The Billionaires Duty

Chapter five

Congratulations Miss Emily, you look beautiful in your wedding dress. What a great choice—

“Thank you Elena”.

Emily smiled as she watched Elena, the housekeeper, leave her room. Looking nervous about her big day and uncertain about the man she was going to walk down the aisle with, while her mom was stirring at her.

“I can’t do this, mom. I don’t even find him attractive,”

“I know you don’t, but love will eventually grow.”

Mom, why are we doing this? Emily’s voice cracked.

“Why is money more important to Dad than my feelings and emotions?”

Her mother’s eyes softened. “It’s not just money, Emily. It’s survival. This marriage will keep everything together—for you, and for our family. I wish things were different.”

Emily sat on the fur stool in front of her dresser and sobbed quietly.

Her mother knelt beside her. “My darling, everything will be fine and if it isn’t, I’m only one call away." Emily continued to sob.

“It’s OK, Emily, I don’t want people asking why you have swollen eyes, so breathe. Let’s get through this in one piece”. Helping her clean and smoothen her makeup.

Emily nods. She breathes in. She breathes out. She looks at herself in the mirror again. The veil sits soft on her hair. The neckline is simple. The pearls in her ears shine like tiny moons. Then she murmured to herself, “Do I even look like the kind of bride a magazine would approve of?” I don’t feel like that bride.

Then they heard a knock at the door. “Come in,” Emily said. Richard Thompson opened the door without waiting. He wore a dark suit and a bright tie. His face looked firm. He looked at his daughter for a long second. Something flickers in his eyes. Then it was all gone.

“It is time,” he said.

Emily stood. Her knees wobble once and then are held together. Her mother fixed the veil on her hair. She smoothened the skirt and pressed a kiss to Emily’s forehead.

“You are strong,” her mom said. “Remember that.”

Emily links her arm through her father’s arm. The silk on his sleeve felt cool. They both walked down the stairs. The guests turned their heads. Soft sounds of admiration filled the air. Cameras rose like a field of small black flowers.

They reached the car. The driver opened the door. The interior smelled like leather and roses. Emily sat nervously. Her father sat beside her. He adjusted his cuffs and cleared his throat.

“I know this is not what you dreamed of,” he said. “But this is the right thing to do for us.”

Emily tried to imagine a life where she was not in this dress. But the picture will not stay.

They arrived at the church. The building had white stones and tall windows. The doors went wide open. Ushers stood with soft smiles. The aisle was lined with white roses and small candles in clear glass. The air smells like flowers and wax.

The music began—soft piano, gentle violin. Guests turned as the doors opened and Emily stepped into the aisle on her father’s arm. Flashing lights, smiles, whispers. The church smelled of white roses and candle wax.

She takes a step. Then another. The veil skims her shoulders. The dress follows like a cloud. The cameras flashed but felt far away. She heard whispers. She kept her eyes forward.

Jason waited at the altar, his expression was unreadable, hands clasped behind his back. Emily’s steps were heavy, every click of her heel felt heavy.

I can't feel anything, she thought. Not joy, not hope—nothing

The priest’s voice broke through the murmurs. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

The words washed over Emily like water. She stood still. She tried to listen but she heard nothing. The priest spoke about love, patience, and honor. He spoke about promises and trust. Emily heard the words but couldn’t hold them.

Jason glanced at her only for a moment. He looked away again. His jaw tightened.

Emily looked at Jason. He didn’t look back.

When the vows began, her hands trembled, but she repeated every word like a line from a script. Jason repeated his vows in a steady tone. He did not hesitate. He sounded like a man that had it all figured out.

“Let’s have the rings," the priest said. The best man handed Jason a band of crystal. Jason slides it onto Emily’s finger. The metal was smooth and cold. It felt warm against her skin. Emily’s maid of honor gave her the second ring. Emily lifted Jason’s hand. She saw the faint scar near his knuckle, and she slid the ring on. The ring fits perfectly.

The priest smiles gently. Finally, the priest asked, “If anyone here has any reason these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The room went silent.

The priest cleared his throat. He glanced at the couple. He glanced at the crowd. Then he decided to go on. “In the absence of any objection,” he said, measured and calm, “we will proceed.”

Emily breathes. The breath is short. Jason shifts his weight once and then stands still again.

“By the power vested in me,” the priest says, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may—”

“You may kiss the bride.”

Jason turns to Emily. Emily lifted her chin. They both understood the cameras. They both understood what they were supposed to do. Jason touched her cheek lightly, as if asking permission. Emily nodded once. He kissed her. It was brief but careful. The room applauded.

Then the doors opened.

Madison stepped in, wearing a black laced body-con dress and gold heels. Her hair was sleek. Her face was calm. Her eyes were not. Every head turned. A wave of whispers swept through the crowd.

Jason’s heart was racing. “I warned her,” he muttered under his breath. “I warned her and she still came.”

Madison did not speak. She stood in the doorway and looked at the front. She looked at Jason first. Then at Emily. Then at the priest. Her eyes returned to Jason. Madison’s eyes locked on him. She didn’t say a word—just smiled, slow and dangerous.

Emily’s fingers tightened around her bouquet. She didn’t know who the woman was, but she could feel that something wasn’t right.