The Bond We Never Chose

"It was a wedding planned for the headlines but destiny rewrote the story before the vow could be spoken.” The banquet hall glittered like a cathedral of light. Crystal chandeliers poured molten radiance across the marble floors. “The golden light adored her gown, but not even its brilliance could hide the sorrow glinting behind her smile as toasts rose to a future that would never come.” It was the Bright-Williams Gala, the night two dynasties—bankers and pharmaceuticals, would announce the sealing of their legacy through love. Expectedly Jessica Bright was at the center of it all, a darling of the British press. She floated around the room with the grace of somebody born in wealth, adored with money, schooled in charm, and sharpened through ambition. A smile played on her lips as she made her way under the camera flashes. On her finger, a diamond cluster seemed to dance with flashes of light. The Williams Medical empire's heir, Henry Williams, is a tall figure with a long sculpted tapering with his immaculate dinner jacket. The luxury of his shoes shone under the luxurious golden chandeliers, handcrafted Italian leather was polished up to the level of a mirror. Every footstep of the confident walk along the marble aisle, apart from being the symbol of affluence, also bequeathed a legacy. It was the sound of a dynasty that was stepping into its future. He had swept back into place his blackish hair back with precision. Standing with equal stature of perfection, they were the Golden Couple. It was spoken about by the media that the meeting was the wedding of the century. It was a marriage of beauty, money, and power that would dominate London society for years to come. The royal family has just got a new heir, the tabloids were announcing Jessica and Henry. The marriage was viewed by the business press as an opportunity to master the market. The two were present in each of their pictures as having been lovers for life. At least that is what the world believed. Jessica was soaking it all up. The evening gown slid over her skin like velvet. The smell of roses was filling the ballroom, and the eyes of hundreds were upon her with envy. She had become a queen. She had traversed every social ladder, outlasted every opponent, and sealed a future that most people could only fantasize about. Henry’s arm was resting on her waist with his support and his smile was working his and her luck. Nonetheless, a shadow was lingering behind the glitter. The rumor had circulated for some time before the affair was made public. It was initially talked about only among the members of private clubs and salons. It was mentioned that Henry was unwilling to let go of his old life. As per one of the sources, it seems like an escort, who is both attractive and went without making a fuss, was at his flat. A few of them were so confident that they even claimed to have seen him leaving the houses that he lived in during the middle of the night without anyone noticing. The media did not have any concrete stories to publish yet, but the chatter was still alive, which made it an invisible partner of the scandal. Jessica felt it in the manner of the glances of the guests, with over-sharp eyes and smiles that were too tight-looking. Also, when an old school friend, gripping her hand a bit too long, whispered, “I hope you know what you’re doing,” she felt it too. She had a habit of pushing it aside that only people who are trained not to let their feelings show would recognize. Not tonight of all nights to be plagued with doubts. Tonight was meant to be a night for power, diamonds, and destiny. Henry was impeccable in his performance. He did everything that was expected of him; he kissed Jessica's hand very courteously when the cameras were rolling. He whispered sweet nothing into her ear that made her get red in the face, and with his usual charm. He took her through the dance and made her glow like a princess. However, from time to time, when his gaze would wander past her shoulder, Jessica would see the very slight hint of something, a lack, a heaviness of distraction. Then it was that moment. While the crowd's admiration was making Jessica shine, Henry took his leave to talk to a business partner. She was turning to receive yet one more compliment, her laughter echoing throughout the hall. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone standing near the marble staircase. A woman, the epitome of elegance, slim, with long black hair, and a fiery red dress with a daring cut. Her head was not turning, it was Henry that she was looking at. The strength of her stare was the only thing that could have cut through the golden aura of the gala, and it was cold and unambiguous. It was then that Jessica's smile became the first that evening to weaken. The murmurs were not there any longer as shadows. They had assumed forms, faces, and were very close to her perfect night as if a storm was entering through the window. The Golden Couple were still shining, but the cracks were spreading under the surface. While the cameras were flashing and the orchestra was playing. Jessica Bright almost instantaneously realized that her fairy tale might be slipping away from her already.