Ugly Bride

Irene Jones POV

"Escort the bride downstairs."

The command echoed in my ears as I sat still. The room buzzed with activity—quick footsteps, quiet whispers, and the sound of rustling fabric. I stayed frozen, my head lowered under the heavy veil. No one could see my face, but even if they could, they wouldn’t care about the storm inside me. No one ever cared.

**Three hours earlier...**

"Dad, I can't marry him! Please!" Misha's voice was sharp and full of panic, cutting through the walls.

I stood near the door, my heart sinking. I wasn’t surprised. My stepfather, Leo, had been planning this marriage for weeks, treating it like one of his business deals. Misha, his real daughter, wasn’t going to accept it quietly.

"We can’t upset the Myers family, Misha," Leo said, his voice calm but firm. "This marriage is important for all of us. Please try to understand."

"Then let Irene marry him instead!" Miley’s voice rang out, clear and cold. My stomach dropped. Of course, she’d drag me into this. This is my own mother, who only cares about her stepdaughter.

I stayed where I was, pressing my back against the wall, trying to hide, hoping they wouldn’t notice me—like always.

"Yes, Dad," Misha snapped, her voice full of anger. "Let Irene marry him. They’re perfect for each other—an ugly girl and a crippled fool."

Her words stung, but I stayed silent. What else was new?

"Watch your tone, Misha," Leo said sharply. "Look at your sister. She’s willing to do this for you."

Willing? Did anyone care what I wanted? I clenched my fists, knowing the answer.

Leo’s words hung in the air until Miley turned to me, her eyes cold and calculating. "You agree, don’t you?"

I froze as they all stared at me. My mouth went dry. "No..." I began, though the word felt bitter on my tongue.

"How dare you refuse?!" Misha shouted, her face twisted with rage as she slapped me.

"It’s settled, then," Leo declared, turning his back on me. They left the room, leaving me crumpled on the floor. Tears rolled down my cheeks, not from the slap but from the weight of it all.

They had always treated me like I didn’t matter, and now they had turned me into a replacement bride.

**Presently...**

"Irene, what’s wrong?" Miley’s sharp voice pulled me back to reality.

I looked down at my hands, trying to keep my voice steady. "Is this really necessary, Miley?"

Her expression darkened for a moment before she smiled coldly. "Do you think we can back out now? Do you think the Myers family will forgive us? Everything depends on you, Irene. The entire family’s future is in your hands."

Her words made my chest tighten. My fingers tapped nervously on my lap as I tried to stay calm.

"Do we really have to do this, Mom?" I asked quietly.

Her eyes flared with anger. "Don’t call me ‘Mom.’ You know I hate it."

I met her gaze, swallowing the lump in my throat. "You’re right, Miley. Let’s go."

I stood up, the gown pulling at me, nearly tripping me as I moved. Miley scoffed, her eyes full of disgust. "You can’t even walk in that dress. How will you handle your husband?"

I clenched my fists, biting back the sharp words on my tongue. *I never wanted to marry anyone,* I thought. But I swallowed the words, knowing they wouldn’t change anything.

Miley grabbed my shoulder, her grip painful. "Don’t ruin this for us, Irene. You already look like a mess. Don’t make it worse."

Her words cut deep, but I forced myself to stay calm. I nodded silently, stepping out of her grasp. If this was my fate, I wouldn’t let her see me break.

The veil hid my face as I walked toward the massive door. Every step felt heavier than the last. Miley’s voice echoed in my head: ‘You’re ugly. You don’t deserve anyone. Be grateful for this chance.’

Tears threatened to fall, but I blinked them away. Crying wouldn’t change a thing. It wouldn’t make her love me. It wouldn’t stop this marriage.

The door loomed ahead, glowing from the bright light outside. I hesitated, my mind racing. ‘If I walk through that door, everything changes.’

But it was too late to stop. The decision had already been made for me.

The whispers started the moment I stepped into the hall. I kept my head down, not daring to meet anyone’s eyes. The gown dragged behind me.

When I reached the altar, I realized something was wrong. My husband-to-be wasn’t there. My heart sank as panic rose in my chest. Had he refused to come? Was I so unwanted that even this arranged marriage wouldn’t happen?

I looked around, my eyes darting to the entrance. A shadow moved through the crowd.

“Miss Jones?”