WEDDING DAY DECEPTION
1000 Words
The morning of the wedding, Lexi stood close to her bedroom window, gazing out at the serene garden below. Her wedding day has finally arrived.
Victoria, her stepmom, entered into the room, carrying a delicate veil. "Time to get ready Lexi."
Lexi turned, her eyes meeting Victoria's.
"Remember, Lexi," Victoria said, her voice low and urgent, "today marks a new beginning. But also a binding secret."
Lexi nodded understanding.
"You know your role," Victoria continued, her eyes intense. "Keep the truth hidden. Your father's reputation, our family's legacy - everything depends on it."
Lexi felt a familiar weight settle upon her shoulders.
"I won't say anything," she promised, her voice barely above a whisper.
Victoria's expression softened lightly. "I know you won't Lexi. You've always being... resilient."
Lexi's eyes dropped, her gaze hiding the turmoil within. She felt like a pawn used to secure her family's status.
"Resilient?" Lexi repeated, her voice laced with bitterness. "You mean obedient."
Victoria's expression hardened. "You'll do as you're told Lexi. This is your duty."
Lexi's jaw clenched, but she remained silent. What choice did she have? Her father's word echoed in her mind.
Victoria's hand moved efficiently, securing the veil.
"Let's get this over with. Your father is waiting."
Lexi's heart sank, her thought rebelling.
How could they do this to me?
Why must I surrender my life to their ambitions?
The questions swirled, but Lexi's outward calm remained.
Victoria stepped back, inspecting Lexi's attire. "You look suitable."
Suitable. Not beautiful, not happy, just... suitable.
Victoria's gaze lingered on Lexi's face, her expression a mask of stern expectations. "Remember, Lexi, your role is clear. You'll not embarrass this family."
Lexi nodded, her heart heavy with resentment.
"Let's go," Victoria said, her voice crisp. "Your father awaits."
Lexi followed Victoria out of the bedroom, her thought racing.
As they descended the stairs, the sound of murmuring guest and soft music enveloped them.
Lexi's eyes scanned the crowded foyer, searching for something... anything.
The guests parted, as Lexi posing as Sophia descended the stairs, her eyes fixed on the garden entrance.
As Lexi stepped into the wedding venue, with her father by her side, she looked nervously to the alter where the so called groom to be was, and to her utter surprise, the person standing there seemed to be extremely young with a mask on his face.
Lexi not believing what she was seeing tried convincing herself that maybe the guy there was some kind of guard who happened to accompany the groom. She searched the entire place with her eyes, scanning everyone, but no one seem to be wearing a tuxedo just like the one in front of her.
She was caught off from her train of thought, when she felt someone nudge her arm. She glanced at her side only to see her father glaring glaring at her. She understood the message and walked to the alter.
The minister's voice carried through the air. "Dear family and friends, we gather to unite Sophia and her loving husband in matrimony."
Lexi's gaze locked to the groom, whose face was still hidden behind the mask.
As the minister begins the vow, Lexi heart faltered.
"Sophia, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Lexi's lips parted, hesitation flickering across her face.
A beat passed.
"Yes," she whispered, the voice barely audible.
The minister turned to the mysterious man and asked.
"Mr Blackwood, do you take this lovely woman as your lawfully wedded wife?"
The man, stared at Lexi deeply, to the point that she thinks he was staring directly at her soul.
"Yes, I do," he replied with literally no emotion present in his voice.
The minister's eyes narrowed slightly, noticing the hesitation between both of them, but he continued with the remains of the vow.
He guided them through the ring exchange.
"Sophia take this ring as a symbol of your love and commitment."
Lexi's hand trembled lightly has she collected the ring.
As she slipped it onto the groom's finger, their eyes met once again, and Lexi swore she saw a flicker of coldness in them.
The moment passed.
The groom placed a ring on Lexi's finger, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She felt an unexpected knot twist in her stomach.
"You may seal your union with a kiss," the minister announced, bringing Lexi back to reality.
The groom turned, his mask face inches from Lexi. He brought his face so close to Lexi's that Lexi could feel his warm breaths on her face.
She moved her head a little anticipating the kiss, but it never came. Instead the groom only whispered into her ear. "Don't think I'm going to kiss you woman." before backing off.
Lexi stood there in utter shock, and fright. She was brought back to reality when loud screams and claps echoed throughout the place, as the excited audience thought the kiss truly happened.
The reception awaited, a flurry of congratulations and small talk.
As they mingled with guest, Lexi's frustration grew.
Who was this man and why did she agree to this.
She was still thinking about the whole issue, when Sophia approached them with a smile, which was obviously a mock.
"Hey sister, you look beautiful," she said sarcastically.
"Obviously," Mr Blackwood, the groom's grandfather who was approaching them replied.
All trios turned their head towards the direction of the voice, and the groom excused himself to meet his grandfather, leaving only Sophia and Lexi alone.
"Seems, you aren't married to an old faggot anyway," Sophia said, with sarcasm laced in her voice.
"And how is that any of your problem, you know what I don't have time to exchange words with you." Lexi retorted.
Sophia chuckled then added, "you're talking as if you know who's behind that mask. Anyways i heard is extremely ugly.
"None of your business," Lexi reminded.
"Get stuck in your loveless marriage sister. Bye," Sophia completed, leaving Lexi who was already starting to boil with anger.
- Writer
