Secret of My Billionaire Husband

CHAPTER 3: The wedding

Elira's POV:

I sat in the dining room, my heart racing with anticipation. My father, Margaret, and Hanna were chatting excitedly, but I couldn't share their enthusiasm. I was about to marry a stranger, and my life was about to change forever.

The representative arrived, and we sat in the living room, discussing the details of the marriage. My stepfamily listened intently, often commenting on what they thought was best for me.

"Well, Elira, you should be grateful for this opportunity," Margaret said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You'll be marrying a very wealthy and influential man."

"Yes, and you'll be saving the company from bankruptcy," Hanna added, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

I felt a surge of anger at their words, but I kept my cool. "I understand the benefits, but I'd like to discuss the details with the representative," I said firmly.

I felt hurt as that was all they viewed this as, a business deal. I glanced at my father but what I saw crushed my soul. He looked at his family with love, excluding me.

Since mom's coma, he hadn't looked at me like that. I'm sure he didn't even think about how I felt regarding everything. He just saw me as his ticket to having Ravelli invest in his company. A company that was brought to life by my mother. Mr Thompson, the representative's voice, drew me out of my depressing thoughts.

He smiled sympathetically at me. Of course, Elira. We'll be at the courthouse by 2 pm to sign the marriage documents. A car will be sent to pick you up, and please wear a white dress.

I looked at him questioningly,

Why? It's not a church wedding.

Although it's not a church wedding, it's still a wedding, and Mr. Ravelli would like you to dress appropriately, he explained.

I nodded, feeling a knot form in my stomach. As the representative left, my stepfamily started planning the wedding, discussing the guest list and the reception. I tuned them out, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts.

Leaving their company, I went to my room to start preparing for the wedding as it was already 11 am. I had my breakfast of toast and eggs in my room. I wasn't able to down everything as anticipation wouldn't let me get it past my throat.

As I prepared for the wedding, my mind wandered back to a memory of my mother and me in the garden. I was 12 years old, and I had always dreamed of a fairytale wedding.

"Mama, I want to get married in a beautiful white dress, with a big cake and lots of flowers," I exclaimed, my eyes shining with excitement.

My mother smiled lovingly at me. That sounds wonderful, sweetie. And what kind of man do you want to marry?

I thought for a moment before answering. "Someone who loves me for who I am, and who makes me feel like a princess."

My mother hugged me tightly. You deserve all that and more, Elira. Never settle for anything less.

Now, as I stood in my room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. My dream wedding had been replaced with a stranger and a business deal.

As I got dressed, I decided to take control of one aspect of my life. Instead of wearing white, I chose an off-shoulder black gown that stopped directly above my knee, along with black heels and a silver clutch. I had driven away the people sent to prepare me as I didn't need anyone's help. I had decided to only step out when the car arrived.

I knew exactly what I did, wearing black like it was my funeral and in a way it was. Today, the old Elira would die completely, the Elira who had always looked for the best in everyone, ignoring the demons they presented. But from now on, no more.

I won't be blind anymore, I will see everyone for who they are. I wouldn't wish or expect anything from anyone again. What you give is what I take, nothing more, nothing less. If I didn't have expectations from anyone, I wouldn't be disappointed.

On walking down the stairs, I spotted people that I didn't know personally in the living room, celebrating with my father. I did recognize some as my father's business associates and I immediately knew what happened. I'm sure he had informed them that his daughter was marrying the great Aleczander Ravelli and, seeing as they were present, I concluded that they must have been informed before I had even agreed.

They had planned everything. But I didn't care anymore. The sound my heels made on the tiles as they made contact announced my presence as everyone's heads turned in my direction.

They were all shocked at my appearance, but I didn't care. I looked stunning and daring, and I walked confidently outside and into the limousine. I refused my step-family from entering the same vehicle as me. I needed to think and having them in the same space was very distracting. Luckily, Aleczander had sent two limousines and they occupied the second one.

As we arrived at the courthouse, I felt my heart racing with anticipation. My stepfamily chatted excitedly, but I couldn't share their enthusiasm. We waited for what felt like hours, but there was no sign of Aleczander.

"Do you think he changed his mind?" Hanna asked, her voice laced with doubt.

"I'm sure he'll be here," my father replied, but I could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

Just as we were about to give up hope, the doors opened, and a man rushed in. My heart skipped a beat as I expected to see Aleczander, but instead, a stranger introduced himself as Michael Lewis.

"I'm so sorry for the delay," he said, his eyes apologetic. "Aleczander had an emergency, but he sent me and the documents."

My heart sank, but then I saw the documents in his hand, already signed by Aleczander. My hopes lifted, and I felt a surge of relief, it would still hold. Today I would no longer be a Jackson, I would be Mrs Elira Ravelli.

I smiled a little as I tested the name on my lips. Through my turmoil of emotions, I felt the name sounded right fitting me, like I was meant to be Mrs Ravelli.

As I gripped the pen, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Should I go through with this? Should I take a chance and forge my path? I remembered my mother's words, "Never settle for anything less." But I also knew I had given my word, and I couldn't back out now. This wasn't just for the company or my father, the reason I did this was for the woman from who I came into this life.

This is for you Mom, was the mantra I repeated in my head as I signed the document sealing my fate.