PROLOGUE
1121 Words
"Just survive today." I whispered to myself as I watched myself in the mirror, wearing a wedding dress.
My chest tightened.
Everything inside me screamed to leave before it was too late.
But who am I kidding? There's no turning back now. Everyone is already waiting for me. My groom... he's probably there already, waiting for my arrival.
"You look stunning." Marietta, the wedding planner spoke. She's looking at my reflection as well.
"Thanks," I said.
She smiled politely, "It's time to walked down the aisle, Miss Schuet."
I hesistated, almost corrected her.
"You're lucky." She commented.
I looked at her. She smiled as she blushed.
"Every woman dreams of marrying Connor Luciano."
If only she knew.
"Miss?" She asked, confused as I remained seated.
I sighed and forced a smile. Already feeling my hand shake as I walked towards the garden venue.
The air felt suffocating as I held my wedding dress tightly. Everyone's eyes were focused on me and that made every step heavier.
Every step towards the groom is another lie. My knees trembled as he watched me. The only thing that hides what I truly felt about this is my veil.
The music sounded too loud as well as the guests applauded when his hand touches mine.
He watched me with the same calm expression he wore in every photograph I'd ever seen. My heartbeat was fast and loud—I wonder if he could hear it.
I looked away. His eyes are dark... Too deep for me to stare back.
The ceremony began. Everything sounded static. My mind is blank and I couldn't properly process a thing.
"If any person can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let them now speak, or else hereafter forever hold their peace."
My heart skipped. Tempted. But remained silent.
The ceremony continued. I barely listened. All I could think of is how am I gonna survive this day.
Then I looked at him, my groom. His hand felt rough as he put the ring on my finger. And my hand looked extra small as I slipped the ring on his.
I looked at him as I felt his eyes linger on me again, his expression blank. I blinked—twice.
"By the power vested in me by the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!"
That sounded extra loud on my ear. Guests applaud as they encouraged us to kiss.
My heart beat faster that it already is as Connor uncover my veil. His eyes dark as he leaned forward. I closed my eyes and waited.
My hands felt cold as I closed my eyes waiting for his lips.
It was soft—too soft for his cold and rough features. I felt his hand wrapped around my waist he kissed me deeper.
He looked at me for a long moment, his expression impossible to read. My face heated in embarassment, wondering why he looked at me like that.
-
The applause grew louder.
Smiles. Cheers. Congratulations.
Everything around me became a blur.
I smiled when I was expected to smile. I thanked everyone who congratulated us. I accepted every handshake, every hug, every blessing as though I truly belonged there.
But my mind was somewhere else.
The diamond ring around my finger suddenly felt heavier than it should.
Mrs. Luciano.
The title echoed inside my head every time another guest greeted me.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Luciano."
"You make a beautiful couple."
"The Luciano and Schuet families are finally one."
If only they knew.
Connor barely spoke throughout the reception.
He accepted congratulations with nothing more than a nod, his expression never changing. Yet somehow, no one seemed bothered by his silence. They expected him to be this way.
Cold. Untouchable.
Every now and then, I caught him looking at me. Not with affection or curiosity. Just... watching.
It made me wonder if he had already seen through every lie I was trying so desperately to hide.
Hours passed in a haze of champagne glasses, camera flashes, and endless greetings until the celebration finally came to an end.
-
Before I knew it, we were already leaving the venue.
The guests waved goodbye as the chauffeur opened the back door of the black Rolls-Royce waiting outside.
Connor entered first and I hesitated.
There was no crowd left to hide behind.
Not a single guest, just the two of us.
He remained silent—calm. Not a single word after we left the venue. He stopped looking at me too.
My chest tightened. Is he mad?
My mind was loud all through out the ride. Wondering if he's really this quiet or he was also overthinking everything like I do.
"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Luciano."
Bunch of maids aligned to greet us as we entered the mansion.
Mr. and Mrs. Luciano sounded heavy to me. It stinged.
One by one, the staff excused themselves until only the butler remained.
"Sir, your room has been prepared."
Connor gave a single nod. "You may all leave."
"Yes, Mr. Luciano." He said and left.
It was just the two of us now.
The mansion fell silent. The kind of silence that made every footstep echo.
I followed a step behind him, clutching the fabric of my dress.
The hallways stretched endlessly, decorated with paintings, chandeliers, and polished marble floors.
It didn't feel like a home. It felt like somewhere people weren't allowed to leave.
Am I really trapped here now?
Then Connor stops walking without looking at me.
"Come," He said.
I followed. He stopped in front of the masters bedroom and opened the door for me.
I entered and he closed the door behind.
Click.
That sound should almost feel louder than anything we said.
Connor removed his cufflinks, then his watch, and his jacket.
Every move is deliberate and unhurried. While I just stand there...watching.
Not knowing what to do. Not knowing what he's thinking.
Then his eyes met mine. And long silence stretched.
He walked toward me and stops only inches away. Then he reaches for me.
My heart beat fast and I breathe heavily. Then he kissed me.
Not passionately. Not violently.
Why is he like this?
I was still wondering why he acted this way when he deepened the kiss. I couldn't help but to close my eyes as I rested my hand on his chest.
"Jade..." He said in between our kiss.
I froze.
Everything inside me stopped. I slowly opened my eyes.
Connor is already looking at me—calm, controlled, almost amused.
"Did you really think..."
He brushed his thumb against my cheek.
"...I'd mistake my own wife for someone else?"
- Writer
