ChapterFive
1118 Words
Today was the day I would seal my fate for a year.
Two days after I signed the preliminary agreement in Tyler's office, we had gotten the legal documents done.
“This makes it official. Once you sign it, there's no going back.” he had said and without a second thought, I signed immediately.. Well, I didn't come that far to back off.
I met his grandfather and played my role to perfection, earning his approval and admiration.
The happenings since I agreed to this deal had all seemed surreal, like I was dreaming or something but being here today, in this chapel, the dressing room, made me realize the weight of what was happening.
I had become bound to Tyler Morgan for 365 days, a guy I hardly knew..
I wondered whether I was up to the task as I stood there staring at myself in the mirror.
Could I pull off this show, keep the act of a happy marriage, keep the secret weighing so much on my heart hidden?
"Hey, look at you!" Bella's voice pierced through my head as she rushed into the room, her eyes shining with excitement. "You look stunning!”
I could almost feel the weight of the veil on my shoulders as I turned to my best friend, a brave smile on my lips.
"Thank you Bell," I said, though my voice was a whisper compared to the turmoil swirling within me. "It's hard to believe this is really happening.”
“Just how lucky can you get girl.. you're getting married to the big Tyler Morgan!!”
I scoffed. “Bella it's fake.. don't get too excited”
“Spare me that. Real or Fake, you're now Mrs. Nicole Morgannnn” I couldn't help but laugh at the way Bella emphasized the name.
“You really are something.” I joked. “But hey.. no one else can know it's fake huh.. No one,” I emphasized with a stern glance. “This is for my mom’s sake, remember?”
“Of course,” Bella replied, nodding her head in a serious manner before breaking into a mischievous grin.
“But let’s be honest, Nic. Even if it’s all for show, you have to admit.. the idea of being Mrs. Morgan is pretty damn appealing, isn’t it?”
I groaned, unable to help the smirk that tugged at my lips. “You are absolutely the worst influence on me," I finished with a roll of my eyes. "Fine, I'll admit it. Being Mrs. Morgan does have its perks. But don't let that go to your head, Miss Bella. You still have to help me keep this sham of a marriage under wraps."
Bella giggled, brushing her fingers through my hair. "Oh, don't you worry, Nic. My lips are sealed.”
Just then a sharp knock came on the door jolting me out of the momentary calm I had found.
Bella and I exchanged a quick glance, her fingers pausing mid-brush through my blonde hair.
“Come in,” I called out, my heart rate quickening as I smoothed out my wedding gown.
A tall slim last strode in, “It's time,” she said.
She was dressed in a beautiful suit, her expression the perfect blend of professional and stern. Clearly, she was one of the Morgan family's people.
I breathed deeply as I adjusted the veil that was gently draped over my shoulders.
I stood up to follow her out of the dressing room and said, "Thank you." "I'm prepared."
Bella squeezed my arm, eagerness and worry glistening in her eyes.
I had the sense that I had entered a new universe as the doors opened and the chapel was visible.
The best of New York.. wealthy socialites, powerful businesspeople, and media titans.. filled the pews to celebrate Tyler Morgan's marriage to his "new bride."
I walked down the aisle with my feet moving naturally as I kept my eyes on the person who was waiting at the altar.
Tyler radiated pride and stood erect, his amusement and arrogance mixed together in his eyes.
The priest started talking as I got to the altar and sat down next to Tyler. His words spun a story of commitment and love that I knew was untrue.
The conventional vows were said by the officiant, but they sounded hollow and useless. I was engrossed in the bizarre reality of it all and was unable to focus on the words.
I just felt really empty on what was meant to be the happiest day of a woman's life.
I was hesitant to swap rings when it came time.
The simple gold band in my hand felt heavy, like a symbol of something I didn’t truly believe in. But I pushed those thoughts aside and slid the ring onto Tyler’s finger, feeling the coolness of his skin against mine.
He did the Nice, his touch brief and distant.
When our eyes met, there was no warmth, no connection.. just an understanding that we were both playing our parts.
The ceremony ended with a quick, obligatory kiss that felt more like a formality than anything real. It was over in seconds, leaving me with a hollow feeling inside.
The reception was just as understated as the ceremony.
A small gathering at a fancy, luxurious hotel, where the guests chatted and mingled, unaware of the unease I felt. I went through the motions, thanking people for coming, accepting their well-wishes with a forced smile.
Tyler was the perfect host, charming to the guests but distant toward me.
He made it clear that this was just a business deal, and I, in turn, kept my distance, not wanting to give him any reason to think I expected more from this marriage.
This was my life now. A life of sacrifice, convenience, and living in the shadow of another person's world.
I turned to head along the receiving line, but Bella suddenly appeared by my side, her countenance solemn. It's the doctor. He said it's important.
A beat skipped in my heart. Was there a problem with my mother?
Panic rising in my chest, I grabbed the phone from Bella and answered it as I hurried to the closest quiet place. "Hello?"
The voice of the doctor was heard over the line; it was serious and weird.
"Ms. Brown," he said. "I'm sorry, but your mother's condition has become more complicated."
My throat tightened around my breath.
"What kind of complication?" With my hands gripping around the phone, I whispered.
The doctor said in a serious tone, "I'm sorry, Ms. Brown, but your mother is.. I'm afraid she's passed."
And in that moment, my world stopped.
- Writer
