His substitute bride

Chapter two/The vow.

Bella's cheeks were beginning to hurt, she has been wearing a smile all evening, and her cheeks felt stiff like they didn't belong to her anymore,

The ballroom glitters under the chandeliers, music playing in the background while voices floated around her. People she barely knew pressed glasses of champagne into her hands,

calling her dear and future Mrs. Blackwood

as if she were a prize Edward has just won.

under the light the ring shone, but to her it seemed heavier than it looked

Calm and gathered, Edward stood next to her, the kind of guy who could woo the room without even attempting. His hand rested a little on her back. not loving but rather like a reminder that she was still here. His grin barely touched his eyes.

“Congratulations’ Bella.

Bella turned and found her father's oldest business partner, raising his glass.

You've landed quite the husband.

He said with a smile.

Her lips curved into a polite smile. “I suppose I have.”

Across the room, her father stood with a glass of wine in his hand, watching her. There was a look of relief in his face, the kind a man shows when he's just saved something important, in this case his company. But there was also something else there, maybe guilt, or she was just imagining it.

The night blurred, endless toast, flash after flash from the photographers, conversations she didn't care to remember. At one point she sneaked out

to the balcony, for some fresh air.

The cold breeze made her body tremble a little, she felt a little better. She closed her eyes and let herself breathe.

Then she heard it, whispers behind her,

“She doesn't look in love” a woman's voice was heard almost above a whisper,

That's not the point a man replied “ She doesn't have to be”

Bella's stomach tightened. She turned but the doorway was empty.

Moments later Edward appeared, his expression cold and unreal, “People are looking for you.” His tone wasn't unkind but It wasn't warm either.

She let him hold her back in. The rest of the night passed in a blur of clinking glasses and fake smiles.

—--

The roses from the engagement party hadn't even wilted, before Bella was standing in front of a mirror in a wedding dress.

It was beautiful - a fitted bodice with lace sleeves, a skirt that flowed like water, but it didn't feel like hers. It felt like it belonged to some other girl, one who was actually in love with the man waiting for her at the altar.

Her father stepped in, his eyes sweeping over her, “you look perfect”

“Do I?” She asked softly.

He paused for a moment then gave her a tight smile. “It's a good match, “you'll see.”

Those words followed her as the church bell rang.

The aisle felt longer than it looked.

The guests stood turning to watch her, as she walked, their faces a blur. She fixed her eyes on Edward.

He stood tall, sharp in his suit, every inch the perfect groom.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.

Her voice was steady as she spoke her Vows, but it felt like she was speaking someone else's vows. Edward’s vows were smooth, and confident, as if he rehearsed it multiple times.

“You may kiss the bride.”

He leaned in, brushed his mouth against hers. It was the kind of kiss meant for the audience, not for her. The crowd sighed, cameras flashed brightly.

As they turned to leave, his hand tightened around hers, firm almost warning. He bent closer, his breath brushing her ear.

“Remember Bella” he whispered, “This is a business arrangement. Nothing more.”

Her face didn't change, her smile stayed fixed for the guests, but her stomach churned.

Meanwhile, Anna was shocked beyond words as she saw Edward, he wasn't an old man as she thought, he was so handsome that he looked like a demi- god

“Well I don't care about his looks, the fact remains that he is a beast,” she said to herself.

Bella felt a weird sense of unreality and tiredness as the clapping reverberated in the corridor after it was finished. Was this actually her current situation? Though the cheers died out, the ring's weight on her finger reminded her this was reality.

Bella faced the mirror three days later, fiddling with the strap of her school bag. She resolved to return to classes.

She didn't believe things would go back to normal; she knew they wouldn't, but she wanted something recognizable. A habit, venue where she could still fantasize she was just Bella the student rather than Bella the Married Girl.

The trip to college seemed more protracted than normal. Her chest throbbed as she saw the school gate. She was aware that the rumors would already be there, like vultures waiting.

Immediately she stepped into the courtyard, she could feel it, eyes darting towards her, whispers slipping between lips. A few students tried to hide their curiosity while others didn't bother.

She could hear some people's murmurs as she walked past them.

“She really did marry him….

“I heard his old enough to be her father”

“Her family must be swimming in debt…”

Bella kept her head high refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her flinch.

But deep inside, her stomach twisted.

“Bella” a familiar voice called her name.

She turned to see Anaya walking towards her, her long hair swaying as she walked.

Anaya was more than just a classmate.

She was the only person Bella had trusted with her secret, back when secrets didn't feel so heavy.

Anaya didn't hesitate to ask, “so… it's true?” “You are married?”

Bella paused for a moment then nodded slowly. “It happened really fast”

Anaya looked at her face, are you… really happy? I mean, do you even like him?

Bella looked away, “I don't know him well enough to answer that.”

Anaya frowned, “Then why did you accept to marry him?”

“Because I don't have a choice, “Bella said softly.

They found somewhere cool, away from the eyes of students stealing glances at them. Anaya moved closer, people were saying all sorts of things, They said that your dad arranged the marriage for money.that he's some old man who…

He's not old, Bella said sharply, surprised by what she just said. He is just…not someone I would have chosen but I can't change it.

Anaya sighed, you know I'm always here for you right? If you need someone to talk to. If you need anything…

Bella smiled softly, “ I know”.

There was silence between them for a moment, but it didn't last.

From across the courtyard, a high laughter mockery was heard. Bella didn't

bother to look to know who it was, she already knew it's Anna, her stepsister.

She was dressed in a short floral dress, escorted by her two friends. Anna walked over like a cat who'd found something to play with.

Well, “if it isn't Mrs Gold digger herself”

Anna said loudly enough for the student nearby to hear.

Bella clenched her fist. Don't start, “Anna”

Oh I'm not starting Anna said sweetly, I'm just saying,... people are talking.

They are saying you married that man for money. That you couldn't find someone your age to even look at you. I mean.. you can't blame them, the photos were everywhere.

Her friends giggled behind her, whispering like children who had been handed candy.

Anaya shot Anna a glare, “shut up Anaya, you sound pathetic.”

But Anna smirked, I'm just curious. I mean who wouldn't want to marry an old man for a lifetime support of credit cards? You should teach a class on gold -digging. I'm sure it'd be full.

Bella wanted to walk away but the words lodged in her throat. She couldn't give Clara the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Instead, she straightened her shoulder and met her stepsister's gaze. At least I don't waste my life spreading lies to feel important. Her voice was calm and steady, even though her insides trembled.

The courtyard went silent for a moment, before Anna's friends snickered again, and the noise returned. Bella turned to Anaya, “Let's go”

As they walked away, Anaya muttered under her breat

h” ignore her. She's just jealous.you are stronger than she'll ever be.’

But Bella knew the whispers wouldn't stop.

This is just the beginning.