Snow was awed when she entered her matrimonial bedroom; the chandeliers swung gloriously, paintings on the wall portraying beauty were hung in all corners of the room, the lighting was perfect, and when she walked into her walk-in closet, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"WOW! It's so lovely, Marose; I cannot believe Bruce filled this closet with designer brands just for me. How long have you guys been on this?
"For a week now, ma'am, Mr. Bruce has hired the service of a professional shopper, and she collected all these limited editions for you.
"You can call me Snow; no need for the formalities, Marose.
"As you please, I'm at your service, but we must prepare you for the banquet starters in 30 minutes; guests have started coming in.
Snow headed to the bathtub filled with goat milk and fresh rose flowers; she undressed and got in. It was so warm that it brought back memories of her and her ex-boyfriend, Jackson.
"Maybe my father was right; maybe marrying Bruce wasn't bad.
Snow gets out after 20 minutes to find four maids waiting for her in her bedroom. They came to prepare her for the banquet.
"You look like a newborn; you must have enjoyed your bath, Marose teased her in a way that made her smile.
"I chose a corset gown for you, something to glorify your glass figure; it was handmade cotton and took eight months to make; Marose brought out the gold dress decorated with glitter and shimmer.
"This is so lovely; I love it.
Marose and the other servants dressed Snow and arranged her hair so that she looked like Cinderella, and by the time they were done, Snow couldn't believe she was the same person trying to take her own life a few hours ago.
"One more thing, Snow, Mr. Bruse asked me to present this to you. Marose handed Snow a box, and when she opened it, she saw a very expensive and rare diamond set.
"Mr. Bruce wants you to put it on tonight. Marose lifts Snow's hair and wears her necklace and earrings.
"You look ravishing; we should leave now. The guests are waiting.
Snow makes her way to the banquet and heads turn as soon as she walks in. Bruce's jaw drops when he sees his newlywed wife.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my Wife, Snow.
Everyone applauded Snow and cheered for her marriage to Bruce.
"You like gorgeous Snow; barely 48 hours after our breakup, you are already married and curse me for cheating?
Snow almost choked on her champagne when she turned and saw her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, facing her, holding a glass. She dragged him to the bathroom, where no one would hear their conversation.
"What are you doing here, Jackson? How did you get an invite? It would be best if you left now before Bruce saw us together. Snow was nervous; she stretched her neck to see if anyone was heading in their direction.
"My Boss is handling a contract for Mr. Bruce. I'm only here for the meeting after the banquet. So you were cheating on me too, Snow, with a man old enough to be your father? How shameless can you be? Jackson's voice was high-pitched this time as he expressed his disappointment.
"Shuuuuuu! Snow used her hand to cover Jackson's mouth so he would quit talking.
"You better watch your tongue, Jackson. Bruce has ears everywhere; do you think I want this too? My father married me off to Bruce to clear his debt; I had no choice.
I came to your house that night so we could elope to Europe, but you shattered my heart, Jackson.
"Run away with me, Snow; let's go somewhere far away. I'll take care of you, I promise. My world is empty without you; I can never love another woman the same way.
"And yet you cheat on me? What a funny way to express your love! We cannot be seen together, Jackson; I need to leave before Bruce starts to look for me. Please do not contact me.
Snow attempted to leave when Jackson pulled her gently and planted a kiss on her lips. Those few seconds were made in heaven, and she wished she had gotten married to Jackson instead.
"You shouldn't have done that; I'm married now. Snow walked away and hurried back to the banquet. The banquet was soon over, and she headed to her bedroom, hoping to rest from all the drama that had happened in one day.
Snow entered the room and sat close to her dressing mirror, reminiscing about the Kiss with Jackson. She touched her lips slowly, lost in the moment as she wished the kiss lasted longer.
"So you brought your Ex to my banquet.
The unexpected yet strangely familiar voice sent a jolt through her entire body. It was as though the world had abruptly tilted on its axis, and she struggled to steady herself.
Her hands trembled as if reacting to the electric charge that surged through her when she heard Bruce's Voice coming from the bathroom.
She stood up slowly, facing his direction. She was stiff and shocked. She knew he was up to no good when he came out with his whisky glass, looking furious.
"I didn't bring him here, I promise; I didn't even know he was here, I swear. Snow was visibly shaking, and it was showing in her voice tone.
"Oh, Snow, my dear wife, I like your honesty. I know you didn't bring him here, but I'll ask you one more question, and I wouldn't lie if I were you. Bruce was coming close to Snow at this point, and he pulled her hair forcefully as he dropped his glass of whisky on the table.
"Did you kiss him? Snow was mute for a second as her life flashed before her eyes.
Answer me!! Bruce yelled at Snow, and his voice sent a shock down her spine.
"He kissed me; I'm sorry, Bruce, it wasn't intentional. Bruce slapped her so that her hair flipped and covered her face; her vision became blurry as she fell on the floor.
He picked her up and gave her another slap on the same cheek; at this point, Snow thought she was already dead, as Bruce wouldn't stop hitting her.
"Beyond 24 hours of our marriage, and you are already Hoeing around; I'm in a good mood tonight, Snow, so you won't see my full wrath.
I forgive you, my dear wife, but if you ever try this again, I'll send your head to your father. You are already polluted, so we can not consummate our marriage tonight. I'll ask Marose to give you something for your pain.
Bruce gave Snow a light kiss on her forehead as he made his way to his meeting.
Snow couldn't move; she was in severe pain, and all she could do was allow tears to roll down her face as she wished for death.