Chapter 8 : My Wedding

The morning light cast a magical glow over the white filled hall, where everything shimmered like freshly fallen snow.

The room was filled with guest, all dressed in shades of white.Their laughter and chatter mingled harmoniously with the gentle piano music playing softly in the background. Bundles of white roses lined the aisle, their delicate petals carefully scattered along the path leading to the altar.

Cameramen flashing lights left and right

“I knew I made the right choice with you for my only daughter,” Mr. Erik said warmly. His white suit was pristine and his silver hair was neatly brushed back. Holding a glass of champagne, he beamed with pride as he watched Max approach.

Max dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit, walked over with a composed expression. A respectful smile played on his lips as he extended his hand meeting Mr. Erik’s approving nod.

“You’re a brave young man,” Mr. Erik continued with genuine admiration. “Not just anyone could stand here today, ready to take on the responsibility of a lifetime.”

Max nodded politely. “Thank you, sir," he replied. "I'm sorry I didn’t come to greet you earlier when I got your text about being in town."

Mr. Erik laughed and give Max a friendly tap on the shoulder. "Oh, don’t worry. I understand the life of a busy man. I was once like you when I was your age."

Kristen dressed in a simple yet spotless white dress...her uniform for the day....she approached the corner where Max and Mr. Erik were engrossed in conversation. She carried a tray with careful hands, her gaze lowered in quiet focus. As she neared them, she caught a glimpse of Max’s face, his usual stern expression intensified by whatever serious discussion they were having. Her steps slowed, and she hesitated for a moment.

Without a word, she took a steadying breath, deciding it was best to keep her distance. With a quiet nod to herself, she turned away, slipping back toward the main hall.

As Max and Mr. Erik continued their conversation, a group of Mr. Erik's wealthy friends entered the room, each of them dressed in elegant white suits that matched the wintry theme. Mr. Erik’s face brightened even more as he spotted his friends and waved them over, raising his glass in greeting.

“Ah, there they are!” he said, his voice warm with pride. “Gentlemen, meet the young man of the hour, my soon-to-be son-in-law.”

One of the men Mr. Cole an old business associate stepped forward with a wide grin. “So, this is Max,” he said, sizing him up with a sharp, approving look. “I’ve heard only good things about you. A hardworking young man, from what I gather. Hope you reach the top with us soon.”

Max nodded respectfully. "It’s an honor, sir,” he replied.

Another friend, Mr. Lawson, chimed in, raising his glass high. “To the start of something remarkable!” he toasted, clinking his glass against Mr. Erik’s with a grin.

As the men raised their glasses, Mr. Erik leaned in, clapping Max on the shoulder with a proud smile. He turned to his friends with a light-hearted chuckle. “Alright, gentlemen, let’s give him a little space. The groom needs a moment to gather his thoughts… it’s a big day, after all!”

With a few hearty pats on his back and murmured words of encouragement, they left Max alone.

….…..

Seated in front of the mirror the lights cast a gentle glow on her flawless face “You look just like a Disney princess,” one of the stylists said, adjusting the sparkling tiara on Lena’s head.

Lena tilted her head, studying herself with a satisfied smile. “Of course,” she replied with a light laugh. “I knew I’d look stunning today. Beauty runs in my family.. what else could anyone expect?” She waved the stylist away, rising gracefully from her seat.

Just then, her mother entered the room, her eyes misty with emotion as she took in the sight of her daughter in her wedding gown. The other stylists slipped out quietly, leaving the two alone.

Lena’s mother walked over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, her voice filled with pride. “You look beautiful sweetheart. Just like I did on my wedding day.”

She gave Lena’s hand a tender squeeze. “I’ll be back in a bit for you. Take your time.....today is your big day.” With a warm smile, her mother left the room.

“In just an hour, I’ll officially be Mrs. Anderson,”Lena whispered to herself while pacing back and forth. She paused every few moments to check her reflection in the mirror, excitement gleaming in her eyes."Soon, I'll own everything... the wealth, the name... Eleanor."

She released a subtle, confident smile. "This is it," she whispered, as if trying to convince herself…

Just then, her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She picked it up and answered quickly.

“Miss Lena, where are you?” a hurried voice demanded. “You were supposed to be at the studio at 9 a.m. It’s already 9:30. What’s going on?”

“What?” Lena’s eyes widened, her heart racing. “I didn’t see any email. I’m in the dressing room... My wedding is today!” She gripped her phone, feeling panic rise in her chest.

“This is a huge contract, Lena. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You know these offers don’t come easily,” the caller insisted urgently.

“I’m pretty sure the message got lost in my spam... What do I do now?” Lena said, taking a deep breath to calm herself.

“It’s simple,” the voice said sternly. “Either you come here and fulfill your dream, or we hand this contract over to someone else.”

“No, no, no! You can’t do that,” Lena replied, panic rising in her voice. “This is my dream... I’ve always wanted this! It’s everything I’ve worked for. I’ll figure it out... just don’t give it away. I’ll be there soon!” She hung up, her mind racing with the consequences.

The door to Lena’s dressing room swung open suddenly, startling her. She gasped, and her phone slipped from her hand, clattering to the floor.

“What do you want? And why didn’t you knock?” Lena snapped, irritation flashing in her eyes as she turned to face the intruder.

Kristen stood in the doorway, holding a small tray. “I’ve been outside for two minutes... I was knocking,” she said quietly. “I was told to bring this in.” She placed the tray down carefully, her gaze flicking away from Lena’s sharp glare.

Lena barely processed what Kristen was saying, her mind consumed with thoughts of the studio and the urgent call she had just received. Her eyes darted toward the mirror, and she muttered to herself, “I need to figure this out... I need to be there....I need to think of something”

Suddenly, she snapped her head up. “Wait!” she called out loudly.

Kristen stopped and glanced back with a questioning look.

Lena took a deep breath, her eyes darting as if searching for the right words. "I... I need you to..." she stammered, her voice growing more insistent. "I..I need you to change into my wedding dress!!!"

Kristen blinked in shock. "What? Why would I—?"

Lena’s expression hardened, and she waved her hands dramatically. “Just do it! It’s... it’s tradition in my family.” She added hurriedly, “It’s supposed to bring good luck if someone else wears the dress first, just for a moment. It’s, um... symbolic.”

Kristen hesitated, eyeing Lena with a mix of confusion and suspicion. But something about Lena’s pleading look wore her down. "All right, if you say so..."

As Kristen stepped into the washroom to change, Lena paced anxiously, tapping her foot. “Hurry up!” she hissed and knocked on the door. “I don’t have all day!”

A moment later, Kristen emerged, the wedding gown cascading around her as she moved. Lena hurried over, grabbing her shoulders and steering her toward the chair. “Sit down,” she ordered briskly.

Lena glanced at her phone, her eyes narrowing in thought. “I need to go grab something from my house for good luck,” she muttered.

Kristen looked up, alarmed. "But... I can't keep wearing this dress while you're not here. What if—?"

Before Kristen could protest further, Lena carefully placed the veil over her head, adjusting it to cover her face. “See?” Lena said, her tone satisfied. “With this veil on, no one will know it’s not me.”

Kristen frowned, still unsure. "Are you sure about this, ma’am?"

"Positive," Lena replied, her voice sharp with impatience. "Just stay like this, and everything will go smoothly. I’ll be back even before you know it.”

As Lena hurried down the hallway,a smirk appeared on her face.. She’d thrown on a hoodie, pulling it low over her head to avoid any curious stares. Keeping her head down, she quickened her pace, eager to escape without being noticed.

Finally, she paused at a quiet corner near an exit, taking a deep breath. She glanced up, her eyes gleaming with triumph. ''This is it'', she thought, almost unable to contain her excitement. ''I get to marry, and I finally get to sign my dream deal... everything I’ve ever wanted, all at once.''

Just as she was about to slip away, she froze upon hearing footsteps echoing down the hall. Someone was approaching. A wave of panic shot through her, and she pressed herself against the wall, her heart racing and praying she wouldn't be seen.

After a tense moment, the footsteps continued down the hall, fading away.

Lena exhaled slowly, regaining her composure. With one last glance over her shoulder, she slipped out of sight and disappeared down a side exit.

…..

As Kristen sat in the chair, her heart pounded beneath the veil, she heard the door creak open. She straightened up quickly and lowered her head as she tried to stay still and quiet.

Lena's mother entered the room, her eyes scanning the space before they landed on Kristen. She raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "You have a veil on now?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "I thought you said you weren't going to wear it... or did I misunderstand?"

Kristen froze, her breath got in her throat. The last thing she needed was to be caught like this. She didn’t know how to explain, so she just gave a slight shrug, avoiding eye contact, praying she wouldn't be questioned further.

Lena’s mother took a step closer as she noticed the tension in Kristen’s posture. "What's going on here?" she asked. Kristen didn’t respond and kept her head lowered, desperately trying to keep her composure. All she wanted to do was to faint or disappear, OMG, please save me...please save me!

"Well, I’m happy you decided to keep the veil on," she said with a small smile, her gaze lingering on Kristen. "You look amazing today..." Her words trailed off as she wiped a tear from her eye,"Let’s not keep your dad waiting, and your groom longing... Let’s go get you married."

Kristen's heart raced as the reality of the moment hit her. She wanted to scream, to tell Lena's mother that she wasn't the bride. But all she could do was sit there, her mind screaming What now?! as she muttered silently to herself, We need to wait a little longer... I can't get married. I’m not the bride!!!