Chapter 5: The Wedding
379 Words
Three days passed faster than Amelia expected.
She stood in front of the mirror on her wedding morning, staring at the woman looking back at her. The white dress fit perfectly, but she still couldn't believe she was actually wearing it.
She was getting married.
Not because she was in love.
Not because she had dreamed of this moment.
She was getting married because her family's future depended on it.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Amelia, are you ready?”
It was her father.
She opened the door and smiled.
“Almost.”
Her father looked at her for several seconds, his eyes becoming wet.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
He pulled her into a tight hug.
“I'm sorry.”
Amelia shook her head against his shoulder.
“Don't be. I'm doing this because I love you.”
Downstairs, guests had already gathered. The wedding was small, exactly as Adrian had requested. There were no reporters, no unnecessary attention, and almost no people Amelia knew.
Then the music began.
Amelia slowly walked down the aisle.
At the end stood Adrian Black.
He looked different today. Still cold and serious, but somehow more handsome than she remembered.
When their eyes met, Amelia's heart skipped.
She immediately blamed the nerves.
Adrian extended his hand.
She placed hers in his.
His fingers closed gently around hers.
“You're shaking,” he whispered.
“I'm nervous.”
“You don't have to be.”
Amelia looked into his eyes.
“That's easy for you to say. You're not the one marrying a stranger.”
A faint smile touched his lips.
“Neither am I.”
Before she could respond, the ceremony began.
The vows were short.
When it was time for the final words, Amelia hesitated.
The priest smiled.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Her heart stopped.
Adrian leaned closer.
For one brief second, Amelia forgot about the contract, the debt, and everything else.
His lips touched hers softly.
It lasted only a moment.
But when they pulled apart, something had changed.
Adrian's eyes remained on hers.
And Amelia suddenly wondered if the rule about not falling in love was going to be as easy to follow as they had both believed.
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