. Do you suppose I want this? Nor did I ask for this wedding. However, now that we're involved, we must act the part.
"Simple for you to say," she said, her rage growing. You've lived this life before. It suits you well. I'm just attempting to maintain my composure.
The air became more tense as he moved in closer. Do you believe that I'm a callous playboy? Do you suppose I find this enjoyable? Edwina felt a chill go down her spine at the low, almost harsh, tone of his voice.
With her heart pounding, she yelled back, "I don't know what you enjoy." “But it’s not fair. You get to walk away from this whenever you want.”
He leaned in, his expression shifting to something softer. “You’re not just a pawn in my game, Edwina. You matter.”
She was taken aback by the honesty in his voice, and for a split second, she was able to see through the bluster to the vulnerability. But it was just temporary. This was a means to an end, and both of them understood that.
Edwina felt the weight of her predicament pressing down on her as the noises from the party outside suddenly became more intense. Taking a long breath, she willed herself back into control. She smoothed down her dress and remarked, "We should go out there." "I can't stay hidden forever."
"Okay," Joe murmured, but his eyes lingered on her, hinting at a different emotion boiling beneath the surface of worry.
They entered the magnificent ballroom together after leaving the changing area. Flashes from cameras exploded as soon as they walked in, and reporters yelled questions about their brief romance. Edwina felt the weight of their attention, and her heart raced.
Joe, get on over here! "What's up for you two?" exclaimed one.
Another person called, "Edwina, how does it feel to marry a billionaire?" Edwina's gut wrenched.
Joe said, "Just smile," gently placing his hand on the small of her back and guiding her forward.
She attempted a grin, but her heart was heavy within. She felt more and more cut off from the world of laughing, dancing, and celebration that was going on in the ballroom. Although Edwina was surrounded by media attention as she and Joe made their way through the crowd, she felt more at ease inside.
- Writer
