His Invisible Wife

C H A P T E R 2 — Wedding

Genie stayed in her room, laying on the bed staring at the ceiling.

A surged of emotion overwhelmed her, finally a tear ran down from her eyes to the pillow then nothingness...

Genie closed her eyes, took a deep breathe..

----

she opened her eyes at the order of the makeup artist, the moment she opened her eyes she saw herself downed on a white dress beautiful.

The wedding dress felt heavier than it looked.

White satin trailed behind Genie Hale Montana as she stood before the mirror, hands folded neatly in her lap. She looked like a bride in a painting—perfect, delicate, untouched.

And yet, her chest felt hollow.

No bridesmaids fussed over her veil, no mother wiped away tears of joy, no father beamed with pride. The room was silent except for the ticking clock, reminding her that this day was not hers—it belonged to the families who had bartered her future.

When the door opened, an attendant peeked in.

“Miss Montana, it’s time.”

Genie rose, her knees weak, but her steps steady.

The ceremony was held in a private chapel, far from prying eyes. No flowers adorned the aisle, no guests filled the pews—only a handful of powerful men in black suits, the Montana parents, and the Versales elders.

And at the altar, he stood.

Jairus Gael Versales.

The groom. Her husband-to-be.

Genie’s breath caught for the briefest second.

Tall, sharp-shouldered, and dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, Jairus looked carved from shadow. His eyes were unreadable, cold steel beneath thick lashes. His lips pressed into a line, neither welcoming nor cruel, simply detached, as if the world around him failed to interest him.

He did not look at her when she walked down the aisle. Not once. His gaze stayed forward, unflinching, as though he was attending a business transaction.

Her heart sank, but her face remained serene.

When she finally reached him, she dared to glance up at her groom. He smelled faintly of smoke and leather, his presence towering over hers.

For the first time, his eyes shifted to meet hers.

It was only a glance. But in that moment, Genie realized something chilling: he looked at her the same way her parents always had.

As if she were invisible.

The priest’s voice blurred into a monotone rhythm as vows were recited. Genie repeated the words softly, obediently, though her chest ached with every syllable.

When it came time for him to answer, Jairus’s reply was curt.

“I do.”

No warmth. No hesitation. Just a statement.

The ceremony ended as quickly as it began. A kiss was expected, but Jairus merely brushed his lips against her cheek, like a ghost contact, cold as marble.

Genie’s fingers clutched her bouquet tighter, knuckles paling. She told herself it didn’t matter. She had never been loved before, why should she expect it now? Why should she expect something anyway? It will just end in disappointment.

As they walked out together, side by side, Genie glanced at her parents, Mr. Montana just gave her a hard stare, telling her to not embarrass the Family, while the Mrs. Montana, didn't even spare her a glance, she was busy accommodating some wealthy woman.

Genie averted her gaze to the man walking infront of her, she whispered inwardly the only fragile hope she could cling to:

Maybe… maybe things would change.

Maybe, in this new life, she would finally be seen,.. or not, still I'm free from the prison like house.