CHAPTER 6

Emma's POV: 

“Do you, Xeros Martinez, take Charlotte Miller to be your wife?”

“I do.”

Xeros’ voice was deep and steady– like he was reciting answers from a script rather than pledging his life to someone, but didn’t dare look up. 

The presence of the veil over my face felt suffocating, but I was thankful for it. At least it was useful for hiding the panic in my eyes! 

I swallowed the ball of tears forming in my throat, keeping my eyes fixed on the bouquet of lilies in my hands. How was I ever going to escape this charade now?

Till now, my role had been limited to wearing Charlotte’s clothes, writing her speeches and standing in for her when she couldn’t be bothered to show up. 

And then, I would disappear the moment she arrived under the spotlight, gracing the world with her presence. 

Just like that, I could go back to being Emma again. 

 But now–

“I now pronounce you man and wife!”

The officiant's words echoed inside the grand chapel, which was filled with guests eager to witness the union of the Miller and Martinez families and bless the happy couple. 

“Congratulations, you both look beautiful together.”

Someone spoke up, but the groom didn't even bother to smile before he replied with a cold ‘thank you’. Although it didn't seem like he was behaving rudely with them… the man standing beside me was completely still and unmoving like a statue. 

Mrs. Miller’s sneering voice reached my ears as she leaned towards the person sitting next to her. 

“Not only is he impotent, but look at him! He is even ashamed to show his face… tsk, he really has none of the pride or looks of the heir of a family as prestigious as the Martinez!”

I was standing at the altar, in Charlotte’s place– dressed in the wedding gown which I had to hem and alter myself, by hand. 

As always, Charlotte had taken a blade and ruined it out of her anger. And as always, who had to pull through at the last moment, to save our collective reputations? Emma!

I finally lifted my gaze slightly and shot a glance at the groom from the corner of my eyes. Most of the upper part of his face was covered by an exquisite mask: solid black ceramic, with gold-trimmed edges. 

The only part of his face which were still visible were his vacant brown eyes, and the tightly-set jaw. He had broad shoulders, and throughout the ceremony, his body language had been just as rigid and aloof as it was now. 

But I had to admit… despite that mask, there was an undeniable air of elegance about him. 

The wedding band struck up the wedding march, and Xeros' gloved fingers brushed against mine as we both turned to face the crowd. In that moment of hesitation, I noticed his gaze flickering down, to the hem of my dress.  

Something shifted in his expression. I wasn't sure if it was a sign of recognition that appeared in his eyes… or maybe it was curiosity? 

God I just hoped he didn't notice the stitches I had made my hand. 

But just like that, he turned his attention forward and I steadied myself before I started walking gracefully beside him. 

To the guests, everything was perfect: the mermaid–cut wedding gown molded itself to my curves, embedded with shimmering crystals and diamonds that sparkled while we made our way down the aisle as newlyweds, with rows of flowers decorating the grand chapel. 

For the first time in my life, I was not the one behind the scenes. I could sense the admiring eyes of the crowd on me, the whispered compliments which were meant for me…

But even in the crowd of guests surrounding us,  I spotted her.

Charlotte was sitting beside her mother, also wearing a mask, just like Xeros. But unlike him, the purpose of her feathered mask was to hide her identity as the real Charlotte Miller… the tables had really been flipped over their heads today. 

For a moment, she held my gaze. Her eyes were fierce, filled with hatred. I could tell that she truly believed I had stolen this opportunity to shine in front of the world, from her. 

I bet she didn't even stop to consider that I never wanted any of this… I was nothing more than a puppet draped in white silk, with strings cutting into my wrists as per Mrs. Miller's command. 

And yet, it was undeniable that our lives would never be the same. 

*****

The cemetery gates creaked as I pushed them open, my heels sinking into the damp ground.   

I located the headstone easily and knelt in front of it. I had come here straight after the ceremony; after all, this was the only place I could be alone with my thoughts. 

The only place that felt like home now. 

The tears engraved letters on the headstone blurred as tears filled my eyes up.  

"Mom… it's your daughter’s wedding day. And nobody even knows it’s me."  

I choked back a sob, and the bouquet of fresh roses trembled as I laid them down, their crimson petals standing out against the gray stone.  

"I don’t expect to be loved by my husband.”

 I whispered, tracing the edge of the grave with my fingers. 

"But I’ll coexist peacefully, for now. I know how to survive, Mom. I’ve had years of practice."  

A cold wind picked up, blowing strands of my hair into my face. 

"And I promise you: one day, they will pay for what they have done… to you and me, both."  

Rising slowly, I brushed the dirt from my knees. I took one last look at the grave before turning away, and this is when a sudden movement caught my eye.  

My eyes followed the movement and landed on a black car, parked a little further down the path. And for a second– as I stared at the silhouette of the person sitting in the car, I forgot how to breathe. 

I didn't know why, but that side profile was extremely familiar, even though I couldn't instantly remember who it was. 

Before I could step closer or figure out who it was, the engine purred to life, the headlights briefly flashing as the car began to pull away, leaving me standing in silence.

I shook my head– whatever it was, it didn't matter anymore.