Shattering The Perfect Little Image
1194 Words
Chapter 25
My gaze remained fixed on her as my pulse quickened.
For a moment, I forgot we weren’t alone, that dozens of eyes were watching us.
“Are you alright?” Derek’s voice came low and steady, anchoring me back to reality.
I turned to him, forcing a brighter smile than I felt. “Of course,” I murmured, before facing forward again.
Mum was already on stage, Derek’s mother beside her as they exchanged quiet words.
“We’re grateful to have everyone here tonight,” Mum began, her voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. Applause followed, loud and approving.
I swallowed, my grip tightening slightly around Derek’s arm.
“Relax,” he murmured under his breath, his lips barely moving. “You’re drawing attention.”
“I thought that was the point,” I replied through my smile.
His fingers pressed lightly against mine. “Not the wrong kind.”
Before I could respond, Mum’s voice rang out again. “Liora, Derek… come join us.”
My heart skipped.
Derek didn’t hesitate. His hand shifted, guiding mine more firmly into the crook of his arm as he led me forward.
By the time we reached the stage, my chest felt tight, each breath shallow.
Mum beamed at me, her expression glowing with pride.
“Look at you,” she said softly. “Absolutely radiant.”
I forced a small smile. “Thank you.”
Derek’s mother turned to us, her gaze warm yet sharp beneath.
“Such a beautiful couple. In all my sixty-two years, I don’t think I’ve witnessed a pair quite like this,” she said with a soft laugh. “Don’t they look perfect together?”
Oh, she’s sixty-two? I would’ve sworn she was in her mid-forties; she looks far younger than her age.
The crowd responded instantly.
“Yes!”
“They do!”
“Perfect match!”
The words echoed around us as we held onto carefully crafted smiles.
Mum handed the mic to Derek as he took it with ease, his posture confident and his expression calm.
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he began, his voice smooth and composed. “It means more than words can express to have the people we value most sharing in this moment with us.”
He glanced at me briefly before continuing.
“Marriage… isn’t just about love. It’s about trust, partnership, and choosing each other, every single day. Liora and I may not have everything figured out yet,” he added, a faint smile tugging at his lips, “but we’re committed to walking that path together.”
The audience responded with warm applause.
Then he turned slightly, extending the mic toward me.
“Say something,” he murmured under his breath.
What exactly was I supposed to say?
“I can’t…”
Before I could finish, he gently pressed the mic into my hand.
I lifted my chin, forcing confidence into my posture as I faced the crowd.
“Thank you all for coming,” I began, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. “This… truly means a lot to both of us.”
Applause rose again.
Through the blur of faces, I saw my mother smiling as she stepped closer, pulling me into a tight embrace.
“Lio, darling,” she whispered as she held me.
I felt a damp warmth against my shoulder as I withdrew gently to see tears sliding down her cheek.
“Mum, don’t cry,” I said softly, wrapping my arms around her again as the applause swelled.
She pulled back, composing herself before taking the mic once more.
“I still can’t believe my little girl is standing here as someone’s wife,” she said, her voice trembling. “It feels like just yesterday you were clinging to me, afraid of the world… and now you’re stepping into one of your own.”
I nodded.
“I always prayed that when this day came, it would be filled with nothing but certainty and love,” she said softly as her eyes met mine.
My breath caught.
“And now,” she added with a bright smile, “let the celebration begin!”
Cheers erupted across the hall; glasses were raised, laughter spilling into the air as music began to swell.
I leaned slightly toward Derek.
“Can we go somewhere private?” I muttered.
He studied me for a second, then nodded.
We slipped out of the hall and into a quieter corridor, the noise fading behind us.
“What is it?” he asked, his tone curious.
I swallowed hard, gathering my thoughts.
How do I even say this?
“…I called you out here because…” I paused, watching his expression shift with curiosity. “There will be no s*x, no emotions, no romance in this marriage.”
He studied me for a moment, then a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“You’re setting rules already?” he murmured. “Good.”
His gaze held mine. “Don’t worry… everything you just said is already written in the contract.”
Relief washed over me as I exhaled.
“Is that all?” he asked, and I nodded.
He extended his hand toward me. “Let’s head back before they start looking for us.”
“You can go ahead. I’ll be there soon,” I said.
He hesitated, glancing at me. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
After a brief pause, he turned and walked away, though he looked back once before disappearing inside.
“Damn it,” I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.
“Liora.” A familiar voice called, making my body go rigid.
I turned to see Trisha approaching, a glass of champagne in her hand, her steps slow and deliberate.
“I don’t want to believe the news,” she began, her gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. “But seeing all of this…”
I smiled sweetly. “I’m married to Derek now.”
Her lips curved faintly. “Oh, I can see that… after making me believe we had a deal, you went ahead and married him.”
I held her gaze, unflinching. “I don’t need your permission to marry Derek. He was never yours, and you certainly don’t have his heart.”
Her smile tightened.
“You really think you can play this game?” she whispered.
My spine stiffened. “Play what?”
She leaned slightly closer, her voice dropping.
“You should enjoy tonight while it lasts,” she whispered. “Because by the time I’m done… this perfect little image you’re holding onto?”
Her smile deepened. “It won’t survive the night.”
A soft chuckle escaped her lips before she turned and walked back into the hall.
A chill ran down my spine.
“She’s definitely up to something,” I muttered, hurrying after her.
The moment I stepped back inside, my eyes darted across the hall until I spotted her.
She was heading straight for the stage.
My breath hitched as dread curled in my chest.
“No… she wouldn’t…”
- Writer
